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Hi guys, I'm looking at a bunch of NC's online and I'm just wondering what the actual differences are between them, I'm just referring to cosmetics mostly and it would be interesting to know if the panels + headlights are interchangeable. Sorry for the trouble, if there is an article somewhere about it somewhere I'll happily read it.

I don't know why but I think I really like the first incarnation. I think I need to see them all in person at once, maybe I'll try come along to a cruise.

You can pick up info from car sales by comparing the years and then reading the specs that they provide and photos can also be checked. Be aware that the very first model amongst other things did not have traction control and changes happen related to VIN,s.

OK rather than bash your brains out trying to pick the difference via photos, here is a VERY brief description of the body work changes using the NC1 as the base model.

NC1 first released August 2005 came in three variations, standard, standard with leather and Bose sound system and a Limited Edition. Late 2006 they introduce DSC, which if you track the car is the first thing you turn off.

NC2 came with the “smiley face”. In addition to the change of front bumper bar, the head lights are different from the NC1, so you can’t swap the bumper and keep your NC1 headlights. The rear bar and tail lights are also different. Again swapping the rear bar requires swapping the tail lights.

NC3 changed the front bar again, but I think the headlights are the same as the NC2.

There were numerous mechanical changes through the models besides the DSC; some being steering rack, engine crank, head valves and gearbox fork.

Hope that helps in some way. Next best thing to do is to head off to a Club event for closer inspection.

NC2 height adjustable seat, forged engine internals, 500 rpm higher redline, different engine tune, a bit more torque down low and cosmetic stuff

NC3 4.1 diff ratio and better acceleration because of it!!

Peter.

Some info on NC differences here also:
viewtopic.php?f=76&t=31669&p=406053#p406053

pcmx5 wrote:NC3 4.1 diff ratio and better acceleration because of it!!

Peter.

4.1 diff is only available in the auto not the manual. Check the Mazda specification.

Charlie Brown wrote:

pcmx5 wrote:NC3 4.1 diff ratio and better acceleration because of it!!

Peter.

4.1 diff is only available in the auto not the manual. Check the Mazda specification.

Yep 4.1 in Auto only, also the auto had NON- LSD

Ok,always knew the auto was 4.1 non lsd but was sure the NC3 had a changed diff ratio and even thought I had read reports of that being the case,so stand corrected.Probably just a case of wishful thinking after having done the change to my old NC and loving it!!

Peter.

Thanks guys, very much appreciated.

Interesting that they upgraded the internals. Do these cars take a good thrashing? I've heard that about the NB, not that I'd drive it like that, but it would be nice to know that I don't have to worry too much.

I've used full synthetic oil, serviced myself regularly, done a mile of trackdays, its a daily drive and I've had few problems.

Mine has done 90,000km with plenty of competition stuff such as sprints, hill climbs and motorkhanas.
I service it myself (since end of warranty) and the only issue I've had is that the serpentine belt tensioner pulley got the rattles. Replaced it and the idler pulley myself and all is good.
Otherwise it has just been regular changes of oil with Penrite HPR5, changing filters (air/oil), changing transmission and diff oil, changing hydraulic fluid and replacing brake pads.
Oh, and it has won its class in Concours d'Elegance at the last 4 NatMeets.

I've been looking at different colours for days and I think I'm gonna go with white (like my current car). I can't put my finger on it but the headlights look a bit different between nc2 and nc3, and something about the nc3 is just right. There's a 2012 on carsales right now and I am having day dreams about it. I put it on my desktop at work. I downloaded every mx5 review on YouTube and I watch them in bed at night lol. I used to feel this way about girls before they broke my heart.

Obsessed.

Dre wrote:I've been looking at different colours for days and I think I'm gonna go with white (like my current car). I can't put my finger on it but the headlights look a bit different between nc2 and nc3, and something about the nc3 is just right. There's a 2012 on carsales right now and I am having day dreams about it. I put it on my desktop at work. I downloaded every mx5 review on YouTube and I watch them in bed at night lol. I used to feel this way about girls before they broke my heart.

Obsessed.

Was in your position myself just over 2 years ago...checking carsales.com.au a few times a day trying to find the best car for my budget. Wait until you get one dude, it'll make it all worth while !

White NC are quite rare. Did see one when I was looking but wanted the update with DSC.
Ended up with Stormy Blue.