Anyone Driven an MX-5 and BRZ?

[Hanzo]

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.

[maxx]

Originally Posted by Hanzo

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.

Very nice

[Laika]

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.

[shadoquad]

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.

[2pt5RS]

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

[ryude]

Originally Posted by 2pt5RS

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.

[fatoni]

Originally Posted by Laika

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.

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

[SEC]

Originally Posted by fatoni

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.

[mauricio]

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.

[maxdriver]

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.

[karma003]

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)

[jamsbong]

Originally Posted by shadoquad

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.

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!

[w4yn]

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

[raz0rbladez909]

Originally Posted by w4yn

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