Scion FR-S vs Mazda MX-5 Club Head-to-Head (Review and Video)

[Deslock]

I owned an NB and have driven many NAs, NBs, and NCs. This article is spot on.

I adore my BRZ. It makes me smile on every drive, being virtually as fun as the MX5 while having fold-flat rear-seats (small, but still useful), a larger trunk, quieter cruising, and lower fuel consumption. But if I didn't need the extra utility, I would've kept my MX5. Its shorter wheelbase made it slightly more engaging at low speeds, and top down it was always a blast.

The MX5 was so awesome that I contemplated keeping it along with the BRZ. I ultimately decided that I don't drove enough miles to own two cars that are so similar. I could've kept the MX5 and bought a larger, even more practical second vehicle instead of the BRZ, but then most of the time I'd be driving something boring. That's the genius of the FT86: I can use it for everything except long family road trips.

This underscores why retaining the rear seats in a convertible FT86 makes sense: if Toyota made it a two-seater, they'd just have a larger and heavier MX5. No point.

Personally I have no interest in buying a convertible FT86 as I'm expecting severe chassis compromises given the 101.2" wheelbase (vs 91.7" for the NC), but it makes sense for them to build it.

[Turbowned]

Here's a few things to be mindful of: the FR-S is heavier but has a good 30hp and 11lb/ft on the MX-5. For those who pick the power retracting hardtop option, their curb weight is going to be a lot closer to the FR-S so the weight advantage becomes lessened. Also remember that the current NC MX-5 is now in it's 8th year of production, whereas this is year one for the FR-S. The MX-5 Club with manual transmission has a base MSRP of $27,500 with destination too, making it a couple G's more expensive as well. If you want the cheapest MX-5 you're going to be stuck with a 5spd manual.

[MVJ1975]

I love the Miata - my Dad had an NA for a couple of years, sold it when he went to Germany, and replaced it with a Z3 while there.

The FR-S can be my only car, the MX-5 couldn't, so the answer was easy for me. I'm not much of a convertible fan, either.

[WolfpackS2k]

Originally Posted by Turbowned

Here's a few things to be mindful of: the FR-S is heavier but has a good 30hp and 11lb/ft on the MX-5. For those who pick the power retracting hardtop option, their curb weight is going to be a lot closer to the FR-S so the weight advantage becomes lessened. Also remember that the current NC MX-5 is now in it's 8th year of production, whereas this is year one for the FR-S. The MX-5 Club with manual transmission has a base MSRP of $27,500 with destination too, making it a couple G's more expensive as well. If you want the cheapest MX-5 you're going to be stuck with a 5spd manual.

The Miata's retracting hardtop is only about 10-15 lbs heavier than the folding soft top, so that argument is invalid. Also 11 lb/ft is nothing compared to a 250-300lb weight difference.

Regardless, it is beyond me why anyone looking for a fun to drive roadster would pick a new Miata over a lightly used Honda S2000. S2000 is more fun in every way (or am I just biased? )

[FurY]

Originally Posted by iLuveKetchup

^ I agree completely. The new MX-5, especially the Club Edition, has classic lines. The fender bulges makes it look aggressive.

On another note, my only gripe with the twins is the looks. It has very modern lines that will get dated quickly.

Agreed... I'm loving the Club Edition MX-5, more so than I expected I would. I do worry a little with the aging of the 86 twins due to their design but I have a feeling it will look good/current for a long while.

Originally Posted by WolfpackS2k

Regardless, it is beyond me why anyone looking for a fun to drive roadster would pick a new Miata over a lightly used Honda S2000. S2000 is more fun in every way (or am I just biased? )

You're biased, but so am I and I agree

[Deslock]

Originally Posted by WolfpackS2k

The Miata's retracting hardtop is only about 10-15 lbs heavier than the folding soft top, so that argument is invalid. Also 11 lb/ft is nothing compared to a 250-300lb weight difference.

The NC's PRHT initially added 70-80 pounds, but in more recent years the difference has increased to 110 pounds. Your general point is correct in that its weight is still closer to the soft-top MX5 than the FRS.

Originally Posted by WolfpackS2k

Regardless, it is beyond me why anyone looking for a fun to drive roadster would pick a new Miata over a lightly used Honda S2000. S2000 is more fun in every way (or am I just biased? )

I chose a used NB over a used S2k several years ago after driving several of each:

• the NB was about as much fun on the backroads
• on the same sections of road, 50 MPH in the NB was as exhilarating as 70 MPH in the S2k (an NC would be in-between)
• NB = cheaper/simpler tires (same on all four corners)
• NB = already has airbag kill switch
• NB = less to worry about (can just enjoy beating on it)

That written, I'm a big fan of both.

[Brzetto]

Originally Posted by Roadliner

Really?

Yep.

[naikaidriver]

The editor must have "forgotten" the other half of this statement...

" ...perfect for the Gran Turismo-playing and The Fast and the Furious-watching crowd that Scion is courting."

The next sentence should have been.

"Unfortunately for the MX-5, it has been appealing primarily to middle-aged men that are just now feeling comfortable with their hair loss."

Scott

[fatoni]

Originally Posted by SubaruBRZLimited

Yep.

i feel like the brz is equally at home on the set of cars or whatever cartoony portrayal of autos are out there. while better than the nc1, the stupid mouth of the brz is possibly a little worse than the current stupid grin on the miata. i think they both look like some sort of marine creature...like a whale shark or a manta ray.

[TouchMyHonda]

Are we all ignore the fact that they compaired a top of the line miata with special shocks, tires, and much more. If you did similar things to the frs, than what would they be saying?

[fatoni]

Originally Posted by TouchMyHonda

Are we all ignore the fact that they compaired a top of the line miata with special shocks, tires, and much more. If you did similar things to the frs, than what would they be saying?

its not the top of the line miata. its the mid tier miata that is equipped in a similar fashion as the frs. it just happens to be within $100 in price. also, they do have an frs with a bunch of special things. its called the brz

[SUB-FT86]

Originally Posted by fatoni

i feel like the brz is equally at home on the set of cars or whatever cartoony portrayal of autos are out there. while better than the nc1, the stupid mouth of the brz is possibly a little worse than the current stupid grin on the miata. i think they both look like some sort of marine creature...like a whale shark or a manta ray.

I agree!!!

What is the obsession with making sports cars grin and look stupid. It's the only part of the BRZ I hate with a passion. A BRZ Limited with a Scion FRS front bumper is 1000% perfect in the looks dept for me.

[whaap]

Originally Posted by fatoni

its not the top of the line miata. its the mid tier miata that is equipped in a similar fashion as the frs. it just happens to be within $100 in price. also, they do have an frs with a bunch of special things. its called the brz

But, I also get the idea that one set of tires and it wouldn't be as close any more.

[Grimlock]

I've owned an NC Miata and I currently own an NA Miata and a BRZ. I liked the article, even though it was more 'fluff' than anything else.