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".