I did used to drive the crap out of my 1993 Miata. I paid $7,000 used and in the following year I had gone over everything - suspension, engine tuning, roll cage, tranny fluid, rear end, bushings etc. By the time I took it to the track I was comfortable knowing I could get parts and had knowledge to deal with all aspects. I still would like an old Miata. I saw a lot of crashes - even a few at autocross if you believe that (a classic Vette, a modern BMW). Even with the long gearing the Daytona reaches 60 mph in second gear in well under 6 seconds. With smaller gears it would be an under 5 second car. I think my Miata was barely a 8.5 second car to 60 even after the timing bump and freer flowing exhaust. I have a 3 year old Mazda 3 with a six speed manual. In some ways that car is a real sports car too. These empty curvy back roads are a treat in the Mazda or the Daytona.