Keep my 82 Spider or replace it with a 2013 Miata

[DieselSpider]

I rode with someone who regularly got rear ended and found it was his driving style when I was a passenger in his vehicle. He waited until he was way too close to the stop light/sign/car in front of him before he started braking so people behind him only had a very limited amount of time to react. He also liked to customize his vehicles with minimalist tail lights, chrome, etc further increasing his chances of getting hit.

Amen to this. Upgrade the rear bulbs (all of them actually) and use the brake lightly early in the braking cycle!

Yes I tap the brakes a few times to give the brake lights a few flashes before stopping to get peoples attention. Getting them to shine as bright as you can is a very worthwhile endeavor.

I installed a direct feed to the battery in the trunk and relays to power the tail lights directly from a heavy line with a 10 amp fuse protecting it. Tail lights are much brighter now as are the lights on the small boat and utility trailer I sometime hitch up.

I modified a 2 inch receiver for a step and tow bumper welding up a small frame to it to support a bike rack, 1,000 lb trailer and to be able to put a T-Support Bar on to sometimes carry light loads between it and the roll bar such as a small pram, kayak or paddle board.

[RRoller123]

Daniel Stern Lighting sent me this email, which I feel comfortable sharing. I replaced all the bulbs as he suggested and they are definitely brighter. Combined with cleaning the lenses and reflecting surfaces, it made a big difference.

"The brake lights and turn signals can be made 40% to 50%
brighter, but I can't sell you those bulbs. You can get the
required bulbs (which have nice nickel-plate bases that will
not corrode and seize in the sockets) from your local Honda
dealer.

Part number for the single-filament variety
(replacing 1141, 1156, 1073, 7508, or P21W) is


34903-SF1-A01

. Part number for the dual-filament variety
(replacing 1016, 1034, 1157, 2057, 2357, 7528, or P21/5W in
brake/tail or park/turn lights) is

34906-SL0-A01.

Don't try
to buy these bulbs in the aftermarket, and don't let the
dealer sell you anything but a genuine Stanley-made Honda
bulb; everything but the genuine Honda product is junk.
These are ultra-premium bulbs with very long lifespan,
corrosion proof nickel plate base, etc."

[tima01864]

Good stuff

[spidernut]

It is simple. You will die in the Miata in a SoCal accident at 70+ mph. You will die in a Fiat Spider. The difference is open or closed casket. Your body will be viewable if you were in the Miata. It will be a closed casket if you're in a Spider. Smaller accidents are a different story. The Miata is safer. The Fiat really isn't that bad, but you're more likely to have some injuries.

The Miata will go down in value - a lot. The Spider should hold its value.

The Fiat is a love affair. The Miata is just an affair.

[SteinOnkel]

Before I bought my spider (about two months ago) I heavily considered a miata.

Not a 2013, but an older one. They are perfect, handle well, parts are cheap and plentiful, they do very well on the track and off.

But.

There is nothing even remotely exciting about them. Everything is designed with cold, Japanese efficiency. There is no flair or fun or spark to any of it. No passion, no theater, no flaws. One might go so far as to say dull as a doorknob. Especially on the street, the experience is right up there with watching paint dry. Why do you think every other miata is modifed? Because the owners want to shout "Not MINE, though, guys! It's super unique and so am I!!" to the world.

Safety isn't a concern with two of my cars ('82 VW and '78 124). I track and daily both of these cars. I am not walking away from an accident in either. C'est la vie!

Have you considered a new 124?

[yap123]

I prefer the look of the new 124 but the Miata is safer and more reliable. I think all the comparison reviews rate the Miata over the 124.