Mazda MX-5 Miata

The MX-5, also known as Miata in North America and Eunos Roadster in Japan, is a lightweight two-seater roadster, of front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, built by Mazda in Hiroshima, Japan. The model was introduced in 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show. The MX-5 was conceived as a small roadster – with light weight and minimal mechanical complexity limited only by legal and safety requirements; technologically modern, but a philosophically direct descendant of the small British roadsters of the 1960s such as the Triumph Spitfire, Austin-Healey Sprite, MG Midget and Lotus Elan.
The second generation MX-5 (NB) was launched in 1998 and the current (NC) model has been in production since 2006. It continues to be the best-selling two-seat convertible sports car in history and by February 2011, 900,000 MX-5s have been built and sold around the world.
Since the launch of the third generation MX-5, Mazda consolidated worldwide marketing using the MX-5 name, though enthusiasts in the USA still refer to it as Miata, a name that means "reward" in Old High German.

Mazda RX-7

In between Mazda's unexpected and brilliant first-generation "FB" RX-7 (1978–1985) and its legendary and brilliant third-generation "FD" RX-7 (1993–1995) there was the nice, capable but not brilliant "FC" RX-7 (1986–1992). But not being brilliant shouldn't keep a car from being appreciated as, in the context of its time, being one of the best.
The second RX-7 brought with it several significant developments, including an independent rear suspension, rack and pinion steering and a new turbocharged model. Even a convertible was offered starting with the 1988 models. Normally aspirated models started the model run with 146-hp available from the company's "13B" rotary engines, which grew to 160 hp in 1989 models. The Turbo models started with 182 hp and grew to 200 with the introduction of the Turbo II model for 1989.
Unlike the first-generation RX-7, which could seem primitive and raw, the second one was always smooth, composed and thoroughly modern. It was also better built than the first RX-7 and far more practical in daily use than the more narrowly focused third-generation car. But it seems sweet-naturedness can take a car only so far.
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