The 2-litre is well matched to the sharp six-speed manual gearbox and classic rear-wheel drive, and many of the drivers say the mid-range punch and overtaking power make it the right choice for the MX-5.
But not me. After a back-to-back romp I'm convinced the basic 1.5 - even if it's only got 96 kiloWatts and 150 Newton-metres - is more fun. It's a touch lighter in the nose, a little more responsive to the steering, and has the sweet feel of the '89 original.
Verdict
[FONT=inherit]I'm still also split a little on the MX-5, but not conflicted. I really enjoy driving the 2-litre car because of its brisk step-off, the overtaking urge, and the ability to run in higher gears for longer on twisty corners.
But it's the 1.5 that has me laughing out loud as we take the high roads, and the low roads, around Loch Lomond. It's a car that's just as much fun as the MX-5 that first got me in 1989.
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But not me. After a back-to-back romp I'm convinced the basic 1.5 - even if it's only got 96 kiloWatts and 150 Newton-metres - is more fun. It's a touch lighter in the nose, a little more responsive to the steering, and has the sweet feel of the '89 original.
Verdict
[FONT=inherit]I'm still also split a little on the MX-5, but not conflicted. I really enjoy driving the 2-litre car because of its brisk step-off, the overtaking urge, and the ability to run in higher gears for longer on twisty corners.
But it's the 1.5 that has me laughing out loud as we take the high roads, and the low roads, around Loch Lomond. It's a car that's just as much fun as the MX-5 that first got me in 1989.
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