@@lassydogpie5390 actually compare the price of the cars new: the MR-S in 2000 was $23.5K, the S2000 was $32k. There’s a reason the Honda held its value and the Toyota didn’t.
I have had both and the mx5 was fun for the few months I had it (before crashing it). I have an mr2 as a toy now and I must say it’s a really fun car on B roads, way better than the mx5. The only thing stopping it from been an amazing car is the engine. They should have fitted it with the t sport engine.
@@PibrochPonder I too have an MR2 MK3 and it astounds me that they didn't use the 2ZZ powerplant. They're engineers could also easily have fitted a small supercharger to get the HP around 225 crank. That and opening up the exhaust would've done wonders.
@K H They clearly didn't think the emissions, safety, fuel consumption, tax, noise, was a problem in the Celica which they gave the engine to and which was on sale in all the same markets at the same time as this...
I have owned my MR2 Mk3 for a few years now, I have been a Driving Instructor for 37 years so spend every working day on the road. Despite that, first chance I get I'm out in the '2' it's the most fun you can have with your trousers on (or off if you prefer). The impracticality of it is never a problem, we regularly tour across Europe in ours, I have made a luggage system that allows us to carry enough gear for a three week trip no problem. If you want a car that will have you grinning like a Cheshire Cat on Acid, get yourself an MR2 Mk3.
Hey mate, any thoughts on the 7th gen Celica if you have tried one? I really wanted an MR2, but here in the states the prices are astronomical and you're still stuck with the 1ZZ. I opted for the 2ZZ GT-S Celica as my daily, took the backseats out and did other mods and could not be happier for the price ($8,000 for a 142K example of one which people in the UK would laugh at, but they are pricey here) Really wanted that 2ZZ engine and it's been an amazing car that you cannot remotely get today.
I own an MR2 and a BMW e39. I use the MR2 as my daily, the partiality issues has never caused me any problems. The bins behind the seats are really quite large and the frunk will swallow a bit of gear. Body work on the MR2 is leagues ahead and a much better long term prospect than the MX5.I'd say the body work on the MR2 is better than newer model MX5's.
Well lahdee frickin dah another S2000 comment. Hate to break it to you but there’s a reason the Honda holds its value and the Mazda doesn’t. It’s called supply and demand and Mazda has made a fuck load of MX-5’s.
If the MR2 was ' far superior ' , why didn't anyone buy them ? They stopped making them in 2005 , having sold just 901 cars in 2004 ? . Any competition to the MX5 has always failed ; after 30 years , it's as popular as ever . 1.2 million owners can't be wrong !
@@Corinthian44 Toyota's timing was bad for this model. The Miata was already an established household name, and the mr2 spyder came at a higher cost due to R&D. It was a superior car, sales have nothing to do with it. If sales were the only important factor, a Dodge Neon must be one of the all time greats...
Yes it's the undeserved 'underdog', the MX5 is nice, but it's not as good as the MR2. People who go for the MX5 just because they're popular - your loss.
I'm an owner of MX5 mazdaspeed (factory turbocharger version) and I love it so much! Even Mazdaspeed version originally comes with Bilstein coilover, it's a perfect match with MX5'S four independent double wishbone suspension system. So my MX5 is very impressive!
I've never driven the Mazda but I owned a clutchless manual (SMT) MR2 for several years and it was absolutely brilliant. I really loved that car and only sold it for an AudiTT as I needed more space all round.
I am an ex owner of cars such as ae86 etc and wanted something streetable to hit the hills a bit under the radar and ended up with a mk3 mr2 very cheaply and spent about a year building it nicely with coilovers and a 2arfe using frankenstein motorworks conversion bits and I am truly amazed and how good a car it is and how unknown it is to the car world. I think I will enjoy it for many years to come. A true diamond in the rough. Keep in the mind you have to purchase with the full understanding that you wont be using the original 1zz.
So.. I owned a mk2 Mx5 Rs in bronze for 2 years (Air con, body kit, 6 gears etc) brilliant car.. I now drive a mr2 mk3 red, lowered, sports exhaust (remus) other mods. Driving wise imo beats the mx5. So precise, faster and more economical too. However.... No boot! But you can remove the behind seat doors.
Enjoyed your review of these cars. I’ve had an 87 MR2 Mk1, a 91 MX5 Mk1 and just bought an 03 MR2 MK3. Gotta say the 03 is the most fun and the 87 wasn’t bad either. The Miata was okay but not as much fun when it came to handling. I’ve also had an 80 Fiat X1/9 which was like driving a go-cart. So much fun but only 75 horsepower. I used to get beaten off the line by guys on 10-speed bicycles.
I'm on my 2nd Mk1 MR2 and love it to bits... current one is a T-bar (and it has a boot front and back)! I think the MX-5 has always set the standard but the Toyota just offers something that doesn't have much competition on the market. All the small japanese sportscars are fantastic toys, they do what they say on the tin and are eternally reliable.
No issues with the MR2 for shopping, even have a boot rack if we are touring . Two water proof sailing sacks for all your clothes and keep the other stuff behind the seats.
How on earth can you have a review of a 20 year old mk2 MX-5 without talking about rust... you can even see the rust on this one's sills in the video...
I am a happy owner of an MR2 since 2018. I really like it a lot, I mean what's not to like!? Mid enginge, RWD, low weight, cheap maintenance, nice looks and not as common as the MX5. My only complaint would be the dull 5-speed gear box. I have not tried the newer one with 6-speed, but I assume they are better.
The 6 speed is an SMT where as the 5 is true manual. The 6 speed is slower but seems to get better gas mileage so that is a plus but the experience is definitely lessened by the shifting method
@@gramsesgarage yeah I realized a while after posting and a quick google search. However I don't think the gearing is too different from the 5 speed. It's just an unfortunately slow car because the engineers picked the wrong motor despite the correct option being almost plug n play swappable
MR2 is a legend. But here in the US they cost an insane amount when you can get a GT-S Celica with the 2ZZ for much much less. Even still, the GT-S is very expensive when compared to what our UK friends get them for.
Still in 2024 you can get a really decent MR2 Roadster for £2500 and it'll be the most fun you've had in a car for years. Still under appreciated and totally under rated.... if you are looking then just buy one for summer and you'll probably never part with it forever, just make sure you get underneath it before you buy it to make sure its not a rotter.
Between the two, I pick the MR-S because it is predictable and it always goes where you point with no understeer or question. The MX-5 has a much shorter wheelbase and this makes it a bit unstable. I find it annoying at its limit. Fun fact the MR-S has a wheelbase slightly longer than an S2000.
I had the choice and went MX5. But a 1.8 VVT. Partly because you can get to that engine easily on an MX5. Mid engined are more of a pain. The S2000 isn’t really a fair comparison. You could buy an MR2 and and MX5 and still have change compared to an S2000
I have driven the NA, NB, NC and a 1.5 ND, any honesty I still love my modified mr2 spyder. I sold a 987 boxster s 3.4 to "downgrade" to a 2002 mr2 2zz turbo. Frigid fun and manic, 1040kg 290hp, kicks the Porsche's ass for acceleration and fun. Its like a 100kg fat person losing 30kg in their sleep and waking up and going for a run
Keiichi Tsuchiya once referred to the MR-S and MX-5 as faux sports cars. Nice inclusion on the S2000. Kids don’t know this but at the time the S2000 was beating its European rivals at half the price. All of these cars are great and I would own all of them.
The problem is you will not find a Honda S2000 for anything less than £3000 I know as I was looking for one and ended up for a MR2 for £1650! One owner 2003 with only 43000 miles lots of history. It did need a good clean, a new soft top £300 fitted and the wheels refurbished. 3 years on I'm still driving with smiles per mile and people often comment on what nice car it is.
I'm gonna sell mine in about 5months or so, I can already tell I'll miss it. Only thing that's annoying is the soft suspension, other than that, can't fault it.
Whilst I'm glad I bought it, the mx-5, at least in terms of performance, was a massive let down for me. It's really not a sports car, far too soft and massively under powered. I think it would impress someone coming from a lifetime of driving sedate four doors and estates, but not someone looking for a thrill or any kind of performance. Good sunday driver.
I have an 04 facelift MR2, bought in 2012....I like both but bought the MR2 because of rust issues with MX5....11 years later I think I definitely made the right decision. My MR2 is rust free above and underneath, MX5s aren't so good.
I've had my mk1 MX5 for 3 and a bit years and it has been great fun. Looking towards the MR-S for my next car, this video makes it seem the logical next step :D
The MR2 is a fantastic drive, but having experienced the engine failure that many pre-2005 models suffered, I genuinely lost faith. That plus the answer to the old question: How does the MR2 handle in the wet? Sideways! Really reduced my love for the car. Sure… I won’t deny that having the engine in the rear probably saved my legs in the major RTA I experienced in 2012; but I feel that unless you want a car to simply have a spirited drive for a couple of hours at the weekend, the MR2 can be bettered for similar money.
If I had to replace my '65 Corvair I would look at both of these cars as well as the Honda S2000. The second two are hard to find. I live where salt is used heavily and would look for rust on all of these cars. Also look for a Corvair too.
Defo the MR2 over the MX-engineinwrongplace. I have just bought an '04 and looked at about 5-6 cars for sale. None had any rust at all. The Mazdas on autotrader are all rusty. It's also faster, handles better, is easier to work on, rarer, and is better looking. A lot going for for it over the NB.
in '00 i went with NB because of a trunk capacity. but overall both drove differently but NB drove "better" for commuting I wanted to used for warmer months. I hear a rumor of new MR in time for NE release for '24 model year. if it's true, I will get rid of my NC 4th Miata as I no longer need the "little" space I once needed when my kids for small.
I've owned both these cars and the MX-5 is the better driver's car. MR2 is about 25% cheaper on petrol and about 90% cheaper on bodywork with the MX5 having chronic rust problems. But you buy these cars for driving enjoyment and the MX-5 runs circles around the MR2 in terms of driving feel, engagement, and fun.
The MX-5 is the better car. The Mazda will give you little warnings when you get to its limit as the Toyota will just grip until it does not anymore and then tries to kill you.
i love how under-rated my 01 spyder is.. and the 2zz swap does LOADS for the character of the car ! just imagine pulling up next to some cocky teen whose daddy just bought them an over priced v8 land yacht and he tries to embarrass you infront of his gold digging gf who has 10 tons of make-up on and a drawn on face from a stop light and he quickly realizes that he isnt "getting away"... lmao its even funnier in the canyons where the spyder REALLY SHINES !! mines on bc coilovers with carbtech pads and 225 45 15 hankook rs4's... man i love these "frogs" ! ! !
It has a frunk and storage in the cabin behind the seats, the owners manual claims a set of golf clubs can fit!? I cannot confirm as I have never tried, but it is an acceptable amount of storage space throughout the car.
@@absolutezero7344 I do not disagree with you, been away in my MR2 with a passenger for 5 nights and it swallowed up luggage without a issue. However a boot would be more convenient . I wonder if moving all the stuff that is under the spare wheel into one of the compartments behind the seat and creating a boot space would really make a difference to handling?
@@markm-ci6rj I definitely know removing the spare tyre from the frunk makes a difference (less turn in/understeer) however my MR-S is far from stock as far as suspension/chassis mods wise, so small changes will be amplified. I doubt the coupe of kilos of scissor lift and tool kit will make a noticeable impact, unless you really know the limits of your car.
@@ClassicsWorldUK Yes - I see it's badged as an (import) MR-S. I previously owned an import MK2 turbo GT which those seats are specific to. Work would have been required to get them to fit onto the original seat rails - I hope the adjustments have not been unduly compromised. I now own a MK3 - did consider the S2000 but they are considerably pricier and a much tighter fit for taller drivers (like myself).
a 2003 and later MR2 is shockingly better than the 00-03 model. LSD, 6 speed from the T-sport engine celica/corolla, bracing all over underneath and that makes it waaaaay better. Also different tyre sizes (minor difference front+rear) and yeah. Wish it was a 2003+ in ths test which would completely destroy the Miata, and all miatas 'til the ND. Except the rare mazdaspeed turbo. :P
Non switchable stability control on the 03+, not as much fun as a pre 03 with bracing and a turbo, even sold my 987 Boxster S for this combo, oh and the 2zz turbo mod helps
Best Motoring a Japanese car review show with professional race drivers often put the MGF against MR2's and MX-5's and the MGF always lost by a woeful margin.
Don’t forget that Toyota axed the Supra and watered down their entire lineup to front wheel drive economy cars. Sales doesn’t determine a cars ability or worth.
If you live and die for mods for a deciding factor it’s for sure the MX5, the Corolla of sports cars. It has Corolla-like reliability and maintenance cost too.
I think that the MR2 mk3 is a bit underrated and the mx5 are a bit overrated. And the s2000 is as good as they tell you!
Not comparable tho.. try the Elise to pitch against.. plus s2000s are 5times the cost
Best comment
@@lassydogpie5390 actually compare the price of the cars new: the MR-S in 2000 was $23.5K, the S2000 was $32k. There’s a reason the Honda held its value and the Toyota didn’t.
@@moustachio334 the s2 went down to like £4000 here in the uk a few yrs back, everything’s gone back up like crazy
The S2000 is too expensive for what it is, if I'm going to spend that much money I would just get a Porsche Cayman.
Everybody prefers the MX5 until they drive the MR2.
That’s certainly true for some of the Classics World team!
I have had both and the mx5 was fun for the few months I had it (before crashing it). I have an mr2 as a toy now and I must say it’s a really fun car on B roads, way better than the mx5. The only thing stopping it from been an amazing car is the engine. They should have fitted it with the t sport engine.
@@PibrochPonder I too have an MR2 MK3 and it astounds me that they didn't use the 2ZZ powerplant. They're engineers could also easily have fitted a small supercharger to get the HP around 225 crank. That and opening up the exhaust would've done wonders.
@K H They clearly didn't think the emissions, safety, fuel consumption, tax, noise, was a problem in the Celica which they gave the engine to and which was on sale in all the same markets at the same time as this...
@marmite badger I've owned both and the MX5 is way better.
I have owned my MR2 Mk3 for a few years now, I have been a Driving Instructor for 37 years so spend every working day on the road. Despite that, first chance I get I'm out in the '2' it's the most fun you can have with your trousers on (or off if you prefer). The impracticality of it is never a problem, we regularly tour across Europe in ours, I have made a luggage system that allows us to carry enough gear for a three week trip no problem. If you want a car that will have you grinning like a Cheshire Cat on Acid, get yourself an MR2 Mk3.
Hey mate, any thoughts on the 7th gen Celica if you have tried one?
I really wanted an MR2, but here in the states the prices are astronomical and you're still stuck with the 1ZZ. I opted for the 2ZZ GT-S Celica as my daily, took the backseats out and did other mods and could not be happier for the price ($8,000 for a 142K example of one which people in the UK would laugh at, but they are pricey here)
Really wanted that 2ZZ engine and it's been an amazing car that you cannot remotely get today.
I own an MR2 and a BMW e39. I use the MR2 as my daily, the partiality issues has never caused me any problems. The bins behind the seats are really quite large and the frunk will swallow a bit of gear. Body work on the MR2 is leagues ahead and a much better long term prospect than the MX5.I'd say the body work on the MR2 is better than newer model MX5's.
You get our thumbs up for dailying the MR2!
£1,000? Damn an MR2 cost at least $7,000 in the US. $14k for great examples
Easily the MR2 for me. It's has that turn back and look factor about it..
Love them both. Would choose the MR2 - I think!
Good luck getting an S2000 for 3 grand!
Yup, they would be at least 3 times the price for something in comparable condition.
Well lahdee frickin dah another S2000 comment. Hate to break it to you but there’s a reason the Honda holds its value and the Mazda doesn’t. It’s called supply and demand and Mazda has made a fuck load of MX-5’s.
The surprise Honda S2000 at the end really shocked me 😂 A real testament to the engineering of Honda’s team then 👍
Anyone that buys a sports car buys it because of the way it drives, The mr2 roadster is far superior in the way it drives compared to the mx5.
Bought my mx5 for the price, could never afford an mr2. Plus the mx5 has a slight advantage in practicality, and mines a 1.8 so is more responsive
If the MR2 was ' far superior ' , why didn't anyone buy them ? They stopped making them in 2005 , having sold just 901 cars in 2004 ? . Any competition to the MX5 has always failed ; after 30 years , it's as popular as ever . 1.2 million owners can't be wrong !
@@Corinthian44 Toyota's timing was bad for this model. The Miata was already an established household name, and the mr2 spyder came at a higher cost due to R&D. It was a superior car, sales have nothing to do with it. If sales were the only important factor, a Dodge Neon must be one of the all time greats...
@@Corinthian44 sales don't decide if something is good or not, just popular. Are One Direction better than The Beatles?
Hear! Hear!
I love how the MR2 is underrated. It means I might have a chance to get a good one for a good price one day!!
Yes it's the undeserved 'underdog', the MX5 is nice, but it's not as good as the MR2. People who go for the MX5 just because they're popular - your loss.
@@DavidB-rx3km nc and up miatas are much better than the mr2 spyder
@@DavidB-rx3km having driven both i can confirm
I'm an owner of MX5 mazdaspeed (factory turbocharger version) and I love it so much! Even Mazdaspeed version originally comes with Bilstein coilover, it's a perfect match with MX5'S four independent double wishbone suspension system. So my MX5 is very impressive!
I'm just here to bump MR2 content
Owner of mr2. Love it. Truly an underdog
Really can't lose either way as they're both fantastic cars, but I'd go with the MR2 as it's uncommon and gets more looks on the street.
I've never driven the Mazda but I owned a clutchless manual (SMT) MR2 for several years and it was absolutely brilliant. I really loved that car and only sold it for an AudiTT as I needed more space all round.
We love both! Our Phil owns a Mk1 TT in fact
I am an ex owner of cars such as ae86 etc and wanted something streetable to hit the hills a bit under the radar and ended up with a mk3 mr2 very cheaply and spent about a year building it nicely with coilovers and a 2arfe using frankenstein motorworks conversion bits and I am truly amazed and how good a car it is and how unknown it is to the car world.
I think I will enjoy it for many years to come. A true diamond in the rough. Keep in the mind you have to purchase with the full understanding that you wont be using the original 1zz.
So.. I owned a mk2 Mx5 Rs in bronze for 2 years (Air con, body kit, 6 gears etc) brilliant car.. I now drive a mr2 mk3 red, lowered, sports exhaust (remus) other mods. Driving wise imo beats the mx5. So precise, faster and more economical too. However.... No boot! But you can remove the behind seat doors.
Enjoyed your review of these cars. I’ve had an 87 MR2 Mk1, a 91 MX5 Mk1 and just bought an 03 MR2 MK3. Gotta say the 03 is the most fun and the 87 wasn’t bad either. The Miata was okay but not as much fun when it came to handling. I’ve also had an 80 Fiat X1/9 which was like driving a go-cart. So much fun but only 75 horsepower. I used to get beaten off the line by guys on 10-speed bicycles.
I'm on my 2nd Mk1 MR2 and love it to bits... current one is a T-bar (and it has a boot front and back)! I think the MX-5 has always set the standard but the Toyota just offers something that doesn't have much competition on the market. All the small japanese sportscars are fantastic toys, they do what they say on the tin and are eternally reliable.
We love them both!
I have an 05 mr2 and adore it, it brings a smile to my face. Far more reliable too.
No issues with the MR2 for shopping, even have a boot rack if we are touring . Two water proof sailing sacks for all your clothes and keep the other stuff behind the seats.
MR2 is pure fun not even a fair comparison MR2 hands down.
How on earth can you have a review of a 20 year old mk2 MX-5 without talking about rust... you can even see the rust on this one's sills in the video...
MR2s arent much better
My 2002 SE has zero rust. In America the north States miatas get rust because of salt during the winter.
Er, they do, at 1:58
@@ofmanynicknames "The front end rusts more than the mk1" lol it doesn't even scratch the surface.
I am a happy owner of an MR2 since 2018. I really like it a lot, I mean what's not to like!? Mid enginge, RWD, low weight, cheap maintenance, nice looks and not as common as the MX5. My only complaint would be the dull 5-speed gear box. I have not tried the newer one with 6-speed, but I assume they are better.
The 6 speed is an SMT where as the 5 is true manual. The 6 speed is slower but seems to get better gas mileage so that is a plus but the experience is definitely lessened by the shifting method
@@IDirtyMangoI In US maybe, but in Europe they were sold with six speed manuals starting 2002.
@@gramsesgarage yeah I realized a while after posting and a quick google search. However I don't think the gearing is too different from the 5 speed. It's just an unfortunately slow car because the engineers picked the wrong motor despite the correct option being almost plug n play swappable
MR2 is a legend. But here in the US they cost an insane amount when you can get a GT-S Celica with the 2ZZ for much much less.
Even still, the GT-S is very expensive when compared to what our UK friends get them for.
Zzw30 is extremely fun to drive.
Great fun, for sure!
Still in 2024 you can get a really decent MR2 Roadster for £2500 and it'll be the most fun you've had in a car for years. Still under appreciated and totally under rated.... if you are looking then just buy one for summer and you'll probably never part with it forever, just make sure you get underneath it before you buy it to make sure its not a rotter.
I have a MK3 MR2. Would love to own an MX5 one day too. Both very cool little cars.
Between the two, I pick the MR-S because it is predictable and it always goes where you point with no understeer or question. The MX-5 has a much shorter wheelbase and this makes it a bit unstable. I find it annoying at its limit. Fun fact the MR-S has a wheelbase slightly longer than an S2000.
S2000 would also cost 3 to 4 times more than an MX-5 or MR2
If these are still going for about £1,000 we may need to start importing them to the USA...so much more expensive here.
I've been wanting to pick up a MK3 MR2 for a couple of years but they are $15,000 - $20,000 in Canada. Salvage title ones go for around $7500.
Look for a mk3 mr2 with a blown motor. I just picked up a black model with a thrown rod for $700 bucks. The motor swaps are easy
In the U.S. a good example of the MR@ is like $9000
I had the choice and went MX5. But a 1.8 VVT. Partly because you can get to that engine easily on an MX5. Mid engined are more of a pain. The S2000 isn’t really a fair comparison. You could buy an MR2 and and MX5 and still have change compared to an S2000
I bought my MR2 2006 ten years ago and it's great fun to drive, however, be very careful with it in the wet on fast sharp corners!
I daily a Spyder and I've gotta say it's not too bad
I have driven the NA, NB, NC and a 1.5 ND, any honesty I still love my modified mr2 spyder. I sold a 987 boxster s 3.4 to "downgrade" to a 2002 mr2 2zz turbo. Frigid fun and manic, 1040kg 290hp, kicks the Porsche's ass for acceleration and fun. Its like a 100kg fat person losing 30kg in their sleep and waking up and going for a run
Wow! That CRX is super clean.
Keiichi Tsuchiya once referred to the MR-S and MX-5 as faux sports cars. Nice inclusion on the S2000. Kids don’t know this but at the time the S2000 was beating its European rivals at half the price. All of these cars are great and I would own all of them.
Was this before or after the TPS MR-S dominated Hot Version at Gunsai?
The problem is you will not find a Honda S2000 for anything less than £3000 I know as I was looking for one and ended up for a MR2 for £1650! One owner 2003 with only 43000 miles lots of history. It did need a good clean, a new soft top £300 fitted and the wheels refurbished.
3 years on I'm still driving with smiles per mile and people often comment on what nice car it is.
Sounds like a great buy!
Love my MR2! Where did you get the new roof fitted please?
Reply he does soft tops and other trimming for MR2s, MX5s and S2000s and more.
MR2 is the most fun you can have with your clothes on.
My Summer Girl is a supercharged NB1 but there's an MR2 Spyder for $4500obo locally, in need of a new top. Might have to fill the empty garage bay.
3:16 panel gap is legit. I have 2 MR2's and the panel gaps are soooo bad.
Oh how I miss my MX-5.....Maybe again one day.....
I'm gonna sell mine in about 5months or so, I can already tell I'll miss it. Only thing that's annoying is the soft suspension, other than that, can't fault it.
Unfortunately, Toyota MR2 and Honda S prices are skyrocketing
Whilst I'm glad I bought it, the mx-5, at least in terms of performance, was a massive let down for me. It's really not a sports car, far too soft and massively under powered. I think it would impress someone coming from a lifetime of driving sedate four doors and estates, but not someone looking for a thrill or any kind of performance. Good sunday driver.
To be fair to the Mx5 the 1.6 was rubbish you need the 1.8. It really isn't a fair review.
I have an 04 facelift MR2, bought in 2012....I like both but bought the MR2 because of rust issues with MX5....11 years later I think I definitely made the right decision. My MR2 is rust free above and underneath, MX5s aren't so good.
You can K20/24 swap all three cars...😎
I've had my mk1 MX5 for 3 and a bit years and it has been great fun. Looking towards the MR-S for my next car, this video makes it seem the logical next step :D
Enjoy it, Lewis!
@Lewis R did you keep the MX5? I hope so. As much as I love the MR2 (I have one), the MX5 mk1 is a rare find these days and increasing in value.
@@standandeliver8376 I still have it and have now decided a MK3.5 Sport Tech will be the replacement! Funny how 9 months changes everything.
Best vid
The MR2 is a fantastic drive, but having experienced the engine failure that many pre-2005 models suffered, I genuinely lost faith. That plus the answer to the old question: How does the MR2 handle in the wet? Sideways! Really reduced my love for the car. Sure… I won’t deny that having the engine in the rear probably saved my legs in the major RTA I experienced in 2012; but I feel that unless you want a car to simply have a spirited drive for a couple of hours at the weekend, the MR2 can be bettered for similar money.
If I had to replace my '65 Corvair I would look at both of these cars as well as the Honda S2000. The second two are hard to find. I live where salt is used heavily and would look for rust on all of these cars. Also look for a Corvair too.
Defo the MR2 over the MX-engineinwrongplace. I have just bought an '04 and looked at about 5-6 cars for sale. None had any rust at all. The Mazdas on autotrader are all rusty.
It's also faster, handles better, is easier to work on, rarer, and is better looking. A lot going for for it over the NB.
Yay, my car wins!
in '00 i went with NB because of a trunk capacity. but overall both drove differently but NB drove "better" for commuting I wanted to used for warmer months. I hear a rumor of new MR in time for NE release for '24 model year. if it's true, I will get rid of my NC 4th Miata as I no longer need the "little" space I once needed when my kids for small.
Turbo either and they absolute next level, weapons
1500??? Is this for real? People keep talking bout these prices when here the least they get is 4500 for a very bad example...
Where are you Matteo? Sounds like we need to start a business importing MX5s
in the us the Mx5 have a "drift tax" people are paying min 4k for NB mx5
oh you can't compare both of those to an S2K - that's in a different league!
The thing is the mx5 you can make faster quite inexpensively. Can the same be said for the mr2?
I've owned both these cars and the MX-5 is the better driver's car. MR2 is about 25% cheaper on petrol and about 90% cheaper on bodywork with the MX5 having chronic rust problems. But you buy these cars for driving enjoyment and the MX-5 runs circles around the MR2 in terms of driving feel, engagement, and fun.
The MX-5 is the better car. The Mazda will give you little warnings when you get to its limit as the Toyota will just grip until it does not anymore and then tries to kill you.
I miss my CRX... 😢
I’d prefer mk1 mx5, nice vid
A friend of your mums had an MR2 at 3:20 .... Did you have more than one mother then ?
i love how under-rated my 01 spyder is..
and the 2zz swap does LOADS for the character of the car !
just imagine pulling up next to some cocky teen whose daddy just bought them an over priced v8 land yacht and he tries to embarrass you infront of his gold digging gf who has 10 tons of make-up on and a drawn on face from a stop light and he quickly realizes that he isnt "getting away"... lmao
its even funnier in the canyons where the spyder REALLY SHINES !!
mines on bc coilovers with carbtech pads and 225 45 15 hankook rs4's...
man i love these "frogs" ! ! !
Poor final comment there. Yeah, you can take it home for 10 times the value
You think that the MRS drives good until you get a good suspension for it.
I am told the MR2 does not have a boot in order to improver its handling, but a boot would me nice.
It has a frunk and storage in the cabin behind the seats, the owners manual claims a set of golf clubs can fit!? I cannot confirm as I have never tried, but it is an acceptable amount of storage space throughout the car.
@@absolutezero7344 I do not disagree with you, been away in my MR2 with a passenger for 5 nights and it swallowed up luggage without a issue. However a boot would be more convenient . I wonder if moving all the stuff that is under the spare wheel into one of the compartments behind the seat and creating a boot space would really make a difference to handling?
@@markm-ci6rj I definitely know removing the spare tyre from the frunk makes a difference (less turn in/understeer) however my MR-S is far from stock as far as suspension/chassis mods wise, so small changes will be amplified.
I doubt the coupe of kilos of scissor lift and tool kit will make a noticeable impact, unless you really know the limits of your car.
Eh? That MR2 has had it seats replaced with MK2 ones!
We had our suspicions - our MR2 is a Japanese import, so that might explain it
@@ClassicsWorldUK Yes - I see it's badged as an (import) MR-S. I previously owned an import MK2 turbo GT which those seats are specific to. Work would have been required to get them to fit onto the original seat rails - I hope the adjustments have not been unduly compromised. I now own a MK3 - did consider the S2000 but they are considerably pricier and a much tighter fit for taller drivers (like myself).
If it is JDM there is a strong chance is does not have an LSD also, all UK cars came with LSD as standard.
Take my 3.5L v6 mr2 roadster for a review if you like 😘👍🏼
We'd love to! 😁
an mr2 for 2 K ? not really... if i check it in my country its around 3.5/ 8 K for one
a 2003 and later MR2 is shockingly better than the 00-03 model. LSD, 6 speed from the T-sport engine celica/corolla, bracing all over underneath and that makes it waaaaay better. Also different tyre sizes (minor difference front+rear) and yeah. Wish it was a 2003+ in ths test which would completely destroy the Miata, and all miatas 'til the ND. Except the rare mazdaspeed turbo. :P
Non switchable stability control on the 03+, not as much fun as a pre 03 with bracing and a turbo, even sold my 987 Boxster S for this combo, oh and the 2zz turbo mod helps
Wrong mx5. It must be mk2.5 with 1.8vvti. And it would be different story.
mk3 MR2 with 2ZZ motor would spank any mk2.5 MX-5
The Toyota is so much better there’s almost no comparison
The toyo looks much better
I love my mr2 but the mx5 color is better, mine is a solar yellow btw
Mx5 has too many problems with rust
Haha, but you could buy 5 of either for the price of one Honda.
nothing beat the S2k lol.
Just gonna leave this here...
MGF
We feel a battle coming!
Best Motoring a Japanese car review show with professional race drivers often put the MGF against MR2's and MX-5's and the MGF always lost by a woeful margin.
If the MR2 was better they would still be selling them.
Don’t forget that Toyota axed the Supra and watered down their entire lineup to front wheel drive economy cars. Sales doesn’t determine a cars ability or worth.
If you live and die for mods for a deciding factor it’s for sure the MX5, the Corolla of sports cars. It has Corolla-like reliability and maintenance cost too.
Ummmm.......you do realize the Mr2 literally has a corolla powertrain right?
S2000 is slowwwww