AutoX: Can a fb compete with Miatas?

Rogue_Wulff · 11-16-2009, 07:23 PM

The FB is at a slight disadvantage when the prep level and driver skill are equal. The slow steering ratio and solid rear axle (with it's inheirent shortcomings) give the edge to the Miata. However, given even the slightest bit of an edge at prep level and/or driver skill, the FB is still a force to be reckoned with.
The SA/FB was the "Gold standard" in the handling dept for a good many years. The Miata is one of the few cars that actually built upon the success of the 1st gen RX7 by following much the same path. Low weight, low CG, and low power, packed into a small package with great suspension. The suspension under the Miata is what the SA/FB *should* have had all along. The bean counters kept the design dept on a short leash when drawing up the SA/FB, so what they managed to do with such a limited budget is simply amazing.

11-16-2009, 07:23 PM	#12
Rogue_Wulff Non Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 310 Rep Power: 18	The FB is at a slight disadvantage when the prep level and driver skill are equal. The slow steering ratio and solid rear axle (with it's inheirent shortcomings) give the edge to the Miata. However, given even the slightest bit of an edge at prep level and/or driver skill, the FB is still a force to be reckoned with. The SA/FB was the "Gold standard" in the handling dept for a good many years. The Miata is one of the few cars that actually built upon the success of the 1st gen RX7 by following much the same path. Low weight, low CG, and low power, packed into a small package with great suspension. The suspension under the Miata is what the SA/FB should have had all along. The bean counters kept the design dept on a short leash when drawing up the SA/FB, so what they managed to do with such a limited budget is simply amazing.