The nimble mid-engine two-seater featured a revolutionary lightweight design that made the Miata seem like a porker. Weight, as any race-car engineer will attest, is the enemy of performance.

When is a stock, 167-horsepower Mazda MX-5 Miata quicker than a Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, Lamborghini Gallardo, Lotus Elise and a Porsche 911? When it's raining. Sort of. Mazda Canada ...