I’m looking a a clean ‘07 NC, but it has a five-speed manual instead of a six-speed; would I regret the difference?

 

No. Why? Because the only Mazdas of that era with 6-Speed manual transmissions were the "Speed" cars; given you are clearly looking at a non-Speed, there was no such a thing as a 6-Speed manual.

 

are you certain of this? To my knowledge, the only Mazdaspeed version of the MX-5 was an NB(it was blessed with a turbo) ; when the NC debuted in 2005, the basic model was offered with a five-speed and higher trim models of the NC, such as the Grand Touring, were available with six-speed manuals or automatics

 

Ahhh, my bad, you didn't specify which car you were looking at; I assumed you were looking at Mazda3 or Mazda6; you are correct, the NC Miata did come with both 5-Speed and 6-Speed Normally Aspirated models.

We've had three MX-5s in our family, both 5-Speed and 6-Speed models; oddly enough, the tight ratios of the 6-Speed are more tuned to the track and, if I recall correctly, have a shorter overall top gear ratio (i.e. the 6-Speed models turn a higher RPM in 6th gear versus the 5-Speed models in 5th gear).

 

Actually, my bad because a brain fart caused me to post to the general Mazda forum...

so, what I’m surmising is the 5-speed might really be a better gearbox for all-round daily driving and the six-speed might be a better choice for track days (which I doubt I’d do— that’s what a $2000 NA is for!); would that be your opinion?

 

Exactly. Some cars get a slight benefit with a 6th gear, the Miata isn't one of them. I think I read in 0-60 the 5-Speed was faster as well; it is the middle gears one would use on a road course where the 6-Speed comes into its own.

 

HA! Nancy may have just sold her car! (LOL)
Thanks!