LOL, you missed the point. There was no 1998 Miata in the states.
Derp.
As for the 22/28 mpg, it is the transmission. Part of what makes it so good is that you're always in the powerband, even if there isn't much powerband.
Ah, that makes sense. I wish I could swap in a high-ratio (or low ratio? I always forget how that works) 5th gear, but I think it'd be technically illegal for autocross even though it wouldn't actually help performance.
And if it wasn't a daily driver, it would hold onto its value well enough that in the long run (ignoring opportunity cost and tires/brakes) it would probably not be 400% more expensive than the Miata.
I'm expecting my Miata to hold its value (not that it has all that much to begin with) even though it is a daily driver, just because I'm starting out with so many fewer miles than average. Plus, there's a limit to how cheap an old car (in good condition) will get before it starts turning into a "classic" and getting more expensive again.
I too am not sure the Corvette is 2-4x as much fun as the Miata, but good gravy it DOES have 2-4x as much low-end torque, which is kind of like a measurement of fun.
Low-end torque? My TDI's got that covered! :D
Although I suppose it
could be nice to have the handling and torque in the same car, instead of two different ones...