VIDEO: Mazda MX-5 races itself in throwback feature

In a recent (major) throwback video feature, Mazda UK has released a spot featuring a 1990 NA-generation Mazda MX-5 (Miata in the US) and the current fourth-gen ND model. A total of 25 years separates both models and while the new one certainly has the upper hand in terms of outright power, can the lighter original give it a run for its money on track with a four-second head start?

Without giving away the end (it’s a close one, we guarantee), both cars are driven by professional racers, Jade Paveley in the NA MX-5 and Owen Mildenhall (of Auto Express UK) in the current ND model. To recap, the Japanese-spec ND MX-5 (Roadster in Japan) comes with a 1.5 litre SkyActiv-G four-banger producing 129 hp and 150 Nm of torque, mated to either a six-speed manual as standard or an auto.

mx-5 02

In the US however, the Miata arrives with a 2.0 litre SkyActiv-G engine with 155 hp/200 Nm, again paired to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. For the Malaysian market, the ND MX-5 is expected to arrive at the end of 2015 in a poseur-friendly specification.

Said model will land in Malaysia with the larger 2.0 litre engine, although power figures remain unconfirmed. The sole transmission choice of a six-speed automatic has been confirmed – unfortunately, Bermaz has stated that it will not entertain custom orders for a manual, either. A crying shame, really.

GALLERY: 2016 ND-generation Mazda MX-5

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Gregory Sze

An “actor” by training, Gregory Sze realised that he has had enough of drama in his life. Following his number one passion (acting was actually number two), he decided to make the jump into the realm of automotive journalism. He appreciates the simple things in life – a simple car with nothing but back-to-basics mechanical engineering and minimal electronics on board.

 

Comments

  • Same L0rrrr on Jun 15, 2015 at 2:36 pm

    MX5 no doubt is good. But you will have more fun with 86.

    Why both so expensive? Thanks to Proton.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 46
    • sushioverpriced on Jun 15, 2015 at 3:11 pm

      Accord in Thai 180k. Is p1 the cause?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
      • Same L0rrrr on Jun 15, 2015 at 5:57 pm

        You buy car in Thai or Malaysia? Accord even more expensive in SG, so?

        In Malaysia, Proton cause ALL foreign cars to be so expensive. Because no protection, they can’t survive. This is generally known TRUTH.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 19
        • semua salah peroton, negative thinker on Jun 16, 2015 at 9:41 am

          if in Malaysia the cause of car price increase because of P1, then how about SG & THAI? what causing their car expensive? especially SG… their currencies are hire than us, and they don’t produce any car of their own… so why?… please let me know…

          not to mention about yearly annual cost to own a toyota on both country.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 2
    • Obviously (Member) on Jun 15, 2015 at 3:43 pm

      Nope…the 86 is a good car, no doubt, but you’ll have more fun with the MX-5. Just looking at the amount of fun those two had zipping around the track is proof.

      The 86 is an altogether more serious piece of equipment. The roadster is for people who know how to enjoy life. The interior of the MX-5 trumps the 86, btw.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
      • kampungEGGpower! on Jun 16, 2015 at 10:16 am

        some said mx-5 is a pontan car, 86 is for real man to drive. i kinda agree to certain extent.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
    • kzm buda bodo (Member) on Jun 15, 2015 at 3:49 pm

      When nobody is buying Toyota anymore in Malaysia except a handful of old uncles, it is obvious that the salesman is bored and comes to PT tok kok

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 0
    • Sampan on Jun 15, 2015 at 5:00 pm

      If the Toyota sales drop 50% next month, with or without proton, the price will drop.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
      • Same L0rrrr on Jun 15, 2015 at 5:46 pm

        In your dream! It is not us who control the car price. You ask MITI can let the price drop or not.

        Protect Proton is the ultimate objective.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 13
        • semua salah peroton, negative thinker on Jun 16, 2015 at 9:47 am

          no.. not really because car price…
          but people getting bored with toyota…
          i will buy mazda6 rather than toyota camry…

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
    • CRWhat? on Jun 15, 2015 at 9:04 pm

      86 in name only. Don’t you mean Subaru BRZ? Toyota’s only contribution to that sports car program was to spend $5 hiring a designer on fiverr to design an 86 badge.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • Same same on Jun 16, 2015 at 9:54 am

      Better buy Triumph, cheaper and more fun.

      Not the car lah, the pink knicker!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • ben yap on Jun 15, 2015 at 3:07 pm

    Between CRZ and MX5, which is better?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 9
    • Obviously (Member) on Jun 15, 2015 at 3:43 pm

      Those two are so different…why bother comparing?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
    • DPCraft on Jun 15, 2015 at 7:35 pm

      I would take NSX

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • CRWhat? on Jun 15, 2015 at 9:00 pm

      What the hell is CRZ? Do they still sell those? Obviously the better one has lasted.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Add-A-Comment on Jun 16, 2015 at 8:47 am

      CRZ is just a lousy car for those racer wannabe…look at the amount of “stickered” CRZ on the road which they think they can even outrun a Myvi. Come on CRZ driver, adding sticker doesn’t add HP. Ohh…by the way, putting up a noisy pipe on your car also doesn’t make your hybrid engine faster than a Golf TSI…don’t even bother to chase the GTI.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • kampungEGGpower! on Jun 16, 2015 at 10:21 am

      CRZ better for poor pontan, richer pontan shd opt for mx5. so it depends, really.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
  • seems most mx5 mk1 for sale has been snapped up within days, would really like to own one

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • cendol (Member) on Jun 15, 2015 at 6:45 pm

    they don’t look like professional racers to me.
    Racing but no helmet?
    No different from mat rempit

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 6
  • Commentor on Jun 17, 2015 at 3:09 pm

    Hmmmm….I would prefer the guy drives the 1990’s car while the girl for the newest MX-5.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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