In Germany it SHOULD. The MX-5's prices have rocketed in the last two years, with both the MX-5 and the GR86 being sold at the same price. That's just too much for the MX-5, a fun second car which rusts. However, the GR86 is only available for two years in Germany, and is already sold out for 2022. Which allows Mazda to ask a much too high price for their car.
As a previous owner of a 2020 MX-5 GT 6-sp manual, I'll offer my two cents. First off, obviously, no coupe could ever make the Miata obsolete. The raison d'être of the Miata is that it's a two-seat convertible, and the Miata has the best soft top ever created. Two seconds up, two seconds down, right from your seat. It's so easy, a six-year-old can manage it. Top-down driving at night beneath the vast expanse of stars in Death Valley is something no coupe can ever touch. Other than its incredibly low weight, it's not about specs with the Miata. It's about those unique sensations that can only be experienced in a true light-weight roadster, which is why the RF retractable hard-top version of the MX-5 just doesn't cut it. It's not a true convertible; it's more of a targa-style top. When you look over your shoulder with the top down, instead of seeing redwoods or the ocean or that gorgeous brunette walking down the street, you see nothing but the inside of those flying buttresses. Huge blind spots. That's not a convertible. The RF also has a much noisier cabin with the top down, because of those wind-catching buttresses. With the rag top it's a much smoother, quieter, less buffeted airflow. Yes, the RF is quieter than the soft top with their tops up, but you buy a Miata for its top-down fun factor, not for its top-up decibel levels, don't you? Where the BRZ clearly shines over the Miata soft top is as a daily driver. Besides being slightly faster in a straight line, and significantly faster (stock to stock) around a racetrack, the BRZ's extra storage capacity and fixed hard top means you can park it outside at work for eight hours every day and not fear that your very nice convertible top will quickly be destroyed by the elements, including sun damage. Then, on the way home, you can make a Costco run, or you can load the car up with guitar gear and go to your gig while still bringing your girlfriend with you in the car. Can't do that in a Miata. Can't stow four sticky tires in the back of a Miata for your next track day, either. Another thing you can do in the BRZ that you can't do in the Miata is comfortably accommodate tall people. The Miata has a limit of about 6'2" for the driver, and that's pushing it. The passenger side is even worse, because the footwell is shorter on the passenger's side, and both the transmission hump and clip-in cup holder intrude into the passenger space. The Miata gets much better fuel mileage than the new BRZ, however, which is a daily-driver point in the MX-5's favor, but that point is balanced by the fact that the Miata is direct injected while the BRZ uses Toyota's excellent D-4S direct/port injection system. The Miata is eventually going to need its intake valves cleaned, due to carbon buildup. Mazda recommends this service every 15,000-30,000 miles, depending on the dealership. The BRZ's port injection ensures that the valves aren't going to gunk up, so there's an expensive bit of maintenance about which you'll never need to worry. Assuming you can fit in both cars, the choice between the Miata versus the BRZ mainly comes down to one question: a two-seat convertible, or a 2+2 coupe? The Miata is more fun, more iconic, and infinitely more viscerally satisfying. The BRZ is faster, sharper, more capable, and quite a bit more pragmatic. So, when it gets right down to it, what do you value more in your affordable sports car? Open-air nourishment for your soul, or sheer speed and excitement with a healthy helping of daily practicality?
If you look at the previous generations, especially NA/NB, the Miata has already been watered down and bloated to accommodate regulations as well as appealing to a broad audience (automatic options still available). If they added more space to appease the 10% of people who care about that stuff over performance on this car, then it wouldn’t be much of a Miata. No one knows what a sports car is anymore.
That point you made at 2:40 with the confidence you get from driving the brz is so true. I have the gr86 premium with the grippy tires and I've been driving it in the mountains. As I've driven it, it has felt super grippy and because of this I just kept and kept increasing my speeds in corners. It just felt like it wouldnt slide out no matter what. Like I was taking turns so I hard I could feel the G's forcing my head down. At some point though, with no warning the tail just gave out and I spun out. Luckily, road was wide enough with no traffic so it was alright. But basically, I went from full grip, full confidence to having the backend slide out with no real warning. Went home right after lol.
@@andrewrossnagel9433 It is super communicative, and yea I might not be the best driver. But, my point is that while driving on the edge, in my experience it didn't really give me indication that it was giving out. I drive an older civic SI around the same area and I can go hard around corners with all the confidence because I can always feel when I'm at the limit of grip. It gives out slightly, not all the way.
@@LiveFast135i Idk myself, makes sense if it were the case though. That was basically my experience. Car just went from full grip to me spinning out with no warning.
Exactly! The joy of driving is not in to speed or cars that is fast. MX is very different from all sportscar out there. Less power but the feeling/smile that this car will give you is PRICELESS.
Hi James, I'm a former Miata(ND1) owner and my perspective of choosing a car is totally changed since I've owned it. I'm sure you know why. Here are some questions about the new GR86. I hope you can answer these compare to Miata. 1. the height of the seat (do you feel siting closer to the ground?) 2. fun in low speed (@6:57 you said you have more fun at 5/10 in miata does it mean daily commuting 86 would not be fun? some say 86 is 'only fun on the track') 3. feeling of speed (continuing question followed by 2) 4. clutch pressure effort (how much your leg will be tired and which clutch is giving you a more crisp biting feeling) 5. gear ratio (how frequently can you shift when you daily driven it) 6. front bumper overhang (which car will have more chance to scrap the front bumper chin) Thank you! looking forward to see more good detail reviews
Thanks Haeuk! Let me try to answer your questions to the best of my memory: 1. My recollection is that the BRZ was easier to get into, so the seat height was likely a bit higher, though I'm not 100% sure. 2. Miata is more fun on the street. I haven't driven the BRZ/GR86 on track but the impression I get is that it does require more aggressive driving to wake it up. The BRZ gives me the impression of a sewing machine--very precise and technically impressive, but doesn't seem to emphasize joy as much as the Miata. 3. Feeling of speed is definitely greater in the Miata, at any speed. Far more sensation. 4. I recall the clutch in this BRZ was easier to operate than the one in my ND2. BRZ clutch gave me the impression of slightly more precision. 5. Gear ratios did not strike me as feeling very different, but this is another one where I'm not 100% sure. 6. Not sure, but both cars are pretty decent in terms of avoiding scrapes. Hope that helps somewhat. Cheers Haeuk!
I always enjoy your reviews. You deserv hundreds of thousands of followers. Those of us who have big followers on Twitter/Insta/FB... etc we all should help this amazing UA-cam Channel.
Been waiting for this one, great review! I had a chance to drive a friend’s BRZ back to back with my MX-5 in the canyons and totally agree with your assessment of how the two drive and feel.
Thanks James, As a soon to be 60y/o Aussie, I enjoyed your review. I'm already sold on the BRZ, manual in WR Blue and will order mine tomorrow. I did have a quick look at the MX 5 but the space, looks, design and price, made it no contest for me. Just glad we can have a choice of either in this day and age.
Cheers! I am excited for you to get your BRZ. By the way, my fiancée and I plan to live in Melbourne for a month later this year to get a feel for its vibe and culture. The way people describe Melbourne, it seems somewhat like San Diego, which we really love. Any suggestions on places to visit or things to do to get an authentic experience?
@@JamesPlaysWithCars Sorry James, I am not from there myself, although I have visited it a few times. It is a very multicultural part of Australia, so food and shopping wise it has a lot to offer. I can only suggest checking things out on the net, a month should be a reasonable time to get the vibe. On behalf of my country, I hope you and your partner really enjoy yourself! We would like to get back down there ourselves soon. Sounds like a road trip in a BRZ eh? Thanks for the reply. Cheers and safe travels mate.🙂
BRZ is not sell in my country (France). Toyota sell GR 86, but we have to pay at least 17k euros for CO2 tax. Fortunately, i have a Mx5 ND RF, it gives me smile every days.
The Miata's design is timeless. In 5-10 years, the BRZ and GR86 will look like an aged late 30 something woman trying to cling on to her great looks from her 20's.
Great video man, explaining the differences between both cars. Personally I'm 100% set on the BRZ. Because I want it for my main car for daily driving and going to the track on the weekends. The Miata is more of a toy and a second car and not very practical. Even though I really like the RF version. Now if Mazda releases the mythical RX9 at some point before we all die, that's a different story. haha
Great review and can tell you know what you're on about. I've got a UK 2019 BRZ and whilst it's got a good chassis no doubt i find the car soulless especially the engine!! I've never fallen in love with it :( I've never driven an MX5 but really want to try an ND2 to see if it's a modern sports car with the character i crave!
Thanks Patrick! I am excited for you to try the ND2, for example using Turo, to see if it is what you're looking for. Renting ND's on Turo helped me make my decision before I bought an ND2 a few years ago.
obsolete, no? as a daily driver, yes! The Miata is a good second car if your first car is a serious daily driver. If you want a single car to have the most fun but still retain some cargo space, comfort and extra seating then gr86/brz is the way to go.
Can’t be a Miata killer, you can’t take the roof off. Two different markets. If you want a lightweight sporty convertible, there’s only one choice… yes the Toyota/Subaru is more practical, but give me the open-top wind in the hair anytime, I can live with the ‘impracticalities’.
I owned an RF because I wanted a Miata drive experience…I bought the RF because I really wanted a coupe. I drove it top down maybe 1% of the time. I now have a new BRZ.
This is the first time ive heard anyone say the GR86/BRZ is "too serious". Lol...but I get it, compared to the Miata, but I think almost every other car out there would seem too serious when compared to the Miata.
As someone who just got their first job as a nurse with a decent income, no family of my own (25 years old), and want to go on road trips which car would you recommend? I’d have to learn how to drive manual and I’m between these 2 cars. The convertible experience looks great yet the GR 86/BRZ seem more comfortable 😅
Congrats on your first nursing job! Very exciting. For road trips, BRZ/FR86 is probably your better bet. It’s more civilized for the long stretches of highway. Also, consider your parking situation; it’s somewhat harder to keep a soft top clean if you need to park outside. Just two factors to consider. Hope that helps!
My impression was that the BRZ is quieter than the last MX-5 RF I drove, but I don’t recall how it compares to the old gen BRZ/86. I imagine the new one would be quieter, but it’s been too long since I’ve driven the old one to say for certain.
How is the vision when you're driving, i.e is it easy to see stuff on the road on such a low and small car? Never own a coupe before so I ask. My country has some on displayed only, and the models to be sold are ONLY automatic. Who would buy this car with an automatic is beyond me (unless no stock).
I felt that the BRZ’s visibility was fine! If I remember correctly, BRZ’s visibility is better than MX-5’s when the MX-5 top is up. Of course, if you drop the soft top then MX-5 is far easier to see out of.
Hi BrokerBinno, in this video I’m comparing the BRZ to the ND2 Miata. The only 2022-specific MX-5 feature I haven’t experienced is KPC, but that feature should (in theory) only compound what I described about the MX-5’s confidence in hard cornering.
Are you Team BRZ/GR86 or Team MX-5, and why? Leave a comment!
In Germany it SHOULD. The MX-5's prices have rocketed in the last two years, with both the MX-5 and the GR86 being sold at the same price. That's just too much for the MX-5, a fun second car which rusts.
However, the GR86 is only available for two years in Germany, and is already sold out for 2022. Which allows Mazda to ask a much too high price for their car.
MX5 all the way
Personally Im team GR86 because at 5/10ths I can still fit groceries and my dog in the back and at 10/10ths I can see the Mx-5 in my rearview.
I guess I'm all the way team Miata!
As a previous owner of a 2020 MX-5 GT 6-sp manual, I'll offer my two cents.
First off, obviously, no coupe could ever make the Miata obsolete. The raison d'être of the Miata is that it's a two-seat convertible, and the Miata has the best soft top ever created. Two seconds up, two seconds down, right from your seat. It's so easy, a six-year-old can manage it. Top-down driving at night beneath the vast expanse of stars in Death Valley is something no coupe can ever touch. Other than its incredibly low weight, it's not about specs with the Miata. It's about those unique sensations that can only be experienced in a true light-weight roadster, which is why the RF retractable hard-top version of the MX-5 just doesn't cut it. It's not a true convertible; it's more of a targa-style top. When you look over your shoulder with the top down, instead of seeing redwoods or the ocean or that gorgeous brunette walking down the street, you see nothing but the inside of those flying buttresses. Huge blind spots. That's not a convertible. The RF also has a much noisier cabin with the top down, because of those wind-catching buttresses. With the rag top it's a much smoother, quieter, less buffeted airflow. Yes, the RF is quieter than the soft top with their tops up, but you buy a Miata for its top-down fun factor, not for its top-up decibel levels, don't you?
Where the BRZ clearly shines over the Miata soft top is as a daily driver. Besides being slightly faster in a straight line, and significantly faster (stock to stock) around a racetrack, the BRZ's extra storage capacity and fixed hard top means you can park it outside at work for eight hours every day and not fear that your very nice convertible top will quickly be destroyed by the elements, including sun damage. Then, on the way home, you can make a Costco run, or you can load the car up with guitar gear and go to your gig while still bringing your girlfriend with you in the car. Can't do that in a Miata. Can't stow four sticky tires in the back of a Miata for your next track day, either. Another thing you can do in the BRZ that you can't do in the Miata is comfortably accommodate tall people. The Miata has a limit of about 6'2" for the driver, and that's pushing it. The passenger side is even worse, because the footwell is shorter on the passenger's side, and both the transmission hump and clip-in cup holder intrude into the passenger space.
The Miata gets much better fuel mileage than the new BRZ, however, which is a daily-driver point in the MX-5's favor, but that point is balanced by the fact that the Miata is direct injected while the BRZ uses Toyota's excellent D-4S direct/port injection system. The Miata is eventually going to need its intake valves cleaned, due to carbon buildup. Mazda recommends this service every 15,000-30,000 miles, depending on the dealership. The BRZ's port injection ensures that the valves aren't going to gunk up, so there's an expensive bit of maintenance about which you'll never need to worry.
Assuming you can fit in both cars, the choice between the Miata versus the BRZ mainly comes down to one question: a two-seat convertible, or a 2+2 coupe? The Miata is more fun, more iconic, and infinitely more viscerally satisfying. The BRZ is faster, sharper, more capable, and quite a bit more pragmatic.
So, when it gets right down to it, what do you value more in your affordable sports car? Open-air nourishment for your soul, or sheer speed and excitement with a healthy helping of daily practicality?
Really good comparison. The extra storage space in the twins can be a big bonus for most car owners.
If you look at the previous generations, especially NA/NB, the Miata has already been watered down and bloated to accommodate regulations as well as appealing to a broad audience (automatic options still available). If they added more space to appease the 10% of people who care about that stuff over performance on this car, then it wouldn’t be much of a Miata. No one knows what a sports car is anymore.
That point you made at 2:40 with the confidence you get from driving the brz is so true. I have the gr86 premium with the grippy tires and I've been driving it in the mountains. As I've driven it, it has felt super grippy and because of this I just kept and kept increasing my speeds in corners. It just felt like it wouldnt slide out no matter what. Like I was taking turns so I hard I could feel the G's forcing my head down.
At some point though, with no warning the tail just gave out and I spun out. Luckily, road was wide enough with no traffic so it was alright. But basically, I went from full grip, full confidence to having the backend slide out with no real warning.
Went home right after lol.
That's due to lack of driver skill and not due to driver feedback. This platform is extremely communicative.
@@andrewrossnagel9433 It is super communicative, and yea I might not be the best driver. But, my point is that while driving on the edge, in my experience it didn't really give me indication that it was giving out.
I drive an older civic SI around the same area and I can go hard around corners with all the confidence because I can always feel when I'm at the limit of grip. It gives out slightly, not all the way.
@@MrNorotic I would make a note. Toyota setup the 86 to be more tail happy.
The BRZ stock setup more for understeer.
@@LiveFast135i Idk myself, makes sense if it were the case though. That was basically my experience. Car just went from full grip to me spinning out with no warning.
Exactly! The joy of driving is not in to speed or cars that is fast. MX is very different from all sportscar out there. Less power but the feeling/smile that this car will give you is PRICELESS.
You remind me of one of my favorite auto journalists Carlos Lago! So incredibly clear and with genuine emotion. Awesome 👍
You read my mind by posting this video James!
Man your page is a hidden gem, you break things down really well and pleasing to listen to 👍🏻
Fantastic review!
Hi James,
I'm a former Miata(ND1) owner and my perspective of choosing a car is totally changed since I've owned it. I'm sure you know why.
Here are some questions about the new GR86. I hope you can answer these compare to Miata.
1. the height of the seat (do you feel siting closer to the ground?)
2. fun in low speed (@6:57 you said you have more fun at 5/10 in miata does it mean daily commuting 86 would not be fun? some say 86 is 'only fun on the track')
3. feeling of speed (continuing question followed by 2)
4. clutch pressure effort (how much your leg will be tired and which clutch is giving you a more crisp biting feeling)
5. gear ratio (how frequently can you shift when you daily driven it)
6. front bumper overhang (which car will have more chance to scrap the front bumper chin)
Thank you! looking forward to see more good detail reviews
Thanks Haeuk! Let me try to answer your questions to the best of my memory:
1. My recollection is that the BRZ was easier to get into, so the seat height was likely a bit higher, though I'm not 100% sure.
2. Miata is more fun on the street. I haven't driven the BRZ/GR86 on track but the impression I get is that it does require more aggressive driving to wake it up. The BRZ gives me the impression of a sewing machine--very precise and technically impressive, but doesn't seem to emphasize joy as much as the Miata.
3. Feeling of speed is definitely greater in the Miata, at any speed. Far more sensation.
4. I recall the clutch in this BRZ was easier to operate than the one in my ND2. BRZ clutch gave me the impression of slightly more precision.
5. Gear ratios did not strike me as feeling very different, but this is another one where I'm not 100% sure.
6. Not sure, but both cars are pretty decent in terms of avoiding scrapes.
Hope that helps somewhat. Cheers Haeuk!
really good review, you deserve more subscribers
Brilliant comparison on all the things I've been longing to know between these exact cars. Thanks loads for taking the time to do this! :)
I always enjoy your reviews. You deserv hundreds of thousands of followers.
Those of us who have big followers on Twitter/Insta/FB... etc we all should help this amazing UA-cam Channel.
Thanks Yohannes. I will keep working hard to someday get there!
Been waiting for this one, great review! I had a chance to drive a friend’s BRZ back to back with my MX-5 in the canyons and totally agree with your assessment of how the two drive and feel.
Thanks James,
As a soon to be 60y/o Aussie, I enjoyed your review.
I'm already sold on the BRZ, manual in WR Blue and will
order mine tomorrow.
I did have a quick look at the MX 5 but the space, looks,
design and price, made it no contest for me.
Just glad we can have a choice of either in this day and age.
Cheers! I am excited for you to get your BRZ.
By the way, my fiancée and I plan to live in Melbourne for a month later this year to get a feel for its vibe and culture. The way people describe Melbourne, it seems somewhat like San Diego, which we really love. Any suggestions on places to visit or things to do to get an authentic experience?
@@JamesPlaysWithCars Sorry James,
I am not from there myself, although I have visited it a few times.
It is a very multicultural part of Australia, so food and shopping wise it has a lot to offer.
I can only suggest checking things out on the net,
a month should be a reasonable time to get the vibe.
On behalf of my country, I hope you and your partner really enjoy yourself!
We would like to get back down there ourselves soon.
Sounds like a road trip in a BRZ eh?
Thanks for the reply.
Cheers and safe travels mate.🙂
@@JamesPlaysWithCars Hey mate, I'm in Melbourne and just got a new BRZ. If you need anything let me know 👍
Great vid, first time coming across your channel, subscribed!
BRZ is not sell in my country (France). Toyota sell GR 86, but we have to pay at least 17k euros for CO2 tax. Fortunately, i have a Mx5 ND RF, it gives me smile every days.
you are an amazing presenter
amazing. great review.
No BRZ is not the same animal, Mazda is class & style!& ..12 year old GO CART FUN ❤️
The Miata's design is timeless. In 5-10 years, the BRZ and GR86 will look like an aged late 30 something woman trying to cling on to her great looks from her 20's.
Great video man, explaining the differences between both cars.
Personally I'm 100% set on the BRZ. Because I want it for my main car for daily driving and going to the track on the weekends.
The Miata is more of a toy and a second car and not very practical. Even though I really like the RF version.
Now if Mazda releases the mythical RX9 at some point before we all die, that's a different story. haha
Have you test the new kpc on the new 22 Miata yet?
Hi Philip - I have not tried KPC yet, though I imagine it would compound the feeling of confidence at the limit that I described in the video!
They might want to check in with the dealer. My brake is not mushy at all.
Thanks James. I had the first BRZ model and the gas filter made noise in winter time. That why I traded in my BRZ for something else.
Great review and can tell you know what you're on about. I've got a UK 2019 BRZ and whilst it's got a good chassis no doubt i find the car soulless especially the engine!! I've never fallen in love with it :(
I've never driven an MX5 but really want to try an ND2 to see if it's a modern sports car with the character i crave!
Thanks Patrick! I am excited for you to try the ND2, for example using Turo, to see if it is what you're looking for. Renting ND's on Turo helped me make my decision before I bought an ND2 a few years ago.
@@JamesPlaysWithCars Thanks. Turo? I live in UK..
@@patrickbateman7122 Yes, it does appear that Turo is in the UK now :)
obsolete, no? as a daily driver, yes! The Miata is a good second car if your first car is a serious daily driver. If you want a single car to have the most fun but still retain some cargo space, comfort and extra seating then gr86/brz is the way to go.
The extra space is what wins for me.
Can’t be a Miata killer, you can’t take the roof off. Two different markets. If you want a lightweight sporty convertible, there’s only one choice… yes the Toyota/Subaru is more practical, but give me the open-top wind in the hair anytime, I can live with the ‘impracticalities’.
I owned an RF because I wanted a Miata drive experience…I bought the RF because I really wanted a coupe. I drove it top down maybe 1% of the time. I now have a new BRZ.
This is the first time ive heard anyone say the GR86/BRZ is "too serious". Lol...but I get it, compared to the Miata, but I think almost every other car out there would seem too serious when compared to the Miata.
As someone who just got their first job as a nurse with a decent income, no family of my own (25 years old), and want to go on road trips which car would you recommend? I’d have to learn how to drive manual and I’m between these 2 cars. The convertible experience looks great yet the GR 86/BRZ seem more comfortable 😅
Congrats on your first nursing job! Very exciting. For road trips, BRZ/FR86 is probably your better bet. It’s more civilized for the long stretches of highway. Also, consider your parking situation; it’s somewhat harder to keep a soft top clean if you need to park outside. Just two factors to consider. Hope that helps!
Do a Elantra N review. I reckon you get both with that car. Very comfortable for a daily and can be ramped up on track
Inside noise: how is this one compared to MX5 RF and the old gen of Gt86-brz?
My impression was that the BRZ is quieter than the last MX-5 RF I drove, but I don’t recall how it compares to the old gen BRZ/86. I imagine the new one would be quieter, but it’s been too long since I’ve driven the old one to say for certain.
How is the vision when you're driving, i.e is it easy to see stuff on the road on such a low and small car? Never own a coupe before so I ask.
My country has some on displayed only, and the models to be sold are ONLY automatic. Who would buy this car with an automatic is beyond me (unless no stock).
I felt that the BRZ’s visibility was fine! If I remember correctly, BRZ’s visibility is better than MX-5’s when the MX-5 top is up. Of course, if you drop the soft top then MX-5 is far easier to see out of.
It needs a convertible first, then it will
I'm not sure but it sounds like he is comparing a 2022 GR86 to a Mazda MX-5 that is not a 2022 model year.
Hi BrokerBinno, in this video I’m comparing the BRZ to the ND2 Miata. The only 2022-specific MX-5 feature I haven’t experienced is KPC, but that feature should (in theory) only compound what I described about the MX-5’s confidence in hard cornering.
The BRZ is not a convertible....so it is not better.
Never it’s not a convertible. Period.
It’s a convertible so no
A coupe makes a convertible obsolete. Got it ✅