Quote:
Originally Posted by dd74
Isn't the Miata engine block one of the strongest ever used in modern automobile manufacturing? I heard somewhere it's capable of withstanding 300 hp.
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its the cast iron block from the 323 turbo I think.. 9:1 compression.. built for a turbo, but Mazda didnt give it one
I have never owned a 914, but I can talk about Miatas
PROS: They are lightweight with short gearing, which means theyre fun to drive and accelerate well enough up to about 85mph. They have really nice bucket seats and a nice short throw gear stick with a good click from the trans. They are cheap, but well designed, so they have great potential as a sports car. every mechanical part and then some is available aftermarket with better quality than factory. Turbo kits are abundant and just bolt-on. it has plenty of space for an intercooler too. They also sell LS1 conversions, and girls think theyre cute. also, you needn't pay them ANY respect while driving.. you can floor the throttle, throw it into corners, and smack 8,000rpm without fear of accidentally going too fast or pushing it too hard.. after you beat it around, it'll tick if it needs oil.. lastly, it feels like you're going faster than you really are, so you can pretend that 65mph in a 45mph turn is faster than most could do, even if it isnt.
CONS: They are very cheaply made, so they buzz and rattle and squeak and flex as you're driving around.. the wind noise from the top means you have to turn the radio up or talk louder at highway speeds, and if you have a passenger to talk to, he will ruin the acceleration... stuff that shouldnt break (like the plastic interior pieces and the plastic rear panel) does break.. I often used to break important bolts just by torquing them during maintenance. and the top leaks often causing a bad smell and a wet butt.. the top will tear itsself apart if you spend any time above 100mph, not that its capable of much more. it NEEDS more power as acceleration is compromised by luggage, having a passenger, having the top down, driving uphill, or even windy conditions. and if you add more power, youll need better suspension, bigger brakes, stiffer chassis and wider wheels, which dont usually fit well into the fenders.. also the windshield frame is very weak, so you're gonna NEED a roll bar to be allowed onto almost any race track.. also the 1989-1992 models suffer from a factory defect in the crankshaft that slowly suffocates your power to nothing as a result of retarded timing.. also the battery is pathetic, so if you listen to music while you're changing your oil, youll need to charge it or it wont start afterwards
Its a toss up since the 914 is like 30 years older, meaning it would be in the same mechanical shape as an early Miata. But if it were compared to a Porsche of the same era, no contest. As far as luggage, there is basically another trunk's worth of space behind the seats, provided you dont put the top down. Personally the cons were easier to list than the pros, and I wouldnt get the Miata unless you PLAN on burning money on it getting it up to better standards, the way it should have been built in the first place IMO
Hope that helps
