MX-5 NB 1.6 vs 1.8: which engine should you buy?
Two engines, two quite different cars. The 1.6 is lighter, cheaper and sweeter than its power figure suggests; the 1.8 is the quicker, better-equipped one most people end up wanting. Which is right for you comes down to budget, insurance, and whether you value cost or pace. Here's the honest comparison.
The quick verdict
For most buyers, the Mk2.5 1.8 is the one to have: more power, a 6-speed box on the better trims, and the desirable Sport extras. But if you're a new driver, on a tight budget, or chasing the cheapest insurance, the 1.6 is a genuinely brilliant car that gives away less than the numbers suggest.
The 1.6 (110 bhp)
Lighter over the nose, cheaper to buy, cheaper to tax and insure, and arguably the sweeter-steering car at sensible speeds. The downside is pace: 0–62 mph takes around 9.7 seconds and you have to work it on faster roads. Early 1.6s also tend to have smaller brakes and rarely came with a limited-slip differential. As a first sports car, though, it's hard to beat for the money.
The 1.8 (140–146 bhp)
The one most people want. Noticeably quicker (around 7.9–8.5 seconds to 62 mph), and the Mk2.5 added a 6-speed gearbox on higher trims. The sought-after 1.8 Sport brought Bilstein dampers, a limited-slip diff and Nardi trim. It costs a little more to buy and insure, and holds its value better as a result.
1.6 vs 1.8 side by side
| 1.6 | 1.8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | ~110 bhp | ~140–146 bhp |
| 0–62 mph | ~9.7 s | ~7.9–8.5 s |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 5-speed; 6-speed on Mk2.5 trims |
| Limited-slip diff | Rare | Standard on Sport |
| Insurance group | Lower (cheapest to insure) | Slightly higher |
| Price to buy | A little less | A little more; holds value better |
Which should you buy?
- New / young driver or tight budget: the 1.6 — cheapest to buy and insure, and still a joy.
- You want the best all-rounder: the Mk2.5 1.8, ideally a Sport for the diff and dampers.
- You plan to keep or sell on: the 1.8 holds value better and is easier to sell.
Insurance is an NB superpower
The MX-5 is one of the cheapest cars in Britain to insure, and the 1.6 typically sits in a lower group than the 1.8 — a real saving for younger drivers. Our calculator includes driver-age insurance estimates so you can see the difference before you commit.
Whichever engine, pay the right price
Spec changes the value. Use the calculator and the fair-price guide to set a baseline for the exact car, then deduct what it needs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1.6 or 1.8 MX-5 NB better?
The 1.8 is the better all-rounder — more power, a 6-speed box on Mk2.5 trims, and a limited-slip diff on the Sport. The 1.6 is lighter, cheaper to buy and insure, and still hugely fun, which makes it the smarter pick for new drivers and tight budgets.
How much faster is the 1.8?
Meaningfully: roughly 7.9–8.5 seconds 0–62 mph versus about 9.7 for the 1.6. The 1.8 feels more relaxed at speed and pulls harder out of corners.
Is the 1.6 MX-5 NB too slow?
No — it's modestly powered, not slow, and the low weight means it's genuinely enjoyable. You just carry more speed and work the gearbox more. On a back road the gap to the 1.8 matters less than you'd think.
Which is cheaper to insure?
The 1.6, which usually sits in a lower insurance group than the 1.8. Combined with the MX-5's already-low premiums, it's one of the cheapest sports cars to insure, especially for younger drivers.
Before you buy either
- Inspect it: take the free 40-point inspection checklist to the viewing.
- Read the buyer's guide: the NB buyer's guide covers variants, rust and what to pay.
- Negotiate with evidence: the Buyer's Pack turns the faults you find into money off the price.
Take the checklist to the viewing
The exact 40 checks our cost figures are based on — print it and go prepared.
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