NA vs NB Miata
The NB is closer to the NA than it looks. The NB (1999–2005) is a reworked NA (1990–1997): the same basic structure and many of the same bolt-on parts, with fixed headlights instead of pop-ups, a new interior, a glass rear window and a stiffer body.
Power rose through both runs, from 116 hp in the first 1.6 NA to 142 hp in the 2001-on NB with variable valve timing. More NAs were sold: 431,506 against 290,123 NBs. So the choice comes down to which one you like, what you want to change, and the condition of the car in front of you. The table shows what differs, from the free facts on each car's page.
| NA (1990–1997) | NB (1999–2005) | |
|---|---|---|
| Years and how many were made | NA production: 431,506 | NB = reworked NA tub, 1999-2005, no 1998 model in the US |
| Horsepower and engine | 1990: 1.6 B6, 116 hp, 4.30 final drive; 1994: 1.8 BP, 128 hp, Torsen, bigger brakes, 7-inch diff; 1996: OBD-II and 133 hp | 2001 NB2: VVT engine, stiffer body, optional 11 inch brakes |
| Transmission | Not on the free page yet | 1999 10th Anniversary: first 6-speed Miata |
| Brakes | 1994: 1.8 BP, 128 hp, Torsen, bigger brakes, 7-inch diff | 2001 NB2: VVT engine, stiffer body, optional 11 inch brakes |
| Limited-slip diff | 1994: 1.8 BP, 128 hp, Torsen, bigger brakes, 7-inch diff; 1995: Torsen Type II mid-year, dummy oil gauge, Merlot M-Edition | Not on the free page yet |
| Weight and size | Wheelbase 89.2 in, length about 155.4 in, width 65.9 in, height about 48.2 in. A 1990 1.6 tested at 2,210 lb. The 1994 1.8 listed 2,293 lb, about 70 lb heavier than 1993. | Wheelbase 89.4 in, length about 155 in, width 66.1 in. A minimum-option 2001 weighs about 2,348 lb and a 1999 tested at 2,327 lb. |
| Recalls | 3 | 3 |
The facts behind the table
- NA production: 431,506
- Hagerty cites 431,506 NA Miatas sold, versus 290,123 NBs. Years: 1990–1997. Source: hagerty.com.
- NB = reworked NA tub, 1999-2005, no 1998 model in the US
- The NB keeps the NA's basic structure and many bolt-on parts but adds fixed headlights, a new interior, a glass rear window and a stiffer body. Years: 1999-2005. Sources: hagerty.com, help.flyinmiata.com and redlineautoparts.com.
- 1990: 1.6 B6, 116 hp, 4.30 final drive
- The 1990 Miata launched with a 1.6-liter DOHC four rated 116 hp, a 5-speed manual and a 4.30 final drive. A viscous LSD was optional. Years: 1990. Source: hagerty.com.
- 1994: 1.8 BP, 128 hp, Torsen, bigger brakes, 7-inch diff
- 1994 brought the 1.8 BP (about 15 hp more, 128 hp), a 4.10 final drive, Torsen LSD replacing the viscous unit, more bracing and larger brakes. Years: 1994. Sources: hagerty.com and 2 owner sources.
- 1996: OBD-II and 133 hp
- For 1996 the Miata became OBD-II compliant and the 1.8 was rated 133 hp. Years: 1996. Sources: hagerty.com and consumerguide.com.
- 2001 NB2: VVT engine, stiffer body, optional 11 inch brakes
- The BP-Z3 engine adds variable valve timing and 10.0:1 compression for 142 hp and 125 lb-ft. Bending rigidity rose 16 percent and torsional rigidity 22 percent. New headlights, interior and gauges. Immobilizer added. Years: 2001-2005. Sources: auto123.com, wikipedia.org, redlineautoparts.com, help.flyinmiata.com and fueleconomy.gov.
- 1999 10th Anniversary: first 6-speed Miata
- 7,500 built worldwide (3,000 for the US), Sapphire Blue Mica, 6-speed manual with 3.9 Torsen, numbered badge, polished 15 inch wheels. Years: 1999. Sources: wikipedia.org, redlineautoparts.com and hagerty.com.
- 1995: Torsen Type II mid-year, dummy oil gauge, Merlot M-Edition
- During 1995 the Torsen changed from Type I to Type II. 1995–97 oil gauges are switch-driven dummies. M-Edition in Merlot Mica (3,500). Years: 1995. Sources: hagerty.com and 2 owner sources.
- NA size and weight
- Wheelbase 89.2 in, length about 155.4 in, width 65.9 in, height about 48.2 in. A 1990 1.6 tested at 2,210 lb. The 1994 1.8 listed 2,293 lb, about 70 lb heavier than 1993. Years: 1990-1997. Sources: wikipedia.org, nsdl.arcabc.ca and jalopnik.com.
- NB size and weight
- Wheelbase 89.4 in, length about 155 in, width 66.1 in. A minimum-option 2001 weighs about 2,348 lb and a 1999 tested at 2,327 lb. Years: 1999-2005. Sources: wikipedia.org and theautochannel.com.
Buying or owning one?
The full reports
$20 one-time each, one per generation and engine.
Mazda Miata NA 1.6 (1990–1993, B6 1.6)
In research. Not on sale yet.
Email me when it goes on sale
Mazda Miata NA 1.8 (1994–1997, BP 1.8)
In research. Not on sale yet.
Email me when it goes on sale
Mazda Miata NB (1999–2005)
Finished. On sale soon.