Mazda Miata MX-5 ND Miata MX-5 ND VS Mazda RX-7 FB RX-7 FB

Mazda Miata MX-5 ND vs Mazda RX-7 FB: Generations of Lightweight RWD Joy

When you line up the Mazda Miata MX-5 ND and the Mazda RX-7 FB, you’re not just comparing two cars—you’re watching the evolution of the enthusiast’s lightweight, rear-drive formula. Both are icons in their own right, each representing the best of their era for drivers who value agility, mechanical honesty, and a visceral connection to the road. But how do they actually stack up on the stopwatch and in the paddock? Let’s break down the data.

Lap Time Showdown: Modern Precision vs. Vintage Spirit

On paper, the ND Miata brings a modest power increase (185 PS vs. 115 PS) and a weight penalty of about 140 lbs, but it’s the ND’s sophistication—stiffer chassis, advanced suspension geometry, and a much newer tire and brake technology baseline—that gives it a predictably strong edge on most tracks.

At Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park - 1.7 Mile Road Course, the Miata ND absolutely dominates, clocking a 1:18.47 to the RX-7 FB’s 1:36.92—an almost 18.5 second gap that underlines the generational leap in pace.

However, the RX-7 FB is no pushover. Given the right modifications and, crucially, a sticky set of tires, it can punch above its weight. At Auto Club Speedway - Road Course, a race-prepped RX-7 FB managed a 1:54.624, beating a lightly modded ND Miata’s 2:07.331 by nearly 13 seconds. The story repeats at Willow Springs Raceway - Streets Pre 2022 (1:26.2 FB vs. 1:28.945 ND) and Ridge Motorsports Park - Current, where a race-prepped RX-7 FB squeezed out a 1:52.2—just 0.38s quicker than the ND’s 1:52.58.

But overall, the Miata ND’s consistency is hard to ignore: at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course - Pro Course (1:37.826 ND vs. 1:47.09 FB), Lime Rock Park - CW (59.06 ND vs. 1:08.1 FB), and Buttonwillow Raceway - 13CW (1:56.5 ND vs. 1:59.92 FB), the ND Miata is decisively ahead.

Engineering Character: How Each Car Delivers Its Magic

The ND Miata is a product of Mazda’s relentless refinement: double wishbone front suspension, a tightly-wound 1.5L Skyactiv engine, and a chassis that’s both communicative and forgiving. Its modern tires and brakes, plus electronic assists (that can be disabled), make it a track-day hero right out of the box. The car’s balance and short wheelbase mean it thrives on momentum and rewards smooth, committed driving. Even in stock form, it’s more than the sum of its numbers—though with lightweight mods and sticky tires, it’s genuinely rapid.

The RX-7 FB, with its 1.1L rotary engine, is a different animal. With less torque and a more peaky powerband, it demands that you stay in the revs and keep your corner speeds up. The rotary’s unique power delivery, combined with the car’s featherweight chassis, makes for a lively, engaging drive—especially when modifications elevate the old-school suspension and brakes to modern standards. But it’s an analog experience: no ABS, no stability control, and a more delicate limit. In the right hands, and with enough upgrades, the FB can still surprise modern machinery—as the lap times show.

Value, Ownership, and Enthusiast Appeal

The ND Miata’s MSRP was always about accessible fun—true to the “Jinba Ittai” ethos. It’s a car you can daily, autocross, and track with minimal running costs. Its value proposition has only strengthened as used examples remain reliable and affordable, and the aftermarket is massive.

The RX-7 FB, on the other hand, is a classic now. Once a budget sports car, clean examples have appreciated, especially those with unmolested rotary engines. It’s a labor of love: more maintenance, a smaller support network, but huge rewards for those who embrace its quirks. For the enthusiast who wants tactile feedback, vintage style, and rotary soundtrack, there’s nothing else quite like it.

In summary: The ND Miata is the modern benchmark for affordable, reliable performance that’s track-ready out of the box and responds brilliantly to upgrades. The RX-7 FB, though outgunned on raw lap times in most cases, remains a cult favorite—capable of humbling newer cars with the right prep and driver. Whether you’re after modern precision or analog charm, both Mazdas deliver their own unique flavor of driving joy—proving that the lightweight, rear-drive recipe never goes out of style.