Why the NB Miata Is Underrated Compared to the NA
The 1989 NA Miata stole hearts with its pop-up headlights and pure driving joy, By 1999, the NB refined that formula—stronger chassis, improved suspension. While it lacks the NA’s nostalgic flair, the NB is an underrated gem that drives even better and deserves a spotlight of its own.
Let’s roll back to 1989, when Mazda decided to serve up a shot of pure driving joy with the NA Miata. It was tiny, rear-wheel drive, and had those adorable pop-up headlights everyone instantly fell in love with. At the time, anyone craving a small, reliable convertible didn’t have many choices, so the NA basically saved the segment. From its nimble handling to its retro-British-roadster inspirations, it became an instant classic.
Fast-forward to 1999, and Mazda introduced the NB Miata. They took the NA’s winning formula and refined it: stronger chassis, better suspension, sleeker styling, and a few modern conveniences. Yet, despite being a real improvement in many ways, it never developed the same cult-like following as the NA. Pop-up headlights are tough to beat in the nostalgia department, and it’s easy to overlook an “updated sequel.” But once you drive or own an NB, you’ll realize it deserves way more attention than it gets.
Two Generations, Two Personalities
The NA Miata (1989–1997) is the one that started it all. It’s the definition of a classic two-seat roadster, complete with pop-up headlights, compact dimensions, and minimal creature comforts. Early cars had a 1.6L engine making roughly 115 horsepower, while later NAs had a 1.8L with up to around 133 hp. The NA’s main selling point was its lightness and simplicity, which translated into a raw, direct driving experience and turned it into a legend among enthusiasts.
The NB Miata (1999–2005) looks smoother, more modern, and sports fixed headlights instead of pop-ups. It also includes a reworked interior, stronger chassis bracing, and (in many trims) a Torsen limited-slip differential to boost performance. Under the hood, all NB Miatas in North America came with the 1.8L engine, starting around 140 horsepower in the early years and hitting about 142 hp (with VVT) from 2001 onward. Despite the improvements, the NB was overshadowed by the NA’s nostalgic flair and remains underappreciated to this day.
Why the NA Is So Popular
Pop-up headlights and classic styling go a long way in turning heads. The NA has that quintessential 1990s sports-car look, capturing an era when pop-ups graced cars like the RX-7, 300ZX, and NSX. For many, the NA is also the “original” Miata, earning credit for single-handedly reviving the affordable roadster market. Once a car is labeled a game-changer, it becomes a permanent fixture in car culture.
Then there’s the massive enthusiast community. Since the NA has been around for over three decades, countless aftermarket parts, forums, and fan clubs have popped up worldwide. Owners can do anything from mild suspension tweaks to full-on turbo builds. Add in that raw, simplistic driving vibe, made extra special by minimal sound insulation and super-communicative steering, and you’ve got the perfect formula for a beloved classic.
Why the NB Is Low-Key Better
If you look at it on paper (and even on the street), the NB improves on almost every aspect of the NA. First, the chassis is stiffer, with additional bracing to reduce flex and rattles. This not only makes the car more stable when you push it but also cuts down on squeaks over rough roads. Next, Mazda refined the suspension geometry and added real goodies like a 6-speed manual option and a Torsen LSD on certain trims, these enhancements bring sharper handling and more engaging performance.
The NB’s 1.8L engine, available in all models, also got a boost when Mazda introduced variable valve timing (VVT) in 2001, adding torque and a touch more horsepower. Combine that with improvements for daily usability, like a glass rear window (no more fogged-up plastic!) and a quieter cabin, and you end up with a Miata that can truly tackle both daily commutes and weekend track days. Plus, by the late 1990s, Mazda had ironed out some of the early Miata’s quirks, so NB engines often run reliably well past 200k miles.
The NB’s Under-Appreciation
A big reason the NB flies under the radar is styling preference, people love pop-up headlights, and the NB ditched them. Without that instantly recognizable feature, many enthusiasts felt it lacked the NA’s charm. On top of that, the NB sits in a strange gap: it’s not quite old enough to be “vintage cool,” and it’s not new enough to steal attention from more modern Miatas. Throw in the widespread myth that “the original is always the best,” and the NB ends up with less love than it deserves.
Why the NB Deserves More Love, and May Soon Get It
Prices for clean NA Miatas keep going up, especially for the older pop-up-headlight models. So, if you’re hunting for a used Miata that won’t break the bank, the NB suddenly becomes very attractive. You get more power, more refinement, and (usually) lower mileage for the same money. It also has all the aftermarket support you could want, most NA mods have an NB counterpart, whether that’s a turbo kit, supercharger, or body kit.
As time goes on, the NB is closing in on “classic” status, too. Before long, it’ll be turning 25+ years old (which is usually when people start slapping on “collectible” labels). When that happens, we might see the same wave of nostalgia that boosted the NA’s popularity. In other words, get one now while they’re still relatively affordable, and you’ll have a future gem on your hands.
Yes, the NA Miata absolutely deserves its iconic reputation. It kicked off the modern era of lightweight roadsters and became a pop-cultural touchstone. But if you look beyond the hype and factor in everyday drivability, improved handling, and a more robust platform, the NB often comes out on top. It’s just as much fun to drive, maybe even more, plus you’ll love that glass rear window and quieter cockpit on long highway stretches.
In short, if you can live without the pop-up headlights and the pure 1989 nostalgia, the NB Miata might be the smarter choice. It’s a proper Miata through and through, blending classic open-top fun with a bit more polish and everyday comfort. As the NA becomes harder to find (or too pricey in pristine condition), expect more enthusiasts to rediscover how great the NB really is. One day, we might all look back and wonder why it stayed in the NA’s shadow for so long.
