BRZ vs Miata (Popular Mechanics May 2012)

[Sport-Tech]

largely a repost (online version has slightly different wording)
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4490

[Bristecom]

The SkyActiv engine/drivetrain is about more efficiency. So that means better fuel economy and better power. The Miata currently gets underwhelming fuel economy for the weight and power rating that it is. With the new engines, they can easily make it have a better power to weight ratio and better fuel economy than the BRZ/FRS.

I haven't liked the newer gen Miatas ever since they came out. Compared to the old one, the interior looks cheaper, the exterior looks uglier, the seats and steering wheel feel worse, the shifter felt notchier, and the car doesn't have as much feel overall IMO.

[serialk11r]

Yea Skyactiv was meant to be primarily a fuel efficiency thing, but let's face it, Mazda engines make terrible specific torque and power relative to the competition. The Skyactiv program is supposed to bring comprehensive efficiency improvements that will certainly benefit driveability and power.

Even if they refuse to increase the engine power, a more efficient engine could probably be lighter (they could downsize if a newer smaller engine matches the power of the older bigger one) so it is still a good thing for performance. Not to mention their new transmissions are supposed to be lightened and stuff too.

[Allch Chcar]

I'm not really impressed with this review, they tested a $32k MX-5!

If the base BRZ is that stiff, what would a STI feel like?

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by nibor33

On topic, out of my previous cars, the PRHT MX-5 was the one I miss the most. I thought I was moving "up" to a Cayman. Even though the Cayman is a wonderful place to be, it never felt like I could toss it around as much as the Miata (especially at sane speeds). I guess at Porsche prices, I didn't feel as comfortable driving it hard, either. I'd get a Miata again, but I have a kid to stow on rare occasions, now, so I can't go back to a 2 seater.

So, these comparos for BRZ to Miata are perfect for me! They're giving me confidence I'm doing the right thing, even though I'm buying without having driven the car yet (and only seen one in person for 10 minutes).

The Miata and the BRZ are the two cars I'm comparing as well. This article worries me though, sounds like the Miata is more fun to drive everywhere except the track?

If I bought a NC Miata, I'd definitely have fun modding it into a little go-cart. Would just have to factor in the cost of a hard-top and accept the limitations of driving a small two-seater... hmm, choices.

[Starscream15]

Originally Posted by fatoni

what dont you like about it? its lighter and has more power than the msm and its only a $100 set of rx8 sways from being right there in the handling dept. couple that witht the fact that i fit and its pretty cool. sure its probably not as cool as the na or nb but abomination?

I was wasted when I posted that. Don't drink and post!

My problem with NC is purely aesthetic though I do feel that they could use a little more power.

[zoomzoomers]

Nice! Thanks for the post. More perspective about the car is always welcome.

[mattles]

NC is an ugly pig, but Ive driven a modified one and it blew my modified Mazdaspeed model out of the water. All it takes is intake/exhaust and some clever suspension boltons then its faster AND easier to drive than my turbo miata. That being said I still prefer my NB since its prettier (FD3S derived styling) and has much simpler electronics. Hatehatehatehate the stupid TCM/STM on the NC and the ugly steering wheel with those in-the-way controls. My steering wheel should not be akin to a game controller.

[tripjammer]

Yeah the current MX-5 is a big yawn in the looks department...but I hope the next generation will be bad assed!

Why are people still comparing a 2 seat roadster to a 4 seat sports coupe? Oh they both are RWD and have a 2.0 liter engine.......OK....

Until Subaru has a 2 seat roadster, they don't have a Miata fighter...actually nobody does....The S2000 was the closest thing....All Honda has to do was redesigned the S2000 and keep it in the low $30k range and it would have still sold units...That's Honda\Acura's problem...they give up to easily....

[dori.]

I guess "giving up easily" means producing the car for almost 10 years

[Chenslee]

They got the hp per lb wrong. What they have listed is lb's per hp. Makes it look like the MX-5 is better in that category.

[EasternWind]

Originally Posted by serialk11r

Yea Skyactiv was meant to be primarily a fuel efficiency thing, but let's face it, Mazda engines make terrible specific torque and power relative to the competition. The Skyactiv program is supposed to bring comprehensive efficiency improvements that will certainly benefit driveability and power.

Even if they refuse to increase the engine power, a more efficient engine could probably be lighter (they could downsize if a newer smaller engine matches the power of the older bigger one) so it is still a good thing for performance. Not to mention their new transmissions are supposed to be lightened and stuff too.

the 2.3 MZR DISI disagrees with you. 285 ftlbs of torque by 2500rpms and 250hp(for the mazdaspeed3, the 6's were rated around 260-270) at 6k is freaking rediculous. That particular engine was on Wards top 10 engines for 3 years straight. Too bad the skyactive line replaced the mzr line, but the future is bright if they implement a similar setup.

I'm in agreement with other posters though. The Next Generation Miata needs to be lighter at ALL costs. However, all the safety equipment that's required nowadays is going to make things extremely difficult, but if Mazda utilizes the new welding techniques that they've been messing around with they can potentially create an extremely lightweight chassis, suspension, and drivetrain.

My personal preference is somewhere in the middle for a specialty enthusiast edition: DISI type turbo engine with upgraded suspension and drivetrain, minimalist approach to the interior(don't need 6 speakers and a sub) and call it a day.

[Kimsey47]

Originally Posted by EJ20

Awesome report

too bad no BRZ for me at least for 2 years

Well hang in there buddy! Got to visit Qatar on a deployment and enjoyed my time there! In the meantime thanks for the review you posted as it was nice getting another comparison to the MX-5!

Also to those who were upset about what they're saying about the MX-5 now I wouldn't take it personal. I'd consider that good news that they're comparing this car to to one which has been on the market so long with such domination. Chillax bros and sisters!

[Kimsey47]

Originally Posted by tripjammer

Yeah the current MX-5 is a big yawn in the looks department...but I hope the next generation will be bad assed!

Why are people still comparing a 2 seat roadster to a 4 seat sports coupe? Oh they both are RWD and have a 2.0 liter engine.......OK....

Until Subaru has a 2 seat roadster, they don't have a Miata fighter...actually nobody does....The S2000 was the closest thing....All Honda has to do was redesigned the S2000 and keep it in the low $30k range and it would have still sold units...That's Honda\Acura's problem...they give up to easily....

You said it man... I'm disappointed in Honda A LOT. I had to buy a Kia to get something similar to what they used to create. Anyone else agree that's wrong?! lol