BRZ vs Miata (Popular Mechanics May 2012)

[Tugboat]

First off, Thanks for posting the article. I have been waiting for comparisons like this one. I have always loved the fun factor that comes with a Miata but being that I am 6'2" and hover around the 300lbs mark, I have never been a good fit for a Miata. Even when I was down around 250 lbs, the fit was tight, but I use to force myself into those cars on a regular basis to enjoy the drive. Now hearing that this car is going to produce the fun factor of the Miata, I really can see myself driving one.

I am a family man with 2 small kids, but right now I have a family car and my car. The question is can I convince the wife to let me have two cars to myself.

[Evil86]

Originally Posted by EasternWind

Can you share where you got this from? 1.3/1.4 is a bit small.

http://www.insideline.com/mazda/mx-5...-g-engine.html

This source says 1.3/1.5, but I have also seen the 1.4 figure.

[Allch Chcar]

Originally Posted by whaap

Yeah, I think when Mazda went with the paddle shifters they brought a lot of 'manual only' guys closer to being automatic guys. The big thing, to me, with the current Miata, is the rpm's at highway speed are much lower and relaxed with the automatic than they are with the manual. That and the paddles is what would probably cause me to become a Miata automatic owner if I end up buying the PRHT.

Maybe when Mazda went to a 2.0 it finally had enough power to be quick with an auto?

The new 2.0 doesn't compare with the old BP for feel and sound, IMHO. I'm expecting the ND to get a smaller engine.

[n2oinferno]

What I want to know is, where did they get their pricing for the MX5? 28550 base? That doesn't even make sense if they said PRHT+dest fee only, which I didn't see specified, since that starts at 27540 (28290 post-fee.) The MX5 starts at 23470 before adding in the 750 dest. fee.

[jruhi4]

Originally Posted by whaap

The big thing, to me, with the current Miata, is the rpm's at highway speed are much lower and relaxed with the automatic than they are with the manual.

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

Interesting, didn't know that about the gearing. I'm looking for a manual, but lower cruising rpms is definitely a positive for the automatic, especially if you'll be doing a lot of highway miles..

Expect much the same with the FR-S / BRZ.

Manuals have a direct 1:000 5th gear ratio and a single overdrive ratio - 6th with a 0.767 gear ratio.

Automatics, on the other hand, have a direct 1:000 4th gear ratio and overdrives for both 5th (0.713 gear ratio) and 6th (0.582 gear ratio). In other words, the automatic in 5th is a bit quieter and more relaxed than the manual in 6th, and it's no contest when the automatic hits 6th gear.

This is also a key, vital reason (other than the improved efficiencies of modern automatic torque converters) that FR-S / BRZ automatics get better mileage than manuals.

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

Personally, I'm looking for a used, grey, MT, touring, sport package, soft-top Miata. Hard to find around these parts, must be a rare combo..

Funny, except for the exterior color (mine's Copper Red), you're exactly describing my '08 Miata.

[TRD_07]

Weight distribution for the BRZ is 55/45? Does that look right, I thought it was a little better.

[Bristecom]

Originally Posted by TRD_07

Weight distribution for the BRZ is 55/45? Does that look right, I thought it was a little better.

Yeah, that is right surprisingly. They say it's only 53/47 with two passengers. So the weight bias will always be a little bit forward bias even under acceleration with a passenger. I suppose that makes it a little more predictable.

[fatoni]

Originally Posted by Bristecom

Yeah, that is right surprisingly. They say it's only 53/47 with two passengers. So the weight bias will always be a little bit forward bias even under acceleration with a passenger. I suppose that makes it a little more predictable.

the weight over axle probably isnt as important as the front roll couple

[Jack Black]

Originally Posted by n2oinferno

What I want to know is, where did they get their pricing for the MX5? 28550 base? That doesn't even make sense if they said PRHT+dest fee only, which I didn't see specified, since that starts at 27540 (28290 post-fee.) The MX5 starts at 23470 before adding in the 750 dest. fee.

The article mentions that the MX5 they tested has a retractable hard top, so I expect that is why it has such a high list price.

That's also a flaw in this and the Autocar comparison. They really should not be comparing the hardtop Miata to the BRZ/FRS IMHO. The hardtop puts the Miata at a disadvantage in terms of price and handling. One of the standard convertible versions would be more realistic.

[turanuk]

Right - the other thing to keep in mind is that a Miata can be had for dirt cheap in the winter because it's a convertible. We're talking like $6-7K off MSRP. If you frequent the MX5 forums you can see folks snagging top trim PRHTs for 22-24k in the off-season - and less for the soft top.

On the other hand, the BRZ is probably going to command MSRP and it'll be a while before you see it dipping much below given all the hype. The other thing to factor in while we're talking about pricing is the total cost of ownership - insurance on MX5s is dirt cheap because it's owned primarily by older people. Looking at the polls on this forum I really doubt BRZ/FR-S insurance is going to be low, and even if it is initially, it won't be for long.

Note that the lower pricing also gives you plenty of room to fix handling issues (if they bother you) with suspension modifications. Although to be honest, in 90% of my daily driving, the MX-5 doesn't bug me enough for me to want to modify the suspension, even with the body roll you get if you do things like corner 90 degrees at 35-40mph. If you're looking for a track car that's another story though - and I see that as where the BRZ shines: more space and an actual hardtop.

The other plus is that the BRZ actually has two additional seats, which allows you to conceivably have it as your only car, something that is much less feasible with the MX5.

[miata]

I just bought a 2006 Miata!! I can't wait to see a FRS/BRZ at the autoX.

[Ryephile]

Wow that was quick with the Veloster. Congrats on the Miata; I presume you intend to keep it for a while, as it's actually a great car.

[fatoni]

Originally Posted by miata

I just bought a 2006 Miata!! I can't wait to see a FRS/BRZ at the autoX.

the veloster didnt last long. do yourself a favor and either get into some ms-r stuff on the cheap or buy some rx8 sways for like $100. let me know how it goes

[miata]

Thanks guys

I really wanted to stay in Stock class with the Miata, but I am using the same 17" wheels/tires from the Veloster. My Miata is a base trim and only 16" wheels were offered for that car. Therefore I am now running in STR class. My current Plan is to compete in STR until the star specs wear out and get back into stock class with next Dunlops on the 16" wheels.
I just bought a RX8 front sway bar for $75 on eBay.
BTW, this is my second NC and third Miata ownership.