Having enjoyed my fair share of autox at Qualcomm and track days in the SoCal region… I don’t think either new car would make a good track toy.
While any sporty car can make for a fun autox experience because of the lower speeds, inherent safety of the format, and less consumables.
The reality when talking about road course events is that a street cars make for poor track cars because of fundamental diametric requirements.
But before I go into that, and because I’m a caring parent myself… please don’t send your learning spawn into the hardened roadways, full of distracted and raging drivers, in a tin can car. Mass is by far the biggest discriminator in the outcome of car on car accidents.
So back to that grown up track toy. The mentality should be if you’re willing to put a car on the track, you’re willing to wad it up and throw it away. Your regular insurance won’t cover you, but there are optional track day specific insurance you can buy. And because there’s always a chance you could wad it up (either of your own doing or someone else), or some unforeseen situation (i.e. fluid spillage), safety should be a paramount concern. Which means a cage. Which is good for that 5-point harness you’ll want for safety, but also proper restraints. Cause a track day will put real g-forces on your body. And if you’re working on your technique, you don’t want to be trying to brace yourself with your elbow and knee, while working on your steering and pedal finesse.
I’m happy you recognize that hp is not really that important on the track and is only something that increases risk and the cost of consumables. In a light car (cause add lightness), 200hp is great, 300hp is super fun, 300hp++ and you better have some real safety gear and technique cause stuff happens fast.
You already in many ways own the perfect fun track car. Add a full blown cage, with proper seat, harness, and hans device so you can feel safe on the track. With those items, it’ll be way safer than just about any new track toy anyways. And you’ll be having more fun.
The only other car I’m considering for a dedicated track toy is an older boxter or cayman. If only because of the camaraderie and invites to those events. My street car, while I intended to originally do regular track days with, is waaaay too much hp for the track and a real liability because of that. Plus I love it too much as a street car to add a cage.
Buy the new car you want for the street. You’ll have saved money using the old Miata, and be more safe, and have more fun because of it.
