The Past vs. the Present a Look at the Mazda MX-5

In 1989 Mazda released an affordable sports car. Mazda enthusiasts with long enough hair slap their own faces because the open top of the 1990 Mazda Miata MX-5 was and remains worth it. Now the iconic Miata is over 30 years old. It has endured four generations, sold over a million variations of the icon, attained countless awards, and the Guinness World Records recognizes the sports car as the world’s best-selling vehicle. It doesn’t matter what direction a driver looks; it’s hard not to stop and stare at the beautiful roadster on the road. 

Many would like to declare the 1990 Mazda Miata MX-5 as ancient. However, at the Chicago Auto Show (February 12-20, 2022), the 91’ Miata with its glimmering Lotus Elan-inspired design remains as impeccable as the 2021 Miata. 

So what’s the most compelling feature about the 90’ MX-5? The standout feature of the original MX-5 is its pop-up headlights. Unfortunately, the pop-up headlights were eliminated from the second generation and beyond because of its safety regulations; even the awkward door handles faced elimination. However, once inside the 90’ Miata, it’s like being inside a time machine. Additionally, the 90’ MX-5 renders some appreciation for the 21’ MX-5 as the family resemblance is uncanny. Furthermore, the 90’ Miata does require a bit of manual labor; to release the roof, enthusiasts must undo the two clips and fold the top behind the rear seats. 

Initially, the original Miata weighed 2100 lbs. Moreover, the MX-5 only harbored a 1.6-liter engine that delivered 112 horsepower and propelled to a peppery 0-60 mph in less than 9 seconds with a top speed of 121 mph. Five years later, the MX-5 offered a 1.8-liter that delivered 126 horsepower and jolted to 0-60 mph in less than 8 seconds with a top speed of 126 mph. The 2021 Miata gained some weight at 2200 lbs, but its chassis remains true to the MX-5 with rear-wheel drive and natural aspiration.

Today’s entry-level Miata bears a 1.5-liter engine that produces 130 horsepower and propels to 0-60 mph in under nine seconds with a top speed of 127 mph. The premium MX-5 holds a 2.0-liter with 180 horsepower stretching to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds with a top speed of 136 mph. 

So is the new school better than the old school? Is it really a competition when the recipe for success has proven successful for four other generations? The 1990 Mazda Miata offers pristine handling, a sharp-shifting gear lever, and impeccable supreme balancing because of its 50:50 weight distribution, and the 2021 Mazda Miata offers the same performance. Inside the frame of any Mazda Miata is the formula for a perfect sports car. 

Come Test Drive Your Future With Us at Kenny Ross Mazda

Your past is not your present, and we want to make sure your presence aligns with your future vehicle here at Kenny Ross Mazda. Now we know the memory of your first purchase dances around in your mind. When most think of that first car purchase, the memory tastes a little bittersweet, and to that, we say you are stronger and wiser, and no one will ever try to outsmart you here at Kenny Ross Mazda. 

Here at Kenny Ross Mazda, we have an array of new vehicles and quality pre-owned vehicles, making the selection process your only difficult decision. 

Most Importantly, the Kenny Ross Mazda sales team wants to ensure your next vehicle purchase experience exceeds your expectations. So get a head start on that new car smell through our finance team’s simple-to-use auto financing center. 

Regardless, if the timing isn’t right to purchase a new vehicle, we understand, and our service experts are here to tackle your next service or auto repair. 

No one understands the importance of finding your perfect home away from home, quite like Kenny Ross Mazda. So whether you’re looking to find more information on your 2022 Mazda CX-5, a better understanding of your financial circumstances, or a routine maintenance inspection, sixty years of experience has only led us to find the perfect vehicle for your future.