Since 1989, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has been one of the most popular compact cars in its class. Zippy and fun to drive, the Miata has been known for its precise handling, sharp features, and grin-inducing acceleration. The roadster versions of the MX-5 are especially crowd-pleasing; with the wind in your hair, you can experience the aural delights of every throttle input and downshift coming from the sprightly 2.0 liter 4-cylinder.
While not particularly powerful or intimidating at 167 horsepower, the 2.0 liter normally aspirated 4-cylinder found in the 2010 Miata MX-5 is able to push the 3,000 pound car from 0-60 miles per hour in about 7 and a half seconds, making it comparable to cars such as the 2010 VW Golf or the Mini Cooper. This isn’t meant to be a race car, mind you; the new “NC” model of the MX-5 was designed to be a car that’s fun to drive on winding mountain roads. In that environment, it certainly impresses: With a redline RPM of 7200 RPM, it’s a delight to wheel through the curves, listening to the motor peak out with a strong but delightful exhaust note. Torque is a little bit on the low side at 140 foot-pounds, making passing on the highway decidedly more difficult than what you might expect for a car its size. Passing effectively generally requires you to rev the engine up to a high RPM, which is certainly part of the appeal of the MX-5 in the first place.
Those looking for fuel economy will find that the 2010 Mazda Miata MX-5 is comparable to most cars in its class: It’s rated at 22 mpg city, and 28 mpg highway. It’s certainly not a car made for your commute, but that’s probably not why you bought it, is it?
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