.....classic American muscle cars, but with the Miata's design concept of minimal.mass and weight, which Mazda designers and owners call "Gram Strategy", which was inspired by Colin Chapman's design for the Lotus Elan.. it had always been a "giant killer" when there are any bit of turns and curves on the roads and tracks.
The current Miata ND, maintains this design concept, and is still beating or matching many more powerfu, heavier cars on the roads and tracks these days.....