As of 9/24/00, I've owned a 2000 Miata (in striking Emerald Mica--a color awfuly close to
British Racing Green) for exactly one week. It is
far and away the most fun vehicle I've ever owned.
In my research about the model, I came across several enthusiast's groups, which I considered a little silly. It's only a car, after all...
It only took me one week to become an enthusiast. So much so, in fact, that I'm strongly considering a Miata Metanode...
Here are the standard features of the 2000 Miata:
Mechanical
Engine 1.8 liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder
Iron block; light-alloy cylinder head
Transmission 5-speed manual, optional automatic
Steering Power-assist rack-and-pinion, with engine-speed-sensing variable assist
Ratio: 15:1
Turns, lock-to-lock: 2.7
Turning circle, curb-to-curb: 30.2 feet
Brakes Power-assist 4-wheel disc
10.0-inch ventilated front rotors
9.9-inch ventilated rear rotors
Suspension Four-wheel double-wishbone, with gas-filled shocks and front/rear stabilizer bars
Exhaus Sport-tuned
Exterior
14-inch alloy wheels w/ wheel locks
Manual vinyl convertible top with vinyl boot cover
Class rear window with defogger
Dual body-color power remote mirrors, 2-speed intermittent wipers
Power antenna
Free-surface reflector halogen headlights
Front fog lights
Interior
Dual 2nd-generation front air bags w/ passenger-side deactivation switch
3-point safety belts with tension limiters
Reclining bucket seats
Black cloth uphostery
Windblocker (tm) antidraft panel with integral storage pouch
Carpeted floor mats
Lockable center console storage and glove compartment, dual cup holders, map pockets on doors
Power windows
Remote trunk-lid and fuel-door releases
Courtesy light on windshield header, passenger vanity mirror
Instrumentation: speedometer, tachometer, coolant-temperature gauge, oil-pressure indicator
3-spoke leather-wrapped NARDI steering wheel
AM/FM/CD stereo with two speakers and digital clock
Performance Specifications
Horsepower, SAE Net @ rpm: 140 @ 6500, 138 @ 6500 (NLEV)
Torque, SAE Net @ rpm: 119 @ 5500, 117 @ 5000 (NLEV)
Fuel capacity: 12.7 gallons; regular unleaded
EPA Estimated fuel ecomomy: 25mpg city; 29mpg highway
Transmission ratios Manual Automatic
1st gear 3.136 2.450
2nd gear 1.888 1.450
3rd gear 1.330 1.000
4th gear 1.000 0.730
5th gear 0.814 ---
Final drive 4.300 4.100
Dimensions (inches)
Wheelbase/overall length: 89.2/155.3
Overall height/width: 48.4/66.0
Front/rear track: 55.7/56.7
Headroom/legroom/shoulder room: 37.1/42.8/49.7
Cargo volume: 5.1 cubic feet
Curb weight (manual/automatic): 2,332/2,381 lbs
Source: Mazda's 2000 Miata brouchure, lovingly handed me by a Mazda salesguy just one short week ago.