The 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata is an Immediate Fun Time 

A stock Mazdaspeed Miata has been my daily for the past 13 years. It still makes me smile and is pretty much the perfect N.Cal commuter if you want something fun. I liked your review and am glad you enjoyed the car.

Altek definitely is slept on for being a great car reviewer!

Nice review. Enjoyed the S2k vs. Miata discussion. As someone who recently went from an AP1 S2000 to a 2005 Mazdaspeed Miata, you guys are pretty much right on. No doubt about it, the S2k is the cooler car. An AP1 will be more high strung, sharper handling, and an overall more focused car. An AP2 generation S2k has more low end torque, a slightly lower redline, and a suspension set up for less snappy handling. AP2s are generally considered more tractable and better driving cars, but I prefer the slightly more raw AP1. My car was a pristine 2000 model with 24k miles on the odometer when I got it. After a couple autocross events and a hankering to get out on the track, it became apparent that I’d have to do some mods to the car, and I really didn’t want to tear up such a nice, stock example. Hence, the Mazdaspeed. For about half the price of the S2k, I got a very nice MSM with 40k on the clock. It’s in great shape, but not so great that I feel bad modding it. In fact, I think all Miata’s have some intrinsic flaws that justify modification of even pristine examples. Number one is roll protection. A roll bar is a must. You’re right that it would take some pretty trick driving to roll one on tarmac, but an off road adventure into a ditch can easily land you upside down. A bar will at least give you a fighting chance. I went with the ubiquitous Hard Dog sport. Second is suspension. As you point out in the video, stock Miatas will flop onto their door mirrors during hard cornering. Luckily, there are myriad suspension options for Miatas for all missions and budgets. I went all out and went with an Ohlins setup. From an aesthetic standpoint, I always thought the wheels on the MSMs needed to be addressed. The OEM 17s are just too big and are boat anchor heavy. I went with 15s which seem to be the sweet spot for NA and NB Miatas, but the 16s on this car look great, and being Enkeis, I’m sure the weight is more than acceptable. The final (planned) mod will be the FM Little Enchilada kit as reviewed here. Stock power is good, but a little more never hurts and FM’s kit is known to solve many of the power delivery issues some owners have noted, and overcomes some of the issues with the short gearing. So, for less than the cost of the S2k, I’ll have a car that will be 80-90% as capable, and more importantly, I won’t feel so bad modding, or subjecting to track abuse. The Miata aftermarket is so extensive, and the community is so active, that if I want to get that number to 100% or better, I have plenty of options. Now, you could easily argue that there is an extensive aftermarket for the S2k as well, and that a rough S2000 is still a better starting point than any Miata. That may very well be true, but I really didn’t want to start with something too rough. So, for my needs, Miata was the answer....this time. 😎

I have a 2004 mazdaspeed miata with a few mods . It is an awesome car for the roads in the north Georgia mountains. The tight shift pattern is not an issue once you get used to it. I surprise many motorcycles in the corners.

Miata is always the answer

Fun cars can come in so many packages. Miata is always an answer, but never the only one! Great video!

Excellent video, I like the genuine response and feedback from both parties.

Have had two Miatas and 4 RX7s (and several other cars) and have to say I'm very pleased with Mazda. Great to own and fun to drive.

Nice touch with the VCR rewind, it fit the levity of the video well. It looked like a good time was had by all.

Incredible video! I’ve been watching these videos for a while and I really enjoy them, subscribed!

If you could ever find a Citroën Saxo VTR/VTS or Peugeot 106 it would make for hilarious fun and I would love to see you review one.

I'm bidding on this car on Bring A Trailer. Thanks for an informative and hysterically funny review!

The mazdaspeed miata has very little bodyroll, stock. That example is of a base NB, not an MSM.

Good video bro. Not a fan of Miata but overall, a fan of cars.

Another one for the books! Or should I say channel lol. Loved the video as usual, and the ending was priceless! Hahahaha liked and shared!!!

I have one mazdaspeed and is awesome. Other zeepi, fun, sheap car is civic del sol. Also I like the saturn sky.

Another great one man, keep it up, you're awesome!

Another great video !! This guy knows his shtuff !!! lol

Constant shifting when driving hard? NOOOO who does that. Lol

Why is the airfilter at the back corner. Surely it needs to be at the front for cold air.

Awesome video! Great Review!

I wouldn't fit in a Miata, so it's moot. I really don't know what I would want that would be small and sporty because of that. Right now I am thinking a Challenger Scat Pack would be nice...

Nice video. When are we getting an updated FPblue video :)?

Wait this is in Ossining ny? I live a town over with my msm and a few other toys

$70 rotors man. miata is always the answer

Your cackling laugh is borderline intolerable.. fortunately the entire video was so enjoyable that I don't mind putting up with it at all

Fun fact: its impossible for two men to be in a Miata together and not look like a "couple"

I wanna see you in a Tesla P100D. Haha!

MR2 Spyder?

I like it but it seems like you get more out of a Honda S2000 stock

I would like to message you on a question about your WRX. Please contact me when you can.

Good video .... MR2 is very slowwwwwwwwwwwwwww ....

Boxster, mr2, mid engine.