Limited Slip Differentials (LSDs)
- Admin
- Mar 25
- 4 min read
Often installed in MX-5’s an LSD prevents one of the rear wheels from spinning freely in slippery conditions so both wheels maintain traction. There is ‘limited slip’ because in a turn, the outside wheel must revolve more than the inside.
Pros:
✅ LSD offers better acceleration and traction in snow and ice.
✅ LSD offers more stable cornering and prevents sudden loss of traction in turns.
✅ LSD offers better traction on hills/slopes, especially in slippery conditions.
Cons:
❌ If both rear wheels break traction, the car may slide more (can be fun or dangerous).
❌ If you lose grip on both rear tires, regaining control takes more skill.
❌ Not all Miatas come with LSD, and adding one can be costly.
Open Differential ("Open Diff") in Winter
If one tire is on ice, it can spin while the other tire on dry pavement does nothing.
Pros:
✅ In a slide there’s less risk of snap-oversteer, good for the less experienced driver.
✅ They’re more predictable in in slippery conditions.
✅ Simpler design, cheaper to maintain and better fuel economy.
Cons:
❌ Reduced traction - if one wheel slips, you lose almost all power.
❌ If one tire is on snow/ice and the other on pavement, you might get stuck.
Which is Better for a Miata in Winter?
If you mainly drive on plowed roads, an open diff is fine with good winter tires.
If you drive in deep snow or icy hills, an LSD is a big advantage for traction.
If you're driving aggressively (or doing donuts on snow), an LSD lets you control slides better but also makes it easier to lose control.
💡 The Real Key? Winter Tires!
A Miata with winter tires and an open diff will perform way better than one with an LSD and summer or all-season tires. If you must choose, get winter tires first! https://www.peaktopeakmiata.org/post/winter-and-summer-tires-facts-and-thoughts
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) in Summer
When driving a Miata spiritedly (twisty roads, autocross, track days, or aggressive cornering) the difference between an open diff and LSD is even more noticeable because power is transferred between the rear wheels, helping both get traction.
Pros:
✅ Better acceleration and less wheel spin when pushing hard.
✅ More control during spirited driving, particularly car balance when exiting turns.
✅ Better grip on uneven roads because if one wheel is on a slick patch (wet pavement, dirt), the other still gets power.
✅ Stronger launch from a stop as there is less chance of just one wheel spinning.
Cons:
❌ If you're too aggressive, it’s easier to break traction in both rear wheels (oversteer).
❌ Not all Miatas come with an LSD, and adding one costs $$$.
❌ Slightly more stress on the differential over time.
Best for spirited driving; track days, autocross, canyon carving; or performance mods
Open Differential (Open Diff) in Summer
An open diff sends power to the wheel with the least resistance, meaning if one tire loses grip (like in a corner or on a slick surface), it can spin uselessly.
Pros:
✅ Smooth, predictable, and less chance of oversteer in casual driving.
✅ Less stress on axles and gears.
✅ Less likely to break traction in slippery spots.
✅ No expensive LSD parts to worry about.
Cons:
❌ If one wheel slips, you lose power, which means slower acceleration.
❌ If you floor it from a stop, only one rear wheel spins, reducing acceleration.
❌ In aggressive driving, the inside wheel might spin, upsetting balance.
Best for casual street driving, daily commuting, wet conditions (for average drivers)
Final Verdict: Which is Better for Summer Driving?
If you drive a Miata aggressively, LSD is a must-have for proper power delivery, better handling, and more fun.
If you just cruise or daily drive, an open diff is fine, especially if you don’t plan on pushing the car to its limits.
If you want to autocross or track your Miata, an LSD is one of the best upgrades you can make.
💡 Biggest Takeaway?
A Miata with LSD and grippy summer tires will feel and perform WAY better in corners than an open-diff Miata and be faster in competitive driving.
If you're just daily driving or touring, an open diff with good tires is still fun, predictable and could be a safer choice for the less experienced driver.
Does your Miata have an LSD?
Contact the parts department of your local authorized Mazda Dealer or the Mazda Customer Experience Center at (800) 222-5500 with your vehicle's VIN number. Below are some basic guidelines.
Generally, lower trim Miata models, particularly base trims and some early NA/NB models, do not come with a limited-slip differential (LSD) as standard equipment.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
NA Miatas: The base model NA Miata (1.6L) did not come with an LSD.
NB Miatas: Standard 1.8L NB Miata (not the LS or SE) generally don't have LSDs.
NC Miatas: Most had LSD as an option, but not on all trims or models.
2016-2018 ND GT: The ND GT trim from 2016-2018 did not have an LSD.
2019 ND GT: The 2019 ND GT’s had an LSD.
2020-2021 ND GT: Models with the 6-speed manual came standard with an LSD.
LSD Quick Test: Position one rear tire on the grass, dirt or snow and the other tire on dry pavement. Accelerate hard and have someone watch to see if one tire spins excessively (or if you don’t go anywhere), you have an Open Diff. With LSD you will usually see a very limited/brief amount tire slip followed by both tires accelerating forward.
LSD Wheel Spin Test: Jack up the rear of the vehicle, get both rear wheels off the ground. Make sure the parking brake is off. Ensure the transmission is in neutral. Turn one of the rear wheels by hand.
If the other wheel spins in the same direction: Your car likely has an LSD.
If the other wheel spins in the opposite direction: Your car likely has a standard or open differential.
DISCLAIMER: This article was prepared by a club member and considered editorial and a matter of opinion. Neither the Peak-to-Peak Miata club or any of its members accepts any responsibility for the choices, modifications or how you choose to drive your car in any weather condition. - Peak to Peak Miata Club, Feb 2025
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