I’m 6ft 2.5 inches tall (approx 190cm). A while back I tried the Mark 1 MX5 and was disappointed to find that there is not enough headroom for me (long body, normal to long legs). Which model of MX5 has the most headroom?
Does the Mark 3 have more headroom than the Mark 2?
Does the Mark 3 roadster (electric hardtop) have more space than the Mark 3 softtop (with the top up)?
Are there any solutions for taller drivers appart from having the top down all the time?
I hope there is one that I can fit. Keen for advice before I arrange test drives etc as will be buying second hand.
Im 6ft2 with a very long back {29inch leg} I fit perfectly in my 91 MX-5.I dont fit into a Mk2 or 2.5.Recently I tried a Mk3 soft top and tin top I could not fit into either so no sale for Mazda in this case.
6’ 2" x 32" leg here and I fit the Mk1’s perfectly. Had to remove the visors, one-piece in the UK car and two-piece in the Roadster, to get an uninterrupted view through the windscreen Slightly smaller diameter steering wheels so I could get my knees under comfortably and then it was just a matter of finding the perfect position for the seat base and back rake. I find them supremely comfortable and have driven long (Continental long!) distances without problems, arriving as fresh as a daisy with no cricks or aches and pains.
Have another go and take your time to set the car up to suit yourself, not the current owner.
One size fits all!
It does seem to be a universal truth that there is less headroom in Mk2/2.5’s though. The seat base was mounted higher for some reason.
no I don’t fit properly but it’s like a woman with shoe fashion (sorry ladies) it’s so good that I put up with the discomfort. I stop every 150 miles for a stagger around the car…
you mention getting a smaller diameter steering wheel - which I would also like to do (I am also 6’ 2" x 32" inside leg) I have heard the moto wheels are good - but will I lose the drivers airbag (I have a 55 plate MX5 Icon) - what diameter did you get and where did you get it?
If you are going to the National Rally in September I am sure if you asked any owner if they would let you try their cars out for height and comfort etc, they would be only too pleased to oblige you.
Standard mk1 wheels are 380mm. I replaced two with 340mm. One I bought off an acquaintance at work. It was already fitted to his car when he bought it but he wanted a woodrim wheel.
I was really pleased because the wheel is slightly D-shaped, giving even more leg room above the knees - and it’s also mounted slightly off centre. It sounds wierd but is totally un-noticable in use - other than giving more leg room than a regular 340mm wheel. All these nuances make it ‘feel’ smaller without being too silly.
Cost me £10 or £25, can’t remember which.
The other I swapped for my standard wheel so cost nothing. Can’t remember who, where or when though. By comparison it’s a normal wheel and looks very similar to the standard Mk1 item but with a thicker rim. Most people don’t even realise it’s been changed.
The first one has a ‘Race’ logo on it, the other ‘Sprint’. Couldn’t tell you the make though.
Neither hide the instruments for me.
Couldn’t tell you much about your airbag wheel but you can get replacement wheels with airbags in if that’s what you want - very expensive though (£300 is expensive compared to my £10-£25!) You can also replace the airbag wheel with a non-airbag item - but it doesn’t sound as if you want to do that.
As for the seat, I’ve done the same as Golders. Slight rake so you’re not bolt upright and you sink into the seat squab, rather than sit ‘on’ it, then move the seat back as far as it will go. If I put the seatback bolt upright it will still move back a couple more clicks on the runners, so that’ll give you an idea how to position it.
MK1s definately seem to be favourite for taller drivers.
Another popular mod that helps is a foamectomy where you remove foam from the base & backrest to sit lower down. There are plenty of “how to” guides on the forums.
MK1’s are definately the most roomy. I’m 6ft5, plenty of headroom clearance and my legs are fine. I do have a smaller steering wheel, but I haven’t done the foamsectomy yet. Also my seat doesn’t go all the back way due to my roll bar but it’s still comfy.
I found the MK2 to be much less comfortable, never sat in a MK3.
