The guy I bought my GT-86 from sold it for a 2018 MX-5 RF (manual, top trim), and we've had the opportunity to talk about how he thought both cars compared. While he generally enjoys the Mx-5, he misses the 86 quite a lot (and even suggested buying it back and having the dealer buy his MX-5 back). Talked to him again a year later and his opinion hadn't changed.
-The MX-5's way behind in the utility department - even his folding bicycle doesn't fit in the boot, while the '86 fits 4 18" wheels with some room to spare and both front seats still available. I'm not a fan of getting more utility than you need, but on a daily basis the 86 really has the edge (especially if you're coming from an SUV)
-It's much smaller on the inside - my 6'2" frame fits well in the '86, but I just couldn't drive an MX-5 for more than a few miles. And even if you're a little shorter and can fit, the extra room makes the car feel less cramped on longer drive & commutes. At least the '19 MX-5s add the reach-adjustable wheel which the prior model years didn't have
-One of his major gripes with the MX-5 was how soft the stock suspension was (his didn't have the bilstein shocks), and how the car didn't feel as sharp
The fuel economy on both cars, while much different on the EPA ratings, is actually quite close (I get 31mpg on winter tires with my 25 miles commute). The MX-5 has a little edge though.
Regarding the torque dip, after close to two years of owning the car, I've grown to know it, but it really doesn't bother me all that much. As someone else pointed out, when you're really going at it, you're above it. And it's over by 4.5 - 4.6k, not 6k as you suggested. I've actually kind of grown to like how it surges past 4.5k
. To some extent the torque dip is also linked to the fact that the car has quite decent torque (for a 2.0NA, of course) around 2.5 - 3k, which makes the later dip all that more noticeable. It wouldn't feel that way if it had a little less torque down low.
The power will feel a little short after some time, but that's the same with 300hp cars, you just get used to what you have and end up wishing for more. That's also your responsibility - learn to enjoy what you've got - getting a higher powered car won't really solve that.
Last but not least, utility is indeed a rental away, but so is a $600 bill for repairing a chip in the back bumper
. Before the '86, I used to get rentals whenever I needed some extra space / utility, but while over a few times you might get lucky, over a longer period of time you're bound to be stuck with a repair bill for something you missed during the handover inspection. And borrowing / renting is time-consuming.
Oh and the '19 BRZ does have Androïd auto. And the BBK isn't really needed on either car I think. Plenty of people have tracked the twins extensively and never needed a BBK. Plus they make pads / disk changes much more expensive.