Spend five minutes in a Miata forum and you will hit a wall of shorthand. Here is the plain-language decoder for the terms that come up most.
Generations and chassis
- NA / NB / NC / ND: The four generations, in order (1989-1997, 1999-2005, 2006-2015, 2016-present). Also called Mk1-Mk4.
- NA6 / NA8: NA cars by engine size - NA6 is the 1.6L, NA8 the 1.8L.
- NB1 / NB2: Pre-VVT (1999-2000) and VVT (2001-2005) NBs.
Parts and hardware
- PPF: Power Plant Frame - the rigid brace tying the engine/transmission to the differential for crisp response.
- Hardtop: A removable solid roof owners fit for rigidity, warmth, and looks.
- PRHT / RF: Power Retractable Hard Top (NC) and Retractable Fastback (ND) - folding metal roofs.
- Torsen / VLSD: Types of limited-slip differential; a Torsen is the prized factory option on many cars.
- Short-nose crank (SNC): The early-1.8 crankshaft whose keyway can shear - a known NA inspection point.
Community and culture
- FM: Flyin' Miata, the well-known performance specialist.
- Miata.net: The long-running community and how-to hub.
- MIATA: "Miata Is Always The Answer" - the enthusiast catchphrase.
- Spec Miata / SM: The hugely popular one-make racing class.
- The wave: The tradition of Miata owners waving to one another.
Handy shorthand
- DD: Daily driver.
- NamNam / NC / etc.: Owners often just shorten to the chassis code. When in doubt, ask - the community is glad to translate.