Mazda Miata Weight

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Weighing in on the Mazda Miata

The Mazda Miata is a beloved sports car among auto enthusiasts. But how much does each Miata generation and model weigh? Don’t worry as we do all the legwork for you and have each of the years of each of the generations listed in LBs. So if you want to find out exactly how much each year weighs, you can just click on the generation you are interested in and it is listed right there.

We then take a look at which generation does the best out of them as far as weight, weight distribution, and just overall fun to drive. Then at the very end we will go over the history of this fantastic little car that ended up earning a cult following for its handling on the track and as a great option for an affordable car that handled well and had a bit of power… with the ability to add a decent amount of power.

While we might be a bit biases around here when it comes to the best bases for a car project, we can’t deny that the Miata has long been one of the best bases for a track car. So keep reading to find out the weight of the cars by generation and year.

1st Generation (1989-1997): Light and nimble

Mazda’s first-generation Miata, which came onto the scene starting in 1989 and was produced from 1989 to 1997, is often lauded for its light and nimble handling. Indeed, the car weighs just over 2,000 pounds. This makes it one of the lightest cars on the road. Even the larger second-generation Miata, which was introduced in 1999, only weighs a few hundred pounds more.

convertible black miata

The light weight of the Miata contributes to its excellent handling and fuel economy. It also makes the car easier to maneuver in traffic and parallel park.

1990 116 2182 18.81

1991 116 2182 18.81

1992 116 2214 19.09

1993 116 2223 19.16

1994 128 2293 17.91

1995 128 2293 17.91

1996 133 2293 17.24

1997 133 2359 17.74

2nd Generation (1999-2005): A bit heavier, but still a lightweight

The Mazda Miata is a popular two-seater sports car that has been in production since 1989. The Miata has seen three different generations so far, with the first generation (1989-1997) being the lightest and the third generation (2006-2015) being the heaviest. The second generation (1999-2005) is a bit heavier than the first, but is still considered a lightweight car.

green miata parked on the road
even an older generation has a great profile

The second generation Miata was introduced in 1999 and featured a slightly longer and wider body than the first generation. The weight of the second-generation Miata ranges from 2,349 to 2,593 pounds, depending on the model and trim level. Even though the second-generation Miata is heavier than the first, it is still considerably lighter than other sports cars on the market.

2000 -2332 lbs 

2001 – 2387 lbs

2002 – 2387 lbs

2003 – 2387 lbs

2004 – 2447 lbs

3rd Generation (2006-2015): The heaviest Miata yet

The Miata has come a long way since it first debuted in 1989. The third generation, which ran from 2006 to 2015, was the heaviest Miata to date. It weighed in at 2,480 pounds for the base model and 2,580 pounds for the higher-end models. That’s about 400 pounds heavier than the first-generation Miata and 200 pounds heavier than the second-generation Miata.

front view of Miata
an aggressive stance makes this a great car for your daily driver and weekend track car

Despite the added weight, the third-generation Miata was still a nimble little sports car. It could zip around corners and accelerate quickly. The increased weight did make it less fuel efficient, however. And some enthusiasts felt that it didn’t handle as well as the lighter first- and second-generation Miatas.

If you’re shopping for a used Miata, keep in mind that the third generation is the heaviest of them all.

2006 – 2,498 lbs

2008 – 2,500 lbs

2009 – 2,511 lbs

4th Generation (2016-present): The lightest Miata once again

When Mazda debuted the fourth generation Miata in 2016, they did so with the lightest car in the model’s history. The new Miata is over 220 pounds lighter than the previous generation and even features a smaller engine. This weight loss is thanks partly due to the use of aluminum and other lightweight materials throughout the car.

The fourth-generation Miata has been praised by critics and fans alike for its handling, performance, and overall driving experience. Thanks to its lighter weight, the new Miata is even more fun to drive than its predecessors. If you’re looking for a lightweight sports car that’s a blast to drive, look no further than the fourth-generation Miata.

red metallic painted rear end picture of a new miata
one of the nicest colors I have seen on a stock car

2016-Present 2,332 lbs

History of the Mazda Miata

The Mazda Miata is a cult classic for a couple of different reasons. It’s a two-seat sports car that has been in production since 1989 and has gained popularity over the years as people started tuning them and finding out that they weren’t just girl cars, but rather a base for something that could turn into a beast on the track.

The Miata has been praised for its affordability, its handling, and its stylish design and the overall success of this car line has been really impressive. To date, the Miata has sold one million units sold worldwide, and as long as they continue to improve the already sturdy base, we don’t see it slowing down.

The first generation of the Miata was introduced in 1989 and was produced until 1997. The second generation of the Miata was introduced in 1999 and was produced until 2005. The third generation of the Miata was introduced in 2006, and another version ( its most current one) was released in 2016.

We saw a return to a lightweight base with the 2016 release, much to the joy of many of the people who track their cars. It has proven to be a great base for a track car, so if you are thinking of getting yourself one make sure you don’t overlook the latest gen.

This car’s popularity is pretty unique as it just continues to rise. There are a couple of reasons that its’ become so popular with enthusiasts and casual drivers. The main factor in its success, and popularity, is due to the value that the car provides. For its price, you probably won’t find a better base for a track car. Whether you are looking for a fun weekend car or a daily driver, the Mazda Miata is an excellent choice.

Conclusion

The Mazda Miata has long been a favorite among car enthusiasts. Its lightweight design and nimble handling make it a blast to drive. But does the lightest Miata really provide the best driving experience?

Weighing in at just over 2,000 pounds, the first-generation Miata was one of the lightest cars on the road. And many Miata fans feel that it’s also the best-handling car of all time. second and third-generation Miatas gained a bit of weight, but they’re still significantly lighter than most other cars on the road. And while some purists may prefer the handling of an earlier Miata, newer models offer more power and amenities that make them more enjoyable to drive.

So what does this all mean? Well, for one thing, it means that the Miata has gotten heavier over the years, until the latest generation slimmed it back down. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a bad thing. The extra weight can be attributed to a larger engine and additional safety features so while you give up a bit of weight reduction you get a lot more features.