1.6L vs 1.8L MX5 Miata: Which Should You Get? Which is Better for Boost?

1.6L vs 1.8L Miata is a hot topic. Some people claim the 1.6L is a better engine, boosted or NA. Today we get to the bottom of this debate. We talk about 1.6L vs 1.8L engines for boost, naturally aspirated builds, and what each engine means for other options for the cars. As someone who turbo charged a 1.6L Miata, there's no reason to turbo or buy one over a 1.8L unless it's significantly cheaper or if you already have one.

Why a 1.6L is worse than a 1.8L:
-Slower spool vs a 1.8L
-Smaller displacement means less power across the board
-Better flowing head design in a 1.8L, especially in 99-00 and beyond. This means you’ll have a more efficient engine. It’ll breathe better, allow you to get more air through it easier, meaning it’ll make more power more easily
-Weaker stock clutch
-Stock 1.6L cars have weaker diffs, requiring a swap to handle big power. 1.8L diffs have been known to handle 400 whp, 1.6 much less, some breaking around 200, some much less
-You COULD find a VVT 1.8L if you want, you can’t with a 1.6
-Smaller brakes
-Less chassis bracing

Why the 1.6L CAN be claimed to be better than the 1.8L:
-Potentially cheaper motors
-Potentially cheaper “Good” turbo manifolds
-Potentially slightly lighter car
-Potentially cheaper ECU
-Faster "Revving" in stock form

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