Another latest issue comment....

Saw the latest issue on the news stand today (I was in too big of a hurry to wait at the cashier) and while I love the "Then versus Now" tests run by many car mags, I am puzzled by the choice of vehicles for your article. Many folks consider the Lotus Elan to be as much of an inspiration to Mazda as the "typical British sports car" so why not an Elan and Miata comparo? For that matter, why not compare an older Lotus to a newer Lotus, as was done with the Porsches?

BTW, I know it isn't sold here, and therefore it would be impossible to do a comparo, but the MG TF is on sale in Europe. Now there is truely a car that has "come a long way, baby" from it's namesake.

Honestly, the Lotus is just so small that it doesn't feel much like a Miata. The MGB and Miata are both about the same size. Both were also sold in large numbers and introduced many people to sports cars.

I see it as a future article. Then and now as older models of the same make as opposed to similar styles.

Miata now has 3 models from the NA to NC.

Porsche has a long line to the present form.

Lotus, Jaguar and Morgan fit the model.

There are new model Alfa Spiders and even the Fiat Barchetta.

Cheers Ron