500 miles with the top down - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

t walgamuth · #16 04-27-2009, 07:29 PM

I think of the Miata as more of a lotus built by a japanese company.

They are an incredibly well built rugged little device.

An sl is a blimp by comparison, what, 3900#?

The Miata is 2200 soaking wet and runs tires nearly as big as the sl.

If you want a two seat sedan the sl is the way to go. If you want a motorcycle that won't fall over you need a Miata.

Don't get me wrong the sl is a great car, just built for an entirely different purpose.

pj67coll · #17 04-27-2009, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

If you want a two seat sedan the sl is the way to go. If you want a motorcycle that won't fall over you need a Miata.

Don't get me wrong the sl is a great car, just built for an entirely different purpose.

No doubt. I went for a drive around Hollywood and up the Angeles Crest Highway with a friend who has a Miata. I found it to be horribly cramped, uncomfortable and generally unpleasant. It sort of turned me off convertible motoring. I guess to each their own.

- Peter.

Honus · #18 04-27-2009, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I think of the Miata as more of a lotus built by a japanese company.

They are an incredibly well built rugged little device.

An sl is a blimp by comparison, what, 3900#?

The Miata is 2200 soaking wet and runs tires nearly as big as the sl.

If you want a two seat sedan the sl is the way to go. If you want a motorcycle that won't fall over you need a Miata.

Don't get me wrong the sl is a great car, just built for an entirely different purpose.

This will probably earn me an infraction, but I would take a Miata over a modern SL any day. To be more accurate, I will take the SL, sell it, buy a Miata, and pocket the difference. For driving, though, I find the Miata much more interesting.

Now, if we were talking about a 300SL from the 50s or early 60s, then you can forget the Miata.

MTI · #19 04-27-2009, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pj67coll

I found it to be horribly cramped, uncomfortable and generally unpleasant.

I was thinking of what else it could apply to . . .

Flying coach

Fashion footwear

Most Manhattan hotel rooms

Public transportation

t walgamuth · #20 04-27-2009, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pj67coll

No doubt. I went for a drive around Hollywood and up the Angeles Crest Highway with a friend who has a Miata. I found it to be horribly cramped, uncomfortable and generally unpleasant. It sort of turned me off convertible motoring. I guess to each their own.

- Peter.

Ahhhhh, but you didn't drive it did you?

If you're too big to fit that might dampen the fun too....but I am not small. I'm 5' 8 on a good day and 200# nekkid.

There is just enough room width wise and about 3 - 4" behind the seat for legroom if I had longer legs.

t walgamuth · #21 04-27-2009, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dculkin

This will probably earn me an infraction, but I would take a Miata over a modern SL any day. To be more accurate, I will take the SL, sell it, buy a Miata, and pocket the difference. For driving, though, I find the Miata much more interesting.

Now, if we were talking about a 300SL from the 50s or early 60s, then you can forget the Miata.

I'd love an early sl too but it probably is not as fun as a Miata to drive!

pastmaster · #22 04-27-2009, 11:16 PM

Tom,

I'm glad you're having too much fun!!! You are right that it is close to motorcycle biking...Great enjoyment, with less danger.

I have a friend who owned one with a Ford Mustang V8 engine! Cobra comes to mind! It was a real beast! I drove it a few times and I got so excited, I almost pee'd myself from the joy and happiness of scaring myself silly! That V-8 in the Miata, is a natural. Does anyone have one?

La Dolce Vita...Paul

t walgamuth · #23 04-28-2009, 06:16 AM

I see there are kits out to do it.

I have actually pondered doing it, but in the end, I think it would be hard to beat a stock Miata in the autocross with one running a v8.

My 1800 engine feels plenty big enough on the autocross course and coming off a corner I just mash the throttle. With a v8 that might result in an instantanious spin.

jplinville · #24 04-28-2009, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I see there are kits out to do it.

I have actually pondered doing it, but in the end, I think it would be hard to beat a stock Miata in the autocross with one running a v8.

My 1800 engine feels plenty big enough on the autocross course and coming off a corner I just mash the throttle. With a v8 that might result in an instantanious spin.

It would depend on how the rear end is geared...but it would be fun to try!

It would be like putting a V-8 in a go-cart

Honus · #25 04-28-2009, 08:07 AM

Having grown up with MGBs, I am accustomed to under-powered sports cars. An early 70s B has maybe 90 HP, but is the most fun to drive of any car I've tried. Having power to spare is nice, but raw acceleration gets boring, IMHO. The stock Miata has plenty of power.

mgburg · #26 04-28-2009, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUVMBDiesels

...I have been jonesing for a convertible since I let my last one go but the wife told me I would have to dump one of the other cars first

Buy it.

Stuff it in one of those U-Store-It places.

Take it out and when asked, just say you borrowed it from a friend, or rented it for the day...

rs899 · #27 04-28-2009, 09:32 AM

Are the Miata automatics any good? My wife is hinting that she wants a convertible and she has been immune to my constant efforts to get her to learn to drive a stick (8 of 10 of our cars are sticks, including 2 Britcars). I could get her an SL or VW Cabrio, but these seem the most fuel efficient and most fun in stick form, anyway and I wonder how that translates to the automatic...

Rick

Mr.Kenny · #28 04-28-2009, 10:02 AM

I drove an automatic Miata once....it turned a real sports car into a boring cramped econobox.
This car is meant to be revved out and shifted; the Miata transmission is a joy and is almost effortless. Drive both types and you would understand immediately.

No excuses; It's time for your wife to learn how to shift and she will love it.
If my daughter learned how to use a clutch at 16.........and our Grandmas had to shift.....

rs899 · #29 04-28-2009, 10:15 AM

OK- better question than is the Miata automatic any good (we all know the answer to that one)is how do I get my wife to learn shifting like God intended when he invented the automobile? In her defense, she learned to drive when she was 38, so she probably doesn't have the level of confidence we do....

pj67coll · #30 04-28-2009, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rs899

how do I get my wife to learn shifting

Ger her a manual transmission, early Mercedes "D".

- Peter.