A little bit on the gawpey side.......

[Contigo]

True and even today the same platform synergy that is the MX-5 ND and Fiat 124 results in the Japanese car being the winner according to all the pundits. The turbocharged engine really lets the Fiat down.

 

[MrMickS]

True and even today the same platform synergy that is the MX-5 ND and Fiat 124 results in the Japanese car being the winner according to all the pundits. The turbocharged engine really lets the Fiat down.

Really? A lot of the video comparisons I've seen have said that the suspension tweaks made by Fiat make it more drivable in normal circumstances as does the turbo engine.

 

[Andyk]

True and even today the same platform synergy that is the MX-5 ND and Fiat 124 results in the Japanese car being the winner according to all the pundits. The turbocharged engine really lets the Fiat down.

Heard that as well....The latest Fiat just doesn't cut it from what I've read.

 

[zagatoes30]

I have no issues with the MX5 being iconic, but for me it misses the point.

The latest one is just another example, yes it is perfectly reasonable but the Fiat is just that bit more special even with the odd fault. I like my cars with character and I am happy to accept that that comes with the odd flaw but that is preferable to something soulless.

Phil and I are never going to agree on this but there is nothing wrong with that, just that one of us is right and he is wrong

 

[Andyk]

The Fiat is just ugly though and it misses the mark styling wise. They really had an opportunity to make a pretty roadster like the original but instead it looks like a dogs dinner and from what you read it ain't a great drive either. It's expensive as well in Abarth form.....I just think Fiat missed a trick and the fact it looks like a MX5 doesn't help......Makes it a bit of a copy cat.

Interested the original pop up headlight MX5 seems to be going up in price. The next model they bought out can be had for under 1k but the original starts at 1500 min. Original looked better than the later one. I must say I rather like the latest one styling wise.

 

[Contigo]

Stick an American V8 in it like Flying Miata have and you really will get a an amazing car!

 

[rockits]

Saw a mag article recently with a 7k or 8k conversion on an MX5 dropping in the Jag 3.0 V6 supercharged lump in. That must fly.

 

[Vampyrebat]

The Mk 1 Barchetta was gorgeous, cute and very different. The fact that it was rare and left hand drive made it even more desirable to me, sure it had it's flaws but I think that it is part of it's character. It's one of the cars that I wish I had kept but at the time my son was born and it didn't fit in anymore. I too have been looking around for a good one for a toy.
The MX-5 was a brilliant car and they got it right with the Mk 1, but very common and no personality (for me)!

 

[zagatoes30]

the mk 1 barchetta was gorgeous, cute and very different. The fact that it was rare and left hand drive made it even more desirable to me, sure it had it's flaws but i think that it is part of it's character. It's one of the cars that i wish i had kept but at the time my son was born and it didn't fit in anymore. I too have been looking around for a good one for a toy.
The mx-5 was a brilliant car and they got it right with the mk 1, but very common and no personality (for me)!

whs

 

[Andyk]

Mark 1 MX5 is the one have as it's the prettier one. The next couple just got blobby.....Do like the new new one though .... And the one before that looked OK as well.

 

[rossyl]

If you've actually ever driven an Mk1 MX5 you suddenly don't care about the hairdresser comments, it's just a great car with so much character.

 

[highlander]

If you've actually ever driven an Mk1 MX5 you suddenly don't care about the hairdresser comments, it's just a great car with so much character.

Have driven one and it handled well, really well but character, no. But then, I don't think the boxster has character either and that is streets ahead of the rest in this field. lots of them sold so accept I am in the minority here though. If I ever go for a softie for summer it will be an older Italian, they all have character and presence in spades.

 

[Andyk]

If you've actually ever driven an Mk1 MX5 you suddenly don't care about the hairdresser comments, it's just a great car with so much character.

Agree....think the later ones got that tag......How can a car with pop up lights not be cool.....

 

[rockits]

I dunno....I had a Ford 2.5 V6 Probe many moons ago....that had pop up lights.

 

[Andyk]

Good point well made.....

 

[philw696]

My old Celica GT4 ST185 Rally Car was a Cool Car and with pop up headlights just a pug to work on.

 

[Vampyrebat]

Have driven one and it handled well, really well but character, no. But then, I don't think the boxster has character either and that is streets ahead of the rest in this field. lots of them sold so accept I am in the minority here though. If I ever go for a softie for summer it will be an older Italian, they all have character and presence in spades.

Totally agree, I think the Boxter was very much like the 924 in it's time "Yes, I drive a Porsche, but I couldn't afford a 911"!!!

 

[highlander]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking the boxster (Fiona would kill me for running Her Baz down!) if there was top trumps for softies then it would be the top card, nothing in this field under 100k comes near it for handling and performance, I just don't feel it has any character. Character in a car is a very individual, personal almost ethereal thing which by nature means ones man's characterful car is another's hohum car..........now leaving, before Fiona sees this thread

 

[Andyk]

I never saw it as a cut price 911 to be honest. It was aimed at a different market. Every Boxster I have driven it always felt right from driving position to way it handled. A great roaster that can be used everyday which is what Porsche do very well.

 

[Vampyrebat]

Yeh.......... but the older ones have now fallen into the hands of every Tom, Dick & Harry (Boy Racers and older men that couldn't quite cut the mustard)!

Saying that they are a very good car, I have driven a few (older and newer) but not for me.