NA or NB...

[hks_kansei]

the NA8 would be my pick of the NA series.

Bear in mind that it is near identical mechanically to the NB8A, so if one of those comes up cheaply it can be a good compromise of NA and NB features.


The 8B is arguably the better car, I just havent dríven enough of them to give any real comment to compare them to the 8A

[StanTheMan]

I'd take an NB8B over an 8A hands down.....
much more steering feedback.

Id probably take an NA6 or NA8 way before the NB8A...but that's just me....Its about the driving pleasure. I found the lack of steering feedback a real deal breaker.

[MX593]

I recently sold the 1993 NA8 I had for 3 years and run my 2003 NB8 all the time now.
The NB8 is much safer, more comfortable and slightly quicker car.
The NB8 isn't much quicker, but the track timer proves it. A tad more HP and ABS brakes I'd say.

[samx5]

When Mazda released the NB8A, they said that it fixed all the mistakes they had made with the NA....................flame suit on!! he he.
Interesting comment re: steering feedback Stan, I didn't notice any real difference between 8A and 8B when I was looking for a car, more the changes in gearing of the 6 speed and the slightly smoother revving after 4500 rpm, also the slightly higher seating position due to the different seats in the 8B. I wasn't worried either way about ABS brakes etc.... so I saved the $5k price difference and went with the 8A. Also liked the 5 speed shift and gearing, thought that it was spot on. I feel that all the controls in the 8A have similar weight so it just flows better when you're having a go. No-one cares that the NA doesn't have ABS, but when the NB is mentioned people always say get the 8B partly because of ABS. In our family we have a NA6 with 160 kays and NB8A with 135 kays. The NB has more torque, more comfort, a tighter body, less rattles. The NA6 makes more noise, revs cleaner and smoother and feels a lot older. I like both of them. Get the best car you can afford and enjoy it would be my recommendation.

[MX593]

Both my old NA8 and the NB8B are fitted with Carbotec pads, braded hoses and race fluid. I can really stomp the brakes in the NB8B with no squirm or lock up, just the ABS chatter. The NA8 was always a bit squirmy under hard braking and chirped and moved around a lot. If the track is wet or slippery lock up was an issue if not really careful. On the road a lock up under hard brakes could put one into a tree or an on-coming Kenworth. I've had both cars on the same wheels before and the steering in the NA8 is a bit lighter, but the NB feels just as good and maybe a bit more direct. The 5 speed in the NA8 is great, but with Red Line oil and a new nylon shifter bush the 6 speed is just as good. Different gearing means that when on the highway the NB doesn't rev as hard and the engine enjoys the cruise more. I loved my old NA8, it's a great sport car and if I had a bigger garage I wouldn't have sold it, but am glad I'm now in the NB. In my view, if you want a cheep, tough, good looking and comfortable sport car that will give you a half chance in a crash; go the NB in the latest year you can get.

[lightyear]

These days you can buy any NA or NB for under $10k. So I doubt the cost is going to be a deal breaker. If you want the original NA with the pop up lights. Buy it. If not buy an NB8B. Simple.
Or not so simple, buy an NA with a decent body. Buy a damaged NB8b, and swap everything over. Win. Brendan has one of these. And I had one. Best of both worlds.

[trader]

As many know I have had a Malibu NA6 for fifteen years. A road car with over 60 mods - is quick and handles like a go kart. My other toy is a '97 NA6 montego blue with 33000. Both garage queens and I keep them in top condition. If you want to mod one then I can vouch for the NA6. As others have stated they mod beautifully and everything you do to them gives you a smile! Mind you the NA8 is just that much more refined.

I've always found the NB's a softer/newer generation than the NA's to drive and prefer the pop ups as a cult thing. Last summer I spent six weeks touring in the US and saw only two NA's. Have a look around Aus and you will be surprised how few NA's you see. Currently 39 NA's for sale on Carsales and 97 NB's. As less than 5000 NA's were imported into Aus I think they will become classics far sooner than people realise. I dont know how you can find out current registered cars but surely it would be down around 2000. NB's on the other hand in my view have a way to go, just on rarity.

Yesterday I took an ND for spin... loved it except for the rear vision when reversing. 6 speed meant I always seemed to be changing gears but who cares when it such a smooth action. Believe it or not my wife is dissappointed that I'm not moving on, mainly because I don't like the colour choice in the ND's. The media attention on the ND is bringing attention back to the NA which is a good thing. In fact just last week someone commented on my malibu saying that "I didn't know the ND came in yellow - but then again he thought it was an NC because it has NC tail lights.!

[speed]

NA8 or NB8B...

You already have a work car.

You want to get into working on your mx5 as hobby/passion.

So it's a weekender or a toy.

I'd be going for the rawest experience possible and get the NA.

The rest of the week is covered, time to get out in a NA and HAVE FUN!

The easier way would be to just ask your wife which one she thinks looks/is better. You may be surprised.

[Multifran]

I would definitely have an SE.....
if you like driving & getting feedback from steering. Keep away from the NB8A.


talk about stirring the pot.

Can you please explain the NB8B vs my 2000 NB?

[Mr Morlock]

read back over the previous posts and you will pick up the differences.

[93_Clubman]

Can you please explain the NB8B vs my 2000 NB?

Need more information about your 2000 NB.
Why?
In Australia:
NB8A=1998-late 2000 with VIN=JM0NB30P1...
NB8B=Oct 2000-2002 with VIN=JM0NB30P2...
So there may be no difference between an NB8B & your 2000 NB depending on which NB you have. Check the engine bay side near the top centre of the firewall on your NB to find out.

[Multifran]

thank you and I've been able to establish that it is a NB8A....