2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Club (ND3 vs. ND1) - POV Comparison

[@wodyactual7212]

10:20 was so sick!!

[@acalthu]

that handbrake turn was smooth af. you need to do more of those!

[@IsaacLoveland]

how???? all the e-brakes are going away 😭

[@parsaesteky]

SPOILERS!!😂

[@VisionCityMayor]

10:20 i already know whenever Topher has a miata, its gonna be a fun video bc he's gonna absolutely send it. BUT WHENEVER HE REACHES FOR THE HANDBRAKE YOU _KNOW_ ITS GONNA BE A BANGER

[@scottamy6496]

I was looking hard at used ND1 and ND2 Miata’s and ultimately decided to go with the 2024 ND3 Miata Club soft top and I couldn’t be happier! Currently have 2600+ miles on it and it’s been fantastic!

[@zaf069]

Get a Goodwin Racing muffler now, the sound is awesome.

[@kaz_aruga]

congrats man! Welcome to the club. Also agree, I threw on GWR muffler on mine and absolutely love it.

[@scottamy6496]

I’ve been looking hard at what exhaust to go with and Goodwin seems to be highly regarded and recommended! Thanks!

[@scottamy6496]

Just ordered my exhaust and it’s scheduled to be here Friday and I can’t wait! I went with the Good-win Racing RoadsterSport SuperStreet, didn’t want anything too aggressive or obnoxious, so hopefully I made the right choice!

[@paulnowsky]

still happy with it?

[@Bookman11702]

OMG your Mom is so cool!!! I have an ND1 Club sport. Just love it!!

[@mondo.4646]

i think 10:20 just solidified my purchase

[@divi1223]

😂😂😂

[@juggernaut-7-6]

So happy to see this thing getting added to Forza

[@Shaun95126]

Is the RF being added?

[@juggernaut-7-6]

@@Shaun95126 yeah, check out the Livestream

[@juggernaut-7-6]

@@Shaun95126 yeah

[@sammysilverwatch1596]

How do you know this?

[@juggernaut-7-6]

@@sammysilverwatch1596 the let's go Livestream, duh

[@Christianfire18]

I daily my nd2, no regrets

[@liuby33]

Proud owner of an ND3 now 🎉

[@dannyphamous]

Great review between ND1 and ND3. Still enjoying my ND2 daily.

[@TurnUpMyAudio]

Love the channel! the ND1 Chapter/Timestamp says "ND1 Dricing" by the way!

[@alanwu6196]

Great review. It's like how Honda made the AP2 a little more "safe" and less oversteery. Seems like Mazda did something similar but gave the ND2/3 a little more oomph up top.

[@TheTopher]

Exactly!

[@ElAmokoLoco]

I am very happy to be an owner of a soft top ND2 Kinenbi since March this year. Over here in Europe, my spec is comparable to the GT version in the US iirc, meaning no Bilstein, no front sway bar, no Brembos. Which is ok because we fortunately have a bit of aftermarket here as well. So I upgraded with Hardrace sway bars front and rear which helped giving more feel to the steering and more trust into what the car is doing in corners. It does not need as long to settle in the corner anymore as it has been in standard setup. I am aware I can still go the coilover path, but currently I am not seeking for ultimate corner speed but for the right feeling in the corners. The car has a new exhaust now as well. Unfortunately, EU regulations do not allow for much more noise than standard, but it is a definitive improvement acoustically with a nice raspy tone which was not there before. The best tuning measure I can highly recommend: Get the short final drive from the automatic installed. Now sixth gear provides some shove, and when having fun on country roads, you have a far better connection after the shift, more instant pull. Really, really entertaining. And you have to shift more now which is definitely a big plus with this shifter in any MX-5/Miata.

[@samanthakennedy472]

Your driving my favourite car

[@samanthakennedy472]

It's real

[@notafanboy250]

My driving?

[@themaestro3034]

I could watch this all day

[@genotsSnor]

I just bought a maita NB in mint condition, couldn't be happier!

[@Alex-HD]

Me 2 :D

[@AcoAegis]

I just bought mine ahhhhh got a red 24 sport it's amazing. I've driven a rental 21 for a whole day (11 hours of driving) and I noticed the steering was twitchy on center on the freeway. There was feel on center, but it wasn't accurate. The new steering is really, really clear and smooth on the freeway now. Not a deal breaker by any means, but it is definitely improved

[@pro_boy_ricardo]

I could legit watch you drive a miata all day! Perfect video!!

[@maldihno]

such a beautiful car

[@hungo7720]

The Miata is a stunningly beautiful high-performance car that could devour any highways in the US.

[@mharro88]

It's not high performance

[@alvinlu7631]

wow, this nd3 looks like it'll be a good upgrade over my nc1.

[@sammysilverwatch1596]

Just sold my NC 1 and test drove the nd3, put in an order for one that day

[@aceofspades6667]

I got my nd1 for $10k OTD at the onset of covid. Been driving with a smile on my face ever since. I have 0 urge to “upgrade”

[@bearclaw5115]

That is super cheap. Did the car have Covid?

[@malcolmn.5222]

That title has covid

[@AndreThompson925]

This was a great video. I really wish you could have driven an ND2 in-between because I've driven the ND1 and 2 back to back and I would be curious to hear your thoughts. I feel like the steering is a lot better in the 2. I actually prefer the playful nature of the ND1 and 2 to what everyone is saying about the 3. My invitation is always open. If you're in NorCal, you are welcome to the keys to my 2022 Club softtop. It also has A Good Win roadster sport exhaust, but also Flying Miata lowering springs and Koni adjustable dampers. ❤

[@TheTopher]

That would've been ideal to have all 3! And thanks, I appreciate it - I'd love to make it out to NorCal and do some filming with Zygrene sometime. If I'm planning on going out there I'll let you know and we can set something up!

[@ibibuki3943]

I can't help but consider the ND3 as my next car. Everyone has been praising the small but significant improvements, and that's pretty alluring. This may sound silly, but my other option has been a 2010 Corvette Grand Sport ... The rationale being that my commute involves mostly highway miles, and it would be a shame to drive a light, fun sports car in primarily a straight line. That, and C6 Corvettes are just gorgeous, and I'd love to have a V8. I currently drive a gen. 1 BRZ, Raiu Edition. It's been a delight to drive, but it I feel it doesn't excel in any department ... A Miata would most definitely offer better steering feel and a lighter, funner driving experience. But a Corvette would make highway cruises a blast - and the Grand Sport (equipped with a manual) gets upgraded suspension components, so it would be competent in corners as well. Thank you for the great comparison video! I love seeing you drive Miatas - they're my favorite videos of yours. 🖤

[@bearclaw5115]

Gen 1 BRZ definitely has better steering feel and more precision as well. But get what you like.

[@jakewilliams1195]

Thanks very much for a night drive portion. Not many people showing the late evening driving with interior / lights. Does the info screen dim / darken when in darker lighting? Looking to have a RF really soon myself. Really nice to also see some tire comparison. I love continentals for general driving and sounded like a smoother experience.

[@DessikaModus]

I remember FM mentioning there was a difference in door window insulation. ND1 will have more wind noise.

[@Oliver-gl5xz]

Hey topher, love the vids and would really appreciate it if you could have the apple carplay on at all times like you did in this video as it really adds to the feel of the interior for the average driver in my opinion.

[@cbskwkdnslwhanznamdm2849]

My dream car

[@maksimcharchuk4361]

3:25 I have a red ND1 2018 with a black roof. It was an option here in Europe

[@awakeningvideos0810]

Your moms miata looks magestic

[@LegoBuildersMOC]

The Miata ND1 red color is actually called Soul Red Metallic (41V). For the ND2 update, Mazda changed the red paint a bit and it’s called Soul Red Crystal Metallic (46V). So while ND1 and ND2/3 soul red paint is similar, it’s not exactly the same.

[@bearclaw5115]

Yup. I have a 3 with the older Soul Red and I was just at the dealership today and checked out a new 3 with the new SRCM. It definitely looks even nicer! It's more vibrant and satiny at the same time. Very beautiful color!

[@BlackNAVYAmericanVET]

10:20 time stamp………YOUR AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow .

[@bluegtturbo]

The local tyre sellers favourite customer 😁

[@Christianfire18]

Topher sending it this morning😩

[@sutats]

The vision obstructive height of the interface screen alone would make me pick the ND3.

[@MonkeyPower55]

Coolest mom ever!

[@IbrahimAnser]

My auto teacher last year had this car

[@KashfiFahim]

Sheesh you were going 80+ mph and folks were still trying to overtake you. And had the high beams. Stay safe!

[@malcolmn.5222]

You live in the slow lane I see

[@The.Sky.Driver]

Had to laugh watching you roll onto Tyler Rd. Used to work out that way. Thought I was having an aneurysm.

[@lemonpaper]

Ive just gotta me one o them thangs baby. Just waiting for british racing green

[@chattingwithshap8010]

Love your show. Question - making a decision in a few months about getting a new car. Definitely between RF club - or a used 2019 boxster. Cost of used boxster about 15k more than RF loaded.

[@Alex-HD]

Which one do you like better when driving them?

[@vipermoon_]

15:21 way to instantly prove your point on the decel oversteer!

[@SilentRoadStudio]

10:21 Wooooo🚗💨😍🔥🔥🔥

[@Darx97]

damn i wish i had the money for one of these

[@andrewrossnagel9433]

You do

[@streamius]

First reaction to the ND1: that screen looks like a pop tart!

[@R3c0nf1gur3d]

Can you do a tutorial on how to execute the @10:20 move please. You beast.

[@ScottPC]

Turn in hard, Clutch down with handbrake same time, clutch out, power out of slide!

[@R3c0nf1gur3d]

@@ScottPC while in gear? If so what gear are you in?

[@ScottPC]

@@R3c0nf1gur3d that lower speed 1st is perfect. And yes in gear, you only need to dip the clutch the whole time the handbrakes locking the rear wheels

[@drdominodog5168]

Have you ever driven a 124 Spider? I’m curious what your take is on one of those compared to the ND3 or 1.

[@BboyVReck]

I like to see someone add nd3 steering rack on ND1

[@D_Flame16]

10:22 Smooooooth.. 😮‍💨

[@ruturaj47]

Would you say this is better for learning or GR86/BRZ? I loved your driving, I started tracking last year and I am nowhere close, at some point I want to learn counter steering etc.

[@iunex3686]

How Good Are they at Drifting ?

[@LoveMyZJ]

How do you think the base Sport would compare to say, a base Club? Tires aside, and assuming the Sport still rocks an open diff, what would the difference feel like driving at say...7-9/10ths?

[@metalmystic6214]

Really can’t decide between the RF and ragtop Club. Is the NVH considerably less in the RF as to sway a decision? I love the convenience of the ragtop.

[@Ben-bg2eg]

Been looking forward to this video. I’m not surprised to hear your opinion on the handling differences between ND1/2 and ND3, as I could tell from the earlier vids that there seems to be some more understeer and less rotation off throttle. However, I understand Mazda’s decision to make the car more approachable and safer to drive for the layman. I’d be curious to know how the ND3 feels with an aggressive alignment; I think you could get the settings pretty dialed with how much adjustment the stock suspension offers. My thinking is that the new diff + steering rack combined with a more aggressive alignment might offer the best of both worlds, with more predictable handling than the ND1, but less understeer and more rotation off throttle. One thing I didn’t hear you mention was the telescoping steering column in the ND3 vs. the ND1. As someone who is 5’10 and 150 lbs (which I believe you’ve said you’re around the same), I wonder if you think that’s beneficial to dial in your driving position. Thanks for another great vid!

[@TheTopher]

That’s a good point, a little negative camber would probably dial out most if not all the understeer. And that’s right! Telescoping steering wheel was a welcome addition to the ND2. I’m also 5’10, 150lbs and never felt like I absolutely needed it but definitely doesn’t hurt to have.

[@Ben-bg2eg]

@@TheTopher Thanks for the reply! Ultimately it seems the best ND is the one that fits your budget. The telescoping steering column can be retrofitted anyway, so definitely not a dealbreaker. I’ve driven the ND2 quite a bit and need to drive an ND1 to see how it is for myself, because that price point is a sweet spot for me.

[@R19Robbin]

Great little machine 👌

[@wackit6756]

Recently purchased a'21' GT soft top manual (after years of resisting) Took it out this weekend in the Malibu Canyons for fun. Do you have any info on if the ND3 has a quicker steering rack? Something I wished mine had along with a smaller diameter and thicker steering wheel. But it was a fun day regardless! 😄

[@Accost2u]

There’s such a small difference that it’s not worth feeling left out. I’ve driven my ND2 and ND3 back to back it’s a 5% difference at best. I later put a smaller 330mm steering wheel on and it’s now perfect.

[@jeremythomas7278]

Used Club vs. Grand Touring for 2020 or newer RF? Grand touring having more available and cheaper.

[@vipermoon_]

18:37 makes you wonder if non-LSD / non-Bilstein cars were choice, at least back then, and no one knew it. I mean most 1.5Ls came without LSD and that is the original ND design

[@vagabond1776]

I hope Mazda keeps the MX-5’s instrument cluster mostly analog. Anything digital is not going to age well…speaking of, I wish Mazda would offer an infotainment screen delete and replace it with a rear view mirror that can also project the rear view camera.

[@chrisplummer9639]

Hey my name is Christopher and my mom also has an ND1 miata.!

[@migaisnotacat]

I really wish I could get the updated infotainment system in my ND2. The updated one they put in the ND3 is just so much better in pretty much every way.

[@saeednrzadeh4754]

Can you turn off AC while you are testing ? I saw in couple of vides that AC is ON while testing, and no doubt it has some affect on power

[@ashleyriera-salwey1509]

How is the oversteer and understeer on the ND2 compared to the ND1 and ND3 please ?

[@FlatsixSTM]

I just watched your 2023 MX5 review, you didn’t say anything about the steering in the ND2 being a complaint.. Throttle house seems to think it is really a minimal change. Are you sure it that much of a difference? Deciding between the two generations in the next year or so!

[@markholmstrup9082]

This is why I take auto reviews with a grain of salt. "The newest model is just great and the last version is junk despite what we said last year." I go by averaging multiple reviewers, and most I've seen say you can't tell unless you drive a ND2 and ND3 back to back, and even then it's hard to tell.

[@JamesLCoxe]

So the ND 2 is perfect, the better engine, and more fun handling in the dry.

[@You068]

WOW...

[@vipermoon_]

notice any NVH differences related to the flywheel (thru gearbox and thru sound) ?? a change to a dual mass flywheel since 2019MY supposedly fixed certain noises and herky jerkiness situations, so am curious if you didn't even notice ??

[@gryphon123456]

Higher redline more better for yay driving. ND3 wins. 😊

[@TheZombaslaya]

I want either a Miata or a V6 Camaro manual. Hard to choose

[@VinceCannavaII]

Already jealous of the newer head unit.. it started so quickly..

[@BlackNAVYAmericanVET]

Have U heard anything about transmission failure in 3/4 gearRecently ?ND2/3

[@JasonCampbell-x5z]

$42,000 for the new MX-5... Wow!

[@WhiteEagle74]

That’s with the hard top and loaded to the max but no one needs that. They start below 30k for the sport and 34k for the club. A fully loaded mustang goes for over 70k.

[@JuneJuneyJunJune]

Is 42000 a good price for the new mx5?

[@WhiteEagle74]

@@JuneJuneyJunJune No, but it depends on which options you want. Personally, I’d get the club soft top version for around 34-35k which is the sweet spot in my opinion.

[@montysport94]

I've had an NC3, an ND1, an ND2, and now I've gone back to the NC3 for the sake of being responsible. All three are fun to drive of course but man I miss that ND interior.

[@danielmad]

Is it true what people say, that the RF was worst wind noise with the top down. But with the top up, the soft top is louder?

[@TheTopher]

Yep, that sounds about right 👍

[@chaz8273]

Any way you can get your hands on 2018 Audi s5 sportback and review that car

[@TheHersonCastillo]

WOW. Just that. 🙃🙂

[@dawnpoint]

That color, my gosh...

[@liuby33]

I don't know if you've noticed the supercharger like noise that this ND3 makes, do you experience that noise in other NDs?

[@TheTopher]

Yeah, there was a some diff whine in this Miata for some reason. Haven’t heard it in any of the other NDs I’ve driven.

[@leoliu3134]

@@TheTopher (Sorry I'm the same guy just a different account) I bought an ND3 and have the same noise in my car, this is why I'm looking for similar experiences. To me it sounds like somewhere in the gearbox instead of the diff - the noise is present on idle but goes away when clutched in (disengaged).

[@vipermoon_]

11:28 wait really? i don't like that. much rather prefer how the ND1/2 will allow cruise and DSC off together because sometimes you want those shorts bursts of cruise. that's the new cx-60 based electrical system. EDIT: 12:30, oh okay then there's no problem here, disregard

[@Accost2u]

Seems like the ND3 will be the “safest” version. Less aggressive turn in and more tech nannies. I think it’s not really worth the price premium.

[@DessikaModus]

Is the intake change on ND3 just the sound tube?

[@kineticU]

Ha. My mom also has a ND1 GT though it’s an automatic transmission.

[@ScottPC]

Do you guys get the 1.5 over there?

[@alankershteyn9471]

Not in the US

[@cultofmodernism8477]

What is up with those roads? No taxes, where you live?

[@michh9879]

My nd1 had the dreaded gearbox failure at 50000 miles.

[@66rollincoal]

Still not a fan of the paint on the top of the door panel. I cant be the only one but I wouldn't be surprised.

[@Accost2u]

If you get the base sport trim it’s black plastic. Personally I think it helps break up the all black interior but you could always wrap it something else.

[@XZX0110]

you are

[@66rollincoal]

@@XZX0110 figured as much

[@derekdandrea3374]

Where’s the gold eagles?!? 😉

[@erekelife4334]

Такая красивая машина, но, на ручной передаче скорости. Надо же автомат.

[@davidphammm1]

no seatbelt chime :(

[@ronammologist16]

$42,000.00? Thats called gouging.

[@porfiriato84]

This or a 230i for DD?

[@sammysilverwatch1596]

Miata is always the answer

[@porfiriato84]

​@@sammysilverwatch1596but why? You need to provide details. Unless ur biased?

[@liuby33]

Only time Miata might not be the answer is when it’s used as a DD. If you don’t need to buy large paper towel packs, it can be practical enough. However I doubt it can compete with a 230 or even an 86. The Miata is also a very specific package. If you are ever bothered by driving a manual in traffic or hearing all the noises a car can make, you may wanna at least drive one to find out if the driving fun is enough to make you look past those aspects. Coming from an ND3 owner, but I do have a practical DD.

[@porfiriato84]

​@@liuby33appreciate the reply man. Yeah I think I'll still lean towards the 230i 🙌🏽 Both great cars but slight edge for the BMW after reading your comment.

[@druegillis1744]

Wanted a Miata, sold my Corvette, bought a 2022 Miata, sold same after 3 months, bought another C-6 Corvette. Why? Well there were no usable cup holders in the Miata. You had to reach backwards to even try to get a drink out of the “cup holders.” No glove box, seats too snug, thought I wanted a 6 speed. WRONG! So, the Miata is fine for someone under 50 that weighs less than 180 lbs and is double jointed. The MX5 is a prime example of a beautiful car that lacks basic creature comforts. Some will argue but driving my 2009 Corvette coupe with paddle shift allows more than 4 times the trunk capacity for weekend trips. Just an opinion from a 70+ guy.

[@Accost2u]

The ND wasn’t made for everyone and that’s ok. There are plenty of larger and more luxury options but the ND is truly the last simple, lightweight and fun sports car left.

[@wojiaobill]

god I want a Miata so bad. I need to get rid of my kids :(

[@dougm6259]

Noticed you never used 5th gear, is it a waste?

[@le0redd104]

Wished you drove the soft-top club instead.. rf just add extra weights and have no real visibility. Just have the looks that'll appealing to most but soft-top for me all day.

[@Shaxzara]

40k for this is DIABOLICAL

[@cptndave1]

Compared to what. There’s no competition

[@yohazem1]

Can someone explain to me how these cars are getting that expensive nowadays? I can see value in this at around 32-35K max. Anything more and its a big mark up. For no apparent reason. How much does it cost Mazda to build one?

[@goatsplitter]

42 actual thousand dollars? LIke real actual USD? Judas priest, you've gotta be high to buy a Miata for 42k.

[@blakespower]

its so tiny, i would be afraid to be run over by a suv

[@businessmanph]

even honda and toyota are boosting their vehicles. mazda mx-5 is boring af without supercharger and fbo.

[@great4ever845]

42k for a miata????

[@Saboda53]

For the fun and joy you get? $42K is a steal. An ‘effin’ steal!

[@bitbat9]

The brembo recaro package is an almost $5000 upgrade. You can get them way cheaper. Club trim is $32k