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Just thought I would pass on my thoughts on my ownership of my ND.As an intro I have had an NA 1.6.,modified NA1.8 with over 100 RWK for 12 years and an NC1 PRHT and an NC2 convert.
I didn't like the ND when i first drove one and it has taken a while to become used to the looks.However I revisited and liked it so bought one!!

What I like;
It handles beautifully in standard form. (and much better since I put in the Eibachs which have has reduced the initial roll then settle feeling in switchbacks).It feels light and chuckable just like an NA but with no rattles.

It goes much better than you would think and I dont ever use more than 6500 rpm and have no trouble keeping up with modified NC's on spirited runs,changing up at 6000 gives you about 4500 in the next gear.Dyno testing showed that it developed max torque and power lower than Mazda's figures and this together with the fact it makes 80 RWK on the same dyno that an NC makes 90 RWKW probably explains the reasonable performance.

It sounds good in standard form,much better than a 2 ltr, and great with the Town and Country rear box.Can be trundled around town in 4th and 5th.

The economy is outstanding,went from Geelong to Tralalgon sitting on speed limit and got 5.5 lt/100klm,then did about 200klms spirited run with the East Gippsland boys and overall went up to 6.5 but was back to 5.9 when I got home.

Roof is really easy to use.

Blue booth is amazing,can have a conversation at 100 klmph with roof down.

Seats have good side support through twisties.

Boot is a great suitcase.

What I think could be improved;

Seats need more lumbar support.(Fix on way)

Still think a slighty lower final drive would be better without sacrificing too much economy.

Is noisy with roof up,probably the biggest difference roof down to roof up of any MX I have had.Not a big issue as unless it is pissing down or really hot the roof is down.

A slighty fatter steering wheel would be my preference.Use leather mits to compensate.

Still find it hard to come to grips with no spacesaver when they could do it in an NA and NB.

Overall very impressed and liking it better after every good drive.If I was to buy a new one and the (real,deal on deal)difference was only $2500 I would have a 2ltr but think that with so many 1.5's around and cheap they are great value and better than most people think.I bought my demo with 1300 klms and it was almost $6000 cheaper than a 2ltr demo at the time.I also think that the base car is a great value buy with cloth for more comfort and grip and the less intrusive centre info console.

Can understand why people would want a GT so not trying to provoke and argument and also consider a low klm Nc2 to be a great buy.We are just so lucky to have all these great value and rewarding cars available.

Peter.

Great write up and thanks for sharing. Please keep us posted on regular intervals.

Great info. Especially useful as you've owned 5s in the past for comparison.

One other thing that has taken a bit of getting used to is the lower level of engine braking which sees me on the brakes a bit more than usual on downhill twisties.Also to keep up on uphill runs I need to use a few more revs than in the others and carry corner speed,but that is one of the attractions,trying to drive it with flow rather than point and squirt .Nice rewarding challenge!

Peter.

pcmx5 wrote:One other thing that has taken a bit of getting used to is the lower level of engine braking which sees me on the brakes a bit more than usual on downhill twisties.

I think this is inherent of most modern cars. Lifting off in 1st in an NA/NB is basically slamming the brakes on. Maybe it's heavier flywheels? Electronic throttle tuning? No idea.

Thanks for the write up, it's always interesting to hear opinions as the ownership experience matures.

I bet you miss the NA 1.8! Such a unique car!

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I haven't missed it anywhere near as much as I thought.Really enjoying the ND and doing a few things to it.I guess different cars for different stages of your life.

Peter.

Is nice to hear your perspective.

I've not dríven the 1.5 or 2.0 but keep hearing good things about the 1.5

How do you think they compare and is the 1.5 more fun to Rev out?

Be interested to know if a light weight flywheel increases the fun and how much it changes the acceleration but I'm guessing you're a fair way off that for now.


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I recently read a comparo of the 1.5 to the 2 ND- it would likely have been Motor. The 2L car is significantly faster than the smaller engine esp in intermediate speeds .Motor also recently had an ND as a Magazine car for some months and it made for interesting reading. The motoring journo said that he had recently moved house and that they ND was of no value in the process- the boot even creasing the shirts but fun to drive. Apparently he even got used to not having a glove box!

Steve I think that 1.5 certainly revs more freely than 2.0 but you need to!! I have taken a view that as a road car the 1.5 goes fast enough and handles so well that I don't need a 2.0,however as I said in the first post if the difference was only $2500 when i bought mine I would have the 2 ltr every day!In my case it wasn't and I have started to really enjoy the feel and response of the car and think it is a beautifully balanced thing.Good question though,thanks.

Mr M have you ever heard about pradigm changes? The ND doesn't have a glove box but has another storage space that is even more useful as storage except that it is hard to use on the move if you are driving which isn't a time you should be accessing it anyway.Any motor noter that thinks you should move house in an MX is a total dick and if you think his opinion is worthwhile then good luck to you!

Peter.

Mr Morlock wrote:I recently read a comparo of the 1.5 to the 2 ND- it would likely have been Motor. The 2L car is significantly faster than the smaller engine esp in intermediate speeds .Motor also recently had an ND as a Magazine car for some months and it made for interesting reading. The motoring journo said that he had recently moved house and that they ND was of no value in the process- the boot even creasing the shirts but fun to drive. Apparently he even got used to not having a glove box!

That "Motoring Journo" you speak of is not a very clever fellow, really is he? Expecting moving van space in the boot of a two door convertible.

Beat me to it Peter!

Great minds think alike Mark!

Peter.

Thanks for the write up Peter. Looking forward to trying both variants in the future.