For over 30 years, the Mazda Miata has been the go-to choice for anyone looking to experience the pure joy of driving a lightweight, affordable sports car. Across its four generations, the Miata has consistently stayed true to its philosophy of delivering fun on four wheels. But how does the original NA Miata, the pop-up headlight classic, compare to its modern counterpart, the ND Miata?
The NA Miata embodies simplicity, drawing inspiration from the 1960s British roadsters that made lightweight, rear-wheel-drive cars a phenomenon. The ND Miata, while staying true to that formula, pushes the envelope with sharper styling, better performance, and tech-laden features. Let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison of these two beloved roadsters and see how they stack up in terms of design, performance, driving dynamics, and ownership experience.
When it comes to design, the NA and ND Miatas take very different approaches to achieve the same goal, turning heads.
The NA Miata’s exterior design is the epitome of classic charm. Its pop-up headlights are not just functional but iconic, giving the car a playful, friendly personality. The compact, rounded shape is a throwback to 1960s British sports cars like the Lotus Elan, which served as the primary inspiration for its design. With its minimalist proportions and simple, elegant lines, the NA Miata is a car that feels timeless.
The ND Miata, on the other hand, brings an aggressive, modern edge to the Miata family. Its feline-inspired LED headlights and flared arches give it a much more planted and purposeful stance. The aerodynamic styling, combined with a slightly wider body, exudes confidence. Unlike the NA, the ND offers a retractable hardtop (RF model), which adds practicality and a sleeker look. While the NA leans on nostalgia, the ND commands attention with its contemporary flair.
Inside, the differences are just as stark. The NA Miata’s interior is a masterclass in simplicity. Analog gauges, manual windows, and basic climate controls dominate the cabin. The wood-trimmed Nardi shift knob and optional wood accents add a touch of retro charm, but the interior’s primary purpose is function over form. It’s spartan, but that’s part of its appeal.
By contrast, the ND Miata’s interior is luxurious and refined while staying true to its driver-focused ethos. Leather seats, a touchscreen infotainment system, and premium materials elevate the cabin’s feel. The tilted center console and circular vents are subtle nods to the original design, while features like heated seats and advanced connectivity make the ND much more practical for modern drivers.
When it comes to the way they drive, both the NA and ND Miatas offer a unique take on what it means to enjoy the open road.
The NA Miata is all about balance and feel. Its 50:50 weight distribution ensures that every corner feels intuitive, while its lightweight chassis, tipping the scales at just ~950kg, keeps it nimble and responsive. The softer suspension makes it easy to feel every dip and crest in the road, adding to the analog charm. However, the NA’s body roll is noticeable, especially during hard cornering, and its lightweight frame can feel a bit unstable at higher speeds.
In comparison, the ND Miata benefits from three decades of engineering advancements. Its stiffer chassis and improved suspension tuning deliver a planted, stable feel, even when pushed hard into corners. At ~1,050kg, it’s slightly heavier than the NA, but it compensates with better grip and more refined handling. The ND’s suspension strikes a fine balance between comfort and sportiness, making it just as enjoyable on a daily commute as it is on a twisty mountain road.
Steering is another area where these two Miatas diverge. The NA’s hydraulic power steering is wonderfully weighted and provides incredible feedback, giving you a clear sense of what the front wheels are doing at all times. It’s physical, requiring some effort in tight corners, but that adds to the car’s analog charm.
The ND switches to electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), which is lighter and smoother than the NA’s setup. While it sacrifices some of the raw feedback that purists love, the ND’s steering is precise and quick, offering a modern interpretation of the Miata’s signature driving dynamics.
Under the hood, the NA and ND Miatas reflect their respective eras.
The NA Miata started life with a 1.6L inline-4 engine producing 116 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque. In 1994, a more powerful 1.8L engine was introduced, bumping those figures up to 133 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers might seem modest by today’s standards, the NA’s rev-happy engine and lightweight build make it an absolute joy to drive. With a top speed of around 200 km/h and a 0–100 km/h time of ~8.5 seconds, the NA isn’t about outright speed, it’s about engaging the driver.
The ND Miata, meanwhile, brings more muscle to the table. Its 2.0L Skyactiv-G engine delivers 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, offering a significant performance boost over the NA. The ND’s engine feels strong in the low end while still pulling hard at higher revs. With a 0–100 km/h time of ~6.5 seconds and a top speed of ~220 km/h, it’s the fastest production Miata yet.
Both cars feature manual transmissions, but they’re tuned differently. The NA’s 5-speed manual is light, precise, and perfectly suited to spirited driving. The ND’s 6-speed manual offers smoother shifts and a more refined feel, though its longer throws might lack some of the NA’s rawness.
Choosing between the NA and ND Miatas is like deciding between two flavors of perfection. The NA Miata is the choice for purists who value simplicity, raw feedback, and classic design. It’s a car that takes you back in time, offering a visceral connection to the road that’s hard to find in modern cars.
The ND Miata, on the other hand, is a Miata for the modern age. It blends the playful spirit of its predecessors with modern conveniences, making it a great option for those who want both fun and practicality. Whether you’re looking for a daily driver or a weekend toy, the ND Miata ticks all the boxes.
So, which Miata speaks to you more? The timeless charm of the NA or the tech-savvy brilliance of the ND? Either way, you can’t go wrong. Both cars embody what makes the Miata so special, a love for driving that transcends generations.
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