Mazda MX-5 Miata (ND3) Controversy Explained | What They’re Getting Wrong

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the controversy surrounding the 2024 Mazda MX5 Miata ND3, focusing on the passionate and often biased opinions of Miata owners. The speaker highlights the differences between the ND3 and previous models (ND1/ND2), emphasizing improvements in steering, handling, and stability. They stress the importance of humility and openness to learning, particularly in the context of track driving. The video encourages viewers to engage in thoughtful discussions, avoid being overly stubborn or biased, and acknowledge personal growth when it comes to car reviews.

Takeaways

• 😀 New car releases, like the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata ND3, often generate controversy, especially among emotionally invested car owners.
• 😀 Many people in car communities, particularly Miata forums, hold strong opinions about the ND3, downplaying its improvements over the ND2.
• 😀 Owners of older Miata models (ND1 and ND2) may subconsciously feel threatened by the improvements in the ND3 and try to dismiss them.
• 😀 Similar reactions were seen with the GR86, where first-gen FRS owners initially downplayed the updates despite clear improvements.
• 😀 The ND3 features significant upgrades, such as the asymmetrical LSD, which enhances cornering stability and rotation on both entry and exit.
• 😀 Not everyone can detect the improvements in steering, but the ND3 has notably better feedback, particularly on-center feel.
• 😀 People who attend track days don’t automatically become great drivers; experience and humility are key to improvement.
• 😀 Practicing humility and being open to learning is crucial for accelerating growth in driving skills, leading to faster improvement.
• 😀 The speaker’s journey from a track day participant to becoming a track instructor was fueled by consistent practice and humility.
• 😀 It’s essential to recognize and address personal biases when evaluating cars; staying open-minded allows for more honest discussions.
• 😀 The speaker’s car reviews strive to be objective and transparent, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of the cars without reinforcing biases.

Q & A

What is the main controversy surrounding the 2024 Mazda MX5 Miata ND3?

The main controversy comes from owners of older Miata models (ND1 and ND2) who feel threatened by the improvements in the ND3. These owners often downplay the upgrades as a defense mechanism, leading to emotional and biased criticism of the new model.

Why do some people try to downplay the improvements in the ND3?

Some owners of older Miata models feel insecure about the fact that the ND3 is objectively a better car, and they cope with this feeling by dismissing or downplaying the improvements as a way to justify their attachment to their older cars.

How does the speaker handle online criticism, especially ad hominem attacks?

The speaker values constructive criticism but addresses baseless ad hominem attacks by calling them out. While they appreciate feedback that helps them grow, they stand up against personal attacks that lack substance.

What improvements does the ND3 have over its predecessors?

The ND3 features an asymmetrical LSD that improves stability, corner entry, and rotation on corner exit. It also has significantly better steering, which many drivers, including the speaker, notice even in low-speed situations like leaving a parking lot.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of humility in driving?

The speaker believes that humility accelerates the rate of learning and improvement. By acknowledging that there is always more to learn, drivers can improve their skills faster and develop a better mindset for growth.

What does the speaker mean by 'copium' in the context of car reviews?

The term 'copium' refers to the emotional attachment some people have to their cars, which leads them to irrationally defend their model by dismissing improvements in newer versions. The speaker critiques this mentality and urges more honest discussions.

What is the speaker's perspective on people's ability to detect differences in car models?

The speaker acknowledges that people have different sensitivities and skills when it comes to detecting nuances in cars, such as steering feedback. Just because someone else doesn't notice a difference doesn't mean it isn't there, and it's important to stay open-minded about these observations.

How does the speaker's background in surgery relate to their ability to assess cars?

The speaker's background in plastic surgery, where they honed their dexterity, parallels their ability to detect subtle differences in cars. Just as they practiced fine motor skills in the operating room, they similarly developed a sensitivity to nuances in car handling.

Why does the speaker encourage viewers to engage in more constructive discussions about cars?

The speaker advocates for more open-minded, constructive discussions about cars, free from bias and emotional attachment. They believe that such discussions lead to better understanding and help fans appreciate the actual merits of a car rather than stubbornly sticking to personal preferences.

What is the speaker’s main argument regarding the criticism of newer car models?

The speaker argues that much of the criticism of newer car models, like the ND3, comes from emotional attachment and bias. Instead of engaging in a productive conversation, many critics get defensive, leading to unhelpful and often misguided opinions that hinder objective evaluation.