Under the Hood
The MX-5's 2.0-liter four-cylinder develops 166 horsepower at 6,700 rpm. The engine has dual overhead camshafts and variable valve timing. Torque output is 140 pounds-feet at 5,000 rpm.
Three transmissions are available: a five-speed manual, six-speed manual and six-speed automatic, all of which drive the rear wheels. The six-speed manual has especially short throws. The engine's output dips by 3 hp when it's teamed with the six-speed automatic, which includes steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles for manual operation.
The roadster has a 50/50 weight distribution (front/rear) and precise rack-and-pinion steering for legendary handling and predictability. The Miata is one of the most fun-to-drive cars around, despite its relatively modest engine power.
See also:
Washer Fluid
InspectingWasher Fluid Level
WARNING:
Use only windshield washer fluid or
plain water in the reservoir:
Using radiator antifreeze as washer
fluid is dangerous. If sprayed on the
windshield, it w ...
Highway Driving
On the highway is where you'll notice you're driving a small, light car, and
that's not always a great thing. Right off, there was fair amount of road noise,
and passengers noticed a lot of wind n ...
Zoom-Zoom Handling
The Mazda CX9 body shell has a highly rigid structure in the lower body with
multiple cross members under the floor, a reinforced upper body area at the
C-pillar, a high-tensile steel B-pillar and ...