Noob with a question, NB8A RS or NB8B?

Stoyak · Post by **Stoyak** » Sun May 22, 2011 4:58 am

Hi all,

I'm originally from Aus but I'm going to be working in NZ for a while and am looking at taking advantage of the cheap(ish) import car scene here.

I own a Clio 182 Cup in Australia so I wanted something that will handle as well as it does without throwing money at it and I figure the perfect car choice is an MX5. Plus I don't want to die without owning and experiencing one!

I'm looking at two in paticular at the moment and I'm wondering which one is the better option.

First one is a 2000 MX5 RS 1.8. (It's definitely pre 2001 facelift so am I correct calling it is an NB8A?)
As I understand it comes from the factory with a Torsion LSD, Biltein Suspension, bigger ARB's, front strut brace, and a 6 speed box.

Second is a 2001 MX5 1.8.
This would be the facelifted NB model with the more powerful 1.8L engine, 6 speed box and stiffer chassis (and maybe bigger brakes, not sure). I'm yet to find out from the owner if it had the LSD option but I don't think it does.

I'm just not sure what path is better. Given a choice of the two is the NB8A RS good enough over a NB8B?

Stoyak · Post by **Stoyak** » Sun May 22, 2011 5:40 pm

I actually test drove the RS today and its really nice, very tight. Only eyebrow raise was when chucking a tight u-turn, under mild throttle it sounded like the inside rear let out a bit of a screech. Now the car should have the Torsen LSD so is that just a case of a turn to tight for it to work effectively or something? I just hope it doesn't indicate that the car has had its LSD removed because that would be ridiculous.

Going to try and line up a drive of the 2001 NBB for next weekend.

brownie · Post by **brownie** » Sun May 22, 2011 9:24 pm

They all run NB8C chassis codes here,If it's a Jap import,Unless you find a 1600cc model,Plenty of those around.
Just remember they are ROADSTER's if import or MX5 if NZ New.

fiveisalive · Post by **fiveisalive** » Mon May 23, 2011 7:48 pm

Sorry to hijack the thread but...

Are the 98-2001 RS2 models only 140hp? and the R2.5 160hp and heavier?

Stoyak · Post by **Stoyak** » Mon May 23, 2011 9:44 pm

Yeah that sounds about right, i think its something like 142hp and 158hp.

Weight wise I think the R2.5 was slightly heavier ~40-50kg.

fiveisalive · Post by **fiveisalive** » Mon May 23, 2011 9:58 pm

Ah nice cheers for the clarification.

Nice ride the 182. I looked at getting an RS back in the day ... I got sick of waiting for the dealer to source me one so I ended up with a 1996 Peugeot 106 Clubsport/Rallye instead.

Stoyak · Post by **Stoyak** » Mon May 23, 2011 11:12 pm

Yeah I'm keen to see how the MX5 handles compared to the Clio.

It's got a good benchmark to live up to as I guarantee the Clio will handle better then anyone who hasn't driven one would ever think

dynofiend · Post by **dynofiend** » Sun May 29, 2011 10:29 pm

fiveisalive wrote:Ah nice cheers for the clarification.

Nice ride the 182. I looked at getting an RS back in the day ... I got sick of waiting for the dealer to source me one so I ended up with a 1996 Peugeot 106 Clubsport/Rallye instead.

Ive owned one of those too, 1995 white one. Also had a couple of XSi's in my time

fiveisalive · Post by **fiveisalive** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 12:09 am

dynofiend wrote:
fiveisalive wrote:Ah nice cheers for the clarification.

Nice ride the 182. I looked at getting an RS back in the day ... I got sick of waiting for the dealer to source me one so I ended up with a 1996 Peugeot 106 Clubsport/Rallye instead.
Ive owned one of those too, 1995 white one. Also had a couple of XSi's in my time

Yeah I love the 106's...

Noob with a question, NB8A RS or NB8B?

Noob with a question, NB8A RS or NB8B?

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