Originally posted by Kai
Whoa, that's just not true. For one, it is actually balanced a perfect 50/50, and that took a lot of engineering. It is rear wheel drive for the single purpose of giving it traditional sportscar driving and handling characteristics, and by that time the only RWD cars (not trucks) that Mazda made where sports cars, the RX-7 and the Miata. The ragtop is there to ad the driving pleasure associated with old world roadsters. The small size of the car contibutes to it's tossible handling. The Miata is a widely praised car for the reason that it is engineered as a sports car... the del Sol, well, it's not.
All I'm hearing is handling, handling, handling - which is the Del Sol's big flaw, with the body roll - but plenty of cars handle great without being sports cars... the engines are still unpeppy, despite being in a very light car. I've driven in three or four Miatas, and while they did turn like a dog chasing it's own tail, they were dogs off the line, too. To me, a real sports car would be something like the old Lotus Elises - light, perfect handling AND a great engine. I've been in Nissan NX's that handled as well as Miata's - although I concede I doubt they had 50/50 distribution, and they weren't droptops. Despite how the Miata is engineered, I still don't classify it as sports car - I still edge it in there with the Del Sol as "close, but no cigar."
Again, though, your points are well taken.