The Miata

Open the door and drop down into the seat. Your hands fall naturally on the wheel and shifter. The seatbelt requires a reach back between the left arm and torso because it feels like there is no room to turn around. Push in clutch and brake and turn the key. The car creeps backward against the brakes until the engine catches and turns a beat or two, then it softens and stills the car. A minimalist shift lever- really just a nub- with short, satisfying throws. Snick into reverse and back out.

Condensation covers the plastic rear window. The wind from driving won't dry it for almost 30 miles so leave the top up. Is trapped moisture on a plactic/vinyl top bad? Who knows but it's chilly any way. Run up through the gears pushing to 3000 rpm in each, then into 5th gear and back off. The cabin is tight and the low roof header blocks your view of traffic signals but everything inside is laid out perfectly and overall visibility is good.

Almost half way to work, on a deserted road now. Mostly good blacktop, no houses, a few curves and scant chance of cops. Let it rip. A smooth left hander, really 2 corners in one, rewards my Honda Pilot and my old 5 series for choosing just the right amount of steering lock. Find that amount- the groove- and maintain it through both parts parts of the corner on a good day. The flow. But not in the Miata.
Shorter wheelbase, faster steering, different suspension geometry- all these things acting in ways I may not even fully understand. The effect is one that I do understand. I have yet to feel the flow in the Miata while taking that corner. The MX 5 breaks the corner down into smaller component parts. What's one smooth arc in the 5 series becomes 3 or 4 separate points of choice (lock, speed, throttle) in the Miata.

The upshot? You drive it more slowly unless you really feel like trying. Everything is felt, everything is direct- the speed you carry is not hidden at all. This car would be phenomenal on the tail of the dragon, but covering much ground with serious hustle takes intense concentration and a high noise/vibration/harshness threshold. Yeah, you're going to be right there in it, not isolated at all. What better way to get to start the day?