The Mazda MX-5 (Miata) NA (1989–1997) and NB (1998–2005) are the best-selling sports cars of all time, and for good reason. Lightweight, rear-wheel drive, perfectly balanced, and featuring one of the most satisfying driving experiences available at any price, the NA/NB Miata embodies the Japanese philosophy of 'jinba ittai' — rider and horse as one. NA/NB values have risen 3x in the last decade and continue to climb.

Mazda MX-5 Miata Specifications

• NA Production: 1989–1997 | NB Production: 1998–2005
• Engine: B6ZE (1.6L N/A) — 116 hp / BP-4W (1.8L N/A) — 128–146 hp
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
• Weight: ~960 kg (NA) / ~1,070 kg (NB)
• Transmission: 5-speed manual (standard) / 6-speed (NB Mazdaspeed)
• Top Speed: 190 km/h (stock)

NA vs NB — Which Miata Is Best?

The NA is the purer, lighter, more classic choice — the original pop-up headlight design is iconic. The NB is more refined, stiffer, and available with a 6-speed gearbox (NB2 Mazdaspeed). Both are excellent, but the NA's 960 kg weight gives it an edge in pure driving feel. The NB's improved chassis rigidity and refined suspension make it better for track days.

Top Mazda MX-5 Miata Performance Parts

1. Engine — BP-4W N/A Build or Turbo

Two performance paths for the Miata:

• N/A build: Toda Racing cams, Skunk2 intake manifold, Racing Beat header, 48 IDA Weber carbs (for NA). Makes 145–160 hp in a 960 kg car.
• Turbo: Flyin' Miata FM Stage 2 turbo kit or custom T25 setup — 250+ hp in a 960 kg car = incredible power-to-weight.
• Engine swap: K20 Honda swap, 13B rotary, or SR20DE swap are all popular.

2. Suspension — Coilovers & Geometry

• Bilstein Sport + Eibach spring kit (best value)
• Tein Flex Z coilovers (good all-round)
• BC Racing BR coilovers
• Cusco front tower brace
• Whiteline rear sway bar (essential upgrade)
• Hardrace adjustable control arms

3. Brakes — Wilwood / Endless

The Miata's factory brakes fade quickly on track. Upgrade: Wilwood Dynalite 4-pot front caliper kit, Endless CC-Rg pads, DBA slotted rotors, and Goodridge braided lines. For budget builds, Hawk HPS pads + standard rotors is a massive improvement over stock.

4. Exhaust — Racing Beat / Borla

The BP motor sounds excellent with a performance exhaust. Best options: Racing Beat cat-back, Borla ATAK stainless, or Flyin' Miata exhaust. For NA, a Tri-Y exhaust header is the single best N/A power mod.

5. Hardtop Options

A genuine Mazda hardtop adds rigidity and makes the Miata a usable all-weather car. Genuine OEM Mazda NA/NB hardtops in Japan are significantly cheaper than Western markets. Grovexo can source used OEM hardtops from Japanese dismantlers.

MX-5 OEM Restoration Parts

• Genuine Mazda soft top replacement (NA/NB)
• OEM Mazda BP-4W timing belt + tensioner kit
• Genuine Mazda water pump
• OEM Torsen differential rebuild kit
• Genuine Mazda rubber bushing kit (full set)

Shop Mazda MX-5 / Miata Parts at Grovexo

Grovexo sources genuine Mazda OEM and performance parts for the NA and NB Miata directly from Japan. Engine parts, suspension, soft tops, hardtops, and hard-to-find OEM items. Shop MX-5 Miata parts at Grovexo →