2008 Mazda MX-5 III (NC, facelift 2008) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the 2008-2012 Mazda MX-5 III (NC facelift) ranges between 1075 kg and 1100 kg (2371 to 2425 lbs), while its maximum weight capacity is 1375 kg (3032 lbs). This relatively low curb weight is a hallmark of the MX-5's lightweight sports car philosophy, ensuring quick acceleration, agile handling, and sharp braking performance. The light construction improves fuel efficiency by requiring less energy to move the vehicle. The maximum weight capacity accounts for passengers and cargo, ensuring the chassis and suspension maintain optimal performance and safety when fully loaded. Consequently, the MX-5 III balances spirited driving with everyday practicality.

At 1720 mm (67.7 inches) wide, the 2008-2012 Mazda MX-5 III maintains a compact width that offers a cozy cabin for two occupants while enhancing road stability. The width strikes a balance between providing enough lateral space for comfort without compromising the car's agility and lightness. Compared to wider vehicles such as larger sports cars or SUVs, the MX-5’s narrower profile aids in easier navigation through tight spaces, parking, and city driving. Despite its compact width, the low center of gravity combined with the sufficient track width ensures stable handling and reduces body roll, improving cornering performance on winding roads.

The 2008-2012 Mazda MX-5 III (facelift) has a height that typically falls around 1250 mm (49.2 inches), consistent with its design as a low-profile roadster. This low height lowers the car’s center of gravity, significantly enhancing stability and handling dynamics by reducing body roll during spirited driving. Aerodynamically, the sleek and low stance minimizes air resistance, improving fuel efficiency and contributing to precise high-speed performance. On the downside, the reduced cabin height limits headroom and can feel more confined compared to taller vehicles, but it complements the intimate, driver-focused experience expected from a two-seater convertible sports car.

The 2008-2012 Mazda MX-5 III (NC facelift) offers rim sizes of 16 and 17 inches, paired with tire sizes 205/50 R16 and 205/45 R17 respectively. The 16-inch setup generally provides a softer ride with better absorption of road imperfections, making it comfortable for daily driving. Meanwhile, the 17-inch wheels with lower profile 205/45 tires enhance the car’s handling responsiveness and corner grip, offering a sportier feel with more precise steering feedback. However, the firmer ride on 17-inch wheels may transmit more road noise and harshness, so drivers often choose based on their balance between comfort and handling performance.

Yes, the 2008-2012 Mazda MX-5 III (NC facelift) fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. With a length of 4020 mm (158.3 inches) and width of 1720 mm (67.7 inches), it is smaller than most modern SUVs and sedans, making parking less stressful. Standard single-car garages typically have widths between 2500 mm to 3000 mm (approximately 98 to 118 inches) and lengths well exceeding 5 meters (196 inches). Additionally, the low height of the MX-5, around 1250 mm (49.2 inches), ensures it easily clears typical garage door heights. The compact dimensions facilitate smooth maneuvering and storage without the need for special accommodations.

Compared to its predecessor, the MX-5 II (NB), the 2008-2012 MX-5 III (NC facelift) is slightly larger and heavier. The NC generation measures 4020 mm (158.3 inches) in length and has a curb weight between 1075 and 1100 kg (2371 to 2425 lbs), whereas the NB generation was shorter and lighter, around 3995 mm (157.3 inches) in length with curb weights closer to 950-1000 kg (2094-2205 lbs). These increases in size and weight reflect enhanced structural reinforcements, added safety features, and greater comfort and refinement in the NC generation. The trade-off is a modest rise in weight, but Mazda balanced this with improvements in chassis rigidity and engine performance, providing a modernized driving experience without losing the MX-5’s renowned agility.

Dimensionally, the 2008-2012 Mazda MX-5 III sits comfortably among compact roadsters like the Toyota MR2 Spyder, Honda S2000, and BMW Z4. At 4020 mm (158.3 inches) long and 1720 mm (67.7 inches) wide, it is smaller and lighter than some competitors, emphasizing nimbleness and driver engagement. Performance-wise, the MX-5 III is praised for its balanced rear-wheel-drive setup, precise steering, and responsive suspension. While it may not have the highest horsepower in its segment, its low weight (1075-1100 kg/2371-2425 lbs) results in an impressive power-to-weight ratio. This translates into lively acceleration, excellent handling, and a fun-to-drive character that many enthusiasts prefer over outright power, positioning it as a pure driver’s car in the compact roadster category.

The 2008-2012 Mazda MX-5 III (NC facelift) is a two-seat roadster designed primarily for driver enjoyment rather than passenger space or cargo capacity. The interior is snug, with limited legroom and headroom typical of a convertible sports car, especially with the roof up or down. Its width of 1720 mm (67.7 inches) allows for adequate shoulder room for two adults, but taller occupants might find the space somewhat tight. Storage is minimal, usually confined to a small trunk of approximately 130 liters (4.6 cubic feet), enough for a couple of small bags but not suitable for larger luggage. Overall, the MX-5 III’s interior prioritizes a sporty, intimate driving environment at the expense of practicality.

The 2008-2012 Mazda MX-5 III (NC facelift) commonly features wheel rims sized at 16 or 17 inches, paired with tires sized 205/50 R16 and 205/45 R17, respectively. These sizes were selected to balance ride comfort, handling precision, and visual appeal. The 16-inch wheels provide a more cushioned ride with compliance over bumps and road irregularities, making them ideal for everyday driving or rougher road surfaces. The 17-inch wheels, alongside lower-profile tires, offer enhanced grip and sharper cornering behavior, favored by drivers seeking a sportier feel and more aggressive look. The choice of wheel size can slightly change the car's stance and presence, with larger rims generally presenting a more dynamic and contemporary aesthetic.