"NA/NB/NC/ND" and "Mk1-Mk4" are two names for the same four Miata generations. NA = Mk1, NB = Mk2, NC = Mk3, ND = Mk4. Americans mostly say the letter codes; the UK/Europe often says Mk-numbers.
They're interchangeable, so here's the full translation plus the character of each.
- NA (Mk1), 1989-1997: The original. Pop-up headlights, ~2,100-2,300 lb, 1.6 (1989-93) then 1.8 (1994-97). The purest, lightest Miata and the darling of the modification scene.
- NB (Mk2), 1998-2005: Fixed headlights, glass rear window (later cars), still very light (~2,300 lb), 1.8 only, some with VVT. Shares suspension design with the NA, so parts and knowledge overlap heavily. Includes the special turbo Mazdaspeed Miata (2004-2005).
- NC (Mk3), 2006-2015: Bigger, heavier, more grown-up; 2.0 engine; offered the retractable Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT). Shares some platform DNA with the RX-8. Less loved by purists but a comfortable, capable car.
- ND (Mk4), 2016-present: Mazda returned to lightweight roots (~2,300 lb); Skyactiv 2.0 (1.5 in some markets). ND2 (2019+) added power and revs. Also the basis for the Fiat 124 Spider ("FiATA"). The RF is the targa-style hardtop variant.
Quick usage notes:
- "NA6" vs "NA8" further split the first gen by engine (1.6 vs 1.8).
- NA and NB are "the same era" mechanically to enthusiasts, hence you'll hear "NA/NB" lumped together for suspension, LSD, and swap talk.
- Mk-numbers and letter codes never disagree, just two dialects of the same fandom.
When in doubt: letter code for the body/era, and remember NA and NB are the light, cheap, endlessly-modified classics the community is built around.