I had an ND1 and sold that to get an ND2. I don't like to mod my cars so the upgrade in power and higher redline is nice to have. It's definitely a very noticeable difference. I'm not sure why Flyin' Miata shows that but I can for sure feel torque down lower in the rev range in the ND2 and will carry all the way past 7200rpm. If you're going fast, then the higher rev range is where it matters anyhow, so that extra horsepower being up top makes sense. If you rev it all the way into redline, then upshift, you're going to land right back in 6800rpm or so.
Just got myself a sweet 2018 convertible 2.0 MX-5 Sakura in dark gray with Cherry top and beige leather. Manual shift goes without saying. This thing is a lot of fun!
Sakura heißt der nur in Deutschland als Sondermodell ausschließlich für den deutschen Markt.... Herzlichen Glückwunsch, ich habe den selben, in matrixgrau. auf englisch bzw in Amerika "machine grey".
Watched the whole video and I agree on every single point. I love the 2019s, mostly because it's causing all the other model years to drop in price. I actually got a used, 3k miles, 2017 Soul Red GT for $20k flat. I'm taking delivery of it right now, should be here in a couple of days!
mamba109 - I recently offer $20,000 for a 2017 GT automatic and they turned me down, did not even come back with a counter offer. They wanted $26,000 period.
@@garbinator09 Don't take it. You can get brand new 2018s for that price. Check the Miata.net forums for a negotiations thread, people are getting 7-8k off MSRP and stacking the 0.9% financing offer.
I have a 2019 RF GT and I disagreed with you for most of the video, but I see your point. I paid $35k for mine, which is a lot for a miata. I don't care because I love it, but if you can get one for 10-15k cheaper...it's still a miata. Although I sill say, for cold weather climates like where I'm from, the hardtop is the only move.
Peter Curtis.... I just bought a 2008 GT PRHT. Fantastic fun. Silver with automatic transmission... yet great fun. Only $10k and like new (very clean); with 78k miles. I’m driving as a daily! No real cost here! I can’t believe how much fun it is to drive and how cheap it is!
In 2018 I paid $22K for my Club with 6,700 miles on it. Get this, it already had two owners! Some folks buys these and they can't make the transition, so don't be turned off by 2 or 3 previous owners. Means nothing. The dealer was a Ford dealer who didn't know it had the $3,500 Wheels package on it. Literally, didn't have it listed on the inventory sheet. Always nice to get one over on a Dealer - doesn't happen often.
Wow this feel likes one of the few videos on this site able to express this viewpoint so easily. I was actually planning on going for the 2019 RF this November, but after watching this and sleeping on it I now believe leasing a earlier model year is probably a better option. Hopefully by 2020 we will know more about how much the ND"2" engine can take. Thanks for the insight. Enjoy your ride!
Exactly!! Was battling with myself '18 or '19...went '18 and vVERY happy (nice to have my choice validated!) What clinched your choice? Price was a factor for me, but I'll admit what sold me was the throaty engine sound on the '18. Liked it much better than the Kawasaki high pitched '19 sound. Best of luck with your '18!
@@maryseibert4625 2 years in and it makes me smile every day I get in. Honestly there are things in the '19 like the better adjustable wheel, but I went '18 because the difference in cost was enough for me. Thanks and happy driving
Great review! I own a 2016 Club, have no idea what you're talking about with the Top having 'issues'. Nah, no issues whatsoever. These cars are amazing. I've owned every generation. 4th gen is my favorite followed by 3rd gen, 1st gen, and 2nd gen. To me the 2nd gen is the weakest of the lot. On tops, the soft top is the only way to go. The RF looks too tall anyway. These cars need those tops down and throwing it down from inside the car (gen 4) is simple and fast. On 2019, The horsepower 'bump' you get doesn't thrill me. I've redlined mine out twice (meaning power loss). It's just typically not an issue. These cars are not race cars anyway. Plus, as he pointed out, the new 7500 rpm (7200?) is a transient redline. No big deal. The car is amazingly fast as it is anyway, so no worried about the minor hp bump. For anyone reading this, and you want to purchase a used ND4, go for a 2016/17 year. I've had zero issues with my 2016, and the price will naturally be lower. Also, I would recommend the Club variant. Going GT over Club and then 'adding stuff', respectfully, is not what I want to do, and folks that buy these cars typically don't want a lot of aftermarket stuff on them. It destroys the retail value. The Club has all the driver goodies you want/need and its a true Miata. Enjoy the ride.
You basically saved me doing a video! Couldn't agree more on most of your points :) After almost a year of window shopping I settled for a second hand 2016 beauty (had to be the soft top GT, soul red with tan interior) I saved $15K AUD (instead of buying new) and found one with only 6,000 miles on the clock. The original owner ordered this GT from Mazda Australia with black matte wheels, blacked out side mirrors, reverse camera, rear spoiler etc etc. Lucky for me in Oz the GT comes with LSD and upgrading components is relatively cheap (if you shop around). It's my daily driver and had it for about 18 months. I've updated/modded about 10 things on the car - the main items being the muffler (GWR SuperStreet) and coilovers (Tein Flex Z) and it now sits with a lowered stance and flat around corners. Looking for some forced induction next year and bigger wheels. Yes it's so impractical, but I don't care. I am a ex-biker and I could have bought a new Fat Boy instead... I've never looked back :)
Still undecided, but leaning towards supercharging atm. My thrills are more cornering than straight line speed. My ND being better planted with its better suspension setup I'd still prefer linear instant power than peaky boost. Also looking at keeping the car for a while.
The RF's are noisy (Research this before you purchase an RF - noisy if you drive an RF on the highway). Unless you live in colder climates who needs a hardtop? I used to live in Pittsburgh. I used to storage the car for 4 out of 12 months, so I get the hardtop if you're live up North..
Great video. I just bought a 20 RF GT, and am so happy. Have raced a radical SR3, and a spec Boxster, and lapped a 996 911 and E46 M3. Fun, and the reliability OMG!
Thanks alot for this video. The only one I have seen that really explains the differences performance wise between the 2018 and 2019 models. I have a 2017 rf which I was really tempted to switch for a 2019. I will keep my current one now thanks to this video.
The deals on leftover 2018's are just so deep, I'd have a hard time paying full-boat for a new 2019 even with that extra HP at high RPM's. Great call, enjoy that car!
Got a 2018 Club a week ago and I agree with you wholeheartedly about purchasing an 18 vs the new 19. Your real world review is 100% spot on! Enjoy your new car, I'm enjoying the hell out of mine!
Machine grey, black top, black leather seats with red stitching. Got the Brembo/BBS package but not the Recaro seats, full aero package all the way around as well
Never owned a Japanese car before, always German and Italian, but had rented one back in 1990 for a week and I have to say I loved it. Never thought I'd go for a car like this but really wanted to get back to basics and simplicity. The 2018 ND captures the essence of the original NA in a modern package. The power is perfect and the extra power in the 19 only comes into play at the high end of the range, so in daily driving, I don't think I'll miss it. More fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow. In a 911, I'd be breaking the law in 3rd gear - hard to justify on public roads. The ND is just a blast to drive!
Another fun comment! Joking aside, there are 2018 Clubs on my local lot for less $25k, amazing. It is the telescoping steering wheel that intrigues me the most with 2019, not the extra power. I have though tested a few used Boxsters, that was a mistake, they sound so good.....yes will need a warranty, spend time in the shop, other running cost issues, but what the heck.
Nice video. Well presented without the frothing fanboyism (which I am guilty of) and nicely argued points. I’m on year six with my NC and don’t plan on upgrading into an ND. I’ve spent love and blood making it the way I want and it’s been my daily driver/commuter since I bought it. I had some extended seat time in a 2016 recently in the country. Very enjoyable and I could learn to love it but it would need some springs to eliminate some body roll and stereo improvements for my liking. I’ve loved my 20 years in Miatas, all the generations but my ‘06 is my keeper.
Agree with virtually everything you said. I’ve got an ‘18 Club soft top but I bought it in April before I knew about how big the discounts would be. Congrats and enjoy.
I completely agree with everything you said. I bought a new 2017 Sport off the lot for $20k and change a few weeks ago. Nearly $7k off sticker. Everyone has different needs when choosing a car. I didn't need an infotainment unit, nor a track package. I just want to drive. Bluetooth and cruise control were pretty much all I wanted. And I"m one of the few that opted for an automatic over a manual. I've had a few manuals over the past six years and to be honest, I just got sick of driving them in traffic and around town. I also have peripheral neuropathy which makes it a bit more difficult to operate a manual. That, and I'm 6'4" and shifting would have been a nightmare. I had a 2006 Boxster and this Miata feels a lot like it--doesn't handle as well, but the 0-60 times are pretty much identical. Anyway, great video!
Great car, have gotten many compliments on it. Good you didn't go with a pre-2008 Boxster. Just google IMS Bearing+Porsche. That's the reason I ditched mine after a year and a half. Ticking time-bomb.
you are so right on the miata it is a soft top roadster thats what it was designed for and what it is the RF is just marketing I have a 2019 eternal blue GT with the GTS package traded up from a 2016 GT most fun car I have ever had
@@newmanfertig886 Wrong. The 2016 and into 2017 the manual transmissions were a flaky as grandma's apple pie. They've been revising the transmissions since to get the bugs out. Go check Miata Forums.
@@hagbard72 OMG. It's so so easy to throw out a statement like that with absolutely nothing of substance to back it up. For your information, they have sold over 20,000 2016/27 ND already, and you're looking at a forum that has a handful of instances? Some were Miata NC's and most were with Miata's with LSDs (look it up) so it's probably an autocross or competition thing. So what is the issue? Sheared off transmission teeth is the culprit. What does that sound like to you? These people can't drive, and to get insurance coverage it's Miata's fault. LMAO. Finally, I contacted Mazda and asked about this and Mazda reported no issues with transmissions for any of their MX-5's. In other words, total BS on the transmission rumor you're helping to perpetuate. I mean no disrespect Robert, but I recommend an automatic Camry for you, or something like that. This is not the car for you.
@@newmanfertig886 It's a well known issue, you a Mazda salesman or something?? There's two sticky threads dealing with the transmission issue, one with all the people having there's blow apart and the other with build versions of the transmission. You're clearly out of the loop or trolling.
@@hagbard72 Wait, you comment to me and I'm the one trolling? Robert, this is not a known issue ESPECIALLY for cars built after January 2016. If you think it is, fine. I don't agree with you. Do you have one of these cars? If you did you'd know how precise the shifting is. Have a great day.
Hey thanks for this. I'm going the other way to you though! I bought an nc and it really needs a lighter, smoother revving engine to complete the mx5 experience. The 1.6 in the original is a revelation for how often you break it, only to remember it's so smooth you forgot to change up. It's the heart of that driving experience i reckon. Elastic. I want that in my nc and I'm going to rebuild an engine with that im mind. I take your value argument as exactly why to buy the old model, but i do like what Mazda have done with the new one.
I think your analysis is right on, but I do think the Club BBS/Brembo package is worth the premium. BBS wheels are $$$ and the mods - yeah maybe you can do it cheaper on the aftermarket, but unless you are installing everything yourself, I dunno, I don't think the savings is huge. Nice buy, enjoy the 2018. I am pondering trading my 2016 for a 2018.
For the right sale price, the BBS/Brembo Package is a solid buy, or a great buy if you’re staying stock. I, however, want the lightest rims and lightest 4 or 6 piston brake kit possible on this car, and both are achieved aftermarket... so if I had bought the BBS/Brembo Club I’d just replace the main parts anyway. I guess you could argue that I could sell the BBS wheels and front Brembo Calipers, but then we’re back to arguing about why I spent thousands more on the car for those parts just to possibly break even selling said parts. Basically, the proposition of paying more for parts I wasn’t going to keep made little sense to me for my needs/wants for the car. What’s your 2016 trim and color? Any specific reason you want the 2018?
What about the recaro seats tho, that would be the only reason i buy that extra package. If you buy aftermarket seats and then swap them its gonna be expensive, also the speakers on their recaro seats are kinda cool
I agree with you on all points! Its all about the convertible. I had a 2016 ND but no longer own it. My current Miata is a 1995 and I love it just as much.
Thanks for validating my choice! Just picked up my 2018 yesterday...(1 owner, 13k miles). I drove 2019 vs 2018 and my honest heart couldn't tell the difference with the upped hp and torque. Your insight on the 6000rpm explained alot, and made me pat myself on the back for not just jumping on the hp bandwagon. I'm planning on keeping this as my daily drive for now, but garaging it as a keeper so your thoughts on the lighter piston, drive shaft longevity/endurance, also eased my mind. I owned a Honda Del Sol back in the day and LOVED that car, so the targa top gt was for me. Would love to hear about any mods you've made yours- I'm an old lady who loves a little extra speed! Thanks for a great review! -Mary
Just bought a 2018 club today less than 10k miles and perfect! Jet Black cherry top.....all those discounted miatas are long gone here in so cal....I felt lucky to pay $21,500 for a preowned.....would rather have bought brand new for $26k like maybe you did... 19's bumped price and 20's are bumping almost $1k more again!
I agree with most of your ND vs NDFL points but being 6'1 with long legs I don't quite fit in the old ND and i was hoping for Mazda to introduce a telescoping wheel for 3 years so my choice is clear. In terms of RF or not I still can't decide. Love the looks, might miss the Miata feeling and definitely hate the wind noise when the RF is open. Trim levels are different in Europe, even between European neighboring countries. Congrats to you for your awesome new car!
2018 RF here. Happy as hell! Really didn't want a brand new engineering in the engine. Couple years down the road ( like 2023)then maybe we can consider it.
Imo, while the higher redline is nice - it actually means you don't get to shift as much when putting around town, which is 60-75% of my seat time. Combined with the slightly higher numbers down low, and you've lost me. Slamming up and down through gears without breaking the law is where the smiles are for me - '17 club, should of got the GT, I've already upgraded the springs, now my sweet back wheels are looking skinny... Turbo first!
This is a great review and explanation, it's a win win whether it's nd1 or nd2. For power wise, it's true you need to be in high rpms exactly at 7k to get the power in the nd2 which feels like a throwback of honda's B and K series motor that revved high, integra type r or Civic Si. The nd2 engine has a 13:1 compression ratio which is high plus the light internals makes it questionable for force induction.
I have to disagree with your assessment on the engines. I owned a 2017 ND1 and now I own a 2020 ND2. The 2 feels more like a sports car than the 1, and the engine feels more refined. The ND2 really likes to be driven.
Mmm... I love the Miatas! Congrats on your 2018. I'm trying to fix the differential on my 1992. Of course the car is slow but it's so much fun to drive. Slow car fast!
agree 100% just went 2017 GT slightly used for $11k less than the original owner paid less than a year ago. Mine is RF and I would prefer soft top but not a deal breaker
Damn you should have gotten this earlier in the summer! I just had work done in Baltimore city (where I live now) I miss the mechanic "connections" that you mention that I have all over Baltimore county and Hartford county. I had to get short notice work done at a place I didn't know in the city. Far cry from independent shops in the counties. Anyway a Miata on MD back roads is a win. Good pick - from a fiesta ST owner
Good video and great points, many of which are the same reasons I also bought a new 2018 GT - my first Miata - in late July. The price and rebates were too good to pass up, especially coupled with 0.9% financing. I went back and forth between the GT and a Club (without the BBS/Brembo package), but ultimately chose the GT because I wanted the additional safety and luxury features. I'm not tracking my car, but if I want a LSD and upgraded suspension, I can always add those things later. As for the RF, I like the look but not the extra cost, and I'd read some bad things about the wind noise at highway speeds. I have to say I really like the convertible, and I don't think I'd have enjoyed the RF as much. (This is also my first drop-top.) So far, the Miata is my favorite car I've ever owned!
Regards to higher rev line the 2019 offers. Excellent point. Showing us viewers the actual test numbers under acceleration tells the story. As an older man, I doubt I would much care to rev my own MX5 that high as well? Its just not in my genes as I was always taught it puts serious stress on all components inside the engine. As for getting the car on a track, yes, it would be fun. But not in any sort of competitive way. Discovering cornering limitations are way more important in addition to learning the cars overall dynamics to braking so on. If I owned such a car I consider it a third bay car if I could
I have an 07 NC in Highland Green. Is yours a factory colour? Basic black? I think it is probably the most tasteful,subdued choice, but I hate the "midlife crises red "and "public restroom sink white" of the 2016 ND's!
It’s a weird black, actually. In most light conditions it’s just a gloss black, yes... but if it’s all cleaned up and it’s a very sunny/bright day, you can see multi-color metal flake in the paint up close.
You could get Flyin Miata's supercharger or turbocharger kit with that money you saved vs getting an ND2. Both kits cost around ~$5k before install and add 50 wheel HP. Which leads me into the question; How do you think the transmission would hold up against added power? Do you think squeezing more HP out of the ND would be a pain in the ass because the car is designed mostly to be naturally aspirated and may have little room to accommodate the added complexity of components, or would need a too many upgrades in order to handle more power?
I have the 4th version of the transmission from the factory in my car, with beefed up internals, so I’ll be fine... as will almost everyone that buys a 2018 or newer model. However, beyond transmission issues, I haven’t heard about any real required upgrades needed for the turbo or supercharger kits other than what the kits come with. So, again, 2016/early 2017 transmissions may have an issue, but Engine-wise (pistons, rods, injection system) the ND seems to hold up fine with the turbo kits from AVO or BBR and the Edelbrock Supercharger. This is just going off of long-term users on the Miata.net forum and updates from Good-win-Racing and Flyin Miata.
Right there with you, '19 not much better than '18. Bought my '18 for $26k out the door without a trade ($31,200 sticker)... crazy. Couldn't pass up that price at 0.9% interest. Hoping the newer models are just as reliable, but too new for my comfort. Honestly though, I like my soft top, but after purchasing and falling in love with this car, I'd really like a hard-top... that'll be my next version... no way what so ever I regret my '18 red-softop GT in white... Miata's are amazing. Owned a mustang GT and all that good stuff (Amazing car and enjoyed hearing the motor)... just the miata is so well managed and all about the driver... and is a great daily driver for those of us who actually don't race our cars for a living, but desire performance, balance, quality, handling, etc.
I can see why you'd go GT. I don't think I'd get a club either. Really, the new GTS is the perfect daily driver spec imo. Personally, I'm just gonna wait till the 2020's come out and try to get a lightly used GTS for 27k or so.. either way, solid purchase. Love the black with red top.
Good plan! I agree about the combo (obviously, sent I bought it). I didn’t know what I thought of the red top from pics, but the red and black combo looks so good in person.
Yep. I read that Mazda might make the red top super-limited in the future, if not just completely ditch it, because it didn’t sell well in the 2018 model year. Works for me! I love it and it’ll be more rare.
MD boy. Me too! I’m looking at getting one of these if I can convince my wife. Doesn’t help that I’ve been building a 1000hp foxbody notchback. Total restoration. Maybe I’ll convince her with the reliability bit in the reason I need to toy cars. Lol
Great down to earth presentation. Love the cherry top. You forgot to mention that the RF is about 100 pounds heavier ;) I agree with your points on the RF's somewhat awkward proportions. I, too, like the looks of the soft top better. The RF looks too tall IMO.
Me too. Viper, 911 Carrera S, Any number of big motor Mopar’s. 1st MX-5...Wow! Just a lot of fun! What a carefree little car. IE. lol for 911 was $250 at an independent, MX-5 LOC was $76. Lol. Autocross wheels and tires are 1/3rd the cost of the others. Gotta go, headed to Tail of the Dragon.👍👍👍👍
looks like i picked the wrong time to buy. i got a 2017 RF club in feb 2018 for about $2500 off MSRP, after some hard bargaining with several dealers. oh well, it's still an awesome car. i wish i could have two, one soft top, one RF, but as a daily driver in Ohio, RF made more sense for me.
Why not 124 Abarth? I'm considering abarth or miata right now, I think I like 19 miata a bit more than abarth, and abarth more than 16-18 miatas, considering abarth can be bought used for a lot less than new 19 miatas and some tuning/mods can be done to help the turbo engine it seems like a viable choice. Here are my thoughts. Finally drove 19 MX-5 RF GT (sadly no GT-S package on this one) and 18 Abarth back to back. I thought I'd get my answer driving them both but I definitely didn't. I like Fiat's quieter interior, seats, steering wheel, steering feel and weight more, I like that the clutch and shifter are heavier and require more effort, and it's mid-range turbo torque is probably better for city driving. It also can be easily tuned to get more power (and maybe make the power band broader and reduce turbo lag). And I think I like the exhaust note more. Plus I've only seen two or three of them on the road vs lots of miatas. I don't feel like 19 Miata is any slower than Abarth at my elevation (4000+ ft), even though Abarth does pull harder with its extra torque. Miata's engine is more enjoyable/fun to rev out up to 7500 rpm whereas Fiat has a nice punch but then runs out of breath at 5000 rpm and the redline is much lower as well. All inputs (steering, clutch, shifter, and other pedals) are much lighter than Fiat's (that I prefer) but the car feels lighter/smaller and more tossable overall. Miata also has softer suspension with a little more body roll. The clutch is easier to use than Fiat's. Telescoping steering column is nice but not a deal breaker. There are certain things I like more about the Fiat but I think Miata makes a better package as a whole. Miata is soft, progressive, and better balanced, and Fiat is more in your face and a bit sharper/edgier. I am not entirely sure which one I like more. I think I'm leaning towards a soft top GT-S since it's a bit quicker and lighter. And I am sure S2000 (owned an AP1 previously) still is a better car for fun purposes and I'm trying to make myself not consider one (I am so tempted to just go get an AP2) since it's not that great when it comes to noise levels, fuel economy, comfort, range, and features (my car is used for road trips since my wife's 2016 Mazda 3 hatch GT is a lease).
This is exactly the thought process I had when I finally went with a 2016 GT LE. Used Boxster, Jag F-Type, Mustang GT, etc. I picked up a 2016 with 6K miles on it for 10K off sticker. The only part I miss off of the Club that I would have issues installing in my apartment garage is the LSD, but to be honest with the 200 wear tires I haven't missed it yet for the driving I do. The added features of the GT are things that you wouldn't want to upgrade later and all the Club parts can be had better aftermarket. Good review!
If you find a good dealer, you can get a very good deal for the new one as well. I'm paying (almost) $7k less, than sticker for my 2019 one. So for the older model I think you could get an even better deal than that, considering your arguments. The negative with ordering one though, is the waiting time. But there is a good argument for the new model besides power. The new transmission (dual mass flywheel) is considerably stronger. I've test driven three NDs (old model, one of them with less than 2k miles on it, and that one made weird noises when shifting gears. After further reading, I found out that this seems to be a very common problem with those. This noise does not necessarily mean it's going bad, but it's the first sign that something might be wrong and should be checked out as long it's under warranty.
i tend too agree with you on the 2019 engine up grade , the first place i went was with reliability especially when you think its got to stretch to that rev range ;)
This is an awesome video and love your input and everything. So would you suggest and think that if I were to go for a Mazda Miata MX-5 RF 2018 it would actually be better applying everything you just said versus getting a 2019 Mazda Miata MX-5 RF? I am picking the area because I actually like the way it looks and I like the hardtop. But I'm just thinking I would apply everything you said but just swap out soft top with RF it would probably be the same thing because both Motors in a 2018 soft top is the same as a 2018 RF right?
@@OffroadNow hey bro sorry to bother you man I really appreciate you responding to me I had a question. Can you do a video regarding the soft top? Maintenance? Taking care of it? Reliability on it? Wear and tear on it? Because I actually found one of these 2018 same one as yours right here Grand Touring considering buying it
I agree on your reasoning of the GT over the other models. I bought a 2017 GT for the same reason and then took it to Long Road Racing who build the Global MX Cup Cars out of Statesville, NC. They have what they call “the ultimate Miata” which allows them to engineer all the modifications, so it is not just bolt on stuff. I looked at the club but the spec and their mods weren’t anywhere close to what I added. Finally, they added a supercharger as well and enough said.
Let me get this straight. The reviewer is leery of the new engine's durability when souped up using aftermarket products. Has he not considered that the new engine's enhanced performance (it gets to 60 in the 5s) will relieve many of its owners from having to dip into the Wild West of powertrain Russian Roulette? I’m thinking that to himself, and to many fellow ‘18 owners, the reviewer is muttering, “Sour grapes!”
It's nice to hear real feedback from somebody on this little car. I have my sights set on the RF right now. I have been wondering about the clutch pedal feel on the 6 speed, is it pretty light, easy to push in (which is what I imagine it is) or stiff and springy?
@Noel Carvajal Thanks for the reply...I have problems with my feet and can't do too much of one thing for very long before it becomes painful. I got rid of my Mustang GT partly for that reason...but clutch was pretty stiff.
@Noel Carvajal Thanks Noel! Good to know...I have two motorcycle and my plan is to sell them and get a Miata. A stick shift would definitely be preferred! Which did you get?
@Noel Carvajal Sweet! Here in Northern Nevada, at an elevation of around 5,000 feet an open top has a tendency to fry your head, so I think the RF might be a better choice, and then on a clear day during the winter it might be 0-20 degrees in the morning with the high below freezing to around 50. The RF reminds me of my '72 Opel Gt I had...that was a sweet little car.
Just bought at 2018 2.0L in UK. As a lifelong biker I chased power and speed in my teens. Actually it's all bollocks, it's down to the driver (and by the way I couldn't clip an apex if I tried) and what you want to do. Buzzing up and down the gears and maybe touching the redline once in a 100 mile drive is great fun. But I drove the 2019 2.0L and 1.5L then the 2018 2.0L the gap of driving ease between the 1.5 and the 2.0 is vast. The 1.5 is a revvy bugger with no torque; think of it as a Honda 400/4 from the 70’s sewing machine perfection. The 2019 2.0L was a lovely car and for a tall guy the reach adjustable steering was great. But it's my wife's car (perhaps I should have mentioned that earlier) and thus irrelevant. And another but; it was past our price bracket. So onto the 2018 2.0L. It's got torque and really rewards in our UK country roads from 45 to 75mph. Sounds great, Handles well given my poor driving skills. And is actually "fun" to be in. My daily car is a fast Audi, my Sunday bike for fun is a ‘16 R1200R all far faster and with alleged better handling. What have a reached for in the first of the autumnal weekends here in UK. The Mazda! I've just watched a long and perhaps too focused review (max time between boredom - about 6 minutes) but he's spot on with all his points. Last point: now I know what those plastic inserts are round the wheel arches... You have those funny looking running lights on all sides. Fortunately not yet mandated in dear old Blighty! So if you want more power and higher revs, buy a Kawasaki! 🏍🏍🏍🏍
