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The Mazda MX-5. It’s better known to fans and non-car people as the immortal “Miata.” However, despite accessibility, ease, and forgiving driving dynamics, you’ll never see a Mazda MX-5 counted alongside Porsche 911 GT3s and other track-dwelling monsters. Still, a steadfast driver in a track-prepped MX-5 can take the fight to much more capable cars. That was the case with one scrappy MX-5 against Porsches and BMWs at the Nürburgring.

This NA Mazda MX-5 Miata bullied a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 and other performance standards around the Nürburgring

The Mazda MX-5 first rolled out as an NA model in the 1990 model year. When it did, it produced an arguably anemic 116 horsepower from its iron-block inline-four-cylinder engine. While not much for a roadster by today’s standards, the so-called Miata weighed around 2,100 lbs. That made it an altogether featherweight affair. 

Fast forward through the NA’s 1990-1997 run, and the little 1.8L Miatas were summoning around 133 horsepower and, of course, still offering a light curb weight and a five-speed manual transmission. Combine that with go-kart-esque steering, and you’ve got a car that a driver can drive on the absolute limit damn near all the time, let alone on the hallowed surfaces of the Nürburgring. A trip to any Autocross course or track day will confirm the little Mazda’s popularity among enthusiasts.

Such is the case with one bright red little NA MX-5 at the Nürburgring. The video shows the little MX-5 bullying a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 around corners aboard the infamous “Green Hell.” At one point, the MX-5 even flashed its pop-up headlamps at the sure-footed Porsche.

With some tweaks and a near-symbiotic driver/car relationship, a Mazda MX-5 can overachieve. Hell, even the first-gen NA with its, dare I say, cute pop-up headlights can be lowered, stiffened, tuned, built, and otherwise modified to attack corners with absolute confidence. 

Check out a glimpse of the little red Mazda MX-5 chasing world-class bruisers around the track below!

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).