[ChrisRL]

Have had both Miata and 944.
Have autocrossed both Miata and 944
Have toured with both Miata and 944

Miata - smaller, lighter, obviously quick (high power/weight) but definitely a momentum car when on a race course with Porsches (Willow Springs Raceway for both of mine). The short shifter is a dream. The 94-97 model with the bigger motor and the LSD was the deal for me.

944S2 - bigger, heavier, more power, more forgiving, easier to drive sloppy and still get good performance out of it. When I drove this car on the track using momentum tactics against the more powerful Porsches, that was a lot of fun!

Both Miata and 944S2 have great front-rear weight distribution, and, if both are sprung correctly, there's just the 1.8L v the 3.0L to compare.

Miata v 944 (series 1) is not really fair since the 944's gearbox isn't engineered like the Miata's is and so the Miata will beat it off the line pretty much every time. However, the 944 (S1) will catch up if the straightaway is long enough, so on tracks where there's more straights then turns, the 944 is better.

As a daily driver, the Miata holds substantially less and is a 2+0 (two seater car). The 944 is a 2+2 and will, at a pinch, hold one or two people squished up in the back seat for a short trip, or if the back seat is folded down, a heck of a lot of luggage.

The Miata, not. But it's less gas, quicker and easier to park, etc., just a smaller car in general.

Parts wise not a lot to choose between them, if you wrench yourself. If you have to get outside help, then you'd better choose a Miata first, cause the Porsche mechanics, especially around here, will try to take advantage at *every* chance you give them. 'cause it's a Porsche, of course. They turn their noses up at the 944s, but don't charge a penny less to service them.

I learned to wrench on my Miata, BTW, there are most excellent books and forums and clubs around.

Of course, this Porsche forum is pretty darned hard to beat too!

Best
Chris