To my knowledge the pre 1993 1.6ltr is lighter than the 1997 lower tune 1.6Ltr so its more power and lighter, (shorter geared too?) hence the 1 second difference. But neither are that fast 9.7sec 0-60 for mine and 10.6 for yours when new. So the MX5 is more about charging round the corners enjoying the balance to me. And lets face it after 13 to 20 year some of the horses have probably escaped from them. 
Are you thinking the original 115BHP MKI with the later 110BHP MKII
Oh and No ABS on mine either but I do like the higher geared steering wheel with power steering as it makes it fun on the twisty bits. I am not certain the LSD still works though, well the diff works its the limittesd slip bit, the tyres are fairly grippy and the power is not so large.
