NC PRHT Club vs ND RF GTS (FM Live)

[@user-sq6nu3rv1m]

While I like the general look of the RF, I have always considered it to be more of a "fancy targa" than a full convertible. I like the fact that my PRHT doesn't have any B pillars when the top is down.

[@TheKittenGamer]

The difference from a normal targa is the rear window retracts giving a open top illusion, i cant tell a difference when driving both, was able to try both back to back a couple days ago, chose the RF just because its not even noticable, mazda perfected the illusion of an open top on the RF for sure.

[@mauricesoulis1590]

I had 2 fiat x1/9’s ( yes I know suffering n yes I’m Italian) plus lots more Italian stuff in my younger days so I’ve had it all & the complete open air experience is incomparable. I’m on my 4th Miata🏌️‍♂️

[@bluford6949]

My 1st MX-5 was a NB soft top, then a NC soft top, next was a ND soft top. Now I have an NC PRHT. Overall, I prefer the NC

[@mauricesoulis1590]

@@bluford6949 is your nc a auto or manual?

[@mauricesoulis1590]

Last year I tested a carmax nd with a/t n disliked it though I didn’t want to. I found a 1 owner, garaged, woman owned 13’ prht gt auto n fell in love with it immediately. I had manuals my whole life as I’m 63 now but while the auto isn’t the same visceral feel; I had to get it due to a bad hip. I hope the sports car Gods forgive for that!😂 Btw what’s your opinion of your time with your nd? Thank u

[@johncrofts6058]

Much prefer the nc due to it feeling roomier. The weight side of it doesn't really come into it for me. Mines running the BBR stage2 turbo kit (300+ bhp). Which actually gives it the same power to weight ratio as a Ferrari California!! Huge fun!!

[@MiataChannel]

I''ve owned one NA, one MSM, and one ND GT... and three NC GT Premium PRHTs. So you could say I have a preference. Part of the reason for that preference is the lack of passenger legroom in the ND, and my wife hates them because of that. When I suggested getting a NC again, it was the first time she agreed to me getting another car almost immediately.

[@mauricesoulis1590]

Same here- wife is a tall Texan 6/1 tho I’m 5/9- Drove a 2021 nd soft top at carmax n both of us said nope. Snagged a 1 owner grandma 13’ prht in red mica n was done👍 Btw I’ve had 4 Miata’s now-love em’ and sold my a6 to get back in the family🙌🏁

[@embroiledalive5232]

Yeah. The NC definitely has more room for people. It also has more room for gloves, drinks, and carry on suitcases. I like the Look of the ND better, but the NC is much more practical... And practicality is nice in a tiny car.

[@hardhit77]

I had a 2010 GT PRHT for four years. Looking to get back into the miata game. This was very helpful. Thank you.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Glad we could help!

[@boogerz]

I've owned both a NC2 prht and a ND2 rf and loved both. Great video with helpful info for prospective buyers.

[@barrycomer3688]

RF is not a real convertible. As a NC2 owner I get a lot of flack from NA/NB owners for the weight. This is usually coming from an overweight NA/NB owner. I point out the weight difference between them and I - the comments usually get retracted.

[@Fatal_Inertia]

Is that a the factory blue for the RF? It's gorgeous

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Yep, Mazda's Eternal Blue. It was only available for a few years.

[@JCYoo]

Great topic! I love my NC3 PRHT. I love driving it, love working on it, and love its potential to be great.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Couldn't agree more!

[@jolkraeremeark6949]

How do you know it is an nc3? I'm considering the NC, but not sure how to differentiate. It is a 2013 club manual.

[@teebes2009]

​@@jolkraeremeark6949If you were still wondering, yours is an NC3.

[@JohnCunningham-sy5ug]

NC my favorite MX5 soft or hard top.

[@Aliens_Gonna_Get_Ya]

Got NC & ND soft tops… road & track ‘em hard… both awesome…!!! 👍😊👊💥

[@mauricesoulis1590]

Xlnt guys!!🙌 Safety, security, style, body integrity, looks, quieter (ya right) and getting the roof controller module makes these a no brainer- Weight is an issue if yer tracking her only. Well done!👍👍

[@RoxanneBarbelo]

RF is my favorite. Miata ❤ NB was my favorite for years and the NC has grown on me a lot recently.

[@mauricesoulis1590]

Had a brand new 2003 shinsen version- 223k on original clutch too- man I miss her🏁

[@RoxanneBarbelo]

​@@mauricesoulis1590 I bought my first Miata a year ago. I've ALWAYS wanted one but would end up buying something else. Finally, at 44 I purchased a 2002 SE Titanium Gray. I got in an accident in my Turbo Beetle and my Ford Sierra Xr4ti isn't ready to be driven so I decided it was time to become a Miata person. It's become my favorite car. It's the 47th car I've bought since I was 17 and I think it is the most exciting and satisfying of them all. I regret not getting into Miaata earlier in life. I want an RF. I love the look of the ND but the RF/ND is so gorgeous.

[@rickcross2140]

I agree with the comments regarding the top down feeling of being a true convertible as opposed to a targa, or "Top feeling with the RF

[@jefffierheller8939]

Sold my '99 NB a few years ago but recently stumbled across a gently used 30th Anniversary RF that I couldn't not buy. Would love to know what spoiler in on this ND. The carbon would look amazing against the orange.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

All the carbon bits on the ND are from Carbon miata

[@maxcactus7]

Any comments on which hard top system is more reliable, Mike?? Also, any pointers on maintaining & lubricating the hard top power mechanism?

[@mauricesoulis1590]

Hi I found only 1 vid in Russian? I think but it’s very informative-took 5 min with my wife working the top in increments. 8-10 lube points to hit👍 Def quieter n faster as mine is a 13’ that I’m positive was never done. Dealer would hit u for 30 min labor I bet. Let me know if u can’t find the vid on utube.

[@ChristianGuadalupe13]

This would be a great video. Not much info out there for maintaining the PRHT NC

[@mauricesoulis1590]

@@ChristianGuadalupe13 hi Christian- Pull up marton varga vid on it- 3:03 long- verrrrry informative

[@blackhatch46]

Do you guys think the NC may be the best used daily driver/road trip miata? Like a car you buy that is still fun to drive and you want it to be 99% stock and be ultra reliable for long trips and as a daily.

[@MiataChannel]

I daily my NC and it's somewhat modified. Full exhaust, intake, tune, coilovers, wheels, sways. I do several road trips a year in it and I am driving it to the Miata Reunion in October. I have no issues with reliability at all. The suspension is actually more comfortable than it was stock.

[@mauricesoulis1590]

I take one of my 2 dogs & go to Yosemite once a month for a weeks’ stay year round. I live near sf. Wife can’t go so that’s a plus right there. Gut the trunk cept’ safety stuff/soft bags/small coolers-n done. Quite ez. I just sold my luxo a6 Audi for my 13’ so on me 4th Miata now👍

[@user-jt6nw6wm5q]

I'm about to pick up my nc prht in exactly the same color scheme. Excited, to say the least hehe.

[@mauricesoulis1590]

Congrats! I have a copper red mica with the matching color top- 4th Miata now for this 63 year old Cali boy!😂

[@adrianotero7963]

Great video......have been looking for a 2015 last year of the NC but have had no luck finding a 6 spd....all seem to be automatic.....bummer.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Thanks for watching! With enough searching, you'll find one! Websites like Autotempest are helpful as they allow you to narrow down your search for manual-only vehicles.

[@adrianotero7963]

@FlyinMiataVideo thanks for the tip....do you recommend using premium only ?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

@@adrianotero7963 If we're talking about what fuel to use, premium is required per Mazda and we don't have a good argument against it.

[@adrianotero7963]

@@FlyinMiataVideo thanks....

[@laszlohorvath5780]

Thank you for the comparison, I only miss the (wind)noise and wind-compfy comparison. Any post description in writen form maybe? 😊

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

It's very subjective and anything outside of a scientific side by side comparison isn't going to satisfy the internet. Mike and Travis both love their cars and don't have any regrets or issues with the wind noise :)

[@rationalBel]

This one misses an important point. What about refinement? Which one is the most quiet with the roof closed on the highway?

[@maxcactus7]

HA! Mike called the ND a land yacht! As the proud daily driver of a REAL land yacht (2004 Lincol Town Car) I look forward to test driving both an NC and an ND as I'm in the market for a smaller, more fun weekend car. I'm sure both will feel bite-sized in comparison to my 215" long boat. Terrific info and a great comparison, Mike, thank you!

[@mauricesoulis1590]

My pop had 2 town cars & if they still made them? I’d look at one as I’m 63 now. He had Buick Roadmasters b4 but he loved his Lincoln’s!! Thx for the memories

[@jimwalters1964]

@maxcactus7 - Having owned several '64 & '65 Lincolns, and now and NBs, yes you are correct and you will love it.

[@duncanatr]

Curious how the factory roll bars are between the two. I am likely getting an NC with the PRHT and think the factory bars are fine since I’m short whereas I’d be concerned if I were taller.

[@QuincyStick]

I don't have any actual info on the factory ones are but I'll say this much, there's a reason people upgrade them. Even if you're short you should upgrade it. There are certain things that you don't cheap out on, and one of them is safety. That's a mistake you only live to make once.

[@Soravia]

What are the materials for the segments of RF top? Aluminum?

[@rae-catto]

Some sort of plastic

[@kentcurrie7326]

I love Travis' RF. Of course, it has the same color as my RF, 😜

[@dutchiesamsterdam]

Is it possible to tune the sport shift automatic 6_speed gearbox? It upshifts at prox 6400 rpm, so leaving engine power unused,(7500 rpm) specially when engine~tuned . Thnx

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

We haven't heard of a transmission tuning option yet but it's a good idea for sure.

[@brocpoet]

I test drove the RF automatic transmission and was disappointed with the buffeting of the wind and the blind spot of the B pillars. I bought the soft top GT 6 MT. I like the NC PRHT which is a true convertible. Love my 2023 ND2. I don’t mind hand washing it.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

The good news is there are plenty of options out there!

[@a5___br1sk3t5]

Is the blue on the RF an OEM color? It’s amazing.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Yep, that's Mazda Eternal Blue Mica. It was only available for a couple of years.

[@jaioxung]

What front lip does that ND have on it? Love the look!

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Carbon Miata

[@enricomercado4671]

You should have also made the point that the ND does not have Ford design influence like the NC does. The ND was a pure Mazda design. It shows very much on the differences on the engines between the two generations.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

We're dipping a bit into the pedantic side of things here, but since you mentioned the Ford connection, here's an interesting read about how Mazda had a lot more involvement with the Mazda L-series engines (MZR/Duratec) than most people might think: forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=588674

[@miketyrawa1568]

Does Travis have a build sheet link on that gorgeous ND?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Most of the info is here, but if you have any specific questions, let us know and we'll try to get an answer for you :) flyinmiata.com/pages/featured-stitch?_pos=2&_sid=6f3abffa6&_ss=r

[@weeband101]

I’m assuming the noise installation is less on the RF than the Soft top model.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

I might be misunderstanding your statement here, but the RF is noticeably quieter on the highway compared to the soft top. Not a massive difference, though, subjectively.

[@jairopo]

can we get a full spec list for the ND?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

flyinmiata.com/pages/featured-stitch

[@mikey3725]

Whats the suspension setup and wheel/tire setup on the ND?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

17x9 Tobu wheel wrapped in 235/40-17 Toyo tires

[@mikey3725]

@@FlyinMiataVideo and suspension?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

@@mikey3725 Flyin' Miata FM/Koni Stage 2 suspension.

[@mikey3725]

@@FlyinMiataVideo thank you. Will buy buying my setup soon from the FM site!

[@BartStarley]

What are those side skirts and front lip on the RF? It looks great!

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Carbon Miata

[@rexxolarate6772]

What color name on the ND ? Its look so beautiful !

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Eternal Blue Mica

[@livinglifegoodvibes4018]

What kind of wing is on the ND? Please

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Carbon Miata

[@schellingrs]

What brand are those wheels in the ND???

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Those are our exclusive FM Tobu wheels in 17x9, with 235/40 Toyo R888R tires. flyinmiata.com/products/tobu-17x9-forged-wheel

[@minhthunguyen9014]

Please help! Need to know how the Miata take speed bumps?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Factory or lowered? A stock Miata can take a standard speed bump without any issues, but some speed bumps are bigger than others, and any substantially lowered car will have trouble with aggressive speed bumps.

[@MadelnMachines]

The RF is absolutely stunning. What brand of carbon fibre bits / wheels are on it?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

The wheels are our exclusive Tobu Forged 17x9 wheels with Toyo R888R 235/40 tires. flyinmiata.com/products/tobu-17x9-forged-wheel?_pos=3&_sid=0d4aaff28&_ss=r The carbon fiber is all from Carbon Miata.

[@schellingrs]

What is the front lip on the ND? Anybody?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Carbon Miata

[@leheureux9683]

I have a white 2014 Club PRHT almost exactly like Mike's. One thing I think should be mentioned is the issue of roll bars, Harddog makes a rollbar to fit the NC PRHT, but it is an inch shorter than their soft top compatible bars, in order to clear the PRHT. The shorter bar generally won't be acceptable to tracks that require a roll bar, altho I suppose a driver short enough to clear the broomstick test with helmet on might be OK at some tracks.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

We sell a "Transformer" roll bar that lets you convert to a track legal roll bar, with a couple of compromises. Check out our listing for more info, and feel free to give us a call if you have any questions! flyinmiata.com/products/hard-dog-transformer-roll-bar?_pos=1&_psq=transformer&_ss=e&_v=1.0

[@tgiskardify]

@@FlyinMiataVideo These have been out for nearly a decade now but I don't see any stories of people saying that their local track days/autocrosses are happy for them to run with them. Is flyin miata aware of any success stories where people are tracking cars with these, particularly with added power? The obvious answer is "talk to your local organization", but how this has been received elsewhere is at least indicative of if it's worth pursuing.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Yes, we have customers who have been using them on track for years and have sent us pictures. We have also used them in our own cars with varying power levels and haven’t run into a problem yet. Note that roll protection is not usually required for autox other than in some extreme classes.

[@leheureux9683]

Thanks for the info. Love your videos, BTW. Watched Keith's on brake calipers just last night.

[@jeffelliott689]

Something to think about. 1 year after haveing right shoulder surgery I still can't work the soft top on my 2016 nd sport with my right arm. Pretty sure the doctor screwed up but no way am I ever going through aurgery again. So the RF would have been a better choice an I would have bought one but none available at the time. I love my Sport anyway. Good replacement for 20 year old rusted out Acura RSX Type S

[@EchoSigma6]

I bought a Nc because it was the value buy over the other generations. As these Nc’s age, there is a common practice to retrofit the larger 2.5 motor, some are installing cams and other hardware bits with a tune making it a little more power, enough to get yourself into trouble. I like the look of the and Nd but decided to stay away because it is basically a targa Vs mine with the PRHT for a full open top experience. Most of the original Nc design shortcomings from the factory are resolved by modifying the suspension height and installing wider aftermarket wheels and tires, the result is a wide body look. My 17x9’s on 245 40 tires looks flush.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

It's nice to see the price of the NC come down a bit so that more people are willing to mod them.

[@cpt_stvn]

A “Sail Panel” … so I AM driving a boat 😂

[@MiataChannel]

BOAT stands for Best Of All Time

[@mauricesoulis1590]

We sail at Dawn little Buddy! Ps-3 hour cruise only

[@Falconeer55]

Woot!! Love me my GT RF! Only downside is can't put in a roll bar without losing the ability to lower the top.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Black Bird Fabworx was working on one that kept the roof functionality. You might want to reach out to them.

[@Falconeer55]

@@FlyinMiataVideo Ah, coolness. I'll give them a yell.

[@jolkraeremeark6949]

What color is the RF?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Eternal Blue Mica

[@AT-fi9dj]

More power ND2 please?

[@FlesHBoX]

The only thing that ever makes me feel like I made the wrong decision on my '15 club (soft top) is seeing a beautiful RF like this one, especially in that drop dead gorgeous blue. Of course, that would have been 50% more money spent, so I think I can survive :) Also, a mostly unrelated question. I notice that NC has the club badge on the fenders. My '15 didn't. It seems like maybe they were just not included on the 2015 model or something, but I've not found an actually reliable source to confirm this. I'd like to have a set on mine, but if they didn't come with them, I feel a teensy bit like that would be "sticking fake badges" on the car, even though it's a club.

[@KOrnhOliO1]

Less badges the better, Bro!

[@TheFracturedfuture]

The ND looks like shit IMO. The NC looks much better so don't feel bad.

[@shifu9276]

Nc’s look better with a soft top for some reason 🤷 is it the rear window size?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

It's more traditional to the NA/NB body lines/proportions, which could be why.

[@jagboy69]

What about the wind noise in the RF? I hear people complain of ear pain due to piss poor aerodynamics...

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

There is definitely a little bit of wind noise, but we wouldn't call it "painful".

[@taheelfan1]

RF is not a convertible at all its a T-top.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

T-Tops have a cross bar down the middle, technically it's more of a Targa top ;)

[@taheelfan1]

I have hated what Mazda has done to headlights and front end up until the Nd

[@Leo-rt5dt]

great car, i can't wait to fix my hart top

[@nosefirst]

Should have compared glove boxes, or availability of aftermarket parts.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Apologies, those would have been good additions to the video!

[@unghole]

I owned the NC1 GT soft for 3 years and have had the ND 1 Club BBS for 4 years, my observations: NC - Marginally roomier feeling - Slightly more after market accessories and mods cause it's older, but both have a lot - Traditional glove box on passenger side plus an alternative storage compartment above the center console, between driver's and passenger's shoulders - Traditional 2 cup holders beneath slide away cover, just behind the shifter - Two cubbies behind the driver and passenger seats - Passenger leg room less encroached by transmission tunnel - Window up/down buttons are on the center console, not the doors - Steering wheel radio controls are "levers" or "triggers" where you tick them up or down - Stock steering wheel doesn't have any bolsters, uniform diameter all the way around - Steering column is further out towards driver - Sun visors are up/down only, no flip out or slide - Mirror is standard 27cm small size - stock shift knob is cylindrical shaped, stands a bit taller, same short throw, with gummier, notched shift feel ND - dimensionally it's not significantly smaller, but it does feel a lot more fitted and cockpit like - plenty of after market mods available for both ND1 and ND2 now - No glove box in front of passenger, but still has the alternative storage compartment above the center console, between driver's and passenger's shoulders - Two cubbies behind the driver and passenger seats - No built in cup holders. Instead you have cup holder mount slots beside the passengers knee on the center console, or in the center console just in front of the alternative storage compartment - Passenger leg room very encroached by transmission tunnel - Window up/down buttons are on the doors - Steering wheel radio controls are push buttons - stock steering wheel has 10 and 2 bolsters. Similar overall diameter as NC - Steering column is shorter, so 5'10"+ drivers may want a spacer - Sun visors are up/down only, no flip out or slide - Mirror is standard 27cm small size - stock shift knob is spherical shaped, stands a bit lower, same short throw, with precise, mechanical notched shift feel

[@mauricesoulis1590]

Spot on comparo👍 The only comment I can offer is the nd looks are very “homogenized” vs. nc. I’ve had all 4 series & as pedestrian as my nb was; that’s by far the best runner n the fun factor is tops in my eyes. Btw I had a nd for a week from a dealer I borrowed it from n found a 1 owner garaged Cali prht in red mica with 39k on her. Have a fab summer!👍🏁

[@enricomercado4671]

The steering wheel telescopes on the ND2 to adjust for reach. I don't think it does that on the NCs.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Correct! The 2019 was the first year for a telescoping steering wheel and I hear it's a great addition.

[@enricomercado4671]

Mazda consciously shrunk the ND, dimensionally, compared to the NC so the ND is close to the dimensions that the NA had.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

The cabin is smaller in some areas but I don't think it lost any leg room from the NC. Thanks for watching!

[@stovepipe671]

I got the 07 nc prat and I love it dont know why this car is hated so much

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

We don't either!

[@funkingitup1805]

Rag top all day for me.

[@Krenisky]

Should’ve mentioned 0-60 and quarter mile times between the two.

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

According to Motor Trend: 2013 NC Club approx 0-60 in 6.1 and the 1/4 in 14.7 @93 mph 2019 ND RF approx 0-60 in 5.7 and the 1/4 in 14.4 @95.5 mph

[@rembo183]

@@FlyinMiataVideo - Nice but are these times for automatic or manual transmission Miatas?

[@KOrnhOliO1]

​@@rembo183I'm sure manual... No one in their right mind buys a Miata, any year, with an automatic! 🤬😫

[@rembo183]

@@KOrnhOliO1 - I’m not in my right mind!😊😎👍🏻

[@JETZcorp]

The PRHT is definitely better because it's attached to an NC, the King of Cars.

[@timkis64]

the ND hardtop could pass for a mini mustang if the rear window was tilted out more on the bottom.too bad a 3.7 wouldnt fit.for than matter.an ecoboost 2.3.

[@demon1954]

What about the elephant in the room?

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Elephant? Who you calling an elephant?😁

[@demon1954]

@@FlyinMiataVideo The elephantine element of the comparison is that the RF isn't really a convertible

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

@@demon1954 Fair enough.

[@Drive-n-Vibe]

the RF should have just been a coupe. it's bad at being a coupe and bad at being a convertible as it is now, and if people want a convertible they can just get the soft top

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

Travis, and many others, love the push button targa top, but we know not everyone is a fan :)

[@TheFracturedfuture]

They really ruined the design with the ND.

[@raymondn6821]

😈 Promo>SM

[@dusternal]

very informative, but boring as a fart

[@FlyinMiataVideo]

To be fair: Farts are many things, but they're not boring. Subjectively, of course.

[@bobdadruma]

NC PHRT = What you get when Ford ruins your sports car.