Quote Originally Posted by Jecht
It isn't just the flywheel/clutch that makes the car rev faster you know - the crankshaft is heavier in the 1.8. I have to agree with Simontibbett, I like the 1.6 engines better. The 1.6 revs quicker than the 1.8, plus the 1.8 isn't much more powerful than the 1.6 despite the increase in displacement. The 1.8 does have more torque, but the 1.6 responds better to FI.
1.8>1.6

just look at how many more people are making more power on stock 1.8's that 1.6's
http://www.miataturbo.net/forum/showthread.php?t=20544