I have a confession to make - 986 vs 987 S

[DennisAN]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

Then I went back and drove a track prepared Miata with the tiny but revvy engine, lowered, sticky tires, etc. Even the 986S felt like a regular cushy, muted road car in comparison.

Right now I have a 1996 Miata and a 2000 base 986. Both are fun cars but the 986 shows its roughly 600 lb. weight disadvantage (approx. 2300 lbs. vs. 2900 lbs.). The 986 feels "planted" whereas the Miata feels "darty".

In the past I've also owned a 1400 lb. Bugeye Sprite and an 1100 lb. Lotus 7 clone (Westfield). Both of those make the Miata feel like a tank.