2015 Mazda MX-5 (NC) versus 2024 Mazda MX-5 (ND) - Which Is Best?

Which is better, the NC (3rd gen.) Mazda Miata, or the ND (4th gen.)?

That's a question that has been bugging us since the ND arrived on the scene back in 2016. While a very enjoyable car (ND), we felt that perhaps its predecessor (NC) was the one we preferred!

However, we had never driven the two models back to back, to form a more educated conclusion - until now that is!

We put these two generation models of the Mazda MX-5 through a few parameters, some purely scientific - based on measurable data; while some purely based on the seat of the pants and personal preference!

So... what did we discover?

Well, if you've already watched the video, you'd have seen that the ND Miata has more power (compared to the NC), which helps it achieve a quicker 0 to 100 km/h time.

The power folding roof on the ND RF (retractable fastback) is also marginally quicker than the mechanism on the NC PRHT (power retractable hard top) - although the times are extremely close for this roof race!

So... on paper, the ND RF is better than the NC PRHT. However, after spending a week driving each example, we preferred spending more time in the NC.

The cabin of the NC is a bit more spacious, and has more places for you to put things - making it more practical, compared to the ND. The seats are more comfortable, and there seems to be better sound insulation - making the NC nicer on longer drives. However, on the highway - at 120 km/h - with both cars in sixth gear, the NC revs at 3,500 rpm; while the ND revs at 3,000 rpm. Despite higher revs, the NC felt more relaxed on the highway - hence this is the one that we'd take on a road trip; although, truth be told, no Miata is ideal for a road trip (just a bit too noisy)!

Find a ribbon of twisty tarmac, and you'll find that the ND is a bit more nimble, compared to the NC; so the ND is a better sports car than the NC. As a car though, the one we'd like to live with, day-in and day-out, the NC was better! The younger generation would probably prefer the ND, because it has an infotainment system, and a reversing camera. But, if you can live without those items, you'll probably agree with us that the NC is superior.

So, while the ND wins on paper, the NC wins our hearts!

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