General Doc's Barchetta vs 03 MX-5 review

Currently reading:
General Doc's Barchetta vs 03 MX-5 review

Oi - don't insult the Punto :nono:. My girlfriend's got a P, and it's luvverly :yum: (...although it's MKII with an Abarth body kit (y) )
 
She's more fond of her old Corolla than the P. Not sure if that makes things better :eek:
 
Apparently I didn't get your meaning...:eek:


Anyhow, I happened to park next to an MX5 today - and compared to the B it really looks like a dog. Even more so in red :p Pardon the hairy girlfriend blocking the view :rolleyes:
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0147.jpg
    IMG_0147.jpg
    413.5 KB · Views: 74
  • IMG_0148.jpg
    IMG_0148.jpg
    405.2 KB · Views: 87
  • IMG_0151.jpg
    IMG_0151.jpg
    344.3 KB · Views: 67
would have to agree with the doc's review. very honest and unbiased...

After having driven both the MX (1.6) and the B found that they were both very similar but the B seemed slightly quicker. didn't have them side by side (they are a few thousand miles away from each other).

Found the MX very comfortoble to drive, newer looks, well it is an 04 whereas my B is a 99. Less rattles than the B... but at the end of the day I would still choose the B :)

whilst in the UK earlier this year I saw dozens of MX's but only 1 Bee (y)
 
Apparently I didn't get your meaning...:eek:


Anyhow, I happened to park next to an MX5 today - and compared to the B it really looks like a dog. Even more so in red :p Pardon the hairy girlfriend blocking the view :rolleyes:


Bet the girlfriends hair looks great sat in the B at 80 MPH with the roof down :D
 
Excellent review Doc, thanks for posting it up and kicking off the debate.

There are 3 things that I look for in a car that the MX5 doesn't have and the Barchetta does.

1) Bargain price. A quick check on ebay MX5's of similar vintage and mileage to my B are nearly 2k more.

2) Rarity. Barchetta as rare as rocking horse muck. MX5 common as muck.

3) Looks. MX5 is not ugly, esp the new version, but it is not as heartstoppingly attractive as a Barchetta. I still feel really really lucky every time I look at my car because I just bloody love the way it looks.
 
Last edited:
Matt, you are so right. I bet there are not many MX5 owners who can't resist turning around to look at their car when walking away after parking. With my B it happens every time!
 
I think the latest MX5 looks a good deal better, but isn't beautiful in the same way as the Barchetta.

My brother's got a 1.6 MX5 with the pseudo factory fitted BBS turbo. It's quite a lot quicker than the Barchetta! It feels better put together but the roof is a bit fiddly and the boot is tiny.

Thanks again to the Doc for the review, I think I was on the Trans Sib when he first posted it so I think I can be excused for not replying then!

As for Robot's girlfriend..... She tucks her hair away, but where? Behind the seat? I haven't seen hair that long since the 70s, and even then..... Not sure whether to be impressed or a little bit frightened :)
 
I believe she tucks it in her lap. I'm not too sure as I'm too busy avoiding the ditch :eek:
 
I think both cars hold up well. I had a newish MX5 in New Zealand. My main problems were the tiny boot and the fuel economy wasn't great and with garages in NZ about 100km apart (outside the towns)...

MX5 is a highly successful mass market car..there lies the difference with the B. The MX5 is also bang up to date with modern engine technology, emissions, better crash protection etc. The B is 13 years old with nil development beyond minor engine teaks and new bumpers...

The B is a great car..but its old and getting spares on this side of the water takes forever and costs a fortune...for that I'd have the Mazda any day.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the review Doc. About the b looking old and outdated compared to the Mx5 - thats one of the things I like about it - Its retro. One comment I had (with hard top on) was from someone who thought it was a 1950's car!
Also I notice the latest Mx5 has changed that horrible bonnet that cut into the middle of the lights into a nice rounded one just like the b.
xs
 
Back
Top