The relative sizes of MX-5 interiors...

Rob · Postby **Rob** » Tue Nov 18, 2014 8:42 pm

Back when I owned my NA6, I thought the interior was snug, but fine.

During those days I also remember getting behind the wheel of Caffeine's NB8B and thinking it was great, too.

In more recent times, I sat behind the wheel of an NB8A and thought, "Is this some kind of joke?" It felt bizarre and cramped.

So I'm curious as to what people think about the relative sizes of MX-5 interiors?

As far as I can see, "most" people consider the NAs to have the most interior space, despite being the smallest car?

But what about the NBs? Is it fair to say my experience was right and NB8Bs with the surfboard seats have more room (maybe) than the NB8As?

And then we come to the NCs. Never sat in one ever. I know they're a step removed from the NAs and NBs... did they get more room? Less?

What do people think?

:NA6:

greenltd · Postby **greenltd** » Tue Nov 18, 2014 9:36 pm

I've just got a NB which has less interior room than my NA. However that could be because the NA has a smaller steering wheel than standard, and the NB has a roll bar limiting seat travel. I think the different dash and console design makes them feel different sizes too.

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Tue Nov 18, 2014 9:39 pm

NB8A and B interiors are the same size, as far as seats go, I personally found the 8B seats to be a bti more room in the backrest, but I found the seat base was higher than NA and 8A meaning less headroom.

NA seats I find are best for room, probably a combination of slightly less padding, and an extra 10 years of bums wearing the foam out.

Postby **beavis** » Tue Nov 18, 2014 9:41 pm

They're physically almost identical.... and I reckon that's how they feel.... the same.
Interior parts are all interchangeable between years so really, theyre the same.

Unless you start putting in a roll cage, then things get squishy.

MattR · Postby **MattR** » Tue Nov 18, 2014 10:05 pm

For a small car the MX is quite large outside.

When I got my deck built and was working out sizes I had to measure up all my cars to see how I could play car tetris.

The MX5 is actually larger on the outside than a 240Z. It is slightly wider and slightly longer, even though the Z has a nice long six up front. The Zed always felt bigger inside than the NA6 does, must be something about sitting basically on the rear axle in a Zed.

I must also say that after spending the day climbing into and out of a Tojo 86 the MX feels a lot more roomier and spacious as well as a lot easier to get in and out off thanks to no roof.

davekmoore · Postby **davekmoore** » Tue Nov 18, 2014 10:31 pm

Small, all of them.

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Wed Nov 19, 2014 6:34 am

I don't fit in an NB8B. OK in an NA or NB8A, better in an NA with foamectomy and best in an NC.

Craig · Postby **Craig** » Wed Nov 19, 2014 6:44 am

Rob wrote:During those days I also remember getting behind the wheel of Caffeine's NB8B and thinking it was great, too

I did the same with Liams and Sylvias cars. I fitted in his but not hers! Liam being a big boy had squashed the seat down was the conclusion.

Blesif · Postby **Blesif** » Wed Nov 19, 2014 8:15 am

I find them all cramped ...and I'm only 175cm tall. The passenger's seat in the NA and NB series is quite uncomfortable in my experience because of lack of legroom rather than the seats. I'm waiting to see what the ND will be like as thinking seriously of laying my money down.

Rob · Postby **Rob** » Wed Nov 19, 2014 8:37 am

Craig wrote:
Rob wrote:During those days I also remember getting behind the wheel of Caffeine's NB8B and thinking it was great, too

I did the same with Liams and Sylvias cars. I fitted in his but not hers! Liam being a big boy had squashed the seat down was the conclusion.

Could be, could be!

bruce · Postby **bruce** » Wed Nov 19, 2014 8:39 am

Seats affect the space. NAs with the small std seat are OK. My NA with the SE seat lacks headroom, despite me being short.

kalt · Postby **kalt** » Wed Nov 19, 2014 6:01 pm

Tiny. Even worse if you're unfortunate enough to sit in the passenger seat with the roof down, which I did the other day.

I now understand all that complaining

Rob · Postby **Rob** » Thu Nov 20, 2014 11:40 am

I was just reading a US forum where someone said their mate has major issues with the NB and can't even shut the door when he's sitting in one. They reckon this guy fitted fine in an NC, and could drive it. If he bought the NC, he might have removed the footrest for a little extra legroom, but otherwise he thought it was great. Is there such a difference between NB and NC interiors (for the driver, at least)? As I said in the OP, I've never been in an NC.