FT-86 v.s. MX-5
 

I'm surprised no one has compared this car to the MX-5 Miata. The most significant reason is that I expect to see the new FT-86 at autocross events, and whenever I go to autocrosses they are always filled with Miatas. Both cars are lightweight, RWD, 2-liters, that are easy to set up for track. In Japan they even sold the MX-5 with a fixed hard top. I saw one in a dealership showroom in Osaka that came with a rollcage too.

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MX-5 / FT-86

MSRP: $23,190 / about $25,000

Engine: inline 4 - 2.0L / boxer 4 - 2.0L
Power: 167bhp / 200hp @ 7000rpm
Torque: 140@5,000rpm / 151lb/ft @ 6,600rpm

Weight: 2,469lbs / 2,662lbs
Wheelbase: 91.7in / 101.2in
Height: 49in / 50.5in

the hardtop miata was never sold. im pretty sure it was just a concept type deal. they get compared all the time just never in this new official vs category. the problem with comparing how things will do in auto x are that a)i doubt they will fall in the same classed b) if they do, i dont know how the rules will help or hinder the new car and c) we dont know how much tire we can fit under the frs and there isnt an aftermarket for the frs and i dont thinkn when it develops it will be as great as for the miata

I don't care for the miata so in this case FRS all the way.

I think Miata has an advantage as far as suspension, steering, and weight go. Mazda always tosses an anemic second-thought engine in though. There are certain quirks of the Miata that shouldn't be present with the FR-S/BRZ, I'm interested to see how that works out. Will the slightly more powerful engine and hardtop be enough to offset the extra pounds and lack of early tune~ability? Will Mazda finally put a decent engine in the ND, or how will Skyactiv affect the platform?

Since 1989 the Miata has been the definitive affordable sports car. The handling, steering feel, open-air refreshment, low weight and tidy dimensions are virtually impossible to beat for the price point. The FR-S/BRZ has an incredibly high bar to match; if it drives as well as how much its been hyped, it'll have a good chance to be in the same league.

It seems to me that they will be quite evenly matched. In the stock classes the FRS might even have an advantage owing to the NC's being so softly sprung. From what I've seen the sky is the limit with the MZR engine. But, I'd be surprised if tuners don't embrace the FA20. FRS vs MX5 is by far the most interesting match-up to me so far.

The FR-S is the fixed roof Miata I've been waiting for all my life. JK, but really they are certainly similar.

If Mazda had sold a fixed roof Miata I would have bought one. Only thing I can't understand is why the NC gets less than 30 mpgs hwy.

Definitely stoked about the FR-S though...Miata like and a 2+2. I just hope it has some Zoom Zoom...Toyota's been lacking in that department for a while.

The Miata is hard to beat for a purely fun to drive car. The FR-S is likely faster on any track where the extra power would make a difference, otherwise the Miata is likely the faster car.

It also doesn't have the practicality of the FR-S so, IMO, the two are pretty different cars sold for different needs.

it was a JDM only limited edition edition. i saw the real car at TAS a few years ago and got a brochure.

i owned a Mx5/Miata before and sold it becos i need to carry kids around. FT86 is perfect for me.

Shame Mazda never widely sold that MX-5 coupe, as I favor that style. Beyond that, they seem to have always been 'stuck' (some call it pure) as far as changing the car to suit different customer wants. Beside making it bigger and heavier over the years(next gen will return to light), they steadfastly refuse to turbo/SC the engine (except one MS EOL edition), or put any engine of more than mediocre performance in it. Besides that, the car has mushmello soft suspension (easily fixable), very cramped interior w/no real seat adjustment, and few Mazda performance parts unless you join their racing program.

But that's all some people need/want so it's certainly been successful for Mazda, and anyone else whose tried to directly emulate the MX-5 has always failed. That's why I'm happy this new Toyota/Subaru is not a MX-5 clone, but a bonafied modern 2+2 sports coupe with at least some balls straight out of the chute.

"Mushmellow soft" suspension on the MX-5? Hardly my experience on a test drive. Maybe compared to something like an Exige... but certainly no worse than the RX-8.

I for one don't want the FR-S to crush my kidneys every time I go over an expansion strip or traverse broken pavement...

Not worse than the RX-8 IMO, but then the RX-8 has one of the best rides of any modern sports car. Also, I believe the NC Miata's chassis is derived from the RX-8 which could explain the supple feeling of the ride.

G*d d*mn. Now that is cool. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Exactly what I was thinking.