2020 Mazda Miata RF AUTOMATIC Review: Can It Hang With Its Manual-Transmission Sibling?

[@mikerotchburns1622]

dear reviewers, we watch your auto reviews to learn more about the car, not to hear you say you wish you were in a manual.

[@wessd]

I'm with you.

[@CF_Joel]

That's kind of the point of this video. It's in the title, right? It's to help make an informed decision.

[@opmike343]

Sure, and that's exactly what he covers in the video. Quit whining.

[@mikerotchburns1622]

@@DD-777D you can bounce off the limiter in manual mode in this car

[@mikerotchburns1622]

@@DD-777D i really liked the 10 spd in the camaro. i think its the same as the mustang. too bad the mustang doesnt have the gear changer on the stick.

[@johnremcastro]

If you love driving manuals, and accept no substitute then go get manual. You'll enjoy it. If you can't drive stick and not interested in learning, but still want an excellent roadster for the money, go get the automatic. Same, you'll enjoy it. Simple.

[@randyvining8101]

As an old gueezer now...lol, I had a manual and had enough changing gears and spinning tires. I just got a new GT Auto and love no longer having to change gears. Sometimes getting old is good I guess. Top down and twisty roads or even in traffic, this car is fun.

[@OutMotorsports]

It is absolutely the right car for some folks! Glad you are enjoying yours - top-down driving can turn an awful day into a really great one.

[@Freeo]

same here, i will be buying this as a daily and battling in stop-go traffic with a manual is not my style anymore. So exactly how much of a shift delay is there? 0.2 sec? 0.5 sec? 0.8 sec?

[@PlasmaOscillations]

Same, I bought a 2020 GT auto ND2 a year ago and I love it. My legs are weak with a genetic disorder, hard enough to hold the brake down for a long time, I just don't want to deal with a clutch nowadays. It FUN

[@PlasmaOscillations]

@@Freeo Honestly I own an auto and hardly use the paddles or manual shift mode. I just put it into Sport mode and leave it in auto, man it shifts just fine for me. Manual shifting mode is fun too, and yeah it does seem like a small delay which I haven't measured but maybe 400ms? Daily as an auto is FUN. Frankly if a driver is pullin paddles, I'm sure they could adapt to just pullin about 400ms sooner to get the same timing.

[@MVF2024]

Have an automatic and no complaints. The handling is superb. I also daily an Alfa Romeo so I look for twisty roads!!

[@krnboy8171]

Try driving in a fast pace... manual transmission becomes a distraction. Automatic using the paddles allow for you to focus better on engagement of driving which will be the case for many buyers. The automatic in the mx5 are pretty good with throttle blipping and quick shift with reliability in mind.

[@MVF2024]

I’m my younger years I’d totally go with a manual. But I love my 2020 w automatic transmission. I put it into manual mode and turn on sport mode. It allows you to hold the higher revs too!

[@robertpearce5553]

Can you rev your car to 7500 rpms then allow you to upshift? Thanks

[@MVF2024]

@@robertpearce5553 yes, it will hold the high revs thru corners as well.

[@williamc.6168]

7:25 what? so if you can't drive a stick shift you're disabled or have an ailment? did it occur to you that not everyone wants a stick shift? it's a personal choice such as the mx5 with the targa top. I personally think the mx 5 looks better and is better a full convertible than a targa top, but that's my opinion. Also not everyone is going to take this to an auto cross or race it. I have an auto transmission and i really love it. I drive it year round and i got it mainly because it's an affordable full convertible.

[@OutMotorsports]

Yes, if you are physically unable to drive a three-pedal car the automatic MX-5 is a great choice. If you have two working legs/feet and want that magic that made the original Miata so damn good, the manual transmission is the one to buy. The automatic makes it more of a cruiser in some cases. For day-to-day commuting, it's a toss-up. The auto/manual sales split is right about 50/50.

[@MikesCarObsession]

Great review, how tall are you? I’m 6’2 and curious if I can fit. Thx

[@OutMotorsports]

@@MikesCarObsession 6'1"... most days. It really depends if you carry your height in your legs or torso or both. Not out of the question but go take a test sit, and compare cloth vs leather seats, too.

[@vtphan2012]

Good Lord. Your myopic view of the world really limits your ability to review this vehicle properly.

[@timsul3092]

@@OutMotorsports Good review, but speaking of the seats, which do you prefer in the Miata leather, cloth, or recaros?

[@larpy]

The one positive thing with this old style auto transmission is it's probably alot more reliable than the dual clutch transmissions. Dual clutch tend to have issues

[@OutMotorsports]

DCTs do fine if owners maintain them! Lots of people get bent out of shape about fluid changes (on any transmission) and ignore 'em, which on a DCT or CVT is bad news bears.

[@theskyguy126]

@@OutMotorsports Dual clutch inherently is not meant to be driven at slow speeds. At speeds below which the clutch locks up you're just grinding the pack. From a physics/engineering point of view it's pretty disgusting but if it works it works.

[@llr3zall151]

Honestley, you can time your shifts to match the lag from the automatic transmission! It is not that difficult. The biggest problem with the automatic trim is the lack of lsd.

[@OutMotorsports]

Should you have to time your shifts to account for lag in a sports car though? Agreed on the lack of LSD. It and the manual both help make the Miata so magical.

[@viralone6010]

I drove NC Miata in automatic transmission. It was fun to drive also.

[@robtech341]

Here's what I'll say. I've owned both the manual and automatic of this car. The manual is better if you plan on tracking the car. It's got Brimbo's up front and even a strut bar and suspension upgrades and that's terrific! That said, to me, if you never plan on tracking the car the Auto shifter, via removing all of the performance enhancements, makes it a much more fun car for everyday driving. There's fun body roll, and making u-turns by just turning the wheel all the way into the turn and just touching the throttle will send the car into a fun factory spin to achieve the u-turn. It asks nothing of you in order to have a blast.

[@OutMotorsports]

You make a great point about the car being fun regardless! Mazda keeps the limits relatively low which adds to the fun and theater on the street.

[@ACommenterOnYouTube]

Not sure WHY this video has to be about "can the auto hang with the manual" ... and why are we still battling auto vs manual ..

[@tomokokishi3066]

Over 70% of all the mx-5 sold in Japan are automatic. It's got to be good.

[@jasperlambrecht1906]

Is it?

[@licktin1091]

@@jasperlambrecht1906 Mazda on their Japanese website said themselves that the miata is for seniors to enjoy a luxury car without worrying about shifting gears

[@mmo8988]

@@jasperlambrecht1906 yes it is.

[@scottmackenzie318]

Oh Jake! - I am very disappointed with your review, because you have not used the best feature of the MX-5's Auto Transmission. You must change to manual shift mode, push the auto shift lever from D(Drive) to M(Manual). Then instead of using the + - shifts on the auto shift lever as you did in your review, the paddles can be used to drive the car very aggressively - not far off the manual. To Note - When the Auto Shift Lever is pushed from D to M - the gearbox will hold the gears - and I mean hold the gears, a la manual - other manufacturers auto gearboxes fail to hold the gears - the ND MX-5 Auto gearbox HOLDS THE GEAR - it doesn't give up. You have NOT thoroughly investigated the transmission and therefore have not presented a brilliant Mazda auto gearbox in its best light. With the shifters in play and the auto shift lever in M, the car down shift revs are matched to the engine speed and booms on down shifts - it's brilliant. You hold the car in every gear, it will rev out to 6500RPM and give you its best. My wife made me buy an auto so she could drive the car (I would have had the manual in a heart beat) - but now after discovering how well the M mode holds the car in each gear and therefore keeps the revs high where all the power and torque is - ITS BLOODY BRILLIANT. You need to go back, get that car, take it on a back road in M Mode - paddle shift to hold the gears and really get to enjoy that brilliant chassis with an auto gearbox - drive it like you stole it. Wring the auto's neck. Please, I beg of you - I get up early on Saturdays and Sundays to take my auto MX-5 on twisty back roads and give it some beans - its amazing with auto in M Mode and Paddle Shifting. P.S - I Put a stage one ECUTEK Tune on the car which reprograms the existing Mazda ECU - it now has more torque and almost as much power as the revised 2019/2020 ND MX-5. For anyone wanting to bring an ND 2015-2018 up to 2019/2020 spec - I would highly recommend it. This cost $1400 Australian dollars and was completed on a dyno for best results.

[@OutMotorsports]

Hey Scott, thanks for commenting. Please trust that throughout the week with the car, every possible method of using the automatic was explored, to include manual mode with both the shift lever and paddles. Our car held gears until it didn't hold gears, it downshifted if the kickdown switch was hit under the throttle. Shifts were slow no matter what mode the car and transmission were both in, and it killed the fun factor compared to the three-pedal ND2 we've also driven. Granted, it's still a Miata and thus still excellent to drive/fling around back roads, but the manual truly makes it that much better and this particular automatic ain't it. This is a car 1,000% worth learning to drive manual for because it is that much better. It was a good transmission and good effort when the NC Miata came out in 2006, it's not brilliant in any way at all in 2020. Mazda HAS good automatics that are quick to shift - go drive a new automatic Mazda3, for example. The automatic here is not competitive or particularly special in a world now filled with the ZF 8-speed torque-converter auto and a variety of DCTs. Mazda can do better (they have in other cars of theirs) and should with the next generation of this car.

[@scottmackenzie318]

@@OutMotorsports Hi Jake - I think you will find the that new 2019/2020 Mazda 3 has the same 6 speed SKYACTIV®-DRIVE Transmission as the MX-5 and across the current Mazda range of vehicles. Perhaps greater power and torque from the 2.5 Litre make it feel better. Well - I have the Auto MX5 cause the wife forced the issue - but more than happy with the car with the auto from a person who has driven manual cars for 34 years.

[@bogu2359]

@@scottmackenzie318 Hello. Can you measure the time of 0-100km/h acceleration in M mode?

[@scottmackenzie318]

​@@bogu2359 Hey Bo - Let me find a quite bit of road over the next few days and get back to you. Do note - I have ECUTEK reprogramming of Mazda ECU - the dyno stats for my tune say (118KW) + 11KW more power and (200NM) + 7NM more torque over standard spec. I have never measured the 0-100, but I can tell you there is a noticable difference after the tune, particularly the extra torque on the expressway. I have been tempted to have it Supercharged, but that would be around $9000 Australian Dollars and would need wifeys approval for that spend - LOL

[@bogu2359]

​@@scottmackenzie318 Hello Scott. Thank you for your kind reply :) Even if you have modded engine, as you said, it should be similar to engines from 2021. I am very curious about AT behavior, since it is very hard to find comprehensive info about that. I am really wondering if the AT in manual mode can compete with MT. Supercharged (or even turbocharged? :) ) MX5 sounds like a dream:) Seems you will have hard task to convience the wife that spending such amount of money to improve car performance is justified:). It can be dangerous because after the supercharging the engine, the wife might confiscate the car:) PS: watch out for speeding tickets:)

[@cindyreid6404]

Thank you for your opinion but, for me the automatic would be fine at this stage of my game. In the mid 90's I had the manual transmission and loved it except in Houston traffic when I wore heels to work. I'm considering buying another Miata with the automatic for my golden years here in Florida. I love the look and feel of a Miata nothing else will do for me. Have a fun time!

[@OutMotorsports]

It's the right car (and transmission) for the right people - sounds like you are one of them! Totally would prefer an automatic Miata vs no Miata at all... go get yours and enjoy it!

[@chetubetchaIII]

I know I'm two years late on this video, but it is the review I've been looking for! I am physically unable to drive three pedals, so would have to rely on hand controls and the paddle shifters. Your explanation of your experience having driven both is the push I needed. Thanks, again!

[@OutMotorsports]

So glad it was helpful! The automatic is a great option (and the car is still a complete and total ball of fun) if you can't drive a three-pedal model. It only falls a bit short if both transmissions are on the table. Go get one and enjoy it!

[@jasondixon9095]

I love my automatic it’s so fun great job Mazda 2021 grand touring

[@marroliga639]

I own an auto 2019 GT RF in soul red and can confirm it's amazing. My previous car was a 2018 Expedition Platinum so this MX-5 feels like a friggin dream to drive. What a beautiful machine.

[@opnarth]

Did you try the Sport mode for the automatic? It makes a substantial difference.

[@OutMotorsports]

We did and it doesn’t

[@wessd]

@@OutMotorsports ok, so basically, it's a good car but not a great car because you want to row thru the gear box and play boy racer. But the car, esp the GT is not meant for boy racers. and you yourself say blah blah other cars have auto trans and they are great, but then say but the Miata is a better car cause it handles. It's not fast nut it handles, etc..I think folks who buy them by and large don;t car if it is fast, just that it makes them FEEL fast, 60 in my miata feels like 90 in our firebird. folks want neat and pretty and different. so for around town in traffic, the auto is just fine, and now it has a sport mode! I want to know from anyone who has had an RF for a while, do they leak?

[@cheddarballs864]

@@wessd these review guys are annoying. If it's not a manual they think it's shit. This miata in semi auto mode with the paddles will still be able to hit redline. The ONLY downsides are the fun of a manual and the limited slip diff. Most of us just want a nice convertible that's fun to drive and still forgiving without spending 40-60k on a heavy camaro or mustang with a soft top.

[@wessd]

@@cheddarballs864 some guys just want to prove they are men are kind of ashamed they had to drive a girly car (how most people feel about the lil MX5) so they say oh and real men drive stickshifts, even though every REAL high perf car is auto now,

[@licktin1091]

@@wessd I’m lazy and I live in the city. Why the fuck would I want a MT? Having to press the clutch constantly going from first to second and back down again constantly is a pain in the ass in traffic. I’ll stick with an automatic. The reviewer in this vid is just a clown.

[@RussellsHouse]

I had a NC with automatic and it is an amazing transmission! I was very happy. Now I have a ND with standard and both are equally amazing, but I do prefer my new ND. The automatic transmission is probably the sturdiest transmission on the road but so is the standard. Lol

[@jodajale8620]

I love love love a manual transmission, but thanks to my husband not being able to drive one and the fact that my knee was pretty much destroyed in a head-on collision with a drunk driver, this would be the model for us. I also love the added security of having a hardtop. We live in a city where anyone with a soft-top eventually gets theirs slashed open. Thanks for the review!

[@OutMotorsports]

Glad you enjoyed! The automatic is still a very good car despite other comments trying to twist our words and say it's so horrible. If it works for you, it's still the bones of a ND2 Miata which are fantastic. And yes, the RF solves the "life in a city" problem - just wish it was more of a droptop and less of a targa roof. But cool and secure nonetheless.

[@michaeldisalvo]

Did you get to try a 0 to 60 test with the automatic? I love automatic as it feels like a person shifting a manual. The automatic is usually a step ahead of me. Which is good. This MX5 RF gives me 1981 280 ZX Turbo vibes when I drive it. The 2020 MX5 is great all together with its 80’s and 90’s feel mixed with 2020 technology.

[@mrkdj11]

nice looking roadster ; understand your point of view but did not see you shift so basically video was useless.

[@jamesbanksco]

This is the best auto vs manual comparison I've seen. Thank you.

[@OutMotorsports]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@radietetica]

I just got my 2022 rf (only sold as automatic for the rf in my country) and I can tell you, I love my car, however, having both a 2021 bmw automatic and Before my Miata, a 2019 suzuki swift boosterjet manual, I can tell you that i immediately notice the transmission, i love manuals quick disclosure but I’ve driven both a mini Cooper and a bmw with manual auto mode and the Miata feels just honestly “off” it sort of jerks a little sometimes when switching gears, if you are at a low speed shifting from 1st to 2nd will almost always not happen (literally despite using both the paddle shifters or the stick) which it is on the owners handbook tho, but definitely the “worst” part I would say is not using the sport mode and the manual mode to te point that just driving the car on “Drive” is a little annoying, car shifts up at 2500rpm when just cruising, jerks, if you are going slow and floor it it will not only lag but jerk also, if cruising, you have to manually upshift or else you will be at 2nd or 3rd gear on 3k rpm’s yet the cars sounds as if you were 6k rpm that you have to upshift at least 1 gear to not hear the car engine sounding like you were racing the car even though the redline is at 7500; it is really not that good that I appreciate bmws automatic transmission which believe me are not good at least compared to mini coopers, I’ve had my car for 3 weeks only so not long enough to tell with full confidence but I CAN say that the thing I noticed first when driving the car was the transmission acting up, I NEVER not use the manual mode. Like I said I live the car but I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss driving my swift and even the bmw is a little less stressing?? to put it like that. I promise I give the auto a chance but it IS noticeable, maybe compared to the cars I’ve driven and my only manual has been the Suzuki swift which I adored cause it weighs even less than the mx5 softop. You will definitely love the car but if you are also buying the car for a genuine driving experience and you have the option to go with the manual, go with the manual, I don’t have any regrets but if it was available in my country I would have gone for it no questions. It’s not the facts that’s auto it’s the fact that’s it’s an old automatic transmission cause the mx5 was released in 2016, it needs a update af, if you want an auto mx5 wait for the next gen. I don’t have anything against automatic sport cars

[@Trigger-xw9gq]

Yes, the old automatics were lame, but I much prefer the AT with this car. Sick of always shifting. The option of using the shifter in manual mode, as well as the paddle shifters is a dream, and when you add the "sport mode" (which changes not only the shifting, but also the fuel delivery) it's awesome. The fact is, a superior driver with this AT can and will kick your ass with your precious manual.

[@OutMotorsports]

Hey, if you prefer it then you prefer it and we're glad you're happy with what you chose! There are better automatics out there by now (this one debuted in the NC in 2006) and it'd be nice to see one that behaves a bit quicker. Mazda's programming is pretty decent though.

[@Trigger-xw9gq]

@@OutMotorsports A dual-clutch would have been awesome.

[@slowrider05]

Get what you want and don’t let people clown you for what you got, i drive a civic si (only a stick shift) and quite frankly i would not mind having an auto at all, as a matter of fact i sort of prefer an auto at this point with the amount of traffic where i live

[@isaacdoesevs2492]

Was interested in a Miata so I went to a dealership and there was no way being 6’4 I could comfortably do a manual. But I’m really considering the auto

[@OutMotorsports]

Yeah, they are tough for tall people. Unfortunately it's an issue no matter the transmission... if you want something similarly fun (though no convertible) for Talls, check out the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86.

[@robertpearce5553]

Can you rev car to 7500 rpms then let you upshift??

[@velvetrooster5569]

This particular car in the automatic configuration is hard to find for some reason I've been looking at several dealers and they only ever have the manual transmission miata RF

[@KS-ro6in]

I just purchased a 2022 MX5 ND Roadster with 6spd manual and am getting 35 to 37 mpg....My third Miata ...(had a 90 and a 96 NA 5spd manual)

[@ChuckTeStA97]

If you’re going to make a video reviewing a car with an automatic transmission, show us the capabilities of the car equipped with the automatic, don’t go on and on about how the manual transmission is better; we all understand what the give and take is in theory. We want to see it in practice. This video showed nothing of the actual driving dynamics, just minutes of you droning on about why the manual is better.

[@jeffstocking2205]

All talk, take it on a back road and show us shifting it with the stick and the paddles... don't sit in traffic and talk about it...WE ALL KNOW THE MANUAL IS BETTER.

[@Focuz_]

I'm kind of in a dilemma here. I want the manual transmission but my parents recommend the auto as it is "less work" in that you don't need to change gears all the time because the transmission does it automatically. I also never driven a manual car but I know the theory of manuals in cars and even moterbikes (upshifting, downsizing, rev matching, etc). Any recommendations as to which one I should get?

[@OutMotorsports]

Are you paying for it? If so, get what *you* want. And from my perspective, if you are able-bodied and willing to learn to drive a manual, the manual-transmission Miata (of any year or generation) is one of the best cars ever made to learn on and enjoy. It is easy, it is fun, and you will love it. Will it be more work in traffic? Absolutely, but not a ton. The clutch is light so your leg won't get worn out. "In order to own a sports car, you must be a sport." Be a sport and get the manual.

[@PassioneDrone]

Can someone tell me the average consumption with the automatic gearbox please? example 14 km per litre? liters does it consume more?

[@Freeo]

You should have done a manual shift demo in your video with the paddles and stick, both up and down shifts to showcase the delay that you are talking about. I am searching for that answer everywhere! How much is that shift delay in automatic Mx-5? 0.2 sec? 0.5 sec? I'm keen to know as I am about to get an auto version.

[@bogu2359]

It is a good question. The datasheet says that acceleration 0-100km/h is 6.8 in case of MT and 7.9 in case of AT. MT will reach 100km/h on 3rd gear, I do not know what gear it will be for AT. If it would be 3rd gear too, it might give 0.55 s of shift delay.

[@OutMotorsports]

Apologies - definitely an oversight but if Mazda sends another one our way, we can do that. The delay was not consistent, it really varied based on your driving style (relaxed vs aggressive) and RPM, the gear you were in, throttle position, etc. Some manual shifts were fairly quick - to the point we wouldn't have complained - and others had 0.5 sec delay if not a hair longer.

[@TaylorGoesFast]

Let me see your one-two step.

[@thelifeofguyon]

I think if you press both pedals your car takes a screenshot?

[@robinm1729]

It's a real shame Mazda's engineers don't get off their duffs and apply the same Skyactiv-Drive magic from their transaxle to a longitudinal 7-speed for its MX-5, instead of continuing to bum that same decades-old unit off of Aisin (Toyota/Lexus' go-to supplier of automatics). It's no wonder reviewers hate the MX-5 automatic... Betcha most of them don't even realize Mazda doesn't make the MX-5's automatic. An MX-5 with a multi-mode Skyactiv-Drive auto would be killer!

[@OutMotorsports]

They REALLY need to get a different automatic for the next-gen Miata whenever it comes out. This Aisin unit was pretty good when it came out in *2006* on the NC Miata but feels really dated now. Not like the other super-affordable sports car (BRZ / 86) is using something better in two-pedal form, though.

[@eggegg2873]

Nice vid my guy

[@OutMotorsports]

Thanks!

[@jack-spicer1381]

I'm gonna buy an automatic tires of California traffic with manual.

[@living.downsouth]

I can drive an automatic much faster than manual. Keeping both hands on the wheel gives an edge and simply much less human error when it comes to down shifting.

[@cycleofzyad9321]

Is the Apple CarPlay become a standard option or not? I am thinking about getting rf base model and wounding if the car has Apple CarPlay or not?!

[@michaelfort8695]

The last Mazda I had with an automatic bought new in 2001, turned out to be a lemon.

[@michaeld766]

But how was the 0-60??? I can’t find any data on this

[@bricegraham8256]

So I drove an NC Miata in manual not too long ago and I didn't like it. I'm 5'10 and I fit perfectly in the car. The problem however was that with the seat all the way back I couldn't fully depress the clutch so I had to move the seat up a bit and then I could fully depress the clutch. However now I was putting extra strain 9n my ankles and after I was finished driving the car my ankles were so sore. I drove an ND Miata but it was automatic and call me crazy. But the think the NC is just a bit bigger. Cause with the seat all the way back and down in the ND My legs felt a bit tight. In the NC my legs didn't feel tight until I moved the seat to be able to depress the clutch pedal fully. That's why I was watching this video cause I some day want an ND Miata. But I think manual will be too uncomfortable for me.

[@OutMotorsports]

Hey Brice! My dad has a NC2 Miata (with a manual) so I've got seat time in those as well. The ND interior is supposedly the most roomy of them all but I'm with you, it can feel kinda cramped, though I'm 6'1" and those few inches vs you at 5'10" make a huge difference. Overall I like driving the ND manual more than the NC - I fit better in the car and positioning of steering wheel and pedals is better than NC. See if you can find a manual ND to try out, you may be surprised.

[@bricegraham8256]

@@OutMotorsports Yeah hopefully I'll get some seat time but that all depends of one comes in the shop. That's how I was able to drive the last two. The ND I did tires on and the NC2 a coworker changed a thermostat on it and he let me test drive it becuase he doesn't like test driving cars and he knew I really like Miatas.

[@Eddie-yc5yd]

ComeOnMan.....If you need more fun, supercharge it. Atleast the automatic can handle the extra power.

[@garylee5568]

You talked way to much. You drove the car like you were in a funeral possession and just whined! You should have demonstrated accelerating the car to it`s rev limiter! You could have demonstrated the 90% that you said the AT shared with the MT. You could have pointed out what the MT did better. BTW, that`s an AT in an Autocross event in the picture.

[@charlesbyers6911]

We get it. He prefers to handle his stick.

[@OutMotorsports]

And is also a fan of manual transmissions

[@MrMlyarber]

what color is this car?

[@OutMotorsports]

This is Polymetal Gray in "Club" trim.

[@Barry-26]

Automatic is good for someone whom has special needs and I got left knee problems etc. next times, don’t review automatic gearbox if you don’t like automatic. This is bad review. I wouldn’t support you next time. Shame yourselves

[@OutMotorsports]

There are absolutely good automatics in sports cars. This one is not very good. Mazda can do better and we hope they will for the next Miata iteration. No shame at all in what we said.

[@deruko1251]

@@OutMotorsports shame deez nutz

[@officialpennsyjoe]

Is it an AISIN transmission?

[@OutMotorsports]

Yes, same Aisin box as the NC.

[@desertguy395]

Anyone know the 0-60 time on the automatic? I'm guessing in the low 7's.

[@bj10jgo]

6.6 secs

[@desertguy395]

@@bj10jgo Thanks!

[@happycup5]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/horWi52JgaaGmq8 what is the difference in the 0 to 60 in the automatic vs the manual? my car is at 7+ seconds with 2 guys in the car as shown in my friend's review of my actual car above (an automatic). i wonder if the 0 to 60 will improve in the 2021 or 2022?

[@jimmybeauxarts]

It is still much better than CVT

[@OutMotorsports]

YES. Most CVTs are truly awful.

[@RickyAceRozay]

How tall are you?

[@OutMotorsports]

6’1” most days

[@TheBAT69]

Funny because you are driving an automatic and yet you always hold the stick as if you wanted to shift 😂.

[@OutMotorsports]

Muscle memory!

[@bobd3286]

shift ..shift.. !! very boring..!!esp. in heavy traffic..i have owned many high performanced cars in my day..lost races buy missed shifted races..!! and been with these wanna bees races jerks ..got in trouble with these when in trouble to down shift to get out of trouble..!!good luck..!! just stick your foot into it and enjoy this car,

[@shawnteee]

Any idea if the automatic was improved in the areas you didn't like I.E. the tranny for 2023?

[@OutMotorsports]

I believe the automatic transmission is the same now as it's been for all NDs tuning-wise. (And I'm sure it wasn't meant in a negative light given the context, but we try to not use that one word here... we're a channel by and for the LGBTQ community and don't need to throw slurs around)

[@shawnteee]

@OutMotorsports I've been a supporter for over 30 years and I figured given the context anyone with good sense wouldn't take offense, but yeah I guess I should be more careful in today's climate. I'd never use that term while speaking about a human being. Thanks for answering my question.

[@OutMotorsports]

@@shawnteee For sure, and appreciate the clarity! We generally have really good people hanging around the channel but want to make sure we keep it welcoming for all. Glad you're here 🙂

[@shawnteee]

@@OutMotorsports I appreciate that. I only deal with people who don't hate on others for no reason. My circle is rather tight lol

[@whathehec]

@@OutMotorsports tranny = transmission no?

[@gailmrutland6508]

*Row your own is fun, unless you are 67, retired and deal with traffic, then is sucks royal hiney. What the car needs is a dual clutch auto, and color me GONE! Also not giving at least the option to add limited slip in the RF auto, is just plain stupid, since you CAN option the cross brace, under tunnel cross brace and front links? Scratching head and balls at the same time. Oh Well.*

[@OutMotorsports]

Here's hoping the next generation of Miata (NE?) will offer a two-pedal option that better suits the personality and fun of the car!

[@ronsy092773]

You’re biased LOL

[@OutMotorsports]

Biased in that we love what the Miata is to a lot of people, absolutely! It's not a *bad car* with the automatic, but the automatic could be so, so much better.

[@ACommenterOnYouTube]

Auto is fine but it has that backwards UP to downshift and BACK to upshift. Completely against logic. and BTW i do NOT agree with momentum shifting, its stupid IMO ..

[@ACommenterOnYouTube]

3:34 Good engineering until it BREAKS ...

[@CF_Joel]

Manual, manual, manual!!! Haha! I know someone who got the automatic and I'm like, "WHAT?! NOOOO!!!". Thought I'd check to see how bad it is or isn't.

[@OutMotorsports]

It's not "four speed '90s slow-shifting won't listen" bad but what was good in 2006 or so is far less impressive now. Automatic transmission tech has improved (markedly) to where a modern torque-converter auto is pretty great and Mazda hasn't caught up. Many, many other commenters here cannot quite grasp that.

[@patthonsirilim5739]

mx5 with auto is really a bad deal the only reason why you get the mx5 is the lightweight sports mantra you want to feel everything you want things the feedback and if this was pdk or dsg or even a zf sure you might get away with it but with this current 6spd auto its really crappy it ruins the car and for that price might as well get somthing different the mx5 is only worth its money with its bolt action like manual shifter.

[@michaelfort8695]

Automatic??? Lol😂

[@romel420]

I wish someone would invent a legit manual transmission car that can switch to a fully automatic transmission with the flip of a switch. No, paddle shifters and similar tech don't count. I want the feel of the stick in my hand and clutch at my foot as I shift gears manually, but sometimes, I fucking wish I was in an automatic. I love manual transmissions, but sometimes, just sometimes, it's a fucking chore.

[@randyvining8101]

One year later, I am still happy with the auto which I stay in most of the time. When I want to drive it in manual, I rarely use the paddle shifters. Having have manuals before I prefer using the gear shifter to change the gears in the manual mode.

[@influencermarketing]

Does the manual mode also has delay when you change gears via stick or this only happens with paddle shifters?

[@randyvining8101]

@@influencermarketing even the stick has delay