I know I'm gonna get creamed about this post but i've test drove the 225 and 180 roadster several times. My 180 TTR just came in tonight and I can't pull the trigger. I test drove it for about 45 minutes tonight and it is faster but my 99 miata is more FUN to drive.Maybe I need to get used to a different car but for pure driving enjoyment, I have more fun driving the Miata no question.Also the blind spot in the TT is horrible. I couldn't see anything.I'm really torn because I like everything else about the TTR.

in safety, Miata loses badly. I've had 3 Miatas and loved them all, but am realistic enough at my age to realize that roll bars and side air bags and a well-built car count for a lot. I'd love to have another Miata, but won't until they make a number of changes (which they won't, because then it wouldn't be a Miata anymore, would it?). Miatas are great if you don't think about crashing and don't care about going fast. If the former part of that last sentence didn't bother me, I'd probably still have one. (BTW, if you go with the TTR, get the quattro; you won't get the grin off your face on the corners.) One of my Miatas (the first, not the last if that tells you anything) was totalled with me in the passenger seat. It was a long recovery. I saw a TT after what seemed like a similiar crash and the occupant walked away. Plus the TT looks great, and has a whole lot of appeal that the Miata doesn't come close to.

as I was driving and the salesman was talking I was thinking to myself, will this test ride ever end? The ride and build quality of the Miata is poor, but to each his own.

significantly better. If not, why would we buy one when we could get two Miatas instead? ;-)

just hope he doesn't just run over you and squash you like a bug!

BTW, I had one of the first Miatas and it was as fast and exciting as a Razor scooter...

I had a Miata when they first came out and it was fun but I only kept it for 7 months. Traded it for a 911 C4- (I know, no comparison). Still drive Porsches (have for 30+ years) but the TTR is much better than the Miata and I'm going to drive it all year, something I wouldn't do with the Mazda! The TTR should be better though as it costs nearly twice as much!!!

I can say because I own a miata (someone want a good deal) and a 225ttr.
sure the ttr has a spot in the back corner where you can't tell if a car is there. so? I simply step on the thingy on the right and I am GUARRANTEED to have noone there. try THAT in a miata. :)

The miata (at least my 1990 with 225K on it) has lots of oversteer.
There's often a strong oversteer--fun correlation, it seems.
The TT w/ Mk I suspension handles similarly, I suspect. The Mk. II
"improvements" took away the oversteer (and some of the fun).
I wonder what Brad (a Mk I and Mk II driver) has to say about this....Brad,
have you ever driven a Miata?

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Brave sould to say that here! But I don't disagree. I love my TTR and its attention getting factor is second to none. However, it is less a sports car and more a touring car than the Miata. It is safer, more comfortable and way HEAVIER. That's the rub. For the driving most of us do, it handles and corners great, but compare it to a Miata, Honda s2000, Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3, etc. and it isn't quite as tossable and protests the brutal treatment of sports car testing more. It holds its own of course, but never makes the front of the pack (the quattro version). The fwd roadster compares even less well. In sum, I see where the Miata could have a higher fun factor. But it won't measure up as well overall in terms of build quality, eye appeal and comfort.

still does not put roll bars on the Miata...new generation Miata comes out....'eye wash' cosmetics, make interior more cramped, no roll bars, ABS optional (in a package), no side bags, and 'cowl shake' like you are living on a earth quake fault line....at least they made the rear window glass (hmmm...Porsche...are you listening???). In case you are wondering why my reaction to the Miata...225TTR almost bought one of the things...thats when I went out looking for a TTR....I ended up with a 225TTC and she the 225TTR...we are garage mates. When I look at a car I go beyond the surface and Mazda hopes you don't do that...

Your points are well-taken, but remember, Mazda is selling a less expensive car. It cannot possibly have all the Audi safety attributes and still cost closer to $20,000 than $30,000 (much less $40,000). And the 2001 Miata is greatly improved in terms of chassis rigidity. It also has 160 hp from a non-turbo motor. Come on. It is a good car for what it is. It's a matter of personal preference and pocketbook. If your are looking for a light, tossable, low-priced roadster, the TT is not it.

I agree with you statement totally. I have an SUV and the miata is my fun car. And quite honestly it IS more fun to drive than the TT.(At 1/2 the price) I just figured if I was gonna spend almost twice the money it should be at least AS fun to drive and it isn't. Also the shifting is so much better in the Miata, which I was quite surprised about. It is a hard decision though because there is so much I do like about the TTR. Maybe I'll get someone used one when my Miata is payed off. Have fun driving with you top down!!