Watch the all-new Miata take on the classic, original Miata in a race
Jade Paveley gets the older, slower Miata — but a 4-second head start. Will she be able to drive the little roadster well enough to maintain her lead?
Owen Mildenhall got behind the wheel of the much-improved MX-5. But will better handling, better suspension, and more horsepower be enough? Driving skill can still win races, and Paveley has a head start!
Green flag means go!
And the original Miata is off!
Paveley will put the pedal down for a full 4 seconds before her competition can get off the start line.
Waiting ... waiting ... waiting ... the worst part of racing.
But finally away — and picking up speed fast. The graphic in the upper-right-hand corner shows how far apart the two cars are on the track.
The 2015 MX-5 is a much better race car. Years of racing have led Mazda to make numerous improvements. By all rights, the new MX-5 should catch up.
But this very well-preserved example of the first-gen car is no slouch. And with a good driver at the controls, it can be a lot quicker than its limited power would indicate.
Around the turn ...
... the new MX-5 is closing fast.
He's got her in his sights.
The 2015 MX-5 can handle these hard corners. Look at how Mildenhall is leaning into that turn.
Notice a big difference between the original model and the new car: the pop-up headlights went away over a decade ago.
Getting closer! Will Jade be able to hold him off?
About as close as you can get! Bumper to bumper!
That's tight racing!
Now Owen is really asking the car to perform.
The home stretch!
And Jade can't hold off the pass at the finish. Mildenhall has the extra horsepower and he uses it at just the right moment.
It's a win for the new MX-5 ...
... and a second for the original.
Victory!
Defeat.
Pretty impressive that it came down to a run for the finish line. The original Miata remains a good sparring partner on the track, even with 25-year-old technology.
Now check out a slightly more demanding race ...
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