Anyone Driven an MX-5 and BRZ?
 

Hey guys, I know they've been compared before, but I'm interested to hear what you guys have to say.

The reason I ask is because I test drove a Miata yesterday since I've heard they are similar. I found the Miata to have good steering, felt like a lot of fun, great shifter, but it did feel underpowered.

I ordered a BRZ back in early april so hopefully it feels a little more powerful! but if not, i'll get used to it. I'm coming from a big fat 03 Eclipse GTS, by the way.

Theres so many threads on this...

Ah ok, find me one please that addresses these issues specifically and is not just a car magazine review. I havent seen one. Thanks man!

Yeah I've driven both... Mum owns an mx-5... Fantastic car.... Handled much better than my Holden SS Thunder 6litre Ute and was more "fun" because it was more predictable and forgiving.. The gts86 I test drove is better still even though it's slightly different in handling to the BRZ which i have not test driven.. Under powered but a drivers car with massive potential..

The thing is EXHAUST is right... There has been many threads on this and we can't tell u any better or be any more informative than what pro car reviews are saying... We all agree with them which is why the community is what it is... It's an epic car...

I'm not a Miata owner, however I test drove both a 2006 Mazdaspeed Miata and 2012 MX-5 Grand Touring prior to purchasing my FR-S.

To me the feel is very very similar while driving. However, the MX-5 is a bit less harsh of a ride (softer suspension) and offers a lot of amenities like push button start, heated seats, steering wheel mounted controls, a hard top retractable roof etc.

To me the decision came down to the driving feel, trunk / "passenger" space and overall appeal. I simply liked the styling of the FRS/BRZ better and it has a lot more space to put my hockey gear, groceries, etc. in. As a daily commuter, the FRS made more sense.

Power wise, I wasn't the best stick shift driver when I was testing all these so I can't say much. They both drive like little go-karts and put everything larger i've driven (regular cars, not sports cars) to shame.

Well was taken out of sarcastic context, but that's cool. Thanks for the real responses though, I appreciate the input.

My experience has been that they're essentially the same, it's just a question of whether you want top-down fun or a boost in practicality.

I have owned an NC MX5 that I sold when I got my FRS and I still own/race an NB.

They feel significantly different from the FRS to me. The most noticeable differences are the gearing, weight, and suspension.

Same here. I'm getting rid of my NC when my BRZ comes in. Not sure how people can say they feel the same. The BRZ I test drove is noticeably different. But why do you want to read what I have to say about the differences? Professional writers have made this comparison and put it in a ton of car magazines already. They're better with words anyways.

A friend of mine who owns and races mx-5s loves my car and wants it.

A few of my friend put it like this, "The BRZ is a Miata without the gay jokes."

I've owned three NA Miatas and I've got an NB right now which I plan to keep. I can't speak to the NC because I never warmed up enough to that car to buy one. In general, I think the driving dynamics of the two cars are pretty similar and you would get enjoyment out of driving either one. Sure, there are differences in how they drive, but both are proper handling cars. For me, there are days when I don't want to drive the Miata because it's not top-down weather or I need something more practical. The Miata has a lot more road noise, so I don't drive it if I'll be on the highway. If I had to pick one as a daily driver, it would be the FR-S because it's a better all-around car. If it's for a second car, it's hard not to want a convertible.

I describe it as "a Miata with a fixed roof and dignity".

I've had 2 current generation miatas 2006 and 2010 and yes the BRZ pulls harder than the current generation miata. If you want to top down and enjoy the surroundings when you drive then you can't beat a miata.

Here are my 2 miatas, I do miss top down motoring.

http://www.michaelclee.com/pics/nc_s...s/IMG_4142.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5078/5...858caaa9_b.jpg

Very nice :w00t:

I'm gonna preface this with saying that I'm not any sort of track driver and have never even been to an autocross. However I do enjoy safe spirited driving though around some good twisties as much as anyone else here.

I've had some experience driving an NA Miata before my BRZ and I gotta say I loved it. It really gives you that sense of being in a real sports car and you can feel the entire road. Very communicative car. It's a very playful car too but not in the same sense as the BRZ. The Miata is fun and playful until it finally bites you...and it'll bite hard. The BRZ just politely asks "would you please stop doing that? alright? thank you". No one EVER says they're a bad driver and no driving enthusiast likes to say they aren't the most confident driver they could be but quite frankly I'm just not...yet. I think the BRZ is better suited for my experience level and I'm expecting to learn a lot from it at the track/autocross in the years to come.

I have a friend who is the "Miata Whisperer" as we consider him. He's owned 4-6 Miata's and knows everything about them from every aspect. It's an absolute hoot riding with him because he WILL drive at the limit and he'll do it confidently. It's a very capable car but it needs a capable driver. The miata is like an old school film SLR camera while he BRZ is more like a point and shoot.

I love Miatas. If I was to choose Miata vs. BRZ, it would come down to toy vs. practical.

If I wanted the practicality of the 4 seats and hardtop, the scooby would win. If I wanted just pure driving pleasure, the Miata wins for me. For those who haven't driven a convertible, know that dropping the top amplifies the feeling of connection to the road and surrounding atmosphere. But you can't go wrong with either imo.

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...30139455_o.jpg

I own both, but truth be told, I haven't touched the Miata since I got the BRZ.

I already feel bad for saying it, but damn that Miata looks like a chick car next to that BRZ.

after owning miatas, the occasional track day and countless hours of random forum talk i have never heard anyone describe the miata that way. its usually praised for its ease to drive and rewarding feeling for beginners and pros alike

I totally agree with you. I'd say the Miata is one of the most forgiving sportscars and is perfect for someone who is just starting to develop their driving skills.

I love miata's. I was about to buy one, especially after I thought I would never be able to buy an fr-s at msrp. Luckily, I managed to get my hands on one. Truth be told I'm waiting until year end bonus time to get my hands on an NA and go have some fun at low costs. I've driven my friends NC plenty since he got it over a year ago and I have to tell you, they are both great cars. There is no way anyone can tell you that one handles better than the other, at least not in street driving. That's what I think, although I'm not a "track pro", think of it as you would like. I feel a bit more power in the fr-s, but it's not a lot. At the end of the day, if you like steering wheel audio controls and the luxury of getting the top down whenever you'd like, I'd go with the miata. If you like having extra back seats for the ladies, or trunk room for the random ikea trips, go with the fr-s.

Long-time Miata enthusiast here. Owned the original (NA in Miata-speak) model for 6 years and had a lot of fun customizing it with the extensive Miata aftermarket options.

I think the current version (3rd version, hence - "NC) of the Miata with the power hardtop option is the current car that is most like the FR-S/ BRZ. I did drive the hardtop model about a year ago. Both cars are a blast to drive. Neither are a stop light racer, but both offer great handling, excellent short-throw manual transmissions and the sensation of going faster than you actually are. The power roof option is particularly attractive to me. Having said that most of my driving is top up and I prefer the looks of the twins more than the Miata.

I've driven the BRZ with a manual tranny and plan on buying one of the twins in 2014.

I've had a 99 nb miata & I loved it so much. I regret getting rid of it, but I agree w everyone else, the never ending gay jokes got annoying. I loved driving it, especially w the top down. The black one on my profile pic & signature is mine. The red one is my brother's. I almost bought a 2011 miata too & ill be honest, I don't Think anything will ever match up to the small wheelbase nimbleness of the miata cars. No matter what generation. With that said, the frs still has great handling (dont own one quite yet til the 26th, but I've test driven one.) I'm getting an frs cuz like they said earlier in the thread, it has more room, looks more masculine, & love the styling. They're both feel about the same as far as speed goes, but I now understand its not about speed but about the love,enjoyment, of the drive. That's y I'm here & not in a 370z forum (almost got one too) :thumbup:

My thoughts exactly!
MX5 is a pure fun car. The experience driving the car roof off can never be challenged.
The BRZ/GT86 is definitely a more-rounded car with descend boot space and 2 rear seats. And the only penalties that you have a slightly off front/rear balance and slightly heavier.

I watched the Best Motoring TV last night comparing MX-5 with BRZ and 86.
1. The MX5 lost the 0-400 test but only slightly.
2. MX5 won the Gymkhana test which shows MX5 is the better handling car on tight turns.
3. But finally, MX5 lost out badly on highspeed corner and long straights in the Motegi twin ring 3 lap race.

There is no doubt that the design team must have used MX5 as the benchmark.

Remember the MX5 was designed and built in 2007. 5 year old car! That shows Mazda has got some engineering skills and understand how to make cars FUN! Toyota wanted to replicate that and add a bit of practicality + boy racer styling. That said, I am so happy that Toyota has revived the affordable sports car market!

05 Mazda Speed vs FRS
 

Drove on speed to dealership yesterday pushed it hard so all was fresh in mind and feeling before driving FRS. My stock speed is definetely faster through the gears, FRS may have more pull on top end though I did get over 70 to see.

It is not that big a deal for me I will propbaly still buy if I sell my speed, only has 14K miles on it.

I would say the Miata would be quicker in tight solo, FRS maybe in one with sweeping corners and long straights.

Tim

I still miss my Mazdaspeed Mx5 and would like to get that as a secondary car to my FRS. Simple bolt-ons make decent power too. 14k original miles is nuts!!! How much do you think you'd be asking if you don't mind:thumbup:

Well I am on fence on if I want to get FRS, hence I am asking $18k.
Will keep and be happy if it does not sell.
65 here and getting ready to retire, so the MZspd will out last me if I do not sell.

Tim

Miataes are great cars, real pleasure to drive, similar driving dynamics as the FRS. Love them, you get no respect on the road but who cares as you will be too busy having too much fun!

But skip Miataes and get to the S2000. :)

I had a track prepped NB which was a great car but definitely was down on power compared to the BRZ. It was a great handling car.

I was thinking about getting an NC Miata or S2000 which are both fun cars to drive. They are not as rigid as the BRZ though- you can tell there's some body flex- even in the S2000- but I don't think it makes a noticeable difference on the street.

In the end, I didn't really want a convertible and decided I could use the back seat and extra storage once in a while which made the BRZ a better choice.

I gotcha, I don't think either would be a bad decision! I think if you throw some goodies on to the MSM it might help you decide:happy0180:

I just traded in my 2012 Velocity Red Mica Special Edition Miata for a Firestorm FR-S. It wasn't easy, but I don't regret it. Originally I wanted a BRZ earlier in the year. But I was turned off due to dealer markups at around $2000~$3000. Well, my MazdaSpeed 3 needed a good home, so I dropped it off at the local Mazda dealer when I saw that Velocity Red SE sitting out front at the dealer. This one was my 2nd Miata. A few years ago I had a NA with a modified GReddy turbo setup. It was a blast. But I made a huge mistake and sold it to my cousin. Well recently I saw the Scions and really liked the looks of them. So hitting up a few dealers, I found the one I wanted with the color I wanted. So I picked it up.

Comparing the two, I think each has it's plus and minuses. I will definitely miss the convertible. That was one of my draws to the Miata. Initially when I test drove the FR-S, I thought it was very lacking in power compared to the SE. That is, until I got up higher in the rpms. So my first thoughts on this is that the Miata has a better or more linear powerband vs the FR-S. I kept hitting the "dead" spot everyone has been talking about in the lower rpms. But shifting at redline helped stay out of this spot. Everyday driving though, well, it just feels weak down low. I'm hoping a Visconti tune will help a little.

Another thing I noticed, actually the first thing I noticed was the clutch. I think the Miata clutch feels better... or... easier to operate. The FR-S felt a little "poppy", springing in and out faster. The FR-S transmission also feels a little notchier as well. It's not necessarily a bad thing, it just feels more mechanical. Funny story, I didn't know how to put the car in reverse! haha. I'm used to the Mazdas where you push down and then over. Well, the salesman with me just started working there 3 days ago. They stuck him with me for training. He doesn't know how to drive stick shift. But, eventually I figured it out. I knew the shifter looked funny for a reason!

Ride quality, I will say the SE (in stock form, mine has Eibach/MazdaSpeed Pro kit springs) is/was a boat! As all the magazine articles say, it likes to lean in the turns. The spring and swaybar (Racing Beat) change helped a ton on my SE. Right off the bat, the FR-S was a lot stiffer than the SE. I have yet to take it out on a few good roads, but initially I could feel the difference. The FR-S also feels tighter. Not as tight as my MS3 was, but much tighter than my SE. When I say tight, I mean steering slop or reaction. The steering wheel just feels more direct. I love that.

Gearing, I love the FR-S gearing. At least for 1st and 2nd. I haven't quite checked it, but it seems you can just get to 60 without that shift into 3rd. Or at least with a tune and 300 extra rpms to redline you can. On the Miata, you cannot hit 60 in 2nd. Even with a tune to move redline.

Other thoughts. I think with over 20 years, the Miata does feel more refined. And as many articles have stated, it is a blast to drive. There's just no thought into driving it. My FR-S is very new to me, so I have to put a lot of thought into it as I'm learning the new clutch feel and shifter. The FR-S seats, though mine were not leather like my SE, does feel nicer as it hugs onto you much better. Plus the added space is a nice plus. But I think the FR-S lacks, or needs, a few more compartments to store stuff. At least a better center console arrangement.

Overall, I think the FR-S is going to be a nice fun car to drive. I hope it earns a reputation of reliability that the Miata has. I don't regret the switch, but I will miss the convertible. Mark my words though, that was not the last Miata that I will own. The ND is just around the corner! ;)

I had 97 M Edition Miata and it's fun car and lightweighted. wished little more power.
when i test drove both FR-S/BRZ i was amazed its handling like Miata had. I felt like this car can Turn without Understeer!

My wife hated my miata due to road/wind noise from highway and had to give up.
i am waiting for my BRZ to arrive.

I'm presently in my 2nd Miata. It is an '02. I've only test driven the FR-S one time but to me they're so similar that I would consider it almost a toss up as to which one handles better. I'm not into convertibles that much. I've often said if Miata made a coupe I'd be driving that. The FR-S being a coupe is one attraction to me plus being another, different car I've not had before is another attraction.

I drove an NC years ago when it was new (back to back with an RX-8, no less). From what I remember it feels lighter than a BRZ but is a bit softer.

Although I can vaguely understand the comparison in handling to a miata, the way the inertia transfers through the chassis of a convertible miata, and an 86 coupe is so completely different if nothing more than the way energy flows through a coupe versus that of a convertible. Convertibles must be reinforced in other areas to void itself of the roof and that all accounts for different energy transfer path.

what does that mean?

They handle differently.

Don't worry about these people. Only gay people would call one of the best driver's car of all time gay.