# What does NA6, NA8, NB, MSM, NC, ND mean?

> Explore every Mazda Miata generation and learn the key differences between the NA6, NA8, NB, MSM, NC, and ND - plus where these famous chassis codes come from!

Source: https://help.flyinmiata.com/en_us/what-does-na6-na8-nb-msm-nc-nd-mean-rkwJXD86I

Last updated: 2026-07-23T16:23:33.370Z

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### Miata Generations:  
  
  
NA6

This is a 1990-1993 Miata. In the US, this was the only year to get the 1.6-liter engine, hence the "6" at the end. In other markets around the world, the 1.6 engine stuck around much longer. The NA6 is the lightest, slowest, and arguably the most "pure" Miata.    
  

### NA8

This is a 1994-1997 Miata. In the US, the 1.8-liter engine started in 1994 and carried through 2005. The NA8 also has a stronger differential, bigger brakes, and a bit stiffer chassis than the NA6, thanks to some updated chassis bracing.   
  

### NB

This is a 1999-2005 Miata. This range can be further broken down into NB1 (1999-2000) and NB2 (2001-2005). Gone are the pop-up headlights, and the NB2 has better projector-style headlights, a VVT (variable valve timing) engine, a stiffer chassis, and some aesthetic changes (the main one being the headlights). What, no 1998 Miata? Not in the US. Other markets had them, but you'll need to compare body styles to determine if it's a NA8 or an NB.  
  

### MSM

MSM is an acronym for "Mazdaspeed Miata". This was a special edition model, with a turbocharged engine and a number of performance and aesthetic upgrades, made from 2004-2005. The factory burned down shortly into the 2005 production year, so 2005 MSMs are relatively rare.   
  

### NC

This is a 2006-2015 Miata, which is the first truly new model (the NA and NB are very closely related). This can be further broken down into NC1 (2006-2008), NC2 (2009-2012), and NC3 (2013-2015). A new 2.0-liter engine was introduced to replace the aged B6 and BP engines. The NC2/3 got forged engine internals and a slightly higher redline (manual transmission cars only), but otherwise, the changes were mostly aesthetic.   
  

### ND

As of right now, this is the current (fourth-gen) Miata, which started in 2016. This was another completely new model, lighter and smaller, featuring a new 2.0-liter engine with direct fuel injection. This can be further broken down into ND1 (2016-2018), ND2 (2019-2023), and ND3 (2024+). The ND2 had a number of small changes, but the most noteworthy change is a higher-horsepower (181 hp at the flywheel) engine with a higher redline and a more "revvy" nature.  The ND3 introduced fully-LED headlights and taillights, an updated infotainment display, and a few other "invisible" electrical changes.

  

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Where does this random nomenclature come from?  
  

It comes from the VIN - every Miata VIN starts "JM1N...", so the fourth and fifth digits are the NA / NB / NC / ND that we use to identify the generations.