The Mazda MX-5. It’s better known to fans and non-car people as the immortal “Miata.” However, despite accessibility, ease, and forgiving driving dynamics, you’ll never see a Mazda MX-5 counted alongside Porsche 911 GT3s and other track-dwelling monsters. Still, a steadfast driver in a track-prepped MX-5 can take the fight to much more capable cars. That was the case with one scrappy MX-5 against Porsches and BMWs at the Nürburgring.

This NA Mazda MX-5 Miata bullied a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 and other performance standards around the Nürburgring

The Mazda MX-5 first rolled out as an NA model in the 1990 model year. When it did, it produced an arguably anemic 116 horsepower from its iron-block inline-four-cylinder engine. While not much for a roadster by today’s standards, the so-called Miata weighed around 2,100 lbs. That made it an altogether featherweight affair. 

Fast forward through the NA’s 1990-1997 run, and the little 1.8L Miatas were summoning around 133 horsepower and, of course, still offering a light curb weight and a five-speed manual transmission. Combine that with go-kart-esque steering, and you’ve got a car that a driver can drive on the absolute limit damn near all the time, let alone on the hallowed surfaces of the Nürburgring. A trip to any Autocross course or track day will confirm the little Mazda’s popularity among enthusiasts.

Such is the case with one bright red little NA MX-5 at the Nürburgring. The video shows the little MX-5 bullying a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 around corners aboard the infamous “Green Hell.” At one point, the MX-5 even flashed its pop-up headlamps at the sure-footed Porsche.

With some tweaks and a near-symbiotic driver/car relationship, a Mazda MX-5 can overachieve. Hell, even the first-gen NA with its, dare I say, cute pop-up headlights can be lowered, stiffened, tuned, built, and otherwise modified to attack corners with absolute confidence. 

Check out a glimpse of the little red Mazda MX-5 chasing world-class bruisers around the track below!