Shopping between BRZ and MX-5. Can't get over torque dip.

[ToySub1946]

On Sat. March 9th I was sent an ad from Serramonte Subaru in Colma.

They had ONE CAR on a real sale...a 2018 BRZ Premium for $22495...MSRP $27062.
As of today they still show 4, 2018 my cars in stock, though they don't show that price online today.

Even if it was only one, seems they and I'd suppose others, are willing to really deal on 2018 cars in stock. And I don't think there's any reason to NEED a 2019 over a 2018.

I also constantly get inundated with ads from Capitol Subaru in San Jose..a huge conglomerate (DGDM), I think I'd trust less than the above.

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ____________________________


Personally I hate the ugliness of the RF Miata (even with the 'top down' it's still a targa roof car)...and reviews show it to be noisy inside, though much quieter than the soft top version. And yes, reviews state the Miata seats are not comfortable, and the Miata leans on curves. I would purchase the Club version...to get the limited slip diff. Unfortunately the best color exterior (eternal blue mica) comes only in the high end model. As for the regular Miata convertible it looks great.

Have you considered which car, BRZ or Miata has fewer blinds spots ? Blind spots are a real drawback in heavy traffic, especially on streets within city limits and many lanes.

I'd focus on either a 2019 Miata (for it's upped power this year), or a 2018 BRZ to save funds.

[Sasquachulator]

Originally Posted by James H

Sounds to me like his emotions is fighting with his logical side. His heart prefers a Miata but his brain is telling him to get the BRZ. Been there, its fight you ain't going to win. I can't believe the decision for a $30K car comes down to Android Auto retrofit??? it's just a subconscious stalling tactic. Dude, paralysis by analysis only brings more pain. Buying either one should be a happy decision, not a agonizing one.

he should just do what everyone always likes to suggest (even if suggestion is an unrealistic option)

Fix and keep the truck, and get the miata.

All bases covered, practicality and fun!

[HuntingtonFRS]

Originally Posted by ToySub1946

On Sat. March 9th I was sent an ad from Serramonte Subaru.

They had ONE CAR...a 2018 BRZ Premium for $22495.

Even if it was only one, seems they and I'd suppose others, are willing to really deal on 2018 cars in stock. And I don't think there's any reason to NEED a 2019 over a 2018.


Personally I hate the ugliness of the RF Miata...and reviews show it to be noisy inside, though much quieter than the soft top version. And yes, reviews state the Miata seats are not comfortable. I would purchase the Club version...to get the limited slip diff. The best color exterior comes only in the high end model.

Have you considered which car, BRZ or Miata has fewer blinds spots ? Blind spots are a real drawback in heavy traffic, especially on streets within city limits and many lanes.

I'd focus on either a 2019 Miata (for it's upped power this year), or a 2018 BRZ to save funds.

Thank you for thinking my RF is ugly. Lol

The RF does have a bad blind spot, BUT you have lane assist warning and the car is tiny so the blind spot really does make a difference. The FRS has small spots.

Both cars need backup cameras to be truly happy with backing up.
The 2019 MIATA comes standard with the camera.

I actually think the Miata has the most comfortable seats out of the FRS, Focus ST (recaro). I just have the cloth seats and this is going to be completely dependent on the actual person sitting in the car. If you’re 6’2” you won’t be nearly as comfortable as me at 5’7”.

As for the noise in the RF, two things 1) 2018 got a change in the weather stripping and there is a TSB for noise. 2) The sound tube for the engine makes the car have a nasty metal gross sound inside. Either delete the sound tube or get the JBR tubes (which I did and now love the sound inside).



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[GrantedTaken]

Originally Posted by KAuss

This is one of the reasons why I'm making the switch. However, that being said, I'm not blind to the fact that the MX-5 has 34.5 mpg compared to the 29 in the MT BRZ. That's roughly a saving of about $450 a year for me on my commute between these two cars. It's $13xx and $17xx comparatively against my X-Runner. It won't pay for the car entirely, but it's a measurable savings that'll pay for insurance and then some.
.

Dude, if 29 vs 34 MPG means anything to you, then you can't afford a $15k car.
Buy yourself a $2000 Civic and start saving up for a house.

[GrantedTaken]

Originally Posted by KAuss

Look at it this way. I've joined this forum when this car was still in concept mode, and I've joined Miata forums since 2006 when the NC was around. These two cars have been on my radar for a very long time.

You've read about Mitat for 13 years, and BRZ for 7 years.
You are insane. Your problem is far deeper than picking a car.

[weederr33]

Originally Posted by GrantedTaken

You've read about Mitat for 13 years, and BRZ for 7 years.
You are insane. Your problem is far deeper than picking a car.

Yet you ask about oils to use on your car? You've got problems deeper than that. No need to be a prick to people.

[NARFALICIOUS]

Originally Posted by Tangizdope

Merging is basically effortless.

Yes, it is. Don't tell me merging is hard on a twin.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by KAuss

So long story short, ……….. I'm so torn I'm not sure what to do.

Ahhh - the question continues.

Allow me to ask you a few questions, maybe I can help you sort this (Miata vs. BRZ) thing out, according to your lifestyle.

* your are in your mid 30's and live in CA.

* are you married? Plan on getting married within the next five years?

* are you planning on taking long trips with your new car (with or without a partner?)

* how tall are you?

* have you ever owned a convertible?

Having owned a MGB, Miata and a FR-S for several years each, I may be able to shed some new light on your decision making process.


humfrz

[Qwimby1]

I had two Miatas as DDs for 18 years and put 185,000 miles on the pair. The first was a 147hp, 95 NA with stock engine and modified suspension. On the short course at Sebring it was a little killer. I once took it to Mid-Ohio to run with my old buddies from the Northern New Jersey Porsche Club. They were amazed at what it could do.
I then got an 05 Mazdaspeed. With the Flyin' Miata Little Enchilada kit, it put out about 225 RWHP. I also upgraded the suspension and changed out FD to 3.93 from the stock 4.11. It was fast on all points of the compass and would brake and corner with just about anything.
I had the same hardtop on both cars and almost never removed it. I'm 5'10" and never felt confined or cramped for space putting that many miles on the Miatas. Having said that, I tried three sets of seats and never found any that fit both me and the car as I would like. The stock FRS seat is a huge improvement for me, but much as I like the twin, I wish I had kept the Miata.

[squall leonhart]

I don't have great insight on this, but I'll weigh in.

For me it was relatively easy. I've also been a member here and visited on and off since concept days as well. I've wanted one for years, but couldn't really justify it until last year...and that was for getting a used '13.

When I started seriously looking for my next car (from my now winter driver '00 Celica GT-S which I've owned for over 10 years and approximately 120k miles) I had trouble finding a decent deal on a manual FR-S. I starting looking around at NC Miatas, as well as the 350z. But for me going with either of those was going to be a compromise rather than going with what I knew I really wanted. The car I'd followed since concept. I wanted an FR-S, and knew it...even if I thought maybe I could convince myself to be happy with something else.

Torque dip is something I can recognize, but is not an issue in the least (for me). That said, I was coming from less horsepower, available only at higher RPM in the 2zz-ge powered Celica. Either way, it's fast enough for my needs. I don't try to drag race anyone at stop lights. I also think it's gorgeous. As in drop dead. I love the design.

On the other hand, I'm not high on convertibles - though I do have a project Datsun Roadster that might convince me otherwise if it ever runs!

All that said...it's hard for me to think there isn't one that you really prefer deep down. Search your feelings. LOL. Getting what you really want will allow you to overlook flaws, whereas if you compromise, you'll make mountains out of molehills and regret your choice. At least, that's my opinion.

Best of luck either way!

[Tangizdope]

Originally Posted by NARFALICIOUS

Yes, it is. Don't tell me merging is hard on a twin.

There are plenty of on ramps in socal where you have to go from a stop to 65 to merge in at a very short distance. I'm talking a short steep uphill on ramp. I have to reach 6k rpm most of the time in first and second at this on ramp near my school. Dead stop to a merge and traffic rushing by at 70 mph in an unbelievably short distance. When being compared to a 4.0 tacoma, the twins take way more effort to be able to get up to speed in time for the merge. Again, this is comparing to a 2nd gen 4.0 tacoma.

[HKz]

Originally Posted by Tangizdope

There are plenty of on ramps in socal where you have to go from a stop to 65 to merge in at a very short distance. I'm talking a short steep uphill on ramp. I have to reach 6k rpm most of the time in first and second at this on ramp near my school. Dead stop to a merge and traffic rushing by at 70 mph in an unbelievably short distance. When being compared to a 4.0 tacoma, the twins take way more effort to be able to get up to speed in time for the merge. Again, this is comparing to a 2nd gen 4.0 tacoma.

so because the twins use an engine with a different powerband it makes it more difficult to merge and go on ramps? it sounds like you're too scared to bang it off the redline (you're missing out on nearly 1,500 revs of the FA20's strongest point) and downshift and I think you just got a bit spoiled I sure wouldn't want a Tacoma-like powerband in my twin, gross..people really need to experience and appreciate what is out there, the majority of cars on the road take like 10 seconds to get to 60! the twins are a breeze, the only folks that "beat" me on the city streets are like V8s and diesels..

[weederr33]

Originally Posted by Tangizdope

There are plenty of on ramps in socal where you have to go from a stop to 65 to merge in at a very short distance. I'm talking a short steep uphill on ramp. I have to reach 6k rpm most of the time in first and second at this on ramp near my school. Dead stop to a merge and traffic rushing by at 70 mph in an unbelievably short distance. When being compared to a 4.0 tacoma, the twins take way more effort to be able to get up to speed in time for the merge. Again, this is comparing to a 2nd gen 4.0 tacoma.

I think you're missing the point of the car? I LOVE on and off ramps because of the point you mentioned. I get the wring it out to redline! And it doesn't take me but a few seconds. Hell, more than half the time I end up catching the cars in front of me because they are going too slow. Also why would you compare this car to a Tacoma?

[Tangizdope]

Originally Posted by weederr33

I think you're missing the point of the car? I LOVE on and off ramps because of the point you mentioned. I get the wring it out to redline! And it doesn't take me but a few seconds. Hell, more than half the time I end up catching the cars in front of me because they are going too slow. Also why would you compare this car to a Tacoma?

OP has a tacoma that he daily drives. So do I. So I'm comparing the two so op will know the downside of a twin in daily driving VERSUS a 2nd gen tacoma in daily driving.
I personally think wringing a car out because you have or you'll cause an accident isn't as fun as if you do it just because you want to. But I understand what you mean. In cars with more power you'll reach jail time speeds if you keep your foot in it for more than a few seconds. With the twins you get to enjoy going through the gears for longer without excessively speeding. As long as it's what you find to be fun, that's what matters