GTI and RX8 owner, looking at an ND 2L GT

[smy0003]

No NB series 2 (NB8B) had an LSD besides the SE.
The NB series 1 (NB8A) 10th anniversary edition had an LSD but that's about it.

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To add to smy0003's comments, the NA LSD is a viscous type that works on floating fluid that is non serviceable. They are usually flogged out and no longer a LSD.
Also smaller radius and weaker than the NB torsen which is why we change our NA's to a NB torsen

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Thanks gents. Good to know that about the NA, kind of evens the playing field among them then, either look for one that's had it done or factor it into the cost... And don't worry about it being a Clubman or not I guess.

In terms of the NB though, do I read the below as only applicable in the UK? There's also no citation here to backup this claim unfortunately.
Wiki - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_MX- ... .282001.29
"Added for top models (designated 'Sport' in the U.K) were 16-inch (410 mm) wheels with 205/45VR16 low-profile tires, larger brakes at the front and rear, additional chassis stiffening braces, a limited slip differential, a 6-speed manual gearbox, Bilstein suspension and leather seats."

I've read on other forums that the only way to know is to open the diff up and see the helical gears with your own eyes, surely there's a better way? Bit dissappointed about that, raises the value of NB AEs I guess.

EDIT: This bloke reckons heaps of them have LSDs

http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php? ... try1591807

Disregard any source that is not Australian. We were a market devoid of LSDs.
I wouldn't get hung up on an LSD though, it's not like an open diff can't put the mx5s massive power down.

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[speed]

I stand corrected re the Na8 diff. Thanks 93_clubman!





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[Conza]

Well I'm now a former Golf GTI owner, so just the RX-8 to go.

It's good in a way, it's a much closer car to the MX-5 in many many ways as we all know, it'll get me used to driving manual again, its RWD, naturally aspirated. Pity about the 350km + X fuel tank and the ever thirst for oil, but I've got my bluetooth in it now so I'm pretty happy with it momentarily.

EDIT: Would have updated the OP, but there appear to be a time limit on post edits and I can't edit the OP after that either, so I'll just post as info comes.

Touch wood, the RX-8 sells sooner rather than later, but it is still a great car, and am glad to get more of a chance to drive it (even if it's by force and not choice haha).

[Conza]

So now I'm a former owner of both cars *knock on wood*.

I've sort of written off the Fiat 124, but perhaps I should drive it... Unlike when I drove the MX-5 and was blown away, I sort of know what I'm in for and a direct comparison may be revealing, but who knows, the DCT and extra torque might have something, the looks aren't too bad after a while, still prefer the Mazda's though, and I won't have to deal with a Fiat dealership/customer service, which would be the greatest concern buying one of those cars.

It's also a single cam turbo, which is pretty primitive, surprising it's still in production really, I think the interior will be much for muchness, there's a sort of orange-ish leather colour that looks alright. They are more expensive RRP, but once factoring in equipment levels I think it would fair ok.

Anyway, want to get myself into one as soon as possible basically now, so I'll be shopping around.

[smy0003]

Don't write off a car on its specs. The Fiat engine has one a number of awards.
Just drive it, even if you don't like it you've paid zero dollars to cruise around in an Italian convertible

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[Nevyn72]

You may want to do a little more research on the 124 as you appear to be poorly informed.....
1) It doesn't have a DCT, it has either the same auto as the ND or a variation of the manual used in the NC.
2) It only has one cam because the other is replaced by hydraulic operation, it's actually quite sophisticated!

[Conza]

Don't write off a car on its specs. The Fiat engine has one a number of awards.
Just drive it, even if you don't like it you've paid zero dollars to cruise around in an Italian convertible

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This is probably sound advice, there's also a dealership very close to my house, so would be possible to have a look early Saturday morning or something I guess.

You may want to do a little more research on the 124 as you appear to be poorly informed.....
1) It doesn't have a DCT, it has either the same auto as the ND or a variation of the manual used in the NC.
2) It only has one cam because the other is replaced by hydraulic operation, it's actually quite sophisticated!

On point 2, that does interest me, I want to look it up now, knowing that it has been used in the Abarth 500 Esse esse, 595, possibly a Punto

...However no DCT breaks it entirely, I don't want an NC manual in a rebadged ND. I think it would be dishonest of me to drive it now, automatic is a complete no go, and between its looks, fuel economy (it counts on a 45 litre tank), doesn't add up to an option any more. Is the NC transmission going to be bad? No of course not, but I've dríven 2 NDs now, and if it isn't as good as that, why would I? For the turbo? More power? Not of interest at all.

EDIT: Yes that does mean I was only interested in the turbocharged engine when I thought it was mated to a DCT. Guess that's just me.

[Conza]

So I did it, I got one! Very very excited about the purchase, I think more so than any other car I've ever bought.

There were used ones available, however the price gap just wasn't big enough, if it's like $25k you'd consider it, but it'll be years before any of them are that low, there's a solid floor at $30k for even the most entry level cars, because ultimately the spec really doesn't matter that much.

Having said that, I added almost all the specs I could, Soul Red paint is the only cost option paint, 2 litre costs fractionally more than a 1.5, GT I feel for a daily car is a must (if it's the 2nd/3rd car I wouldn't bother though, just add Nav possibly for better screen), and all of the accessories I wanted, sensors and camera, cargo tray, scuff plates, even the usb because it's a very small distance between where the cigarette lighter or usb ports are, so in for a penny I figured. It's the exact car I wanted in the exact spec, so not much more I can ask for.

RE: Fiat/Abarth 124, the looks and the engine were enough for me to know, I would always come back to the MX-5, so I didn't bother. I also wanted a manual transmission (ND is newer/superior), and with a 45l tank, the MX-5 should have a decent range, I'd be concerned with the 124, I think it'll be 600/650 for the MX-5 vs 400/450 for 124 (might be a little harsh I don't know). Also, when you're looking for the best light weight sports car, why add another 50-70kgs unnecessarily? The answer 'is' always Miata, 124 wasn't in the running for the sort of car I wanted.

Anyway, a very lucky happy man, I'll make a thread once I get the car delivered, and post about any of the things that I do to protect the car inside and out.