Modern cars are marvels of engineering. They are incredibly fast, hyper-efficient, and can practically save you from your own driving mistakes. Yet, with every layer of computer assistance and insulation, we lose a bit of connection to the machine.
That is why I bought a 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA8).
The Philosophy of Jinba Ittai
The Miata was designed around the Japanese concept of *Jinba Ittai*—meaning "horse and rider as one." Here is why it works:
- Hydraulic Steering: You feel every pebble and change of asphalt through the steering wheel. It is heavy at a standstill but whispers secrets of traction directly to your fingertips once in motion.
- Mechanical Shifter: The shifter is bolted directly into the transmission casing. There are no cables. It slots into gear with a satisfying, metallic click that modern cable-shifters cannot replicate.
- No Safety Nets: No traction control, no stability control, and a pure cable-actuated throttle. What you do with your feet and hands translates directly to the asphalt.
Slow Car Fast
At around 130 horsepower, it is by no means fast. A modern minivan could beat it in a drag race. But that is the beauty of it. You can use 100% of the car's potential on a regular public road without losing your license. Carving a corner at 40 MPH in a Miata feels twice as exhilarating as doing 90 MPH in a modern insulated sedan.
It is a reminder that driving can be a form of active meditation rather than just a chore to get from point A to point B.