As someone deeply embedded in the electric vehicle world, and a content creator for cardiagnosticnearme.com, I thought I had seen it all in automotive technology. However, recent market research and a surge in queries on Car Review Sites about older vehicle types prompted me to explore something… different. I decided to test drive a Mazda Miata, a vehicle lauded in some circles, but strikingly archaic in its fundamental technology. This car, instead of the clean, efficient electricity I’m accustomed to, runs on something called “gasoline”—a combustible liquid. The experience, to put it mildly, was eye-opening and worth documenting for anyone still considering these relics of the past, or for car review sites needing a contemporary perspective.
My initial encounter was already perplexing. Entering the Miata, the first thing I noticed was… silence. No welcoming chime, no illuminated touchscreen, just inert plastic and fabric. Accustomed to the instant-on responsiveness of EVs, this felt like stepping into a deactivated machine. Inserting a physical “key” into the steering column—a concept almost alien in modern cars—and then performing a series of manual operations (clutch pedal, key turn) was required to “start” the engine. The result was a cacophony of noise and vibration, a stark contrast to the serene operation of an electric motor. Imagine a mechanical beast awakening with a roar, not the smooth hum of electrons flowing. This starting ritual alone felt like an unnecessary and noisy prelude to driving, something car review sites often gloss over when discussing “driving experience.”
Climate control presented another learning curve. In my EV, cabin temperature is instantly adjustable, electric heating providing warmth even before moving. The Miata, however, relies on engine heat for cabin warming. This meant a significant wait in the cold before any semblance of heat emerged. The system felt incredibly inefficient, using waste heat instead of targeted electric heating. For those used to the immediacy of EV climate control, this gasoline car’s heating system feels like a relic from a bygone era, a point worth emphasizing on car review sites comparing modern and legacy vehicles.
Driving the Miata introduced the most significant departure from EV norms: the transmission. Gasoline engines, I learned, operate within a limited RPM range, unlike the broad and instant torque delivery of electric motors. To navigate this, gasoline cars use multi-gear transmissions. Starting and accelerating require precise coordination of a “gas pedal,” a “clutch pedal,” and a “shifter knob.” This “shifting gears” process, described in some car review sites as “engaging,” felt cumbersome and distracting. Imagine having to manually manage power delivery through a complex series of physical manipulations, instead of the seamless acceleration of an EV. While some might find a nostalgic charm in this mechanical dance, for an EV driver, it’s an exercise in unnecessary complexity, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. The learning curve is steep, and the potential for jerky, unrefined driving is high, aspects that balanced car review sites should highlight.
Turning off the Miata was, thankfully, simpler than starting, essentially reversing the start procedure. However, another issue arose the next day: a dead battery. Apparently, leaving the headlights on—something EVs often manage automatically—drained the Miata’s battery, preventing it from starting. The solution? Jumper cables and another car. The process of jump-starting, with exposed battery terminals and the risk of battery explosion (as documented in numerous safety reports), felt incredibly unsafe and inconvenient compared to simply plugging in an EV. This vulnerability to battery drain and the archaic jump-start procedure are significant drawbacks rarely emphasized in car review sites focusing on the romanticized aspects of gasoline cars.
Opening the hood revealed another design compromise: the massive gasoline engine consumed all available front space, leaving no room for storage. Luggage and groceries must be relegated to the trunk, a stark contrast to the front trunks (“frunks”) common in EVs. This packaging inefficiency is a significant practical disadvantage, especially for those accustomed to the versatile storage of electric vehicles. Car review sites should visually showcase this engine bay bulk and storage limitation when comparing gasoline and electric vehicle designs.
Refueling the Miata was yet another unique experience. The need to visit specialized “gas stations,” often smelly and potentially hazardous, is a stark contrast to the convenience of home EV charging. While refueling itself was relatively quick, the dependence on these stations and the anxiety of range limitations are significant downsides. EV drivers enjoy the peace of mind of “filling up” at home overnight, waking up to a full charge. Gasoline car owners face the constant need to plan gas station visits, a logistical constraint largely absent in EV ownership. Car review sites should stress this difference in refueling infrastructure and convenience when evaluating gasoline cars for modern consumers.
Despite these numerous inconveniences, I must admit, there’s a certain… primal appeal to a gasoline car. The complex mechanics, the raw engine noise and vibration, the smell of combustion—it’s a sensory experience that EVs, with their silent efficiency, simply don’t replicate. Driving the Miata evoked a sense of mechanical engagement, a feeling of being directly connected to a powerful, albeit archaic, machine. This visceral experience, while not practical, is undeniably present and might appeal to a niche market.
However, for daily use, the gasoline car, exemplified by the Mazda Miata, falls far short of modern electric vehicles. It’s less convenient, less efficient, noisier, and arguably more dangerous to operate and maintain. While enthusiasts might find a nostalgic charm, and some car review sites may focus on the “classic driving experience,” the vast majority of drivers would be better served by the superior technology and practicality of electric vehicles. Gasoline cars, while historically significant, appear to be a technological dead end, a point that car review sites should clearly communicate to guide consumer choices in an increasingly electric future.
