Ten Lessons From Driving An MX-5 Across America

10. More Powerful than Numbers Suggest

With a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 167 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque, the MX-5 isn’t exactly a rocket, even with only 2,511 lbs. to push around. But don’t let those numbers deceive you. The MX-5 packs a surprising punch thanks to an eager to rev engine and short gearing.

SEE ALSO: MX-5 to Monterey: Grand Junction, CO to Monterey, CA

Even at 70 MPH in sixth gear, stepping down on the gas pedal would produce adequate acceleration. The only time the MX-5 feels weak is at 11,000 feet in Colorado while trying to navigate a steep uphill.

Even if the MX-5 isn’t perfect, it proves to be a far better road trip companion than I was expecting. I wouldn’t hesitate at all to take another MX-5 on a road trip in the future.

GALLERY: 2014 Mazda MX-5

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