First impressions, the difference between and NA6 and NB SE

[WesternPacific]

Having just got back from a great drive along Perth's best bit of road I thought I would share what my initial feelings are about the NB SE having come from an NA6. Obviously the SE is a much newer car in terms of actual age but also in Ks, however both cars are in fantastic mechanical condition.
First thing, the SE is soooo quiet . I am referring mainly to the noise that I want to hear when driving a car, i.e. induction rasp and exhaust burble and crackle. My NA6 was quite rorty, and although you weren't going fast, it sounded like you were. To me it was one of the real pleasures of driving that car. I can barely hear the SE's exhaust over the road noise. +1 for the NA
Second, the seating position of the SE is a bit uncomfortable for me at the moment. I find that I am having to crouch down to see under the top windscreen sill. Even with the seat leaning further back than I would like I am still struggling. No suck issues in the NA. +2 for the NA.
Thirdly, the SE is quite fast. I don't mean straight line speed fast but through a set of bends I was going much quicker than I used to with no extra effort or attention. Could this have been cos the car is so quiet i was hustling it more? +1 for the SE
Fourth, the SE has a really narrow power band. I have heard people say that the redline is too low or that the peer comes on at too high an RPM. I don't think either of those things is necessarily a problem in itself but together they are a bit frustrating. +3 for the NA
Fifth, looks. Externally at least I like the looks of the SE better. A large part of that is the colour (Silver), it feels a lot less girly than the faded red (i.e. pink) of my old car . +2 for the SE

Thats about it on first impressions. I am sure others have made a similar move, what did you think?

[speed freak]

I know what you mean with the seating position. Iv got the nb8b so basically same car but no turbo and while the seats are nice the seating position is horrible especially for a tall person like myself, also the pedals seem to be situated to the right of the driver too. Which is awkward.

[davekmoore]

I've also been lucky enough to own an NA and an SE and fully understand when you say the NA felt quicker.

Once upon a time I also had a 1972 1275cc Midget which felt even quicker than the NA. It had under 50kW, dreadful suspension, everything rattled, and it was a true collector's car (you had to stop to collect the fallen off bits once in a while).

Thank goodness for Progress but let's hope the next MX5 is more Midget than SE or NC.

[Lokiel]

I've been driving an NA6 for the last few weeks while my SE's engine is getting built and was pleasantly surprised by how much fun it is, the revvy nature of the engine combined with it's light weight and raw feel really make it a great little car.

The stock SE is crippled from the factory and extremely civilised. Adding a CAI, larger exhaust, larger injectors, MBC and upping the boost to 10-12psi will give you some of the noises you've been expecting - and make the car much more fun.

[de Bounce]

I know what you mean with the seating position. Iv got the nb8b so basically same car but no turbo and while the seats are nice the seating position is horrible especially for a tall person like myself, also the pedals seem to be situated to the right of the driver too. Which is awkward.

Foamectomy, look it up on the big forum.

[Crapweasel]

I had the opportunity to drive an early NA6 for a few weeks when the last car was killed - the aircon didn't work, there was no power steering, the power windows needed some attention, it squeaked and rattled, but the little car still felt solid with 240,000+km on the clock and it was an absolute hoot!

The SE is a completely different car, and if anything it shows just why the original is such a classic.

If I could afford to run an SE and an NA, I'd definitely have one of each.

[speed freak]

Foamectomy..

Done it. Still find the seating position awkward compared to other cars. Gained helpful and much needed headroom but still weird seating position.

[zero00]

A few of you guys know I have both an NA6 and also an NB8A

While the NB is fantastic on the track and makes a good 'daily' with TEIN, whitelines, 15x7.5 6UL's etc etc, the NA is just so much fun!! Full S/S from headers to exhaust it's got a nice note, sits on KYB-AGX with 15x6.5 [both run KU36's] and was built by Mazdaspeed

Most weekends it's the NA for sure! Coffee this morning 6.30am and coming home roof down it poured, who cares? Just sheer pleasure all the time!!

Speed Freak has dríven both, Crapweasel has detailed the NA - my final comment? If I had to choose between the NA and the NB the NA would win all the time!!

As for the GTS 86? gathering dust in the garage!

Nice to see Lokiel & Crap both enjoyed the raw pleasure of the NA

[93_Clubman]

...also the pedals seem to be situated to the right of the driver too. Which is awkward.

Maybe it has non-standard pedals.

[AndrewJZX100]

the seating position of the SE is a bit uncomfortable for me at the moment. I find that I am having to crouch down to see under the top windscreen sill. Even with the seat leaning further back than I would like I am still struggling.

This! I'm roughly 180cm so far from the tallest bloke but I had mass issues feeling comfortable in mine. I have a Bride Vios 3 in it now and still need to run with no cushion to feel comfortable (I like sitting IN the car, not on it).

[NitroDann]

Lotsa of people without the right seat/rail for them. This is why I get so many people in for custom rails, they get a seating position tailored for them and an experience that's very comfy, ergonomic and confidence inspiring

Dann

[zero00]

I'm sure many will appreciate that Dann, funny, first time my brother drove my NB he said the pedals were to the right, to which I said 'bull......t'! He backed that up saying Clarkson, whilst we all know he raved about the NB, had said the same thing!

Geez maybe that's why I walk funny after getting out of it!

[Bauer]

As for the GTS 86? gathering dust in the garage!

Are you regretting the purchase now?

[speed freak]

I'm sure many will appreciate that Dann, funny, first time my brother drove my NB he said the pedals were to the right, to which I said 'bull......t'! He backed that up saying Clarkson, whilst we all know he raved about the NB, had said the same thing!

Geez maybe that's why I walk funny after getting out of it!

Haha maybe. You dont notice it? Mine are definately situated to the right of where they should be.

...also the pedals seem to be situated to the right of the driver too. Which is awkward.

Maybe it has non-standard pedals.

Nah definitely stock pedals.

[zero00]

As for the GTS 86? gathering dust in the garage!

Are you regretting the purchase now?

Never!! I'm thinking get rid of the MX5's as they are kind of useless really and buy another 86! NEVER!!

No, it's NOT a 'daily', my NB is - the 86 has just done a 3,000km round trip via Sydney to Wagga Wagga, fuel economy was stunning to say the least, worst 6.81L/100km and best 5.75L/100km, the latter with climate ON and at one stage doing 3-4km in 90 minutes near Byron Bay with roadworks

So as I love and use the NA on weekends for coffee runs etc there are weekends when nothings on with the 86/BRZ Club, I have lawns and home chores to do so it sits!

I'm currently contemplating 17 x8's with KU36's as well, they grip and they have excellent wear rate - 650+ laps around Lakeside and QR + 25,000km road km's and the fronts still have 5-10,000 left in them