At a remote racetrack, it’s a bright afternoon. The anticipation is palpable, along with the slight smell of fuel and rubber. This is where the legendary Mazda MX-5, the best-selling two-seater convertible in the world, will test its mettle. This is not a narrative about different automobile models competing to be the best. Rather, this is the story of a single automobile model that has undergone a number of aftermarket modifications competing against itself to push the boundaries of what it can do.
The Power Deficit
The Mazda MX-5 has long been praised for its nimble handling, light weight, and elegant simplicity. It’s the embodiment of the Japanese philosophy of Jinba Ittai – the synergy between horse and rider. But there’s one aspect where it has always faced criticism: power. The MX-5, particularly the third-generation NC model, is infamously underpowered. Its standard 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine produces a modest 160 horsepower and 188 Nm of torque. This lack of power is the Achilles heel in an otherwise stellar performance profile.
The Power Play
In a test orchestrated by the popular Carwow channel, four versions of the Mazda MX-5 were raced head-to-head. Each car featured a different performance modification designed to rectify the power deficit. The lineup included a standard Mk3, a turbocharged version, a supercharged variant, and one with a larger 2.5-liter engine.
The turbocharged and supercharged versions, still equipped with the original 2.0-liter engine, boasted 262 horsepower with 306 Nm of torque and 248 horsepower with 289 Nm of torque, respectively. The car with the larger 2.5-liter engine delivered a solid 239 horsepower and 285 Nm of torque. The stage was set, the gauntlet thrown down, and the cars were ready to roar.
The Race of the MX-5s
The turbocharged MX-5 emerged as the victor. It outperformed the rest in terms of acceleration and overall performance, with the highest horsepower and torque figures. The supercharged version was close behind, while the 2.5-liter variant lagged slightly. The baseline MX-5, in this power-packed company, was left in the dust.
But these modifications don’t just offer increased power. They transform the car’s driving experience. The boosted MX-5s were faster, yes, but they also offered a more exciting, visceral driving sensation. The raw power, the growl of the engines, the thrill of the acceleration – all these added a whole new dimension to the MX-5’s character.
Yet, the test also underscored the importance of balance in performance tuning. Adding power isn’t enough; one must also consider chassis and suspension upgrades to handle the increased thrust. The choice of tires, too, plays a significant role. It’s a holistic approach, a game of synergy and balance.
Ultimately, the Carwow test demonstrated that while the MX-5 might lack power in its standard form, with the right modifications, it can hold its own in the world of high-performance sports cars. It’s a testament to the potential of the MX-5, a testament to the spirit of Jinba Ittai – the spirit of unity between car and driver.
