Mazdaspeed Miata on The Tail of the Dragon

Late in the day, in my '05 Mazdaspeed Miata, beginning at the motorcycle resort just inside NC. A spirited drive, not exactly "fast." And the camera unexpectedly shut off before I wanted.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Deals Gap
• Tail of the Dragon
• Mazdaspeed
• Miata

[stoone113]

Whats the difference between a mazdaspeed miata and a normal miata, If any?

[ZoomZoomVids]

@stoone113  - the mazdaspeed version includes a turbocharger, intercooler, stiffer springs, gas-charged Bilstein shocks, a slightly lower stance, stouter stabilizer bars, 6-speed stick, unique Racing Hart alloy 17" rims, and a few other engine improvements (both mechanical and cosmetic) and a few interior upgrades. It's not perfect (aftermarket upgrades can be real nice additions), but it's a pretty good package, and a great car overall.

[JD0x0]

@ZoomZoomVids The only thing wrong with the MSM is that mazda gave it a bad ECU tune and 'bad' gearing. The Australian SE (MSM) comes with a 3.636 diff ratio which is much better suited to a turbo.

[ZoomZoomVids]

@JD0x0 You're definitely right about the ECU tune. As for the gearing, I'm not knowledgeable enough to offer an opinion, but I know there are numbers of people who would agree with you. I did NOT know the SE came different!

[ZoomZoomVids]

@lamarfamar - yep, as soon as they EXPERIENCE the car, it's always convincing. :) :)

[chrisc7503]

Blimey, an M-Speed version being driven rather than thrashed, how refreshing. Has the potential to be one of the last surviving examples in years to come if it stays in the right hands. Still dreading the day it appears on a future YT vid with a total tool behind the wheel who's just watched the complete Fast & Furious DVD box set....again.

[JD0x0]

@ZoomZoomVids Yes the SE is the AUS version of the MSM which came with the very sought after 3.636 Torsen. Gearing is mostly preferance but ive found the 6spd is WAY too short for 1st and 2nd to be totally useful especially with a turbo. The 3.636 makes the gearbox more similar to the 5spd (which is actually longer) with 6spd acting more as a OD or double OD.

[Skidracer21]

I think driving a Miata without succumbing to the stereotype is a sign that one is secure in their masculinity.

[philosophyphantic199]

SEXY

[fomocowboy]

@lamarfamar And I'm sure that changes their mind.........

When I've said "Ricegrinders suck" and someone shows me their Honda civic with a hacked together turbo system pushing all of 6 PSI it makes me a believer! Rice Rools yo!

[Prodriver33]

12 oc is the worst spot on the steering wheel to hold while driving!

[insanemdrummer09]

TOTD!!! Best place to take my car out and see how it can do.

[ZoomZoomVids]

@Drive4Jesus - I would probably have both hands on the wheel more of the time now. It took me a while to get used to getting my right hand back up with frequent shifting. But, yeah, that little car of mine turns so smoothly and easily! I especially thought GreenMarine's "trying to look cool" remark was way over the top. Nice assumption of his that looking cool was on my mind.