2009 NC2 Mazda MX-5 Miata (5-Speed Manual) - POV Driving Impressions

[@TheTopher]

This Miata is for sale here. Get it before it goes up on Carvana. facebook.com/marketplace/item/2499242756909573/

[@TheTopher]

Also check out the track video we posted on this Miata here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opClfGqoi7yJgrs

[@Atothen1234]

If you like that era of cars you should drive a first gen manual v6 Mazda6. Obviously not as tossable as a Miata but it’s a fun car to wring out, a little nose heavy but it has double wishbones in the front and a multi link rear. You hear the engine pretty well and It’s kinda raw when you rev it out which I like.

[@karstenopatz4432]

I miss your old Miata videos especially the ones in the winter

[@lfOnly]

I love my NC Club. Bought it sight unseen in February, drove it home top down in the winter. Just recently came back from a 2 week vacation where I drove it 10,400km across the US and Canada. Makes me happy.

[@epvendetta]

I'm part of the Club Club too.... bought my 2015 last year, it's been fantastic.

[@joshbrown4907]

Love the NC2. Tac shows 7200 rpm redline but fuel cutoff isn't until 7700. The motor feels alive in that last 500 rpm.

[@mitchellsteindler]

The last 500 rpm is truly special

[@JETZcorp]

Perhaps I'm spoiled by motorcycles, but to me the last ~1,500rpm or so feel really dead. Sounds pretty good, but once you have tasted the fruit from the Tree of 2-stroke, the Forbidden Knowledge cannot be un-knowled.

[@joshlum1807]

I have a NC2 and I agree. The last 1500 RPM the engine is starting to run out of breath. A F22 or K24 screams to the redline versus the 2.0.

[@becauseiwasinverted7971]

I have NC3 with BBR Super200 cams. It has peak power at 7700 and fuel cut off at 7900 I think. However, it has a claimed 200hp at 7000 and only rises slightly to 205hp at 7700. To me, not really worth revving it out. Certainly doesn't feel like it comes alive in last 500rpm even with the BBR cams. What mods are you running that makes it come alive at the top end? The torque curve is very smooth and linear. There is no high lift cam changeover to give it a rush to redline. I probably shift between 6000 and 7000 most of the time

[@ndspanky]

You looked like you got caught cheating when you pulled around the curve and your car was staring you down

[@TheTopher]

😂😂😂

[@Sideways_Singh]

Thats hilarious 😂😂😂😂 good one.

[@XR4turbo]

The view out of the windscreen on the NC is one of my favorites of any car. You see the nose of the car in a way that makes it feel so wieldable, like you're aiming the car down an iron sight or something. The ND is somewhat similar, but the hoodline is less uniform so it doesn't quite achieve the same effect. I also love the instrument cluster in these cars. The rest of the interior is nicer in the ND though.

[@vipermoon_]

I like how you write

[@Kamukix]

I agree, the view out of the ND seemed off to me. It feels like the windshield is too close compared to the other generations. The car is gone now so I can't check, but it just never felt quite right.

[@zalcan3620]

Once the 2.5 gets put in with mild bolt ons and a tune it turns the car into an incredible experience. The mid range torque is so damn good.

[@Kamukix]

I met up with another NC owner who had done a 2.5L swap and it was so sweet to drive. I wouldn't mind doing a high-rev 2.5L build.

[@MrDroid0518]

I love mine 😊

[@JETZcorp]

​@Kamukix I've heard the 2.5 is somewhat resistant to high-rev builds. The displacement increase over the 2.0 is entirely from stroke, so it's pushing a ton of piston speed, and supposedly the balance shafts start to lose the fight against vibration at some point. This is all hearsay rather than experience, but it is hearsay from Flyin' Miata.

[@zalcan3620]

@@JETZcorp you don't need a ton of revs for this build, 7500 is more than enough. You can find plenty of 200whp+ N/A builds for this engine

[@JETZcorp]

@@zalcan3620 I was replying to someone who was considering a high-rev 2.5 build specifically. Of course the whole point of the 2.5 is to get what the heads have at lower revs. But given that even the 2.0 can do 225 crank at 7,500 with the right setup, it seems to me that "high rev" is kind of a relative term with these engines.

[@miltonkaplanidis1]

I thought this was a new car before reading the title. And I was so happy to see no screens on the dash. I think without screens there’s more character from each brand with design language

[@tommyistommy]

The NC is the best Miata but don't go telling anyone. They will think you need to be committed. It's got enough room for people above 150lbs, strongest transmission, best stock motor and easy engine modifications, a power hardtop that actually goes down...it's awesome. But don't tell anyone that. The MR2 Spyder is an even better Miata but again shhhh

[@thumbtak]

DONT LET PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THE SPYDER

[@poppachoppa8956]

@@thumbtak uhhhh. what about it ;)

[@daraba-san9495]

Both those hated 3rd gens were sleeper platforms but now the mr2 spyders got expensive 😂, I was gunna get one but found a better car w/ my NC3 Club lol. Gotta keep this one on the DL tho that way parts stay cheap 😂👌✨

[@weethen]

my favorite gen of miata by far. although I haven't driven an ND yet but the NC is such a blast to drive and always puts a smile on my face.

[@neohimself]

Saying that one generation of a car is the favorite without knowing the others is a bit... can I say stupid? Like "My favorite generation of Golf GTI is the Mk5, but i don´t know the others." Uhm...🙄

[@nb8c_fd]

NC is the best. The ND's floor mounted throttle, artificial rev hang, and electric power steering ruin the potential it would've had as a drivers' car.

[@DirtyScab]

@@nb8c_fd I like the floor hinged throttle. I haven't driven an MD but my Abarth Fiata had absolutely no rev hang that I could detect. Totally different engine but that's disappointing to hear about the ND. Maybe the smaller engine can get away with less bunk tuning because of emissions.

[@nb8c_fd]

@@DirtyScab Yeah maybe, I'm not too sure on the specifics. I've driven many cars with both floor and top mounted throttle pedals, and it saddens me just how much more toy-like and disconnected floor mounted pedals feel. I've driven a BMW Z3 with a floor mounted cable throttle, and even that felt terrible under foot. I absolutely swear by cable throttles, yet the floor hinge ruined it for me.

[@mitchellsteindler]

When you drive an nc, and then drive an nd, the lack of steering feel hits you in the face. The nd is far more playful though.

[@Briguy288]

I had a 2010 NC2 PRHT. With the top down, those little I4s genuinely sounded good. Especially in the lower and upper RPMs. Had it tuned for 93 octane and more responsive throttle inputs. I always daydreamed about swapping a 2.5 in there, but ultimately I had to let it go for a more practical Mazda3 because of school. Sold it to an old guy, who flew all the way to NYC from Michigan to buy it. It was his retirement car. As far as I know, he still has it.

[@malcolmn.5222]

You needed a practical for school? Why?

[@treefroog]

I bought a '10 PRHT earlier this year and have been loving it! Funnily enough I live in the Ann Arbor area, and your videos helped me decided to get a Miata.

[@vipermoon_]

I want to underline the fact that this shares a lot with the RX8. And the parts it doesn't share are often swappable. In some ways it's overbuilt because of the RX8. (Also side note you can easily convert this to an off-road vehicle using the longer RX8 suspension parts, accord to Mazda USA's lead engineer)

[@mitchellsteindler]

Rx8 hubs, axles, sways, brakes, all swappable

[@vipermoon_]

@@mitchellsteindler Yup, I believe the dampers in particular are what'll raise the vehicle

[@FireManiac58]

I had never heard about using longer RX8 suspension to get more clearance hahahaha. Especially since people complain about how high these are already. Now I have a new dream to build an offroad NC

[@gravity45b]

Would love to see a back to back NC vs ND comparison. Driving my friends NC1 it felt like all of the good parts of an ND for much less money. Makes me wonder if I should have just gotten an NC and a daily instead sometimes lol

[@royshavrick]

NC and a daily Accord V6 or something would be pretty sick tbh

[@NDEEZMiata]

One of my biggest peeves with my ND2 Miata is the steering. For one, the steering wheel is too large of a diameter and too thin...and while it's sharp and direct, you really can't feel much of anything. It really does take away a lot of the fun. That combined with the body roll, I found the car can be a bit snappy. It's pretty easy to reign in, but sometimes it feels a bit sudden and out of nowhere. Still on stock tires, I'm sure some of that will be fixed with some better rubber and eventually sway bars. Car is bonestock (2020 Club BBR pack) I feel like the Fiesta ST, BRZ, and SS 1LE I owned previously communicated better. I'm kinda shocked at how Mazda managed to make a car so light and somehow have steering that is so isolated. The weight feels fine, but not much feedback comes through. I want to swap the steering wheel for something smaller, but that's a $800+ swap in order to retain the airbag/buttons. The ND2s are really fast on a backroad, almost too much so. Most backroads are 45mph speed limits and you're easily doing 80+ unless it's super tight and windy. It's borderline too much power shockingly lol. Sure is fun though. It's the perfect amount of power to daily drive. I haven't driven any other generation of Miata, but I'm definitely hooked. I'd love to get an NB as a project car someday, but prices have gotten wild. NC prices like all used cars have climbed pretty high too, I might have gotten one instead if I could have found a club model. I don't much care for the NC styling unless it's a NC3 Club. In a lot of ways, the NCs are superior, transmissions are much stronger if you add power and the engines can make some serious gains. They also sound awesome with a full exhaust. They definitely seem to be the better choice if you plan to do a lot of powertrain related modifications. ND2s seem to be best if you do an axleback and some suspension tweaks. Not really any meaningful power left to be gained naturally aspirated, at least from exhaust modifications. Hope I can drive some previous generations sometime, Miatas are such great cars. They just make life better

[@Dylanbforthree]

I also have an ND2, changing my coilovers to some Ohlins Road and Track completely transformed the handling. Way more progressive breakaway and way better handling through the corners. Body roll is basically gone relative to the ride stock. The ND2 stock setup really leaves SO much performance on the table.

[@NDEEZMiata]

@@Dylanbforthree That’s good to know, the car rides great, especially for how tiny and light it is, but it’s not very progressive like you said. I have enough RWD experience to not need the sailing feel lol Once the car is paid off perhaps…

[@Quickb3n]

I love my newely acquired NC1. It's the 5-speed with LSD and i've thrown an IL motorsport backbox / cat back system + a ram air induction kit. It should be about 25-30hp aboce stock, although i've not dyno'd it yet ! The induction noise is addictive and the exhaust note gives it a real big engine small car sound. Lowering springs and spacers give it a nice wide stance and it feels completely planted on the twisties.

[@rootsmanuva82]

This Miata has the first two mods I’d choose first if I bought one: Ohlins coilovers and fat, sticky tires. Instant poor mans Lotus.

[@Kamukix]

A tuned ECU made a great difference as well.

[@flopa9969]

Am I the only one who likes the NC Miata ?

[@turbochargedtransit7241]

yes

[@deshawnfant1364]

Unpopular opinion, I prefer the nb and nc over the na and nd

[@DaOneAndTheOnly]

I have an NC1 miata! With some very basic suspensions mods and a singular muffler swap- I'm definitely not selling anytime soon. The handling is amazing!

[@davidr2975]

What kind of suspension mods?

[@anakinskywalker9752]

Just sold mine last month, used as track car for a few seasons, better steering than my s2k.

[@Addison0526]

Ha! I found it for sale on marketplace locally before I saw the description. I like the NC look tbh even though it seems it's not the most popular choice

[@kevinandrew_]

Hitting 60mph in 2nd? Don't see many reviews of the 5 speed but I'm glad I went with the 6 speed. Still, any Miata is better than no Miata.

[@samstedman409]

About to sell my NB Miata. Didn’t really love it that much because it felt like it was trying to fall apart, so I never drove it that hard. I took it out today for a farewell drive and just decided to stop babying it. Boy was that a fun drive. I’m probably gonna regret selling it.

[@fraxonthefurry21]

I've always had a soft spot for nc3 clubs

[@Kamukix]

That's my actual favorite Miata trim of all time. Gimme a PRHT Club NC3 allllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll day I'm smiling. 👌

[@lookoutforKURT]

love my 2010 NC with the hardtop, daily drive it year round in new england hah

[@van_dutch]

Fun little cars. You really have to rev the hell out of them, I think that's part of the fun of them, but I prefer the low-mid range power \ torque.

[@Jack96993]

I have a 2004 Miataspeed with 23K miles It matlic red and has coilover upgrade and upgraded chrome rollbar otherwise all stock I took it on the Tail of the Dragon What a blast!!

[@diegomaldonado8509]

Brothers nc is my car I cannot thank you enough for the review 😫😫👊🏽👊🏽

[@BrianJohnson-kh7mg]

Literally just drove this same model for first time and loved it. Surprised I even fit at 6"4", but the NC is a good size

[@peterfi.]

Where you comfortable with the roof down? I

[@BrianJohnson-kh7mg]

@@peterfi. Yeah I only drove it with the roof down, it was a hard top. Head room was a little tight, but totally doable. Drove for about 10 min and didn't have any vision problems. Legroom was fine, similar to early Caymans that I've driven.

[@TheFracturedfuture]

How the hell do tall people fit in it? I'm 5'7" and it fits just right, although if I was any taller it would feel too small.

[@learningspothps]

The NC is the best Miata ever!

[@Wizardnil]

Absolutely love my NC!

[@hacubemehh2638]

i have a 2006 limited edition with a 6 speed and it is such a fun car

[@aliali-ce3yf]

i have a bad feeling these are going to skyrocket in value

[@animalrealmshorts]

seems like a really fun car, i plan on getting one soon!

[@peteyification]

I wish I could fit in Miatas, they look like so much fun. 😞

[@schild6789]

I believe you can purchase and install a kit to lower the seat a bit more. Not sure if it would help/work, but you can always have a look.

[@ndspanky]

I’m 6’1” and 200+ pounds and I used to daily an NC Miata like this. Never felt cramped, and actually had the seat pushed up a little

[@blackjacket_]

NC is actually the only one I fit in. Im thin but 6 ft 3

[@carsonj4031]

You'd probably fit in an nc

[@user-jt6nw6wm5q]

I am 6'4 and i fit. Now i lowered the seats with the kit from jass. 1.5" on seats with height adjustment, on non height adjustment seats you can slam them to the floor. Loads of space.

[@niveketihw1897]

The door cupholder on the NC1s dug into my leg as I recall. The NC2s didn't. Great car overall.

[@vipermoon_]

What did they change about the cupholder?

[@niveketihw1897]

@@vipermoon_ It was either moved out of the door or the bulge that made it intrude into your leg space was eliminated.

[@trevorhsu6357]

$400 shipped for a used lsd for these would be a steal. They usually go for $800-1k

[@guillermoyelamo5816]

That color combo is noiceeeee! Can’t go wrong with white over black wheels. Love NCs, ngl. Thinking about trading my R56 mini for one of those…

[@kennyfoster2837]

Very nice job with the video. You really did a nice job.

[@gpajic1987]

NC with a 2.5, headers and cam 👌👌👌 you need to try one

[@achn2b]

As an owner of an NA, I didn't like the looks of these when they first came out. Now they're my favorite generation. definitely don't care for the ND; it may be way sportier, but the styling change to a more outright sports car look just turns me off. All the earlier ones look like British roadsters, simple and classic. If I ever get the cash, and can find the right one, I plan on getting an NC. Being older now, it's extra space and more convenience features, slightly softer ride, makes for a more appealing package.

[@yankee2yankee216]

I’ve never driven any other version but an NA (am on my second, after driving another one 11 years and 120K miles), but I will probably get another before I’m done, and it will probably be an NC.

[@yankee2yankee216]

36K? I got my NA with 40K miles. I like getting old cars with very low mileage! It’s almost like getting a new, old car!

[@Drive-n-Vibe]

didn't know you could get the 2.0 litre with the 5 speed. not sure why you'd want to really.

[@tanonjaengcharoen8256]

that amazing driver clip

[@ENTERTAINMENTSERVICE]

the car is so happy : )

[@trevorhsu6357]

A PRHT is around 2600lbs. The base sport manual is under 2500lbs

[@malcolmn.5222]

Source?

[@trevorhsu6357]

Official 2006 Mazda technical specifications literature Curb Weight (lbs) Club Spec 2,441 (manual) - MX-5 2,474 (manual) - Touring 2,474 (manual) 2,527 (auto) Sport 2,498 (manual) 2,527 (auto) Grand Touring 2,498 (manual) 2,527 (auto)

[@trevorhsu6357]

To clarify. In NC1 the sport trim wasn’t the base model with the 5 speed and no lsd. The touring at the time was a cheaper trim than sport. That changed with nc2 when the trims went in ascending order sport, touring, grand touring. Then with ND3 it went sport, club, grand touring

[@gaivoron]

Why would you invest so much money in performance upgrades when it's base model without the diff?

[@WhoAmI-bh3pw]

Everyone thinks the ND is better because of weight. It's really mostly due to the torquier engine and better rear suspension design. Mazda stuck the NC with the RX-8 suspension which was designed to make that longer car more responsive and pivotable in corners. But on the NC it's too much variable toe change which makes the dynamic balance in the corners less intuitive and progressive. The rear's tophat design also compromises damper performance. If not for the rear suspension, I'd take the NC for it's interior and trunk space, even with it's ~150 lbs extra.

[@ront5689]

Interior just needs a double din to get rid of the stock radio 👌🏽

[@Arsham021.]

Perfect ❤

[@AccentShmaccent]

Thats a good looking NC

[@hassansyed4561]

Can you do a video of a 2023 mazda 3 manual please

[@frijoles8770]

Interesting how I just started looking to get a 23 Mx5 yesterday and this pops up

[@tonymovshon6006]

My dream car,the miata

[@7echy]

sheesh thats clean!

[@richardmalewski953]

I have a 2008 and the cabin is small unless your 5’8..I am 6’2 and feel confined until the top is down..this dude must be small to make that comment…Great cheap sports car that’s very dependable.

[@Derekt7x3]

Question - Could a 6'3 person daily this generation Miata??

[@TT92348]

Hot take: as a pure drivers car the NC2/3 is superior to the ND

[@kamilb8232]

Weight is never the answer for a drivers car.

[@TT92348]

@@kamilb8232 Overblown. The weight increase was only notable in the context of the Miata. Still less weight than the S2K and 86/BRZ which nobody complains are heavy. And at its heaviest the NC is still sub 2500lbs which would be considered lightweight for any other car. The ND RF is also about the same weight.

[@Kamukix]

​@@TT92348finally someone else with some sense, I see this nonsense allllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll the time and then they'll put 70 pounds of stuff in their 'better' car and weigh the same. That or they're a huge fan of the Mazdaspeed NB which weighs more than the NC unless you get an auto with every single option and the power top. There is no such thing as a heavy Miata, only a heavier one than some others...and even that one will make nearly every other car seem like a fat pig lol.

[@kamilb8232]

@Derek-dk5ko Not overblown. It's an objective fact the weight is significant to allow better performance whether its acceleration, lateral grip, or braking with all other factors being equal. Ferrari and Lamborghi Scuderia/Pista/SuperLeggera go to great extent to save 100-150lb for the additional performance and there is a reason why those cars are the most valuable and desirable. Especially true on the Miata when you're already at such a low baseline, as a percentage of weight, that is absolute massive. On the topic of 86/BRZ. Yes they aren't considered heavy but they do in fact feel heavier despite having better controlled body motions (less body roll). I'd know, I own one. ND1 has 3/4 of the HP of the 86/BRZ (gen 1) and is half a second faster to 60 than 86/BRZ (gen 1) with less tire and obviously even faster than the NC.

[@Kamukix]

@@kamilb8232 I've lived my whole life with lightweight cars, so I'm EXTREMELY well-versed in how and where weight savings is important. Feeling heavier and being heavy are not the same thing. Do you get in your BRZ/FRS every time and think 'man this is a heavy car'. I'd guess not, because they are still in fact quite lightweight cars. Yes there are lighter cars, but that doesn't make them heavy. An early Lotus Elise is a super light vehicle...a later model Elise with a 1.8L is SIGNIFICANTLY heavier...but it's still really really light weight. People talk as though the NC Miata is some super fat heavy car, but that's not close to the truth. There is no such thing as a heavy Miata, there are just some that are heavier than others. That includes the beloved Mazdaspeed NB. The heaviest Miata is still very light. Forgive me if it sounds all aggro, I'm not yelling, but I imagine you can see what I'm saying. ✌️ Also........Ferrari and Lamborghini can both stand to lose a whole bunch of weight these days lol. Even Lotus now makes a car that weighs over 3,000 pounds.

[@ThomasKOdell]

I own an NC and am familiar with the dash. What is this business of doing a video with safety warning lights lit on the instrument panel and especially zipping around at higher speeds with the tire inflation warning on?

[@mitchellsteindler]

Fuel cutoff 7750 :)

[@Aliens_Gonna_Get_Ya]

Awesome cars… track mine all the time…!!! 👍😊👊💥

[@Whiponized]

awesome

[@treeskier802]

Would anyone know if there is much difference between the 6 speed NC Miata vs the 5 speed? I’ve driven the 6 speed and liked it.

[@treeskier802]

But I’ll also say that I’ll likely use the car mostly for winding roads and not drive it often on the highway. I felt I didn’t really use 6th gear that much unless I wanted to go 70+ mph.

[@Ifitwerks]

@@treeskier802 I'm in the UK and have got 2 NC2s a soft top and a PRHT both with LSDs as all 2.0 came with LSDs The soft top has a 5 speed and the PRHT has a 6 speed, I drove them back to back at 60mph and the 6 speed PRHT was showing 200 rpm lower in top than the soft top, however I prefer the 5 speed soft top for back roads its more sporty and quicker to accelerate than the 6 speed PRHT which feels more of a GT touring type in comparison, wont part with either though as both have below 10K and will enjoy them for years I hope. It surprised me that they would feel different in real world driving as they do.

[@treeskier802]

@@Ifitwerks Thank you! I initially was shopping for a PRHT but I think it’s an added mechanical thing to worry about so I’m leaning soft top. With the 5 speed you cannot get the LSD which I think is important to have.

[@Ifitwerks]

@@treeskier802 I would think a good drive in either would help and we had a 5 speed 1.8 a few years ago (we get a 1.8 over here as well) without LSD and to be honest I couldn't tell the difference by the way it drove on the road. don't let it put you off I would say, still worth it for the 5 speed box which I rate above the 6 speed also the 5 speed has like a supercharger whine under acceleration whereas the 6 speed doesn't, minor point I know but sounds purposeful in a odd sort of way. Don't write off that 5 speed that's all for a LSD It doesn't add much in the real world. Anyway that's just my comparison of both. Hope you get what you want!

[@treeskier802]

Much appreciated!

[@jordangordon2350]

I'm torn between this and an s2k. This is a much better bang for the buck but it just doesn't have the sound 😭

[@DeepRacer-zr4yp]

Get a full exhaust with headers. Of course there is no VTEC on it but it has more low end torque

[@jordangordon2350]

@@DeepRacer-zr4yp great points man!

[@angeldareal7217]

What year they stop making the rotary?

[@vipermoon_]

Like 2011 but it's back now in other markets as a plug-in hybrid

[@Shakejuntmane]

2012 rx8 r3

[@outback-ravine-renewably]

I just bought this Miata lol

[@haidarali9069]

1:21 Looks like you just got caught cheating on your brz. hahaha.

[@m0i9.]

Vote for pop-up headlights with the new gen👇

[@anticalgary]

I’m pretty sure it’s against the law/regulations to have them now

[@raiderfly]

@@anticalgary it is. Popups are allowed for cars that already have them, but it's considered dangerous for pedestrians so they aren't allowed on newer vehicles.

[@maelmissier3378]

That's not happening lol

[@Christianfire18]

@@raiderflyit technically can be done but it would have to comply with safety regulations and that’s very difficult to do

[@rickkiebiech6088]

Y’know, every once in awhile, l think about selling my ‘90 NA. Maybe it’s time to get a newer generation because they’re all great. At the end of the day, I just can’t do it.

[@emmanuelamundson5141]

Can I get a ❤?

[@leslie7872]

NC Miata > S2000

[@desrofah4057]

early today

[@pshhyeahh]

NB1 is the way.

[@jjchockey]

NB2. Much better seats, better looking bumper, 6 speed, VVT

[@stms4411]

Had an NB for 9 years and an NC for about a 1 1/2 years. Got bored of the NC. It’s inert and doesn’t possess the charm of the NB. Never have been behind the wheel of the NA but imagine I’d like it. ND2 is better in a lot of ways, but I’m meh about them. DD a gr86