Motor Trend: 2016 Miata vs 2015 BRZ

[Entroper]

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...rz_comparison/

Don't shoot the messenger.

Truthfully, I think most of the difference in measured performance is down to the tires. But ND is faster than I expected it to be, given the 155 hp figure.

Either way, I think it'll look great in the garage next to my wife's BRZ.

[karbon]

Already placed a preorder for the Club Miata! It's been a good 3 years with the BRZ but it's time to move on.

[serialk11r]

With shortened intake manifold runners to get better top end power that thing would probably smoke a stock BRZ period, it already pretty much does with its stock 155hp. Probably not that much horsepower left on the table though, since the exhaust headers are done quite well and the heads are restrictive.

Looks like Toyota's D4-S is quite formidable

[Deslock]

What I posted at miata.net (comparing the new Miata to the previous one):

Originally Posted by Deslock

Faster (despite making less power), better handling (while still offering a comfortable ride), and more efficient. All while still being cheap and RWD. Mazda broke the old rule:

This is HUGE. Basically, Mazda just bitch slapped every other automaker.

The FT86 is the best reasonably priced 4 seater you can get. The Miata is the best reasonably priced car you can get.

I adore my BRZ, but once I no longer need rear seats, I'll be back in a Miata.

[DarkSunrise]

Good article! The Miata is shaping up to be a strong competitor to the Twins. Its weight is impressive, and its acceleration advantage until ~94 mph makes sense given its lighter weight (i.e. torque to weight advantage) and aero/horsepower disadvantage at higher speeds. It's also generating higher grip levels, although I suspect that's due to wearing MP summer tires.

Two let-downs with the Miata:

1) Body roll, even with factory suspension package - not sure why Mazda always includes body roll in every generation Miata. If it's rolling that much on MP summer tires, it may need suspension upgrades to run sticky EP summer tires at the track.

2) Less handling flexibility - Lago's comment that the body roll and lack of power means you have less mid-corner adjustability than in the BRZ. This is one of the things I love about tracking my FR-S.

Still seems like amazing fun. For me, the Miata's lack of a coupe option eliminates it though as I don't want add a roll bar just to bring it to the track. I do hope the new Miata lights a fire under Toyota/Subaru's rears to keep improving the Twins.

Lastly the comparison with the MK7 GTI was sad. As an owner of a MK6, I was hoping the new MK7 with PP would be a bit closer in terms of driving fun to cars like the Twins and Miata, but it sounds like VW hasn't closed the gap at all. MT would have been better off comparing a hot hatch like the FoST.

[Deslock]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

Good article! The Miata is shaping up to be a strong competitor to the Twins. Its weight is impressive, and its acceleration advantage until ~94 mph makes sense given its lighter weight (i.e. torque to weight advantage) and aero/horsepower disadvantage at higher speeds. It's also generating higher grip levels, although I suspect that's due to wearing MP summer tires.

Two let-downs with the Miata:

1) Body roll, even with factory suspension package - not sure why Mazda always includes body roll in every generation Miata. If it's rolling that much on MP summer tires, it may need suspension upgrades to run sticky EP summer tires at the track.

2) Less handling flexibility - Lago's comment that the body roll and lack of power means you have less mid-corner adjustability than in the BRZ. This is one of the things I love about tracking my FR-S.

Still seems like a lot of fun though. For me, the Miata's lack of a coupe option eliminates it unfortunately, as I don't want add a roll bar just to bring it to the track. I do hope the new Miata lights a fire under Toyota/Subaru's rears to keep improving the Twins though.

Lastly the comparison with the MK7 GTI was sad. As an owner of a MK6, I was hoping the new MK7 with PP would be a bit closer in terms of driving fun to cars like the Twins and Miata, but it doesn't sound like VW has closed the gap at all. MT probably would have been better off comparing a hot hatch like the FoST.

1. Body roll: That's a Mazda thing... my NB and RX8 had a lot of it too. Made the ride comfortable, and the cars were still formidable handlers (and a blast in the twisties). I personally prefer the BRZ's flatter behavior, and anyone who doesn't mind a stiffer ride can easily mod the Miata and make it handle even better.
2. Less handling flexibility: As far as body roll goes, see above. As far as lack of power goes, on paper the ND lacks top end (but it may be underrated like the NC2). At low-to-mid-range engine speeds, it'll be noticeably faster than the BRZ.

I laughed at the GTI comment too:

Then everybody who drove all three cars got out of this one asking what it was doing here. Pobst: "This is probably a very nice street car, but after coming out of two of the best track cars ever made, it's a bloody frustrating experience. The stability control can't be turned all the way off, and it constantly interferes all the way around the racetrack. Coming out of a Miata and a BRZ, it just feels so numb. The steering feels numb, the suspension feels numb, there's this numb understeer. It's quiet and smooth, but it's not a satisfying track car. In the Miata you feel like you're going 1,000 mph—in a good way—but in this car you feel like you're wrestling a hippo."

Damn that's cold. But frankly it's not surprising to those of us in the "if it's not lightweight and rear wheel drive, it's crap" camp

[xmadror]

I had a '99 miata before my BRZ and the body roll was the one thing I hated the most.

Once used to it, it wasn't too bad but it was definitely not a good thing.
Early on with every curve you had the impression you weren't gonna make it but then you'd reach maximum body roll and would instantly gain extra grip. It was a weird feeling. But it was great to scare whoever was riding with me!

The rigidity of the chassis is one of the thing I like the most about my BRZ.

[snow]

Been there done that with the Miata. Fun car to drive but I'll keep my FRS.

[bfrank1972]

Originally Posted by Deslock

What I posted at miata.net (comparing the new Miata to the previous one):



The FT86 is the best reasonably priced 4 seater you can get. The Miata is the best reasonably priced car you can get.

I adore my BRZ, but once I no longer need rear seats, I'll be back in a Miata.

Thank you. One of the PRIMARY criteria that made me decide on an FR-S vs something like an S2000 etc - rear seats! Despite everybody's moaning about rear seats being unusable, I carry my kids around in the back everywhere. Leg room behind me is basically non-existent (I'm 6'2") but the seats themselves are quite deep and my girls can sit cross legged very comfortably.

[Turbowned]

Healthy competition is certainly a good thing; it means Subaru and Toyota can't rest on their laurels. They'll have to spruce up the BRZ/FR-S to keep it competitive and relevant.

[Sideways&Smiling]

Or you can just get a used S2000, which has a better power-to-weight ratio, a better engine, far less body roll, and costs a lot less now.

lol jk (kinda). I will still go out and test drive the Miata when it's in at local dealers.

[tennisfreak]

Faster 0-60
Faster 1/4 mile
Faster lap time around Willow Springs
Shorter stopping distance
No flat spot in torque curve

Priced even with the twins

Pretty darn good work from Mazda.

If you can get by with 2 seats then the Miata is the best choice.

[JS + BRZ]

I love both cars. Miata has been my favorite cars all time.

But I do drive my BRZ everyday and take it to the track 6-7 times a year. I keep my BRZ for sure.

Love how we are getting so many options in the market! It's always a good thing.

Good job, Mazda!

[Cope52]

Originally Posted by tennisfreak

Faster 0-60
Faster 1/4 mile
Faster lap time around Willow Springs
Shorter stopping distance
No flat spot in torque curve

Priced even with the twins

.

Hold on cowboy. Initial tests of new models are always faster. Don't be surprised when the next time they test the car it's 6.2 to 60. And a set of Super Sports on the twins would close the gap on lap times and braking distances. And if you want an LSD on the Miata you're looking at 30 grand. Hey, this is a BRZ site right?