The 2.0L MZR (timing chain, not belt) is regarded as bulletproof, running strongly past 150k miles and revving out beyond 7,000 rpm. Standard output is 167 hp; power is described as adequate rather than neck-snapping, and the NC held the title of most powerful Miata until the 2019 ND2.
2.0L MZR engine: reliable, timing chain, high-revving
Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC) · mechanical