Minus the shocks, you get everything the sport package offers when you opt for the leather package, plus tan leather seats, a tan colour top, wind-blocker, cruise control, keyless entry with trunk release, ABS, Nardi leather shift knob, chrome interior door handles and a 200-watt Bose audio system with two 8-inch, low mass door speakers and two more 2-inch wide-range speakers. A 4-speed automatic is optional.
There are no cracks near the tops of the windows like the previous generation Miata, so air no longer whistles into the cockpit to interrupt conversation or the radio. Actually, it's now tight enough to take through a carwash. The top folds easily, by unlatching two clasps and tossing it towards the back. The entire process takes only seconds, making the need for power activation rather redundant. While a glass rear window with defroster comes standard, a separate hardtop is optional if you feel you need it.
The 1990 model's original 116-hp 4-cylinder brought back memories of late-60's early-70's British and Italian sports cars, but without their stalled-at-the-side-of-the-road headaches. The 2002 car puts a little more muscle at the gas pedal with 142-hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. Due to its sprite 1,066 kg (2,350 lb) curb weight, 0 to 100 km/h sprints arrive in about 8 seconds. While such a figure is hardly considered high performance by today's standards, its top-down, wind-in-the-hair excitement and low proximity to the road, translates into the sensation of speed.
The Miata has become a popular weekend racer, due to a plethora of aftermarket parts and its wonderful inherent handling characteristics. A fully independent double wishbone suspension with coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers, and front and rear stabilizer bars keeps the rear end in check and the front end from plowing when tackling tight, twisting mountain roads. Actually, few cars are as agile as the Miata. Even when compared to its pricey European competition the little convertible holds its head high.
There are no cracks near the tops of the windows like the previous generation Miata, so air no longer whistles into the cockpit to interrupt conversation or the radio. Actually, it's now tight enough to take through a carwash. The top folds easily, by unlatching two clasps and tossing it towards the back. The entire process takes only seconds, making the need for power activation rather redundant. While a glass rear window with defroster comes standard, a separate hardtop is optional if you feel you need it.
The 1990 model's original 116-hp 4-cylinder brought back memories of late-60's early-70's British and Italian sports cars, but without their stalled-at-the-side-of-the-road headaches. The 2002 car puts a little more muscle at the gas pedal with 142-hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. Due to its sprite 1,066 kg (2,350 lb) curb weight, 0 to 100 km/h sprints arrive in about 8 seconds. While such a figure is hardly considered high performance by today's standards, its top-down, wind-in-the-hair excitement and low proximity to the road, translates into the sensation of speed.
The Miata has become a popular weekend racer, due to a plethora of aftermarket parts and its wonderful inherent handling characteristics. A fully independent double wishbone suspension with coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers, and front and rear stabilizer bars keeps the rear end in check and the front end from plowing when tackling tight, twisting mountain roads. Actually, few cars are as agile as the Miata. Even when compared to its pricey European competition the little convertible holds its head high.