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.
Discuss this story on our Mazda MX-5 Forum.
