sccsiouxland

At this past Sunday's autox several people asked about the weight of the NC Miata. Below are the base weights of various Miatas according to the 2009 NASA vehicle classification guide:

1.6 liter NA: 2,182 pounds
1.8 liter NA: 2,293 pounds
1.8 liter NB (naturally aspirated): 2,299 pounds
1.8 liter NB (Mazdaspeed turbo): 2,529 pounds
2.0 liter NC: 2,474 pounds

As one can see the NC is heavier than its predecessors (except the Mazdaspeed Miata) but isn't as heavy as some have speculated. Just an FYI.

Base weight- IE the minimum weight you can run your car at without taking a points hit.

Curb Weight- Standard weight for all models with no additional options IE power windows, AC, Power locks unless standard.

Actual Vehicle Weight. What I was referring to includes everything including driver in the driver's seat.

Louis- I was not saying that your car had to be above any certain weight. I was saying I bet your car would tip the scales at about 2600 lbs. Actual Vehicle weight. You are correct that NASA will let you get it down to 2474 with you in the driver's seat without you having to take any points for it.

I don't know how much more clear on this subject I can be.

On Sunday morning some of us were talking about how much the NC weighs, so I did some digging and presented my findings. The only reasons I listed and compared the NASA base weights of the Miatas in my original post were 1. convenience and 2. all base weight figures came from the same source of information.

I really should have listed curb weights (defined as "the weight of the vehicle without passengers, driver or cargo, but with all standard features, a full tank of fuel, and all the fluids necessary for proper function") but didn't feel like taking the time to check several sources to find the weight ranges of various Miata configurations over the years. I do, however, recall various sources citing the NC's curb weight as being in the 2,400 - 2,500 pound range. That's all I was trying to say on Sunday and in my original post this evening. That and I just thought it would be interesting to compare the NC's weight with the weights of its predecessors. Individual cars will weigh more or less depending upon trim level, optional equipment, modifications, etc., of course.

If "actual vehicle weight" is essentially curb weight plus my body weight, my car should easily weigh more than 2,600 pounds since I weigh about 210 pounds. Then again I've never weighed my car or my car with me behind the wheel. I'm assuming a curb weight of 2,400 - 2,500 pounds and then adding my body weight.

When I think or talk about how much a car weighs as we did on Sunday, I usually think in terms of curb weight because it's something that should be fairly standard and can be corroborated by a number of sources whereas the weight of the car AND the driver is a lot more variable. That's probably why most manufacturers and publications list a car's curb weight rather than "actual vehicle weight" - drivers come in a variety of weights.

Exactly. We are on the same page now Louis. Sorry for getting frustrated. I had a long night- lol. Yes- when I talk weight- which having put a few cars on the scales, I don't think the NC miata is a boat by any means. I was guessing and in fact stated that it was probably in the same territory as my Integra for weight. When I said that meaning actual weight on the scales race prepped and all.

There is only one way to determine this Louis- put the car on the scales race prepped and let the numbers tell the story. I would have to guess at race prep the car weighs a bit more than 2400lbs even with you out of the car. I would agree with your findings though. However all the base weights refers to is a minimum weight as to which a car can be at (with driver) before accruing any points. At larger events they weigh the car with driver at the end of the day to make sure that the proper weight is there and the car is not underweight. So if its a hot weekend and you are close- eat heavy that morning. That way as you lose weight through the day- you won't drop below that minimum weight- lol.

That's no problem, and I understand what you mean now. And thanks for clearing up the whole "base weight" thing for me. For some reason when I read NASA's explanation of base weights I confused those with curb weights.

As far as NASA is concerned and for curiosity's sake, how is "race prep" defined and are we talking about autox or some other form of NASA racing? Can "race prep" mean whatever the driver wants it to mean, or is there an objective definition for "race prep?" I would assume there is but haven't looked for it. For instance, would "race prep" in my case mean my NC with its race wheels and tires on? Wheels and tires are the only changes I make to my car that would separate the NC as my racecar vs. my street car. Everything else about the car remains the same.

It's all good to know in any case.

Basicly- the weight the car would be at while you are autoxing/any other form of racing. IE- cleaned out, with you in the driver's seat.

Gotcha; I understand now. Thanks again.