Uncovering the Truth: Is The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Auto A True MX-5 Or A Sacrilege?

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks for watching our review of the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Automatic. If you're as excited about driving as we are, be sure to check out our merch store at brianmakse.myspreadshop.com for exclusive gear and accessories. From t-shirts and hats to mugs and phone cases, we've got everything you need to show off your love for driving. Don't forget to hit that like button and subscribe to our channel for more reviews and adventures. See you on the road!

[@bobdadruma]

I prefer a manual in an MX-5 but it is perfectly OK to prefer an an automatic. Everyone should have a right to choose their preference.

[@Kev27RS]

The MX-5 is a "driver’s car" and it’s better to experience it as a manual! An automatic feels wrong on a MX-5. Unfortunately some people can’t drive a manual, so an automatic is a good alternative in this case.

[@christianrios6295]

@@Kev27RSI just think since I’m going to be daily driving it that auto would be better for me. I live in a highly populated part of Nj.

[@Kev27RS]

@@christianrios6295 Yeah, understandable.

[@DaveSimkus]

Welp, I have to defend my Auto ND again because I get so much hate for no good reason. I've had my ND1 Auto for over a year. I actually love the auto more. I've driven a manual Porsche 944 before this one and I fully understand the appeal of a manual. You have to spend more time with the auto to learn its characteristics. It's quite responsive at the right RPMs and throttle position. I also prefer the exhaust sound on an auto because there is much less delay, it sounds more modern. You always know when you're behind someone in a manual because they have to lift off for a second when changing gears and in traffic it just sounds labored and outdated. I love that the Auto car has two very different personalities depending on how you want to drive. I have aftermarket paddle extensions that make it look and feel like a mini supercar. The stock 17" wheels look better than the BBS in my opinion. You don't need the heavier Brembos either. As you mentioned, you don't really need an LSD either for most situations. I installed stiffer anti-roll bars which probably make more of a difference than the Bilstein setup would anyway. I'm doing Koni's next. If I'm being honest, no offense but the color of those seats does not work with Soul Red. Terracotta works better on a white or grey color. The whole #savethemanuals thing is silly and old at this point. There are plenty of great manuals out there for the enthusiasts but the world is moving on to something simply better for the majority of people. Yes, the manual is slightly quicker to 60 and you have more direct control over it but it's not something most people would miss after driving a modern auto for a while. On the other hand, old "slushboxes" in the NA and NB Miata's were absolute garbage and you would definitely want to only get those in a manual trans. All that being said, I would love to see an affordable dual-clutch offered on a Miata in the future.

[@IndianaSPEED-n8h]

Agreed. With an automatic, I can focus a bit more on my hot wife in the passenger seat.

[@DaveSimkus]

@IndianaSPEED-n8h that's another plus of an Auto, you get a free hand for other activities.

[@citrusjuicebox]

@@IndianaSPEED-n8h absolute legend (my hot wife also agrees)

[@MX-5_RF]

I bought a 2024 mx5 rf gt automatic. I had a 2005 rx8 manual. So I do know how to drive manual but as I age and been on the road for 20+ years. There is no way I want to be driving stick in traffic. I don’t think anyone wants to be stuck in traffic while drive stick shift besides young people. Miata is meant to be a fun car. So manual or auto it’s still a great car.

[@Frank_Saug]

Hello, I just purchased a brand new red 2024 mx5 rf gt automatic as well. I would like to ask if you have any regrets so far? I’ve been trying not no regret not getting the manual club, also if no regrets, do you use it for daily driving?

[@jhwalter968]

I have an automatic 30AE with Bilstein dampers, Recaros and Brembo brakes. Its a wonderful car that just gets better when you push the sport button. I have a bad left knee that is aggravated by the clutch pedal in the Miata (but my three vintage Land Rovers don't bother it because of the geometry) so after test driving both manual and automatic versions I bought the automatic version. With some extended paddles and in sport mode I don't miss the manual at all. I hope you tried putting it in sport mode - it really transforms the experience.

[@BrianMakse]

Nice spec! Why the extended paddles? I didn't find any issue with the stock ones.

[@jhwalter968]

@@BrianMakse Its just easier to change gears with the extended paddles - they sit a little closer to the back of the wheel and wrap around a bit more making it easier to trigger them with a finger when you are turning. They look cool too!

[@7dc379]

The Mazda Miata has the very nicest manual transmission of any car I've ever driven. If you're thinking of buying a Miata but haven't yet learned how to drive a manual transmission, don't worry about it, you can easily learn how to shift, and you'll have lots of fun doing so. I've driven the automatic transmission, and it is still a Miata, still an enjoyable ride. That said, It wasn't nearly as enjoyable as driving a manual. I'm very fortunate to own a '97 NA and a '19 ND2. Both are manuals, a 5 speed and a 6 speed. I don't love one more than the other. They are both fantastic.

[@carloscanizares4699]

As a fellow ND2 owner, it’s a very close 2nd best. Of course, you mentioned “of any car you’ve driven”, so try to get behind the wheel of an S2000 and you’ll see what I mean.

[@aerotus888]

Why are there so many complaints about the gearbox being too notchy when the oil is still cold? What's the deal?

[@Jake-im2lv]

​​​​@@aerotus888a lot of second hand miatas will have had transmission services by now and who knows what oil is in them For whatever reason the ND gearbox is very particular about gear oil viscosity in cold ambient temperatures. I have a hunch stock mazda gear oil is a 75w80 or 75w85 but this isn't published anywhere, the manual just states if mazda oil isn't available use 75w90 but cold shifting will be effected. If you put in a heavy 75w90 it will be notchy especially first to second until the oil has heat in it. I always thought all 75w90 oils were the same, but if you look at different brands product data sheets you'll see potentially huge differences in cold temperature viscosities. One brands 75w90 can be nearly impossible to select second gear on the first shift on a cold winter morning whilst another will be a bit notchy but fine. If you have a gear oil like Motorcraft xt m5 Qs oil with friction modifiers it behaves more like a 75w85 at cold temps and will shift smoothly in the cold but have similar high temp viscosity as a 75w90 Once the oil is warmed up though it's very good. It has a very mechanical feel. Some people like it though and some don't. If you want a more smooth shift you need lighter gear oil and a heavier gear knob

[@aerotus888]

@@Jake-im2lv Thanks I mean it's normal for a gearbox to feel worse when cold but is the issue just a minor gripe? If so I'm not worried but if it takes ages to warm up and people have difficulty changing gears that's a problem!

[@alanthomson1227]

I’m 70 soon and have had nd MX5for 6 years manual of purse so much fun

[@richardmccaughey5928]

In 2016 I bought "one owner" pristine 2006 NC 6 speed with the LSD, Bilsteins, 17" wheels, etc. I wouldn't have it any other way. I loved that car. But in 2018 I had back surgery for lumbar stenosis which seriously reduced my use of my left leg. Some days it was difficult to use the clutch. I thought about selling it and finding a comparable (while mine was not a Grand Touring model, it had the aforementioned equipment plus leather seats, Bose, etc.) condition and color NC(it was that anthracite gray with saddle interior and matching soft top - I searched 6 months for that color combo) with automatic. But in November 2020 I had a stroke which completely disabled my left leg. I wish I had found a nice NC auto. I could have enjoyed a Miata for another year or so. P.S. From 1977 until 1983 I owned a 1960 Porsche 356B Roadster as my daily driver.

[@royledden5138]

You mentioned Sport Mode but did not review it. We don’t even know if you used it or not. Unfortunate because I have found it to make a significant positive difference in responsiveness.

[@BrianMakse]

There isn't much to say about it. It's subtle, not transformational.

[@Notfiveo0]

@@BrianMakseTotally incorrect, it shifts quicker and makes it quicker to drive in sport mode. It is much more important to know all the cars features before you review it than to blab on and on with word salad to extend the video. Talking about how much better the manual is without even using the sport mode on the automatic is a big mistake. Also all new automatics get better gas mileage than the manual transmission’s.

[@jameslane2326]

Yeah I agree, i love the sport mode in my ND it is a huge difference over not using sport mode and the fact Brian says "its subtle" shows his bias. I did Back of the Dragon in sport mode then in manual shift mode. Much preferred sport mode, let me do more aggressive steering

[@Trigger-xw9gq]

@@Notfiveo0 Indeed, huge difference in sport mode.

[@edouble0325]

@@BrianMaksemmmkay says the biased opinion of the guy wearing a saved the manuals hoodie

[@kckuc310]

I have both in my garage right now and the auto is great and I don’t know what the issue is , it’s great and better in ways

[@seb5945]

Gearing is much taller on automatics too. 1:1 in 4th while manual is in 6th. Auto got 2 overdrive ratios.

[@ADUSN]

It's a great transmission, and ironically more durable than the manual.

[@dansan4393]

I'm sold. Hahaha

[@zealotscout]

So I've heard. Great knowing this since miatas tend to live in a family for quite a while.

[@superrookie-1]

Yeah once I've heard stories of the manual blowing up at 100k miles i crossed it off. What sucks is that Mazda never fixed the manual. There were problems with the 2023 model too

[@jasondixon9095]

I love my 2021 MX5 RF fun car automatic this car will be a classic

[@CloudyMischief]

How is the maintenance ? Is it reasonable or will it burn a hole on the wallet?

[@jasondixon9095]

@@CloudyMischief it’s reasonable not bad at all

[@Thankyou_3]

Great review sir. Really enjoying your reviews and I truly appreciate you don’t drive the piss out of the loaner vehicles. You really show your maturity and respect for the vehicle. The MX5 is by far the best sports car ever. Mazda nailed it from day one and kept the heritage. I cannot think of any other vehicle that comes close to the driving satisfaction. Mazda kept it real with rear wheel drive as well. Great job Mazda.

[@Phukchina]

I appreciate you being the first reviewer to drive and review an automatic. I have a few questions. Wouldn't an automatic be faster to 60 than a manual cause a computer can shift faster than a human? Also why didn't you launch the car 0-60 in Sport Mode? It probably would have been faster. Also, as someone who didn't grow up driving manuals and being slightly handicapped, I drive an automatic MX-5. But here is the question of the hour. What am I missing if the car allows me to shift in manual anyway? If you manually shift without using the clutch, isn't that better or is using the clutch part of that experience?

[@BrianMakse]

Great questions and lots to unpack, and much specific to the MX-5. This auto is not faster than a human for a couple of key reasons. 1, it uses a simple torque converter, technology not know for rapid gear changes. 2, the final drive and gear ratios are totally different than the manual. The manual is easier to launch quicker in this car because once the clutch is engaged, there is no play in the driveline, unlike a torque converter which adjusts hydraulically. Also, you can start a manual more aggressively with a slight amount of wheelspin to 1) get the engine to a more optimal range of RPM and 2) get maximum traction (a slightly spinning tire is a faster tire, which is another story for another day). There's no 'sport mode' that makes any car quicker. In the MX-5, it simply changes the auto's shift algorithm so that it shifts at higher RPM. Other cars have different 'sport modes' that change throttle response and transmission shift times. What the manual delivers is the precise engagement of the clutch from the driver. The driver doesn't have any control over the torque converter, which is only reacting to the algorithm instructing it to do its sloppy job while the transmission changes gears. Yes, you can shift a conventional manual without a clutch, except for starting, but it's definitely not quicker unless you're willing to abuse the synchronizers and gears in the transmission. Yes, there are some cars that offer automated gearboxes and manuals where the autos are quicker. BMW M cars and some Porsche sports cars come to mind, but quicker doesn't tell the whole story. We're talking about road cars, which most people driver for pleasure, not racing cars that need automated gearboxes for maximum performance. Let me know if you have any more questions.

[@Phukchina]

Man thank you for the education. I appreciate your kindness

[@Crisheight]

I have a 2020 Fiat 124 Lusso Auto. It is great at being a daily driver, absorbs bumps decently well, and the auto on highway will sit at like 2k rpm going 70ish. If you get this sort of trim for a 124 or mx-5, I think it's a good match. If you get an Abarth or Club+ MX-5, you should get the manual option as both are some of the best for their price and will match the intention/extra sportiness more; you will have more control over the sporty car with the option, where as in a open diff vehicle the ceiling is lower so the auto doesn't cap it as much (still does) but the intention is different IMO. Edit: Either way, even a open diff ND or 124 handles better than most cars on the road, since the ND chassis design was brand new and excellent.

[@markweitemeyer3466]

I had a 2019 RF with the automatic and it was OK. Went to a 2020 soft top with the manual and it was like having a different car. As I age (55+), I will say that I am toying with the notion of going back to an automatic at some point - driving through the hills of southern Tennessee as a relaxing thing vs driving hard seems to be getting to be more and more my thing.

[@BrianMakse]

Your roads are spectacular! Keep the manual!

[@Yannisphotoforce]

I will buy the automatic as well. Manual is only if you have another car and this is only your toy. As a main car I will buy it automatic. You have so much more time and energy to keep your eyes on road and your hands on the steering wheel.

[@michaellb5324]

I have driven 2013 NC manual. Still do. Wanted to buy nd auto as my wife does not drive manual. Ended up buying 2022 nd manual. No regrets. Soon will be 64. Live in TN. Still fighting. Not struggling. Mx5 is fantastic. Manual transmission makes it more special.

[@teekay_1]

@@Yannisphotoforce You don't take your eyes off the road to shift, do you?

[@Yannisphotoforce]

@teekay_1 My opinion is, if you like donuts drifts and powerslides the manual will give you what you want. If you want touring and speed in race just go with the auto.

[@KirkWinterrowd]

I had an automatic NC (2006) that I kept for nine years and really enjoyed it. I am now on my third ND and it is an automatic, and while it is fun, I don't think this engine/transmission combo works as well as the one in my NC. If you need an automatic and want an ND then I say go for it but the manual is more fun overall.

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks for sharing!

[@FSX239]

Pretty cool review. This is my first time seeing this channel. Keep up the good work and good luck with the channel.

[@BrianMakse]

Welcome aboard!

[@citrusjuicebox]

At least the automatic will pretty much never blow up on you. It's stout and sturdy. Hearing about more so many MT failures in 2022+ models doesn't give me a lot of confidence in their longevity. The MT might launch quicker than the AT, but how many hard launches can it take before it explodes? I sourced a 4.1:1 differential for ours from the 1.5L AT, and the car feels properly quick. My partner and I also much prefer the more balanced composure of the AT damper/spring combo. Without the harshness of the MT, I'd say the AT ND solidly passes for a mini luxury Grand Tourer: nice materials, smooth drivetrain, poised handling, and just enough power to keep a brisk pace.

[@jonp761]

We have a '21 automatic soft top and love the car. I'm happier with the traditional auto vs a DCT...haven driven a couple dual clutch cars (VW), the traditional automatic in the ND is so much better.

[@VitoC.]

A perfect car....for my kids. (I tried however they don't understand/want to learn manual). :(

[@BrianMakse]

I'm sad.

[@nfscooterguy]

I’m in the same boat. I drove a manual NB daily for 12 years, replaced it with a PRHT GT 6AT mostly so my kids could enjoy it. I miss the manual but have grown to appreciate the 6 AT.

[@jerrytracey6602]

I am unable to drive a manual shift car, so I was fortunate to find an automatic NC. You mention Sport Mode in the ND, which seems like a step backward from the adaptive shift the NC had: if you were accelerating and braking hard, it kept the revs in the sweet spot, making it a joy to drive hard. There would be a tiny amount of sluggishness as you transitioned your driving style from cruising to caning it, but once in the zone, changes were optimal, only lacking the snap you get when stepping off a manual clutch pedal. I found it enormous fun to drive, and wanted to update to an ND, but no automatic gearbox versions were available in the UK at the time. I'm tempted to look again...

[@arightpest3367]

I have a nc auto and I am very happy with the car if people gave it a chance they might just be surprised I was.

[@armandor.calderong.9135]

In some countries the manual version is not sold, like for example in my country. Mazda Colombia only sells RF with automatic transmission and I don't know why. There are more expensive cars but not manual Miatas.

[@BrianMakse]

That’s a shame.

[@peterlewis3540]

It was only really the Triumph Stag, that came with an automatic option, the rest of the British sports car scene MGB, MG Midget, Triumph Spitfire, Austin Healey Sprite, Lotus Elan, and countless others. They all came with a manual gear change, and few if any of them, had an automatic option, simply because there was no demand for them, here in the uk. An automatic gear change has never really been a big thing in the Uk,. They have been available down the many decades, but the majority of people in the Uk learn to drive a manual gearchange. So, in my opinion, the automatic MX5 is not a true interpretation of the classic sports cars of the 60s and 1970s

[@BrianMakse]

Like I said, as did some other folks here, there are some people who can't drive a manual, so why deny them the experience? For the rest of us, we'll take the manual.

[@pacoguerilla3097]

I tend to prefer automatic because you can have 2 experiences. Full auto, and semi-auto with shifters.

[@VBITS97]

It needs DSG. I had a 2013 VW Beetle with the DSG trannie and it was amazing for someone who had been religiously manual shift until then. Then being when my MT Honda Accord clutch failed on me in game time traffic at 1000 miles and Honda could care less.

[@BrianMakse]

It would be pretty compelling with a tidy dual clutch gearbox.

[@rjayzonfeet]

It wouldn't be as reliable.

[@Mx5pro]

I came so close to buying automatic gt because I didn’t know how to drive a manual but thank god I man up and went with manual transmission

[@BrianMakse]

It is the better choice. How is it going?

[@mindthreatx]

Yeah I too want to hear how you’re getting on with it too!

[@onelaptowin]

First thanks for the review. And with all due respect I don't believe you gave the auto a fair shake. I love manuals to, but the auto has characteristics that you have no idea of. I owned mine for three months before understanding how to "drive" it. You said you had never driven an auto before and yet you judge it on a few drives? Take one to the track for a day, In the time you release the gas, depress the clutch, shift gears, release the clutc, and hit the gas I have already shifted.

[@BrianMakse]

I was going to type a longer response, but it's apparent you didn't watch this episode.

[@vipermoon_]

How was the ride quality when compared to the RF you said you drove just before with the other dampers?

[@BrianMakse]

Ride quality is about the same, but there's a very subtle difference in body and wheel control.

[@brianbeedavis]

I would guess a manual would make for a superior enthusiast Miata experience at a baseline. I daily my ND2 1 hour each way, with traffic. I thought the weekend juice might not be worth the weekday squeeze, so I went auto. I’ve had 3 sticks before. It’s fun. But reaching a point where touring comfort slightly outweighs working the gears joy…is also a nice place to be! In my view, if you can have any format of Miata, you’ve already won! 😅

[@DanielBrownOre]

Mazda doesn't have a Launch feature, I hate this with my tuned MZ3 AWD T auto, but Sport mode AND adaptation over time helps responsiveness a lot. I guarantee those throttle to the floor power on demand downshifts get quicker.

[@zealotscout]

I'm not much of an expert in this topic, but can someone explain to me why the gear ratios are so different between manual and auto versions? Or Rather how are they different, how would a car-unsavy person even tell the difference.

[@BrianMakse]

It's all math and you can check the specs, I'm sure it's easily accessible. It starts with the final drive, which I think is different, then each gear with have a different ratio to suit an automatic with a torque converter, which presents different considerations than a manual.

[@rodneylw10]

I used to be manual-only. I left that when I bought other cars without manual options. One thing to consider is that all the racing cars are going or have gone automatic. Just sayin.

[@BrianMakse]

My race cars have automated gearboxes. My road cars are manuals.

[@fultonjackwaterloo4085]

OK, what is your RPM in 6th gear at 60 miles per hour?

[@darrellhorner500]

YOUR ASSUMPTION THAT ANYONE WHO CHOOSES AN AUTOMATIC CAN'T DRIVE A MANUAL IS A VERY NAIVE ONE. THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO PREFER AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SIMPLY BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT THEY LIKE..... NOT EVERYBODY WANTS TO SHOW OFF SHIFTING GEARS.... WHICH IS PRECISELY THE REASON MOST PEOPLE WHO CHOOSE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION DO SO!

[@BrianMakse]

Driving a manual is only showing off to those who can’t.

[@darrellhorner500]

@@BrianMakse NICE OF YOU TO AGREE THAT SHIFTING GEARS IS FOR SHOW OFFS.... AND PUTTING OTHER PEOPLE'S LIVES IN DANGER.. WHICH IDIOTS WILL DO

[@skimanfree1073]

His T shirt says it all😊

[@BrianMakse]

Get yours at makse.com/shop and represent!

[@Mr.Crow1984]

In my country mazda has funny way of selling the manual and the auto. The standar variant with soft roof comes with manual only. The RF variant with hard roof and the new toys comes auto only.

[@BrianMakse]

The product planners in your country know what’s up. Roadster with a manual is the best MX-5.

[@jjhi2760]

How tall are you.? Do you feel you fit good into the car?

[@BrianMakse]

5’10”. Fit great. Even in the racecar versions.

[@jjhi2760]

I’m 5’5” and I’m afraid I won’t have a good seating position to see well over the steering wheel

[@BrianMakse]

@@jjhi2760you’ll be just fine

[@blueberrycobbler]

@@jjhi2760 I’m a woman between 5’4”-5’5” - I own a 2021 RF Club (manual with Recaro Seats). There’s no height adjustment, but I can see fine and have no problem reaching the clutch pedal. I also learned to drive a manual with this car (age 55 - it’s never too late😎) and it was a great car to learn on.

[@tomjohnson5700]

@@jjhi2760 I am also 5'5" and have no trouble seeing over the wheel.

[@JasonCampbell-x5z]

Fiat 124 Spider Abarth (17 - 20) had LSD and upgraded shocks standard on both AUTO and MANUAL.

[@BrianMakse]

Covered that car once or twice.

[@BlackNAVYAmericanVET]

It’s beautiful

[@BboyVReck]

Maybe Mazda should make a transmissions that can compete ZF 8 speed or Porsche's PDK.

[@cptndave1]

I always thought The sports mode button is the start button on these cars

[@BrianMakse]

For the manuals it is.

[@nizo4237]

I bought the automatic because there’s no way I’m sitting in traffic with a manual. That said, the two experiences are definitely not comparable. Manual is the real deal.

[@michaeldisalvo]

If only all the Stickers would get out of the Automatics. All they do is complain. You don't see me getting in manuals and complaining about my aching knee.

[@salami99]

The problem with auto is the future is all auto, EV and hybrids are all autos. That’s when I give up, when there not a choice. We still have a choice.

[@Spartan_Pope]

I wonder what is the take rate for the automatic?

[@teekay_1]

I've never seen on in dealer stock. I made an assumption when I went looking that a manual would be difficult to find; quite the opposite.

[@robertmiller1442]

48 % of Mazda Miata sold are automatics.

[@ADUSN]

I believe for the ND it's about what the NC was, 50/50. Of course, with the changes to the Sport trim, you basically have to get a GT RF to get an auto from what I've seen, and that's an expensive car.

[@teekay_1]

@@ADUSN The GT RF will be the collectable car though. I like it because it looks amazing, and I was willing to live with the compromise presented by the folding roof from a summertime perspective because it becomes a 4-season car with the roof in place.

[@ADUSN]

@@teekay_1 Quite an assertion to make.

[@Eric-Marsh]

I would have expected the automatic in a sports car to be a DSG. What a disappointment. I might have considered it otherwise.

[@Kev27RS]

The MX-5 is a "driver’s car" and it’s better to experience it as a manual! An automatic feels wrong on a MX-5. Unfortunately some people can’t drive a manual, so an automatic is a good alternative in this case.

[@BrianMakse]

The good news is that I’m back to driving an MX-5 manual this week…for a very different kind of episode.

[@Kev27RS]

@@BrianMakse That sounds cool! 👍

[@kjss4345]

I like how the 1% of manual drivers monopolize these youtube channels😂 in 2023 with traffic in big cities buying a manual is nutty, but enjoy.

[@BrianMakse]

Yes, it's a burden every day driving my manuals in a city of 7 million people. Even my wife drives a manual daily.

[@cherifoster1114]

I would be using it as an everyday car,anyway.Would it work for seniors???? 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

[@BrianMakse]

Yes!!!!

[@michaelina2771]

Other than for a test like this, when was the last time during an everyday drive did you need to full-peddle-down accelerate from 0-60 in a straight line on an open road with no traffic? For me, the answer is NEVER. 🤨 A better demonstration would be more 'real-world.' For example, the rolling acceleration required during an on-ramp merge into freeway traffic; say, 35->60/70mph, or when snap passing a slow-poke on a twisty back road. In most similar situations, I bet the Automatic will perform as well (or better) than the Manual. With the Automatic, the driver need NOT worry about running out of gear range, or car limitations, etc. The Automatic driver knows the car will take care of itself which allows more attention to be focused on the setting, guiding the car, and safe driving conditions. 🤔 Also, please comment on reports that the ND1 trans/diff power-train suffers from a high failure rate. Apparently after a while, the engine seems to overpower the rest of these important parts. For the Automatic, its computer assist system knows when and how much power is needed and applies it evenly with less component stress. Plus, the Manual' rear wheels can unexpectedly spin-out on a wet road while the Automatic seems much more stable and offer better control. 😱 Anyway, thank you for making the effort and taking the time to explore this important topic. I hope to see more from you. 👍 Still, I remain unconvinced that the Manual is superior to the Automatic MX-5 ND during every-day driving. 🥴 Cheers... M 😁

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks for watching! >>>Other than for a test like this, when was the last time during an everyday drive did you need to full-peddle-down accelerate from 0-60 in a straight line on an open road with no traffic? For me, the answer is NEVER. For me, the answer is every day. >>>A better demonstration would be more 'real-world.' For example, the rolling acceleration required during an on-ramp merge into freeway traffic; say, 35->60/70mph, or when snap passing a slow-poke on a twisty back road. In most similar situations, I bet the Automatic will perform as well (or better) than the Manual. With the Automatic, the driver need NOT worry about running out of gear range, or car limitations, etc. The Automatic driver knows the car will take care of itself which allows more attention to be focused on the setting, guiding the car, and safe driving conditions. The auto is slower in a straight line and slower to downshift. >>>Also, please comment on reports that the ND1 trans/diff power-train suffers from a high failure rate. Apparently after a while, the engine seems to overpower the rest of these important parts. For the Automatic, its computer assist system knows when and how much power is needed and applies it evenly with less component stress. Plus, the Manual' rear wheels can unexpectedly spin-out on a wet road while the Automatic seems much more stable and offer better control. I don't know anything about ND1 problems, but if it were a broad problem, there'd be a class action suit a la Porsche IMS bearings. The ND1 has much less power and torque than ND2 and ND3, and it has traction and stability control systems. Sounds like user error to me. >>>Still, I remain unconvinced that the Manual is superior to the Automatic MX-5 ND during every-day driving. Drive what you like! After driving them all, I prefer the manual. It's clear Mazda's engineers have taken great care to ensure the manual is satisfying to drive!

[@JR-bt5dy]

USE SPORT MODE BETTER ACCELERATION I OWN IT AND IT IS QUICK!

[@BrianMakse]

How much horsepower does sport mode add? 20? 50?

[@ryderr7914]

@@BrianMakseI think they’re talking about the shift speed

[@turki63622]

For me i like automatic 😅 i want to pay it .. but I don’t like the hand brake

[@jeremymoore145]

This the kind of car you buy as a manual not an automatic.

[@FMOLjun]

Has it got a CD player. Just curoius

[@fakirchavoos1406]

Needed a DCT

[@Eddie-yc5yd]

I own a 2018 nd manual. The only reason i would consider an auto is because of my bad kmees.

[@pokeboy305]

What If you have herniated disk in neck or back should you get auto over manual

[@stevek8829]

Synchronized gearboxes are practically automatic anyway.

[@supermarketyeast4229]

that much slower 0-60 is crazy. does the sport mode help at all?

[@BrianMakse]

Sport mode doesn’t add power or make it accelerate any quicker

[@supermarketyeast4229]

@@BrianMakse thats tragic, 5.8 to 6.5 is a huge difference for the same engine sounds like it needs a tune or remap or something.

[@ThePrimeMinisterOfTheBlock]

This might be an awkward question and not one you get very often. As a man of similar age and body shape to yourself .. how do you get in and out of these things gracefully? I worry that I look like a tit climbing out of it

[@BrianMakse]

Easy. I don't care what other people think.

[@THESocialJusticeWarrior]

If only a Miata sounded like a Ferrari.

[@BrianMakse]

I think some owners make their Teslas sound like Ferraris.

[@desertwindauh]

Middle East market buyers of the MX5 are not allowed to get the manual, even as a special order. We are stuck with the auto as the only option as this is what the regional Mazda people have agreed/decreed with the brainless local dealers (who don't really have any clue about the significance and importance of the MX5 as a driver's car). I happen to have an NC.2 auto and its still fun, but is nowhere near as fun as it were a manual.

[@BrianMakse]

That's a real shame.

[@lpolityk]

Your frequent both hands off steering wheel is so disturbing to me. I almost stop watching.

[@BrianMakse]

Please don’t project your ability to drive onto me. Thanks.

[@lpolityk]

@@BrianMakse Did I offend you? You assumed something and decided to be cocky. I guess this is true you, then.

[@BrianMakse]

@@lpolitykNo. And no.

[@Jashue]

If you buy that car in an automatic, you’re probably going to go to hell. That in an auto is just plain wrong.

[@arightpest3367]

Or if your left leg was crushed in an accident at work and a manual isn’t possible anymore an auto your only option it’s still a mx5 and fun. You better be keeping up with your prayers at night or you will be joining me in hells front room for calling his place 😊

[@Jashue]

@@arightpest3367 Okay. Ya got me there!

[@ADUSN]

Imagine feeling this extreme about a transmission. You know the Cayenne saved Porsche, if it wasn't for automatics I bet the Miata dies with the NC.

[@chanhyung88]

I do not understand why would anyone buy a Miata with an auto unless its due to some physical condition that prevents you from stepping on the clutch. If you want a nice cruiser convertible with an auto, you should look at other options.

[@BrianMakse]

Have a read through the comments if you’d like to understand.

[@PsychedMedia]

What other auto convertibles are there at the miata price range?

[@jameslane2326]

I think you misunderstand why people like the Miata. I bought a Miata for the handling not for shifting gears. I take it into the mountains and drive it aggressively. Name me another car with the handling characteristics of a Miata that i should get instead?

[@badpixels_]

automatic? wtf?

[@BrianMakse]

Did you miss the eight MX-5 manual episodes?

[@RedLine_Renesis]

It's a blasphemy

[@romererunamerika9437]

Pass bmw m roadster in laguna blue

[@goatmonkey2112]

A good autmatic can be fun. This is not a good automatic.

[@BrianMakse]

It's not great...

[@michal1249]

This must be the most boring car review I have ever seen. If u would be sitting at home on a couch it would be the same. You did not show us anything! How it shifts, how it sticks to the road. Anything. Boring review

[@JacksonPlant]

Can you look down your nose anymore?

[@BrianMakse]

Explain.

[@jameslane2326]

@@BrianMakse He means we can see your disgust for the auto this entire episode, you had preconceived bias and it was all over your face and your mannerisms the entire time