2019 Mazda ND2 Miata (Modified) vs 2024 Mazda ND3 Miata - Head to Head Review!

With a budget of $30-35K, are you better off buying a used ND2 with plenty of room for mods, or just going for the new ND3?
2019 ND2 Club Mod List:
Koni Adj Sport Shocks
Flyin Miata Lowering Springs
Good-Win-Racing Progress Tech Front and Rear Anti-Sway Bars
SuperPro Front Adjustable sway bar End Links
Flyin Miata Rear Adjustable sway bar End Links
Cobalt 3-Point front Shock Tower Brace
MazdaSpeed Lower Front Chassis Bar
Custom Alignment: approx. -1.1 deg camber front / -1.8 deg camber rear
StopTech Sport Front Slotted/Vented Rotors
StopTech Sport Rear Slotted Solid Rotors
Good-Win-Racing Techna-Fit Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Porterfield R4-S Brake Pads
AP Racing Super 600 Brake Fluid
Factory Engine Sound Enhancer eliminator kit
K&N air filter
Roar Pedal Bluetooth Throttle Response Controller
Flyin Miata Hush-O-Matic Exhaust with High Flow Mid-Pipe
Advan Racing TC-4 16x8 (vs. factory BBS 17x7)
General G-Max RS 225/50ZR16
ZunSport Front Grill
CravenSpeed Door Bushings
SunTek Front PPF
Guardian Designs Custom Nappa Leather Flat Bottom Steering Wheel
Guardian Designs upgraded Nappa Leather Shifter Boot and ebrake Boot
Zymexx custom leather center console with raised arm rest
CravenSpeed Red Edition Billet Tachometer Dial
See how I rank the cars I've reviewed in my Zygrene Performance Index (ZPI): bit.ly/3Vo0Idd
Follow me on IG: / zygrene
Email me if you'd like me to review your car: [e-mail]

[@lynnlittle8671]

I ordered a 2024 RF Club a few months ago, changed my mind a day later, bought the brand new 2023 RF Club with Brembo/Recaro package I test drove the day before. I have zero regrets buying the ND2 over the ND3. My only regret, not buying a Miata sooner… I love this little car!

[@axelfiraxa]

I ordered an ND3 this year in February after hearing that it is the end of the line for the 2L engine in Europe. It got made in March and arrived at the dealer in June. I have been driving it everywhere over the last 3 weeks and am very pleased with it. I FEEL like doing the BBR super 220 upgrade but it doesnt NEED it

[@Kraize92]

ND3 doesn't support ecu flashes yet or the bbr upgrades.

[@redcarrot1148]

I currently own an ND2 that happens to be the 30th AE. I think you are correct that there aren't enough meaningful upgrades to immediately replace an ND2 with an ND3. The smart money is to be patient and wait for the swan song edition when that time comes. That way one can have the freshest last ICE Miata to ride off to the sunset. If one does not have a Miata already, get the ND3 without question.

[@jlo-504]

30th AE still continues to be the best Miata ever made IMO, best color ever, most features (GT + club), alcantara bits, etc. More special than any regular ND3. Let’s see what they’ll do with the 35th AE.

[@Accost2u]

Only version I’d replace mine with is if they come out with the Spirit Racing concept.

[@redcarrot1148]

@Zygrene If you haven't driven an ND with Xida coilover, you have to find one and give it a swirl. That setup just might check the most boxes for you as both a track car and canyon carver... outside of any 718 variant.

[@brucesherman7258]

@@jlo-504 could not disagree more. Color is a completely personal variable. Candidly, I don’t like the orange color. There were so many other, better choices that in my opinion would’ve been far more desirable. Second, what is special about the anniversary edition, other than some badges and trim? It was just a marketing ploy to get people to pay More for something with no real value and absolutely zero improvement in performance. And again, that orange paint, in my opinion is awful.

[@brucesherman7258]

@@redcarrot1148 if you’re going to recommend something as expensive as Xidas, don’t you think you should recommend that people first consider how are they are going to use the car, what their driving style is, and whether for their particular use these expensive coilovers will make the car better or worse for them? to recommend them as a universal improvement for all drivers is not very good advice.

[@somestuffithoughtyoumightl6985]

Depends on what kind of car you want. I test drove a nicely modded ND2 and a 30AE. I ended up going for a new ND3 because this car is my daily and most of my fun driving will be imperfect canyon roads, rather than smooth track days. This is what a stock Miata was built for

[@gad63511]

The soft suspension is a good thing for enthusiasts, that way it appeals to the masses and sells in reasonable numbers

[@daviewavie112]

It’s what makes the Miata fun imho

[@gad63511]

@@daviewavie112 personally I think this setup is more fun with a crappy set of tires on it. I am not opposed to a soft car but there is a mismatch between the traction of a modern summer tire and spring rates like these

[@Swarm509]

90% of people who own these will drive them on normal roads and at slow, legal, speeds so I think Mazda was right with the soft suspension. Even going flat out on a road I doubt many will care. Take it to a track and that is a totally different story, but that is why we have a strong modding community to support that with aftermarket parts.

[@matsudakodo]

What you could be experiencing with the steering is differences in tires. When I changed tires, I noticed reduced steering effort, for example.

[@mattylight8600]

The clunking on the ND2 could be because the the Koni’s are riding on the bump stocks. Flyin Miata has a specific perch height to use on the Konis with their springs. They may be set too low. Hard to tell.

[@keith61]

Thanks for the excellent review of the differences. I’ll definitely keep my ND2 and enjoy it to the fullest.

[@itaybutavia1204]

👍 Thanks for your review and information. ND3 my dream car! Hope I will able to buy one by the end of the year.

[@_anty_]

That suspension and brakes set up is surprisingly identical to Fiat Abarth I had a few years ago. It was great to drive, but terrible to live with 😂 If I go back again to Miata land - the only things I may change is the exhaust.

[@Kacpa2]

And Rims and tyres. It looks muvh better on 16" rims with fatter tyre. More comfy on bumpier roads too

[@Swarm509]

@@Kacpa2 Fat tire Miata is a look I need more of in my life.

[@ZacharySound]

I just picked up a 2022 ND2 Club 3 weeks ago with 16k miles and I definitely thought this would be all I need wtih no need to just sping for the ND3. Your info on the Koni suspension vs the stock helps. I'd do want to make my ND2 feel less heavy and more nimble but would like to keep that nice stock suspension comfort. Pretty sure I'm going to at least do sway bars and lighter wheels for now if I don't throw on lowering springs/shocks.

[@knucklesatx]

Bruh, I need to know about that elbow pad on that ND2. Most important mod on the whole car for M6 cars!

[@panamera53]

I'm going to get a ND1 Miata RF Club once I pay student loans off. Do the suspension, brake, and tires. Plan would be to v8 swap with a LS1 or LS3. It's been my dream build since I was in my early 20s.

[@tealruby1]

Pro gamer tip, find someone that already did the swap and buy it off them.

[@judge831]

I was in agreement until you said LS swap...GAY

[@hamzaashraf1567]

It’s easier to buy a c5

[@Kacpa2]

Dont swap it. Youbdont eben understand the point of the car if you think of that. Try stock ND2 and you will see it doesnt need anything more to be fun. You will have less of a chance to have fun, let alone safely with a V8. It will also be much heavier for no good reason.

[@hitlersmissingtesticle69]

While I think the ls1 or ls3 would be super cool in an nd1, I think you’d be better off putting money into a k swap, and boost so you can get all the power you’d want while also maintaining your 50/50 weight distribution. The LS being so heavy would make this car turn like shit to be honest, but if youre just looking to have a v8 Miata, regardless of handling then I’d recommend listening to tealruby, it’d be extremely expensive and a ton of fabrication to ls swap an Mx-5, find someone who’s done it and buy it from them, easier and cheaper amigo.🫡

[@gpajic1987]

Can't wait for your review on a proper modded cammed 2.5L NC 👌

[@Carl_JohnsonOGF]

I’ve been really considering a ND3 as my 3rd car. I just might wait to see if they release something better

[@bearclaw5115]

You'll be waiting a while. Probably 2yrs at least.

[@bricksbeersbeards9368]

had the choice between a new 2023 ND2 or a new 2024 ND3, was the second to last new 2023 at a dealer in the entire state as far as I could find, decided to save about $4-5K (were able to talk down and get some incentives) and went with the 2023 and have never looked back or had any second guesses, liked the interior improvements in the 2024 but mechanicals were hard to justify, steering in ND2 wasn't an issue for us although you could feel some difference in longer, harder cornering in the 2024. most often too conservative to threaten my life by kicking out the rear on a canyon road (Colorado) great car.

[@user-ur9gj6ju5z]

What's upsetting is sportscar makers have abandoned hydraulic racks. You have to get a Lotus or a 15+ year old car to get the better steering.

[@EchoSigma6]

I have a modded NC1, they can be had for half the price of a ND2 and 1/3 the price of a ND3. Just put a set of coil overs and a flush fitment of wheels and tires to make the NC look and grip better.

[@TheTonyHurt]

Cold air filter with a Thorsen chip 2020 MX5 adds about 40-60 hp

[@tizodd6]

I'm normally not a fan of red, but there's just something about that Mazda red

[@adamn389]

Softer suspension has more mechanical grip. The stiffer you make the suspension the more you increase tendency for snap overstear...or what this reviewer is calling nervousness. Engineering Explained channel explains this concept with physics calculations as proof.

[@nlxsteve]

Yes, the reviewer is very well aware of these suspension tuning principles. Not sure which question you’re answering here. Can you clarify? You also can’t say that “softer has more mechanical grip.” If that’s true, why don’t all race cars just have soft suspension? There are huge amounts of variables to consider when suspension tuning. Also, the Miata cup cars run shorter and stiffer suspension.

[@Janiix89]

The suspension is so soft and body roll so bad that i literally lose visibility from the front fender lifting up so much - that was my experience from test driving nd2- if I ever get a newer miata definitely will need stiffer sway bar

[@johnhartman5507]

Did you turn the KPS off in the modded 23' car? If not, there's your nervous feeling in the turns when combined with suspension modifications. Ask me how I know. 😎

[@Accost2u]

It was a 2019, so no KPC. My ‘23 definitely feels more planted with KPC off when going fast.

[@rksyt838]

KPC is so under-discussed. It absolutely hurts the car's feel when you're hustling it. I had a 2019, 2022, and 2023 now (long story), same roads, it just doesn't flow as well with KPC on. Why they didn't include an option to turn it off (except but turning off stability) is beyond me. Great car but still, silly move.

[@Gohsted]

9:22 ill go ahead and snag that in the background anyday

[@quincyfry6569]

2016 nd1 club stock w/ 90k Waiting for that final edition ice nd3/4 to release before seriously modding and overhauling the nd1.

[@judge831]

I own a 2018 Club and drove a 2019 GT. The extra 25 hp felt irrelevant. The shocks on the Club make a big difference in body control. Get an ND1 and upgrade suspension and tires. If you want more power, supercharge it. 200 hp/ torque is perfect.

[@jonboy602]

Please comment if the ND3 has any noticeable rev hang over the ND2. Thanks!

[@somestuffithoughtyoumightl6985]

ND3 owner here; definitely zero hang! As a matter of fact, I had to get used to how quick you shift 3-6 because of how fast those 500rpm drop each time

[@TT92348]

@@somestuffithoughtyoumightl6985the rev hang is primarily the 1-2 shift. Not fixed on nd3

[@njasicko]

@@TT92348 Fab9 tuning can fix it.

[@Zygrene]

I didn't feel any noticeable rev hang in either ND2 or ND3

[@Accost2u]

ND 1 and 2 don’t have rev hang. But they do have an assist feature that holds revs between 1st and 2nd to smooth it out.

[@MrSuryapratim]

Genuinely confused by this misrepresentation of the prices. The Brembo/Recaro soft top miata is at least a high 38k car. Unlike the RF where for the club comes standard with the Brembos, the soft top requires a $4800 option. In my opinion that is a categorically different deal compared to what is being said here. It is debatable as to whether the big brake kit is necessary. But what is clear is that it turns the miata into a near as makes no difference $40k proposition which is categorically a different thing from the $34k proposition that you mention in your callouts.

[@Zygrene]

Good catch, my mistake. I missed the fact that the Brembo/BBS/Recaro is extra $4-5K on top of the soft top Club.

[@MrSuryapratim]

Hey @@Zygrene, didn't mean for this to come across as too harsh, and I apologize if it did. I had a quick question for you, in terms of the brake feel, specifically with respect to pedal firmness and initial bite, did you find a big difference, were the stock floating calipers disappointing at all?

[@Zygrene]

@@MrSuryapratim all good. The Brembos definitely have better pedal feel, especially the deeper you go into the pedal. Not sure if there's a big difference in initial bite.

[@Accost2u]

@@Zygrene from what I’ve read, the brembos have a higher ceiling for repeated stops due to larger pads and pistons. But the stock pads and fluid aren’t more aggressive so the bite isn’t much different until you upgrade the pads.

[@gibsonisthename]

now this is actually a miata

[@Sayu2x]

I hope you review that RS.

[@Zygrene]

I did! Stay tuned

[@CancelledMcCree]

I enjoyed the video thanks for the upload! I’ll be in the market for a ‘twin’ & the ND2/ND3! Btw, does anyone know the brand of the aftermarket steering wheel in the ND2? Thanks!

[@churchofbrap876]

Why 225/50ZR16 tires on the ND2? For the look?

[@FATmenDRIVEtrucks]

You ever shop 16 inch tires? Very limited choices always been that way vs 15/17

[@churchofbrap876]

​@@FATmenDRIVEtrucks Why do 16's then. Is it for the chunky tire look? I'd think you'd get alot of sidewall flex

[@jjchockey]

@@churchofbrap87650 profile tire is the go to for the vast majority of enthusiasts. Not really what I would call “chunky” that’s 55 and up which some people run.

[@churchofbrap876]

@@jjchockey since when? I have 3 cars, 1 with 45 series and 2 with 40. And I rarely see 16's on these.

[@jjchockey]

@@churchofbrap876 it’s the stock size. No point in having bigger wheels it’s just more weight. Personally don’t like the look either.

[@supermazda3]

Do you have Ron's contact, that ND2 is capable of a lot more with a tune 😅

[@donnyhunke3903]

ND2 with sway bars andsprings.

[@fmtien]

How much of the more planted rear end could be due to the RF hard top vs ST?

[@Fatal_Inertia]

I often see a lot of people downsize their wheels on their Miatas. Is this just for a fatter tire/better ride? If someone could explain that to me that'd be awesome. I just kept the stock wheels on my NB back in the day.

[@terencemichel8972]

Do I lose the moving headlights of the GT when I add the club package ??

[@davebakshani8591]

I have a 2023 RF Club and the headlight do not move.

[@Austinomon]

It's a useless feature I had it on my GT and tbh I wish I would have bought the club trim instead.

[@Accost2u]

Cornering headlights are only on the GT trim and can’t be added later to the club trim. But the recaro / BBS wheel and brembo brakes are only on the club trim.

[@LongLiveJapan87]

I’m going to buy new because I know how people neglect and abuse their cars.

[@Accost2u]

Most Miatas are owned by 85 year olds that think they’re collectible Ferraris. You can find amazing deals on lightly used ones and save yourself some 💰

[@jamongkad]

@@Accost2uthats how I got my 3,500 mile 22 RF lol. Old dude treated like a $100,000 car. Always thankful to him however as he treated the car with respect!

[@churchofbrap876]

​@@Accost2uya these cars are typically owned by adults, not 23 year olds who mod the crap out of the car and beat it up street racing lol

[@lucianolucidi8624]

Is there any way to improve the steering wheel to the nd3's from an nd 2? How?

[@romeored3889]

🎉

[@brightenupcc]

Would you say the same if you had a ND1 1.5L?

[@judge831]

They added 100 lbs and still no glovebox

[@Maaaaaax-07]

Damn that ND3 is soo fucking high of the ground, looks like a god damn monster truck

[@axelfiraxa]

Yeah but i dont worry about leaving the front diffuser in every curb that i approach.

[@Maaaaaax-07]

@@axelfiraxa you could buy an SUV

[@Kacpa2]

​@@Maaaaaax-07 Dont be ridiculous. Old sportscars were higher riding while veing just as low seating. Its good for being like this. i am fed up of cars that scrape on everything for no reason than 'aero'.

[@Maaaaaax-07]

@@Kacpa2 Are we still in 1950 ? Times have changed ...

[@njasicko]

Strange camber adjustments on that ND2. My ND2 (2019 Club RF, BBS, Recaro) with a full Cup Car setup (sent from Long Road racing in 2019) is setup for -2.1 all the way around. Those koni/lowering springs are junk. Also all those "marketing" terms for the ND3 are laughable. Two weeks ago at our local autocross meet there was an ND3 there that many of us were able to drive back to back. Extra steering feel or a "better" LSD, haha sure Mazda... Anyone holding out to get a ND3 for a "better" setup is wasting their time unless they need a "new" car. Any media pundit saying that the ND3 is better are being paid.

[@Accost2u]

Coleman needed to exaggerate to the changes to sell more cars. It’s all marginal changes and not worth upgrading from a ND2. I drove them b2b and wouldn’t say there’s more than a 1% difference in steering or corner feel. What people aren’t talking about is how the all new ECU and wiring harness may never be able to be cracked due to new EU laws so a ND3 may never be able to get an engine tune or forced induction.

[@royaltyallen1162]

Whats the name of that canyon road?

[@pushslice]

It is the secret of us East Bay residents ;-P

[@royaltyallen1162]

@@pushslice No worries,I'm a Bay Area resident. So what's the road called?

[@pushslice]

@@royaltyallen1162 Mines Road heading south from Livermore (although in most of those shots, he is heading north towards Livermore) Pinky-swear you will not tell anyone ???

[@royaltyallen1162]

@@pushslice thanks man and i pinky swear :) Also I'm surprised I've already drove in that Mines Road before when i went to Lick Observatory. But it was at night time though(don't go at night) lol. I was stuck in that road for over 2 hours :)

[@pushslice]

@@royaltyallen1162 yeah that's not the safest place to do a nighttime drive. that's why all the astronomers have dorms up there ;-} it's a fantastic loop to drive, but my driving/trackday buds and I only do group-drives there anymore. we've run into tire mishaps, and getting stuck up there alone def sucks.

[@edhot5613]

axelfiraxa Hi don't do the BBR upgrade a friend of mine has had nothing but problems with it and BBRGTI are not keen on helping. They just blaming him( long story), I have an ND2 myself and although his car is faster in a straight line (when its running right) its so much closer on the twisty roads. Only mod ive done is change from 17" wheels to 16" and lowered 25-30mm. I have never laughed so much when driving. all the best and enjoy. 🙂

[@njctboy]

What’s the best suspension upgrade on ND2, fellas? 95% street use; under $2K grand total, pls~

[@gad63511]

Wait for the tecna coilovers which are apparently only a couple months away from being released. It's the best of all worlds: 90% of the performance of aluminum bodied coilovers, but they are steel so there are no periodic rebuilds, which are a major pain in the ass if you don't do your own work. If you're 100% sure you don't want to adjust your ride height and are ok with a standard drop than there are many good options for conventional shocks/springs already available, including the koni setup in this vid

[@njctboy]

@@gad63511 Thx, bud 😎 Half ‘o my buddies have pointed to BC, whereas the other half are mixed b/w Flyin’ Miatas, Meister, or Bilstein. Any advice, pls?

[@longbeachams]

Spend an extra $400 and get ohlins road and track. On the softest setting it’s extremely comfortable and doesn’t blow you back out. Also if you want it firm then they can definitely be adjusted for firm ride for track use or curvy roads within a minute. I currently run them and highly recommend them. Besides you pay for what you get.

[@gad63511]

@@longbeachams most people asking this question are not aware that you have to rebuild them several times throughout ownership which is a pretty significant cost. If your vendor doesn't take cores then you either need to buy two sets or leave your car on stands for weeks. Almost everyone doing "95% street" does not want this. This goes for pretty much any aluminum bodied coilover including xidas fox etc

[@cars]

…or buy a low miles s2000 while you still can

[@Zygrene]

@@cars guess what comparison publishes in 2 weeks 😏

[@TT92348]

Yep. Sold my ND2 for an S2000

[@z32luvr]

I agree but low mileage S2000’s aren’t too rare. Plenty to go around. Definitely a good time to buy. Better in every way except in the tech department but that can be fixed.

[@sunnyvalentino]

Those mods on the ND2 are over $10K in parts, $8k to 10k more to install. Just that steering wheel is $800

[@Accost2u]

That’s like $1500 in suspension, $1200 in wheels and completely DIY to install. What are you on about?

[@longbeachams]

Yeah no absolutely not. I have a nd2 with Ohlins road and track $2300 plus volk te37 with matching center caps and with tires $3600. Plus a Cusco strut tower $200 with a tomei exhaust $900 and to finish it off I have a Recaro rs-gk seat with pci sliding seat rail $2100. Only labor I paid for was the alignment which was the flyin miata spec at my local dealership which was like $120. That’s under 10k! 😂

[@Saboda53]

Thanks for the effort, but sorry, you lost me at “this engine is way too quiet from the factory, in my opinion”. No, it is not too quiet, in my opinion.