MX-5 NB 1.6 or 1.8?

General Discussion Forums MX-5 Chat
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Hello there!

In a few month I will hopefully purchase an mx5 but I just can’t decide on the engine. I tried to research the question but not many people have driven both a 1.6 and 1.8 NB. Even though I’m about the be 20 with 2 years clean driving (named driver only), the insurance premiums are remarkably high. £2000 for the 1.6 and £2450 for the 1.8 (and these will only go up).

Although I’m not desperate for power, my brother’s 1.8 is a pleasure to drive. It had noticable power at lower rpms as well. I read that the 1.6 is not much slower but it needs to be revved and revved to squeez some power out until the valves come out and do a little dance around on the bonnet. I do not like that. I prefer lower rpms and disel like low end torque.

I wonder how the 1.6 performs in that compared to the 1.8. Is it enough for the 1.6 overall? Does anyone have any first hand experienc on reliability, fuel consumption and fun factor?


Thanks for any advice! :slight_smile:

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Morning,

and congratulations on a fine choice of car to be searching for. As the owner of a mk2 1.8iS I can definitely say you won’t get diesel low end torque (or from any MX5 engine) its not what the cars are about, that said they’re not a Honda S2000 7500-8000rpm screamer either, but all MX-5’s need to be rev’ved and driven well to get the performance from them, that’s the essence of sports car driving - as opposed to big dollops of low end torque, with effortless modern turbo diesel grunt (we’ve got one of them too as a myself, wife, daughter & dog transport).

Best piece of advice I can give re. the 1.6 vs 1.8 engine debate is drive both back to back, many MX-5’s vary anyway and its really the only subjective, seat of the pants way. The general consensus is whilst there isn’t a massive amount between them on performance (the 1.8 is undeniably faster but doesn’t necessarily feel so on the road) the 1.6 is a sweeter engine, so revs nicer than the 1.8.

Either way you’ll be getting a fine, proper, rear wheel drive sports car to enjoy - and ouch, that insurance isn’t fun, mine is £300 but then I am double your age, boo…!

 

4

 I bought a 1.6 two weeks ago but haven’t driven a 1.8 so cannot compare.  What I can say about the 1.6 is that it drives great, revs freely and feels lively enough.  The car doesn’t feel underpowered in any way and so far I have no regrets or wishing for a 1.8.

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I have a customer NB 1.6 (46,000 miles)  in at the moment for some paint work, I drove it briefly and it is pretty noticably down on power compared to the other NB 1.8 cars I have had in recently, it isnt slow but not having the extra horses of the 1.8 does take the edge off the driving experience a bit, it is true that the 1.8 is a rougher-running unit than a sweet 1.6 and of course the 1.8 car is approx 35kg heavier than a 1.6 equiv. I guess I am used to how a 1.8 drives and feels, for me the 1.8 with the lower down torque is the better drive overall.

A case of more horses for the courses? Wink

Dr. EunosGeek

 

6

 

There is not much difference between them, and the 1.6 early engine is great, very hard and forgiving, big favourite for track use, the early 1.8 is also a good engine and like you say does not need to be revved as much, but that is part of the fun ,plus your insurance will be cheaper, don’t get the later Mk 1 1.6 as this was detuned, the 1.6 Mk2 engine is nippier as is the 1.8, but the 1.8 uses oil, it is a trait of the engine, but as long as you keep an eye on the level you should have no problems, The Mk 2.5 1,8 VVT engine is a winner over the Mk 2 1.8 engine, as that does not use oil(That’s why they changed it so soon into production),but The Mk 2 and 2.5 versions love tin worm more so than the Mk1’s,they will rot out quicker than the  1’s unless you garage her over night, only use her on good dry days and at the weekends and put her to bed over winter…no fun, they do take a lot more looking after on the keeping the rust at bay, but that said,if you stay on top her,and mean stay on top of it,she will be fine

So you are best in my opinion going for an imported (and that’s another chin rub, UK spec or Jap import?) Mk 1 that has been looked after, a 1.6 long nose crank engine…or an early import 1.8,just make sure no one leaves the ignition on while not running, they can eat coil packs.<o:p></o:p>

Do not let any of the versions overheat, that is a real killer for these engines.<o:p></o:p>

I would personally go out and try them all, there are plenty out there, see which one you like, work out your whole cost, and do your home work, go armed to the teeth to view, because like any motor, and remember some of these are getting on now, there are some tarted up dogs out there.

Hope that helps a little buddyThumbs up<o:p></o:p>

M-m<o:p></o:p>

 

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Thanks for all the quick posts! They really are helpful. I’m not missing the 1.8  now so much :slight_smile:

Are there any other differences between 1.6s-1.8s, older and newer NBs regarding chassis/suspension? I read some contreversial stuff on that.

I would definitely go for the facelift version because of the redesigned interior (and exterior) and improved rigidity, but I heard that later NB FL models changed in little detials as well.

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 The Mk 2.5 1.8 was more than just a facelift model, regardless of the forum talk, it was fitted with the whole new VVT engine,because of the problems of the Mk 2 1.8 engine,dummy gauges never helped the issuse.

M-m

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I’ve driven a friend’s 1.6 mk2 (non-facelift)
What a fun time i had (without being silly)
So responsive. I thoroughly enjoyed the drive.
Mileage is about 80k - maybe more (memory lapse sorry) - it’s like it’s just bedded-in nicely.
I really think the only one not to buy is the later mk1 with the dropped bhp 1.6. The rest are superb and if you do want to save a few 100 quid then go for the 1.6 but, as already said, do plenty of test drives.

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What do you mean when you say the 1.6 ‘revs nicer’?

Also, my limited technical savvy tells me that the 1.8 should be better at this with its VVT… is that not right?


Thanks,

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 The VVT is a better engine, Jo was just making you aware that the 1.6 is also one to look at, you seem to be heading away from them, from your mates ear say, try one first, there is nothing wrong with them and they will stay at top and hold their own with the 1.8cc.

It does make sense with your age that a 1.6 is the route to go, cost wise all round, and they are just as quick as the 1.8, but we can only try and help,at the end of the day it is your choice, but you need to test drive them all before making up your mind ,and as said before do your home work well, ask the owners that know the Mx/roadsters, we knowWink and you will find that most of us have owned a few Marks and models over the yearsThumbs up

M-m

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Cheers. I will do my best at trying out different models. If I can save up enough money I will go for the 1.8 but it’s good to know that I can’t go wrong with the 1.6 either :) 

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Try RH Insurance…i got my Mk 2 1999 MX-5 fully comp for £200 !!!