Miata Names?

I noticed that Miatas are referred to as NA, NB, etc. What does this mean?

It's just the chassis code given to each generation, NA being 1st gen etc. As E30, E36 and so forth is to BMW. I don't think it necessarily stands for anything.

Haha, just edited mine to say 'chassis code' before I saw the other replies.

They were the chassis codes Mazda used internally for the different Miata generations (same as Luke was saying with BMWs).

NA- 1st. gen Miata
NB- 2nd. gen Miata
NC- 3rd. gen MX-5/Miata

NA is Mazda's chassis designation for first generation Miatas (1989-1997)
NB refers to the second generation cars, model years 1999-2005.
intuitively, NC is the newest chassis code for the 2005-up cars.

Do you have a fever?

-edit- I have fat fingers.

People were using M1 and M2 until someone did the math and realized "M3" might be a little confusing :) BTW, NC means 2006+, a 2005 is an NB. The chassis code is right in the VIN, just like it was for the GTX (BF), RX-7 (FB, FC, FD), etc.

Tom Heath wrote: NA is Mazda's chassis designation for first generation Miatas (1989-1997) NB refers to the second generation cars, model years 1990-2005.

So '90-'97 cars are both NA and NB?

I think only the 1998 is a NANB

Winnebago's got it.

I'm glad I don't work on a parts counter any more. I can imagine idiots asking for a part for their "FD" or "AE86," then when I ask what model/year, they roll their eyes and call me a dumbass under their breath.

Especially when people start differentiating between the mid-model updates (NA2, NB2, etc). At some point, it's way easier to just say "it's a 97"

My '02 has quite a few differences from a 99, even though they're both NBs, and really, the NBs weren't ALL that different from the NAs in the first place.. All NB does is provide a handy catch-basin.

So does referring to your Miata as an NB make you cool and in the know, or a complete wanker?

Dave AW11 MR2

Well, if you told me you had an NB, I'd have to ask if it was with, or without VVT, just to prove that I'm as big a wanker as you . As has ben mentioned earlier, it only gives the generic catchall, and parts for one NA likely won't fit another (short nose 1.6, long nose 1.6, 1.8), same with NBs (non VVT head V VVT head). Don't know enough about NCs to say. Oh, and the M1 is a main battle tank, not a Miata.

thatsnowinnebago wrote: I think only the 1998 is a NANB

And a non existant car in the states!

Mazda likes doing the chassis code/generation thing. Rx-7's are the same way.

79-80 "SA" 81-85 "FB" 86-92 "FC" 93-95 "FD"

The real enthusiasts get into what "Series" the car is too as there were some major updates. So 79-80 is "S1", 81-83 is "S2", 84-85 is "S3", 86-88 is "S4", 89-92 is "S5", etc, etc.

The chassis code for the last generation of proteges is "BJ"

I'm such a child...

I remember when I was into 240SXs a few years ago. The forum I joined was talking about Kookie this and Zenki that. I was like WTF is a Kooki? Made me think of 77 Sunset Strip. Hey Nissan, Nissan, lend me your comb.

Wonkothesane wrote: the squinty-happy-asian kid faced miata.

Hey now!

Wonkothesane wrote: the squinty-happy-asian kid faced miata.

Hmm ... I'll be polite and say that's a ... um ... interesting analogy.

My Miata is named Brigit. * shrug *.

That said, if your Miata has pop up headlights, its an NA. If it has standard headlights and a weird bubble on the decklid, its an NB. If its a model year 2006 or later, its not really a Miata.

skruffy wrote: The chassis code for the last generation of proteges is "BJ" I'm such a child...

Smirking, too.