My Miata VS my Out Back Subaru?

[will]

The Miata is much harder to drive. I had a spin out or major fish tail on 5 of my 8 runs with the Miata, and only 1 out of control slides in 10 runs with my Subaru.
I think I was faster with the Miata, but no way to really tell. I was the slowest car on the race day with my Subaru and 4th slowest with my Miata, but this probably has more to do with who showed up than my performance.
I had most of my troubles because I would push wide in the big sweeper, then go to hot and wide through gate 1 of the wall. I would be totally out of position to make gate 2. (Saturday run)
The Subaru would 4 wheel drift in the turns but the ass end would be kicked out so the power would drive me to the inside and the fronts would pull me to the inside of the turn.
I thought that RWD was supposed to over steer but it pushed instead.
A cart guy told me to keep my foot in gas and lightly tap the break with my left foot to get the front end to catch and stop the push. I did not get a chance to try this but will try next time.

Any input would be appreciated.

In the long run my little squirrel should be a lot more fun than out back whale.

[solonut]

Will....you slow down to go fast, also brake a little early till you get used to the car, I know I made it look easy when you rode with me, but that is many years of experience in many different cars...sorry I wasnt there sat to give you a hand. If your not busy on saturday come on out to Reno/Fernley raceway....the club is having Time trials and PDX....I wont be running but I do emergency recovery. Come on out if you hep out the club gives vouchers for voulenteers who help....Pat

[Kevin M]

Will, your Miata is faster and harder to drive at speed than the Outback for sure. If I can manage it next event, I'll take a ride or two with you to give you some pointers.

[Braydog]

Do whatever Pat does. I'm still in awe he's running All Season tires out there, and he usually puts up some pretty sweet times. Pat gave me quite a few pointers at the event in Hawthorne and I'd like to think they helped tremendously. I'd let Pat ride with you and drive your miata as much as possible. On another note, Kevin has given me some great advice in the past as well so I'm sure he can help you too!

[Dean]

Miatas are a blast, but you have to learn to manage your momentum. You have to learn to be light on the inputs. Smooth braking into a corner to set the front end, trailing off as you turn in and accelerate out. In either car, the tendednce for newbies is to overdrive corners. AWD is much more forgiving in tha arena or at least feels better. I drove a stock '01 miata for a year between my WRX and STI and loved it.

The car is incrediably neutral, nimble and responsive handling wise, but anymic power wise, so you have to use it's strengths and not rely on the throttle...

Enjoy learning to drive it.