I was trying to decide between the Miata and a Mustang. If you really want a
lot of power (and are willing to blow it out your pipe at $3.00 a gallon)
you should have bought a Mustang.

I find my 02 Miata, right in character with the power its 1.8L engine gives
hauling that 2900 lb car around. It is not meant to be a speed demon except
going around corners. In fact it delights me to be able to keep up with
anything on the road because of the cornering and with only a 1.8 engine and
an automatic to boot.

Power is great for drag racing but for outrunning the other guys, give me
cornering and skill any time.

Merely having a lot of power is replacing skill with money.

Now, making an 80 MPH run down the Arroyo Seco Parkway between Pasadena and
LA in a Miata. That is a total blast. Or a 50 MPH run along Mulholland.