Five-Point Inspection: 2005 Mazdaspeed MX-5

1. Extra Power, Still Delivered like a Miata

At the heart of the Mazdaspeed conversion is a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. Making 178 hp and 166 lb-ft. of torque, power was up 36 hp and 41 lb-ft. over regular MX-5s of the same year. Like the naturally aspirated engine found in those cars, power delivery is top-end heavy. There isn’t much oomph at low RPM, but turbo boost comes to life and propels the Mazdaspeed forward with urgency once the revs pass 3,000 RPM.

The larger engine in the NC (2006-2015) MX-5 feels torqueier down low than the Mazdaspeed, but cannot match it on top-end power.  Use the close ratio six-speed manual properly to keep the turbo 1.8-liter in its power band and the car really comes alive. Plus, the spooling turbocharger soundtrack is a nice addition.