Friday, 28 August 2020

The newest Mazda MX5 is basically the old Datsun 240Z

Just scaled down a bit.

The rear 'windows' on the MX5 ND (which aren't actually windows at all, they are purely decorative black panels) are the same shape as those on the 240Z.

The ND's front grille is also surprisingly large - the same as 240Z's front grille (noticeable if you remove the front bumper).

A coincidence? I think not.



The big difference is that the 240Z had a huge boot, the ND boot is a bit of a joke.

16 comments:

Bayard said...

What does ND stand for, Not a Drophead?

Mark Wadsworth said...

B, what the Brits call Mk I, the Yanks call NA, Mk II = NB, and so on.

The Jannie said...

Nah. The 240z is a hairy-arsed sports car: the MX5 is a hairdresser's car!

Lola said...

I think we've been here before. If you build a two seater with reasonable streamlining, and elegant shape and luggage space this shape is roughly where you end up. From Ferrari 250 GTO through the E Type Coupe to the current crop of reasonably sanely priced offerings like 911's and the F Type this shape is what you get.
I like the 240Z. A cracking car for its time and can be made seriously quick.

Lola said...

DCB - :-)

Mark Wadsworth said...

DCB, I'm not sure how you define either of those.

L, yes, there are loads of cars in this general type - but most of them are from the late 1960s or the 1970s. That was my main point. It might well be that the ND is even more similar to some other car from that era.

The Jannie said...

Mark W - a hairy arsed sports car does the job but requires a strong and knowledgeable driver to do it properly. Examples might be 240z, Austin Healey 3000. The epponymous hairdresser's car is the Triumph Spitfire - looks the part but is just a lowered Herald. Interestingly(?), when I used to repair and service cars many moons ago, my one hairdresser customer drove - A Spitfire.

Mark Wadsworth said...

DCB, thanks. As an average driver who just wants to have fun and get around safely, I'll stick with what I've got.

benj said...

I presume its health and safety that's caused the trend for high waistlines? In some sports cars now, you can't see the drivers shoulders anymore. Its as if Noddy is driving.

Mark Wadsworth said...

Benj, good question. And yes, it does look ridiculous.

Woodsy42 said...

Nothing like, beyond the same basic function. The 240z looks sleek and streamlined. That other 'thing' looks like an overfed toddler with puppy fat in every direction.

Mark Wadsworth said...

W42,

"Nothing like" - disagree

"That other 'thing' looks like an overfed toddler with puppy fat in every direction" - agree

OK, if the 240Z is a greyhound, the ND is a three month old greyhound pup.


Nemisis said...

Road and Track Magazine used to call it the 24 oz (twentyfour ounces).
And in rally trim it was formidable - it won the Safari and on the RAC it sounded glorious.
Mazda? no, can't be bothered.

Mark Wadsworth said...

N, have you ever owned one?

Physiocrat said...

A way of using some of the same press tools?

Mark Wadsworth said...

P, I very much doubt it.