Californians call it the June Gloom. What is it? Thick fog that blankets coastal areas of the Southland and burns off in time to see the sunset, if you're lucky. Sometimes the mist is heavy enough to require the use of the windshield wipers while driving. The bonus is that when it lifts, the light is nearly perfect for photography. Had we known about the June Gloom, we might have scheduled our comparison test in another, more sun-drenched locale. But Santa Barbara boasts some of the best winding mountain highways anywhere, and what better types of roads on which to flog these two beautiful roadsters? We spent a full day behind the wheels of the BMW Z3 2.8 and the Mazda Miata M-Edition, and came away from the test wearing huge grins of satisfaction.
For quite some time, Mazda virtually owned the two-seat roadster market in the United States. The Miata debuted to much fanfare in 1989. Critics hailed it as the second coming of the Lotus Elan, but without all the dastardly oil leaks and mechanical breakdowns that afflict British sports cars of that ilk. Dealers commanded excessive premiums from those buyers who had to be the first on their block with a Miata.
Over the years, the Miata gained weight thanks to new federal safety regulations and tweaks employed by Mazda to stiffen the car's structure. Engineers were sure to bump engine output as the poundage increased so that the Miata's renowned power balance would not be altered. In 1990, the Miata had a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine under the hood, and it made 116 horsepower and 100 lbs.-ft. of torque. Our test car, the fully-loaded and limited production M-Edition, boasted a 1.8-liter four making 133 horsepower and 114 lbs.-ft. of torque. Comparing curb weights, the 1990 base model tipped the scales at 2,182 pounds, while an equivalent 1997 version measures 2,293 pounds
Since its introduction, the Miata has consistently been a best-selling convertible. Only the Chrysler LeBaron/Sebring and the Ford Mustang have found more acceptance from consumers and fleet buyers such as rental car agencies. The success of this retro two-seater has not gone unnoticed by German automakers. BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche have all introduced roadster ragtops in the past two years, though they are priced substantially higher than Mazda's Miata.
We originally intended this comparison to mirror those conducted by other magazines: BMW Z3 vs. Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. Porsche Boxster, but with the Miata tossed in to see if spending the extra green is worth the price of entry for the Germans. Based on an offer of the use of a Boxster from an aftermarket company called Performance Products, we planned the test two months in advance and quickly lined up the Z3, the SLK, and the Miata to duke it out with Zuffenhausen's latest. Unfortunately, insurance concerns caused Performance Products to yank the Boxster from our lineup. So, we tried to replace it with one from Porsche. Porsche informed us that the Boxster available for press drives in Los Angeles was unavailable during the dates we requested. Then, Mercedes pulled the plug on the SLK due to a scheduling snafu. Nevertheless, we were left with our favorites of the quartet, both of which featured front engine/rear drive layouts and 5-speed manual transmissions.
Slipping behind the wheel of the Miata is like rekindling a romance with a lost love. The car fits snugly, wrapping itself around the driver tightly and placing the pedals, shifter, and steering wheel exactly where you want them to be. Classically styled analog gauges face the driver, and simple radio and climate controls are neatly stacked in the center of the dash. Retro-round vents are simple to use, but do not offer an airflow shut-off switch. Some items, like the cruise control button and power mirror toggle, are hidden from view because of the tight quarters, but fortunately, they are seldom used. Our Marina Green M-Edition was fully loaded, including chromed alloy wheels, tan leather seats, anti-lock brakes, variable-assist power steering, wood shift knob and brake handle, power windows and locks, and a spectacular CD stereo system that produced crystal clear sound at speeds up to 80 mph. While not the most attractive M-Edition Mazda that has ever been released (the 1996 version takes that honor), our deep green test car was certainly far from ugly. Those crisp, classic lines have worn exceptionally well during the past 8 seasons.
Still, the BMW Z3 takes home the beauty crown. Our tester was painted dark blue with a clay-colored top and interior. Blending traditional BMW styling cues with bulging, curving, muscular sheetmetal, the Z3 could make grown men forget all about Salma Hayek. Step into the Z3 after a few rounds in the Miata, and comfort is what you find. There's room to stretch out here, and even shift your position while driving. Power that seat to a chair-like height, there's plenty of travel and vision won't be cut by the top of the windshield. Occupants will find a simple control layout, but many buttons and switches are marked with symbols and acronyms that don't make much sense without interpretation assistance from the owner's manual. Storage space is minimal. The smaller Miata cabin provides more nooks and crannies in which to hide sunglasses, cassette tapes, and assorted detritus. Options on our BMW test car included metallic paint and extended leather, either of which are completely unnecessary to enjoy this car's most compelling feature: the engine.
Under the long hood of the Z3 lies an inline six displacing 2.8 liters. Power? There is no doubt. The Z3 2.8 rockets to speed, but with composure and the slightest hint of a menacing snarl from the exhaust pipe. Making 189 horsepower at 5,300 rpm and 203 lbs.-ft. of torque at 3,950 rpm, this smooth six delivers the Z3 2.8 to 60 mph about 2.5 seconds sooner than the Miata. But is the BMW's speed and styling worth $10,635 over a full boat Miata M-Edition? Read on, my friend.
Our test loop included freeway, city, and two-lane roads winding more than 70 miles through Ventura, Santa Paula, Ojai, and Carpinteria near the coast of southern California. Despite the June Gloom, we fried under the ultraviolet rays piercing the overcast. Another back-to-back run was made down the lushly landscaped lanes lacing the foothills above Santa Barbara. Here are our impressions:
Of the two, the Miata is the driver's car. It steers more precisely, it corners flatter, it grips better, and it is much easier to shift thanks to exceptionally short throws. Small exterior dimensions and a telepathic sense of where each wheel is located make placing the Miata in a turn a breeze. The Mazda communicates so well to the driver that it almost seems to predict what you want to do before you've done it. Perfectly balanced in corners, the Miata is more tossable, and more confidence inspiring than the BMW. While not particularly powerful, the 1.8-liter engine provides entertaining acceleration and an engaging blat of an exhaust note. On one curvy portion of our loop, the Miata ran away from a Mustang GT in the twisties, only to be reeled in when the pavement straightened. But part of the fun of driving is doing so with gusto. The Miata allows vigorous motoring, and encourages it without threatening to turn you into road kill for making a wrong move.
On the other hand, the BMW offers a better seating position, a much more supple ride, and that sweet blast of six-cylinder power when your right Nike is jammed to the floor. There's room inside this car, and comfort. Traction control keeps the adolescent wheelspin to a minimum. Sporting a classic power bulge, the hood stretches out before the driver's eyes, exaggerating the sense of driving a true roadster. The exhaust growls seductively, and Wow! does this thing haul the mail. Combine creature comforts with speed and head-snapping looks, and the BMW makes a very good argument for blowing that extra ten spot.
BMW hasn't forgotten about making the Z3 2.8 fun to drive, but having a good time is more work than it is with the Miata. It stops on a dime, but not quite as well as the Miata. It provides exceptional feel and feedback through the steering wheel, but not as crisply as the Miata. It grips like Superman on fantastic P225/50 ZR16 Michelin Pilot HX tires, but the Miata's P195/50 R15 Bridgestone Potenza RE010's feel stickier. It sweeps through corners with aplomb, but rolls more and is harder to plant properly due to its higher curb weight and larger size. Here's the deal: the BMW Z3 2.8 is a great sports car, but when you drive it, you feel like you are driving it because the clutch and the steering and the shifter and the body roll constantly remind you. When you drive the Miata, it becomes an extension of your soul. It disappears from view.
Last year, when the Z3 was brand new and co-starring on movie screens nationwide with Pierce Brosnan, we did a comparison test between the BMW Z3 1.9 and the Mazda Miata M-Edition. We came to a split decision, something we hate to do but is sometimes forced by the facts of life. The Z3 1.9 was the car we recommended for those looking for style over substance. Performance mongers, we wrote, would do best to buy the Miata for good times behind the wheel.
This year, despite the infusion of power that BMW has stuffed under the Z3's hood, the choice is still not clear. Both of these cars are toys. They aren't designed to be anyone's primary mode of transportation. Their job is to sit in the garage until a sunny afternoon and an empty road beckon. However, the Z3 adheres to this mission less rigidly than the Miata. It has more interior space. The trunk is larger. It rides better. You could drive the Z3 2.8 across the country with little to complain about. Not so the singular purpose Miata. Like Sheryl Crow, all this car wants to do is have some fun. For anything but canyon running and slicing through the urban jungle, the Miata is little more than a cramped, rough-riding, mobile tanning bed. Interstates hold absolutely no joy, though we should note that at least in the Miata, you can still hear the stereo while traveling the speed limit. The trunk will hold a medium-sized piece of soft luggage, a backpack, and nothing more. Driver and passenger alike have virtually no stretching room, which can lead to fatigue after long hours behind the wheel.
So, roadster buyers, listen up. If money is no object and you need something respectable to park at the country club, buy the Z3 2.8. Those on a budget, or performance hounds who could care less about 9 blue-and-white propeller badges, need a Miata. As toys, these cars are meant to provide nothing but pure entertainment. The Mazda Miata is as entertaining on twisting roads as anything on wheels, while the BMW Z3 2.8 is capable of teaching more than one Z28-driving punk a lesson. In fact, let's modify a bit here. Money no object? Buy `em both.
