Never considered a Miata seriously but if I were to go racing a spec Miata is a great choice. I tried to buy an S2000 when they 1st came out and the dealer asked me for $7k above sticker with a straight face, that was a hard pass. Test drove an Elise and loved the handling but it was under powered with the worst transmission I’ve ever experienced, bought an E46 M3 instead. Spent a couple years in the UAE and bought a used E39 M5 which was a nice ride but certainly wouldn’t call it agile.

As for the C7, she won me over. Great looks, excellent power, and performance comparable to cars nearly twice the price. More of a brute than a flickable toy but absolutely a blast to putter around town or at 9/10 on the track.