Considering selling my NB to get an NA..

[zero00]

I respectfully disagree.

Dann

Agree totally Dann, chalk and cheese to me and while I track my NB the fun is with the NA, raw and I can say it attracted far more attention than the NB8A does

Having three cars my summary is:

NB8A 'daily drive' plus track day car
NA - used every weeknd for 'coffee runs' etc
GTS86 - fills a blank spot in the garage and good for Interstate trips and something to sit back and admire when there's nothing good on TV

I'm halfway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast so if cruising one day PM me and maybe I can organise a drive for you - mine was built August 1989

[hejira]

I think they're nothing alike. I've owned 2 NAs, an NB8B, and an NC.

- NB8B feels like its been refined to perfection
- NB8B has projector housing headlights compatible with HID kits
- NB has a boot release lever
- NB has ABS & Air bags
- NB8B can cope with larger diameter wheels better if you like that kind of thing
- NB is stiffer & less body roll
- Remote central locking

- NA is more exciting to drive
- NA6 has a working oil pressure gauge (as does the NC)
- NA has an nicer 5 speed
- NA is lighter if you like that kind of thing
- NA can potentially hold their value better than an NB
- NA has a plastic rear window you can unzip for open air driving
- NA doesn't suffer from plastic headlight yellowing

[kalt]

The only refinement needed on the NB8B is cup holder placement. Then it might be close to perfection.

I'm surprised by some owners saying there's little difference between NA and NB, considering the age gap. Personally I chose the NB for it's shape and safety features airbag and abs and six speed manual. EBD was a pleasant surprise Wanted to stay away from ESC or stability controls as I have had them before - nice but makes you feel like a better driver than in reality.

If the car is stock I would modify it rather than sell at loss then buy an older car and fix/mod it up.

Edit:
As for the pop up headlights on NA, I would go Rx7 instead

[NitroDann]

Its not about popups its about a go kart with plates under 900 kg, with character that an elise will never have.

Dann

[sailaholic]

I think they're nothing alike. I've owned 2 NAs, an NB8B, and an NC.


- NA8 & NB has a boot release lever
- NA6 AND NA8 has a working oil pressure gauge (as does the NC)
- NA has an nicer 5 speed (compared the to 6 speeds. Nb 5 speed is essentially the same as Na

Couple of corrections for you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[green_comet]

After going from a NA8 Clubman to an SP, I don't think I'll ever go back to an NA again. The NB8B is a much nicer car to drive, it was like going from an old tractor into a refined modernish car.

The engine, gearbox, brakes and chassis are better, along with the roof, lights, and safety equipment.

The only thing the NA has going for it is that it's a better looking car imo. Sure it's more "raw" to drive, but that gets old, fast.

[NAtural]

I race a NA 1.6 as a road registered/modified car and can offer the following comments:
Subjectively I think the NA looks better and is a purer execution of the original (wonderful) concept. Each new generation has moved further away from this. I believe the next gen though is going back to its roots.

The main drawback to me is the 5 speed gearbox. The gap between 2nd & 3rd is a frustration - but then I have CAM's which have moved my power band up the rev range slightly. This may not be such a problem for a motor with standard CAMS - especially if you replace computer and have dyno'd to raise torque.

The 1.6 ltr motor was the base for the original 323/laser turbo AWD cars - it is amazingly strong and very nicely balanced. I recall when the 1.8 ltr motors were released the motoring columnists noted the loss of some of the free revving nature of the 1.6 ltr.

The 1.6ltr engine size suits the racing categories. Its always best to have an engine that puts you at the max size for the class.

Hope that helps.

TW

[NAtural]

I should add further that the absence of power steering is no loss if you intend to race. The manual steering is lighter and gives a much better feel for whats going on at the front around the track.

TW

[hejira]

I think they're nothing alike. I've owned 2 NAs, an NB8B, and an NC.

- NA has an nicer 5 speed (compared the to 6 speeds. Nb 5 speed is essentially the same as Na

Couple of corrections for you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

i know i just didn't bother specifying these things as he is comparing an NB8B to an NA not an NB8A

[MrRevhead]

The only thing the NA has going for it is that it's a better looking car imo. Sure it's more "raw" to drive, but that gets old, fast.

Just like a driver who would preference comfort over driveability and feel/feedback. Some people may also say there is a relationship between age and also some of the characteristics previously stated.

A balance of both comfort and driveability will always have a compromise on one or the other IMO.

To the OP, take up the offer to try an NA, spend some valuable seat time in various conditions/environments, then decide what car best suits your needs, expectations and overall goals in a car before making a final decision.

[Gladiator]

I got to drive an NA this afternoon.

The car wasn't in the best nic, but the suspension was solid. Didn't have power steering unfortunately which made the car feel much much different to my NB.

Hoping to drive one with power steering to better compare, but yeah it felt pretty similar. Was suitably impressed with the pickup from the NA6 engine, wasn't sure what to expect when I put my foot down.

Edit: also considering my car is pretty much completely stock and this car had mods (roll bar, front sway bar, good tyres, king springs etc). Not sure what a stock vs stock is like between the cars, wasn't really a fair comparison really.

At least driving the NA gave me an idea of the room in the cab etc (pretty much the same imo) and the grunt of the engine.

I'm at Springfield Lakes If you want a drive of mine (power steer, coilovers, CAI & exhaust), & I'm on holidays at the moment so easy to pin dowwn.

[cookie]

My car was the guinea pig. Tbh it's going to be different driving a modified NA vs stock nb8b. Someone who has a completely stock na6 (or would offer a similar driving experience. While I've got you dann, I'm replacing the tyres hopefully this week when the arrive from syd, the WA is pretty good currently and does what you describe (holds its line in the corner) bit what settings will see reasonable life from the advan AD08R and a good driving experience on the street with occasional track fun days?

[zero00]

Its not about popups its about a go kart with plates under 900 kg, with character that an elise will never have.

Dann

Exactly Dann, and having recently had a ride in Patrick's white NA and his red supercharged NA, while the ride/comfort of the NB8A surpasses the NA, give me the NA anytime! My NA has KYB-AGX adjustables with King Springs, runs on 15x6.5 with KU36's and the highway ride is excellent!!

I only keep the NB now for a 'daily' and track days as the NA to me is too good for the track!!

[lightyear]

The NB8B is a better car. If you intend on owning a lightly modded MX5 for a daily, keep it. The only way you can improve is to buy my NA8B, as it is the best of both worlds. Classic look, with modern driveline.

[93_Clubman]

I've also heard that NA's are more "raw" than the NB. Is it a rougher ride and is the road noise any worse than in the NB? (this isn't a huge concern... just curious).

More NVH with NA.

If I were to sell the NB and get an NA I'd have a fair bit of money to throw around for mods this time.

Plenty of cheap NA6s, but good ones that compare favourably with the likely condition of your 2000 NB8B will cost more than the cheap ones. A good NA8 will probably cost about the same or more as your car here:
viewtopic.php?f=73&t=58555&start=15

So the upshot might be that you don't have as much money from the sale of your 2000 NB8B to spend on NA mods as you think, unless you pick-up a cheap NA.