Just joined too

[Keith Smith]

Hi, Finally joining the list after being a voyeur for the last while. Great info

available with your letters guys... a great little forum.

As for me, domiciled in Howick, Auckland (altho originally from Canterbury.
That
explains the red with black top car) have had a regular NZ new 92 red MX5 for

about a year now... average condition, but what a great little car to drive.

Just finished a lovely sunny trip to Taranaki from Auckland. Sad that with four

kids, I have to use the van most days, but it is nice to get out in the open
top
some times. Also very sad that Auckland rains so much. Why did I come
here???

My sister has an 1800 auto and I reckon my 1600 manual cleans it up. Any
thoughts on this from "auto defenders".

Keith Smith
RJ6991
NZ new Classic Red

[Grant]

Hi from Blenheim again.

My '92 is an auto as I suffer from arthritis and, although I have no trouble
with a manual at present the time will probably come when I can't use one
again. Having only driven one other MX5 it's a bit hard to tell the
difference but my auto performs near enough the same as my brother's manual
one. Similar age and similar km's. His is red so should be faster than mine!
Mine has a Genie exhaust manifold (right term I hope) so might make a bit of
difference.
In top gear (4th in auto, 5th in the manual) they are identical. Off the
line from a standing start, the manual is quicker and more satisfying. To be
expected as the torque convertor has to do its thing, plus the auto's are
not as efficient in the lower gears. Auto's feel slower than they are
because of the torque convertor as well. The only way to check would be to
get them side by side and have a wee race!! on closed road or similar of
course.
according to what I could find on various web sites, the auto engine has a
lower compression ratio so is slightly down on power. Max torque is at
slightly lower revs presumably to work better with the auto 'box. Could be
the same with the 1800, don't know.
Anyway, enjoy the car in the sun when you can.

Grant.

[Grant]

Hi from Blenheim again.

My '92 is an auto as I suffer from arthritis and, although I have no trouble
with a manual at present the time will probably come when I can't use one
again. Having only driven one other MX5 it's a bit hard to tell the
difference but my auto performs near enough the same as my brother's manual
one. Similar age and similar km's. His is red so should be faster than mine!
Mine has a Genie exhaust manifold (right term I hope) so might make a bit of
difference.
In top gear (4th in auto, 5th in the manual) they are identical. Off the
line from a standing start, the manual is quicker and more satisfying. To be
expected as the torque convertor has to do its thing, plus the auto's are
not as efficient in the lower gears. Auto's feel slower than they are
because of the torque convertor as well. The only way to check would be to
get them side by side and have a wee race!! on closed road or similar of
course.
according to what I could find on various web sites, the auto engine has a
lower compression ratio so is slightly down on power. Max torque is at
slightly lower revs presumably to work better with the auto 'box. Could be
the same with the 1800, don't know.
Anyway, enjoy the car in the sun when you can.

Grant.