For me it harks back to the early, 1960's Japanese sports cars such as Toyota Sports 800, Honda S600 etc. To me, the ND RF is the most beautiful, affordable car on the road today.
I agree. The looks with the top up is stunning. I have been tossing the two and since it’s going to be my daily car the security and cabin noise might win out. I also live in Florida and rarely see people with tops down due to the heat.
I’ve owned a few convertibles over the years and also ride a motorbike, so I suppose I’m a lot less sensitive to wind noise and buffeting. I think it depends on your driving prefs. If you, like me will want to spend most of the time with the roof off, rain, hail or shine then get the convertible. My rule is that if it’s not raining the roof is off. The only exception might be a really hot summer day. So, if you’re likely to be an occasional open top driver then maybe the RF is more your style.
HMMmmm well about tht. I daily drive an NC PHT, and my top is up and down several times a day. Dropped for the ride to work, parked top up to prevent bird feces, back down again for the drive to lunch. Back up during lunch to prevent bird feces, back down for the drive back to work. End of the day, down for the ride home, and back up again (You guessed it, to prevent bird feces....) I actually am able to drop the top when the temp is as low at 15f (try that with a soft top)
Soft top for me. I'm surprised it never gets mentioned, but the 50kg extra weight of the RF can be noticeable. I have a soft top and the car characteristics definitely change with a passenger circa 50kg.
Pau I was going to talk about it, however the soft top I had was the 1.5L motor. Which is noticeably down on power compared to the 2L. Would be interested to drive a 2L soft top back to back with my RF to see if I notice the difference. Cheers for watching and commenting!
I test drove the both soft top and RF 2.0, I felt like it is two different car on RF when the top is down. Maybe that extra weight in the back very noticeable. Most of my commute is highway, so definitely RF. I can't stand the road noise.
More advantages to a soft top. By your own examples. Soft top advantages: less Noise top down, lighter weight(the whole point of the car), way better visibility, cheaper , faster to put up or down, you can operate top at any speed . Advantage to hard top : quieter top up, more secure against break in. , Slightly more head room in a hard top. That's it. Soft top wins easily ! Looks are opinion. I like the classic roadster look of a soft top. But I do like the look of the hard top also.
@@DavidBournePhotoandVideo yep nothing against the hard top. I just see a purer , more connected to environment , more sensory input, more traditional experience in a soft top. But the hard top has that hot rod look going for it.
Agree with all except the head room. Soft top had more head room than RF. I'm 185 cm (6') I tryed both and finally bought an ST for that reason (and the others)
Secure against break in is a BIG advantage, particularly if you live in a city like Seattle where a soft top will get slashed open by some homeless drug addict if left out on the street overnight. Even having it parked on the street or parking lot for a few hours during the day is a risk.
For me it's a no-brainer. A sports car has a fabric top -- not a roof -- that is employed by hand when it rains. The canvas top's simplicity and lightness are consistent with the best aspects of a sports car attributes: simple, lightweight, nimble, efficient, economical. The RF is inefficient -- only 2 dB quieter than the fabric top when up, and notorious for wind buffeting when the targa top is open at 70 mph or above. So it has no functional value -- it is a styling gimmick, heavy and encumbered by electric motors. And it adds THOUSANDS to the car's price. Which is fine for the 40% of Miata buyers who also want automatic transmissions, lane departure warnings, pastel paint jobs, and self-activating windshield wipers. The fashionista market was never anticipated by Mazda but they happily cater to it. For the hard-core sports car motorheads who buy MX-5s because of their uncompromising engagement between the driver and the road, the RF is a joke whose victims don't even know the punchline.
Enjoyed the heck out of this comparison of two great versions of this car. My choice is the RF for 365 day/year driving. From sunny California to Sunny Australia, wishing you the very best.
I went into the dealership back in January (just to see if I could fit in the cars) fully intent on getting an RF. Once I saw them both in person however, I much preferred the looks of the soft top. I think it's that plastic piece on the buttress of the RF, which I thought was glass until I saw it, that just really looks cheap to me, and now I can't unsee it! Ended up ordering a soft top which I just picked up about a week ago.
Yeah it is just a piece of black plastic, which unfortunately can scratch up easily. Congratulations on the new car! Hope you're loving every minute in it. Thanks for watching.
Your comments about "plastic" I find amusing considering the entire front and back 'bumpers" are formed "plastic". Gee, the Japanese have gotten pretty good with working with that "plastic" 😉
Hi Again David Great video! Great cinematography, great sound, great editing, ( the cut away shots were on point) great colorization. Great script writing, that is great knowledge of the product (Miata, both RF and drop top). You were never at a loss for words. Good humor, the coin toss, lol I couldn't have asked for a better video. Honestly, hope you are doing well during these rugged times. All the best Shaun of NYC
I always wanted an MX5 coupe so the RF was the closest I was going to get. I’m just not a convertible guy. I hardly ever drop my RF’s roof and the car handles better with the roof in place (far less scuttle shake) so even Sunday morning backroads are done top in place. I would have preferred a proper coupe because it could have been packaged better, but it looks like one.
If it isn't raining or snowing, my top is down. And with it down you get a wind wing. And if you get the gts package, you won't have the Shaking. at least, I don't even at 135 mph.
I have 2004 Mazdaspeed MX-5 that has been my daily driver since 2006--I believe this is the SE in Australia. I would get the RF without a second's hesitation for all the reasons you mention.
A few other things that will help you decide: 1. Where you live/climate. If I lived in a sunny/warmer climate, I would probably get the soft top. However I live in Chicago, and even when I drive away from the city just to get into some Indiana/Michigan backroads, it's rare the weather is okay to just open the sunroof on a normal car. All of the cars I have owned with a sunroof maybe get opened 20 times a year if I am lucky. If it's not cold or raining, the sun is baking my head with the sunroof open. 2. Soft top care/car washing. You have to care for and clean your soft top differently than you wash the rest of your car. And you will never be going through any type of automatic (including touchless) carwash with the soft top.
All fair points mate. Our winters are noooooothing like yours so I wouldn't bother mentioning that to you, but our summers to get bloody intense. Thankfully where I am (Sydney) you do get a lot of opportunities to run top down. Thanks for watching mate.
@@DavidBournePhotoandVideo I live in Milwaukee, Chicago's northern and colder neighbor, with a 2019 RF. There are plenty of times to put the top down, even on slightly chillier days, albeit my MX-5 is my daily. The one issue that @ChicagoMike forgot to mention is dealing with snowfall and cleaning/maintaining a soft-top/RF if left outside. It's a double-edged sword between the two: Soft-top is most likely easier to clean snow off of, considering how tight the buttresses on the RF are, but the snow/slush will degrade the soft-top much faster.
ChicagoMike , I'm in Naperville & the soft top is usually down for me. Its my daily driver I keep the windows up & use the wicked fast heater if I need it. Also the washing care ... always in a manual spray booth car wash & use a soft brush (specifically designed for convertibles) with 303 Convertible Cleaner every wash. Soft top looks exactly like the day I bought the car. Best car I've owned ! Through the snow / ice / sleet / heavy rain this car has handled everything thrown at it !
@@briefcomedy8747 awesome! I selected to Club model but without the BBS/Brembo package but I did select the appearance package with all the front, rear and side spoilers with the metallic gray paint. I have a set of Flyin’ Miata 17x9 inch Kogeki rims with Michelin pilot sport AS 4’s ready and waiting once I can get it home from the dealership. Arrival is supposed to be 4/15.
I’ve had both configurations .... 16’ GT/17’ RF and now have 19’ Club Recaro/BBS/Brembo. The only advantages are the RF is slightly quieter at all speeds below 70/80MPH (has lots of wind noise above that) and despite people saying otherwise it does add a small amount of rigidity as there is no cowl shake with top of, with it down (or open) chassis stiffness is the same. The worst part about RF is the wind turbulence with roof open compared to soft top and the fact that the rear section being open gives a total convertible experience that I missed with RF. The fact that I went back to a soft top says it all I guess
Congratulations mate. Whereabouts are you from? Granted our winters are really tame, but I’ve seen people use them in snow which I’m sure is an eye opening experience 😆 thanks for watching.
I own a 2016 MX-5 Soft Top Club with the Brembo / BBS pkg. In the 1st week of March 2017 is when I bought my car. The RF's coming to the local dealership were sold weeks before they even were dropped off from the truck. So I never got to drive one before I bought my car. While I think Mazda engineers did a great job on the RF my preference is the Soft Top. Cheaper to buy & use the money left over on worthy after market parts like a Flying Miata Hush O Matic catback exhaust. Recently added a dash cam too. This car has been my 1st Miata / my 1st convertible. I live in the US by 4 season Chicago Illinois. Recently put on a coating of the 303 Fabric Guard to waterproof the top like every end of summer. This is my daily driver & when the cold weather hits the winter tires go on. Have to say even in winter the top goes down on my car & its probably open 35 % of the time in winter. A great car to have in any weather because of that 50 / 50 weight balance front to back , side to side. The added visibility with the top down is great but I always keep the windows up with the top down. At 125 pounds lighter than the RF its also faster off the line.
That's awesome mate, and kudos to you for getting top down I a Chicago winter! You're made of tough stuff! I love the brembo / bbs package too and really hate that it wasn't a normal option here in Australia. We only saw it appear on a limited edition of the RF and the 30 Year Anniversary Edition. Thanks for watching mate.
Bought an RF on 2019. Stunning looks, all year round drive and packed with high tech goodies. Both models are brilliant drives but Rf gives more style and sophistication.
David, this review is excellent! It is the first review that I have been compelled to comment. I live in the northeastern part of USA and am thinking of buying a 2022 RF model. You solidified my selection, if I go through with purchase. Thank you.
If you are going to daily drive it, then the RF makes the most sense because you will be driving it in rain and with the roof up, parking on streets in cities, and is quieter for daily life. If it is a weekend toy just to take out on sunny days, get the ST. Full disclosure, I own an RF that I daily drive through New Hampshire winters and the top is closed for several months straight each year.
I bought a '19 Club soft top last year. When I was test driving both I did notice the sound difference, but the wind noise doesn't bother me in the soft top. While I do like the RF's lines, I much prefer the soft top. Less weight, easy to throw down and put up, and it was less expensive. Plus the RF has blindspots that don't go away with the roof down, which I didn't like. The Miata is one of the only convertibles that was designed to be a soft top convertible from the start. I think the soft top looks better overall, even though I know most people think the RF does.
Can completely understand where you're coming from. Congratulations on the new MX-5! The club spec you guys get is bloody awesome too. Really wish we had that on offer here. Had I had the chance of a club in soft top, or the RF non club, for the same money it would have been a much, much harder decision for me. Thanks for watching mate.
I have an NC with the power retractable hard top - best of both worlds as it's a full hardtop when up and a full convertible when down. Surprisingly the roof on the NC is faster to retract and go back up than it is on the latest cars. Would love a drive in a ND though, it looks like a great car.
That is interesting that the NC's roof moves faster than the RF's. The ND is an awesome machine, no doubt about that, then again so is the NC haha, there's just no getting it wrong :D Thanks for watching mate.
Late to the party here, but I just bought a 2021 RF in Deep Crystal Blue. My father has the ST in the Snowflake White Pearl. I find the RF to be quite a bit more attractive to be honest, and the only thing I prefer about Dad's is the visibility.
Congrats on the new car mate. Sounds like you and your dad are men of good taste 😎 definitely agree the visibility is better in the ST, no argument there. Thanks for watching 👍
I own an ND soft top, and previously Had an NC for six years. The first thing I noticed with the ND was the quite noticeable increase in noise over the previous model. This may be due to a number of things including a different engine and tyre noise. The NC was fitted with Dunlop Blu-Response tyres whilst the ND has the stock tyres that come with the car from new. I had the Dunlops fitted to the earlier car after doing much research as tyre noise was an important consideration when making my choice. Thank you for your thoughtful presentation. As long as any of us are satisfied with our choice why should we give a stuff what others think. I've had clearly envious men confront me with "what do you want with that thing at your age!" (I'm in my seventies.) And I am often questioned if the roof leaks. I've never known it to although living in the north of Scotland where there is no shortage of rain, it is a valid one.
Thanks for watching mate. Glad you've had a great experience with your NC. The ND did go under a lot of weight saving measures which could account for some of the increased NVH over the NC too.
Your right on Harry. Those S001 Bridgestone's that came on my 2016 Club soft top were noisy. Now I have Michelin Super Sport summer performance which made a big difference in noise / smoothness. No roof leaks either in my car. Careful to not park under any trees though. 1 drain cleaning so far in 3.6 years.
I bought a 2019 RF manual last year and I'm so glad I did. And I don't care what the soft top crowd thinks. I expected you to comment on the security aspect of the RF compared to the soft top. I also thought you might have commented in the increase in power of the current model vs your 3 year old model. Great video - I enjoyed it.
Peter J. Uren cheers mate. Did forget about the security aspect. In regards to the power difference, I have previously made a video comparing a 2019 RF to my year model. If you have a few spare minutes, have a scroll through my videos to find it. Appreciate you watching and commenting 👍
I recently learnt that when developing the ND, RF, (or maybe the ND2, RF) Mazda installed sound deadening material in the two metal roof panels, the transmission tunnel and both rear wheel arches. Just thought I'd throw it out there to help someones' decision.
Just bought a manual RF in Ceramic Pearl. I like the looks of the RF whether the roof is open or closed; to me it looks like a Lotus Elise. But the soft top looks great too. I have bursitis in my left shoulder, so I had concerns that trying to operate that heavy soft top with my left arm would just aggravate it (I'm in Oz too, so RHD). Very happy with my RF, only done 15000kms so it's basically like a new car. And that manual shift is one of the best I've ever experienced
I'm with you Dave! The MX_5 is a gorgeous car, except when the soft top is up...just like all other convertibles! I Want a car that looks good 100% of the time and I have yet to see a convertible soft-top that gives me that!
I agree with you 100% on that. Even the likes of Porsche haven't been able to do it. Though I will say the red soft top, on machine grey is as close as it gets for me.
the MX5 is a classic convertible in the MG tradition: the chassis was designed with the convertible top in mind, and it looks pretty much perfect to me; in contrast, say, to a car designed as a coupe that also offers a convertible version (i.e. almost any car other that an MX5, an MG, or classic alfa spider, etc.) the hard top was clearly added to the MX5 as an afterthought, and although it remains a very well-done afterthought, it nevertheless shows.
@@donkeyshot8472 I can agree with that. I'm glad Mazda realised it was a smart move to make one with a hard top, but I'm also glad they didn't completely balls it up either, which would have been easily done. Thanks for watching.
Yep - another RF fan here. TBH, if the RF hadn't come out, I probably would have bought an 86 or BRZ. The style is what caught me, and I havn't changed my mid. I had driven various ST versions of the MX5 previously, but the RF does it for me. I agree with you on the wind noise, I rarely have mine down, but I've found I prefer to have the "wind blocker" out regardless - seems to be less disturbed air flow. The extra 50 kg or so for the better security, style, and quietness of the RF makes it a no-brainer in my opinion. PLUS - nearly every back to back comparo will tell you the RF does have a "Tauter" , more rigid , feel to the handling. I have no problem personally with the alleged Blind Spots .. that's why we have 3 mirrors, and Blind Spot Monitoring !! In fact, the only drawback I've found to the RF roof, is when taking pics, you need to have the windows down if the top is down - otherwise it looks a little odd to me. :).. Good review, I look forward to seeing more. Cheers.
John Spick cheers mate! I always crack it when I see a RF or ST with roof down, windows up. (Unless when it’s cold and you’re on the highway) drives me nuts! Everything should be down!
Excellent points, @johnspick6682! I felt the same when test driving the RF. I did feel RF a little tighter while doing the turns but I think I was a little hesitant when test driving the RF. I almost took all the freedom during the turns while test driving the SF. So, I am sure if it was my driving or it is really tauter.
Love your reviews David 👍 we did own both the ND soft top and the RF. Sadly due to a change in my work ... I had to sell my soft top in December last year after 4 and half years. The great news is that the RF is still in our garage so my MX5 fix for me is still being filled. I agree with the roof up and nice and clean the RF is gorgeous. The lines and the attention to detail in styling still amazes and impress me after more than 3 years of ownership. On a sunny day and nice and clean the RF gets plenty of looks and we still get asked about the car. Having said that ..... I remove my T-shirt by lifting from the front... I love the soft top. Can’t wait to have the finances back in order to be able to own a soft top ND once again ❤️❤️
The ND2, or 2019 onwards 2L motors have that same rev happy feeling the 1.5's do, in my opinion. The extra revs which now means you have the same 7,500rpm as the 1.5L available to you does make it that bit more fun. Thanks for watching.
Great review. I own a fairly new ND soft-top. I think you may have forgotten to mention the cost difference between the soft-top and the RF. So you're not comparing apples with apples. It's quite a few thousand dollars plus some extra weight, so it's not just 'which do you prefer?'. Two different price points. I drive with the roof off all year round, as long it's dry the roof is off. If you're less of a committed convertible driver, then the RF maybe a good option, if you see 'roof-off' as an occasional treat. I drove both models before buying, and I did find the the soft-top to be quieter and less turbulent with the roof off than the RF. You can speak to your passenger with the roof off even at highway speeds without raising your voice, The RF was a lot 'blowier' inside the cabin. I think those buttresses seem to catch quite a bit of wind even at lower speeds. Both seemed quite similar with the roof on. Ultimately it might boil down to budget, do you want to spend the extra $$ on the RF, or it might be that you prefer the look of one over the other, but I have zero regrets having bought the soft-top. I''s what the MX-5/Miata is all about.
Great honest objective comparison👍👍 I enjoyed this! 16 Club owner here. And you touched on it, if it’s a hobby car, maybe the vert. Personally have driven my vert 13.5 hrs NP. Cancelled midway hotel reservations, felt great, unfatigued. So, a Daily maybe the RF? Hobby the soft top. Autocross and I do, softop. Boils down to...Miata is always the answer👍👍👍👍
You have under estimated the soft top. Caveat is taking care of it by regular cleaning plus a yearly fabric guard treatment. If your willing to put the extra effort in the soft top is the way to go ! Daily driver in 4 season Northern Illinois.
I have always wanted a Miata. Love the idea of a small British-like roadster. Loved the MG’s as a kid but they are too old now. However, I also like BMW’s and I was talked into buying a Z4M roadster. It’s an amazing car but needs maintenance. You also have to break some speed limits to really have fun with the Z4M. The soft top also presents some problems as the car only looks good with the top down and that gives me about 3-4 months a year to enjoy it here in Michigan. So enter the RF. It’s the best of both worlds. Open when you want but a coupe when it’s too cold. It’s also fun without breaking speed limits. I still have the Z4M but will likely sell this spring and shed a tear.
I’ve had a 2.0 RF for the last three years but swapped for 1.5 soft top last month. Both are great cars but the small engined convertible captures the spirit of the Lotus Elan perfectly and that’s the essence of the MX5 I think?
I think that’s a fair point. I also think that’s half the reason people love the ND2, as the 2.0L now has the same rev range of the 1.5 . Both are so much fun to rev out to redline, and the soft top is definitely more closely aligned with the original MX5, no doubt there. Thanks for watching mate 👍
Driven both quite a bit. I prefer the RF with the top up, and the soft top with the top down. The RF is more refined and quiet and looks better w/ its top up, the soft top gives you a better view, more open feel, buffets less, and looks better w/ the top down. Considering it's a Miata which is largely defined by being a convertible, I favor the soft top.
I have a 2016 Club. Soft top by far! I’m all about ease of use. And for quick trips, I can MUCH more easily enjoy the convertible when it only takes literally 2 seconds to put down. Versus having to wait 13 seconds. I know it doesn’t sound like much, but it’s a huge impact to whether you drive around more with the top down or up. If it’s a pain, you’ll be leaving it up. So, then, what’s the point of a MX-5 really?
I get what you mean about it being quicker, but I let my car idle for a little bit before taking off anyway, so for me it's all part of the start up ritual. I don't even notice it taking much time at all. Thanks for watching mate!
Just got an RF which I love, but I figured I'd add an extra 2 cents... While I love the convertible hard-top, for me it was a choice between a power top and a manual top. I prefer power tops for 2 reasons. 1. I have a separated shoulder which makes it tricky/a little painful for me to reach around. 2. Power tops are more predictable. The first one, of course, is a deal breaker. But I bring up the second one for when it's coming down rain. When those big drops start to fall, I want to press the button and know the top will come up. Fine, it takes 13 seconds to do it's dance. But when I press the button, I know that in less than 13 seconds, I'll be dry. I can't speak for the MX-5, but I've known some soft tops that are very easy to put up when you grab them in the center and pull them with an even force. But they're also known to jam if you grab them to the left or right of center or if you pull too fast--things you might do when the rain is coming down hard. And now you're out of the car and trying to unjam it while the rain is pouring down. Yup. Seen that (on a Z-3--I was the guy with the power top behind him). Which is why I prefer a power top. But if Mazda made an MX-5 with a power soft top, I'd probably get that over the RF. In regard to looks, it's a tricky call. In my opinion, here's the ordering: 1. RF/Top Up -- As someone below said, the lines on the RF are just stunning. 2. Soft Top/Top Down -- A great looking sporty convertible. 3. RF/Top Down -- The lines are stunning, but one of the lines is missing and that just makes it look a little funny. 3. Soft Top/Top Up -- Frankly, there are very few soft top convertibles that look good with the top up and the MX-5 isn't any worse than any of the other ones. The blind spot is definitely a problem, especially when backing out. I'm glad that they provided the radar system because I'd probably end up pulling out in front of somebody.
I live in a 4 seasons country (Canada), snowy winter included. Would you recommend an RF as an all year around car? Thanx for your videos, mate, always interesting, and elegant I might say. Not loud as your Americans colleagues, always stuck in a sales pitch mode.
Thanks for the kind words mate. Keeping in mind our winters (Sydney Australia) are NOTHING compared to what you cop, I don't see why it wouldn't be able to handle winter time, so long as you have the proper tyres on it. I would assume how much snow / salt you have to endure would also play a major factor as to whether you'd want to subject the RF to it. Thanks for watching!
Four season mine in New Hampshire, which touches Canada. Definitely the RF since you won't be lowering the roof for months at a time. I only have on all season tires and do avoid real snow, but I have hit light snow and it was fine. With a 50/50 weight distribution and the limited slip diff, it should handle snow just fine with snow tires. Of course if the snow gets deeper than 5 inches, it will become a snow plow.
I love the look of the RF. I’ve heard plenty of comparisons of it to the styling of other cars I don’t think it looks anything at all like. It personally reminds me of my father’s ‘74 Corvette Stingray with the front wheel arches and rear buttresses. Having said that I have the soft top, love it and wouldn’t trade it for an RF. For me the real draw is opening the roof fully and driving out in the open air. I love being able to look around and see nothing but open sky. But I can see the appeal of the RF.
I've owned both. Soft top in the past, RF now. Both are great. No regrets either way. Shouldn't be a deciding factor, but, I received compliments in both, many more with the RF, though.
Really tough choice here. Like you said the RF looks nicer to me when the top is up. However, I am concerned about wind buffeting in the RF at high speeds. Road noise due to traffic does not bother me as much as wind buffeting in my ears. Then there's the mechanical aspect to consider. Any power top will eventually fail, either the motor gives out or other electrical problem. The rag top, is manual so no problem there. Then I have to consider the RF may start leaking at the seals where the separated top pieces come together, kinda like a targa or T-top. Only time will tell, the RF hasn't been out long enough to know how well it will hold up. On the other hand, rag tops will eventually wear out and need replacing as well. Tough choice indeed.
I've never noticed the buffeting that some seem to complain of. Though if I'm driving on a highway, I normally wear earphones anyway so I can still listen to music / phone calls, without blasting it out to the world. You're right though that you can make arguments for either. Which is why there's no wrong choice :) Thanks for watching mate.
I think the RF not only looks better but also is more practical. If you don’t have a garage to keep your car in and especially if it’s your daily, that wind noise is gonna get to you.
Just picked up my soft top MX5 last week ! To me when I imagine a convertible it means a soft top with total open access . With that said the RF looks killer also but the Miata is best suited as true soft top convertible.
Love this car, both the RF and soft top, here's my beef, no luggage room for more than a weekend or an over nighter somewhere. Wind noise, I can live that, after riding a motorcycle for 50 years, wind noise not a problem, use ear buds.
I agree about the wind noise. I’ve got earphones in anyway so it’s a non issue for me personally. I do also agree about luggage. I get it’s a tiny car and most of the time it’s fine, but you’re right it would be nice to have a bit more space. Especially cos I take up most of it with camera gear 😆. Thanks for watching!
I can't do soft tops. They don't look right to me up against the rest of the car's body. Plus, I'm assuming the weather can cause escalated wear and tear.
Great video and the most comprehensive comparison between RF and ST I could find! I think a big part of this decision process is the colour combination. I was very set on buying RF 100th anniversary edition until I saw it side by side with the soft top in person. The red top on the pearl white is so beautiful! Also, something about the proportion of the RF in white colour just doesn't look right to me. Either way, it's a beautiful car and can't wait to take deliver of it!
Thanks very much, Kevin! Glad you enjoyed the video. The 100AE is a special combo in soft top form for sure! I actually did a quick video on both the soft top and RF versions of it, if you're interested. Congratulations on the new car and thanks for watching :)
I'm all about the look then fun second to combine, so RF for me, the fact of RF is a choice here brings me tons more fun. If Mustang ever has RF version to choose, that might be the deal-breaker for me to choose it over Miata as its competiter
Test drove a 2017 RF today with Bilstein, BBS, and Brembos. It was a visceral experience. I wanted to love it but found it a bit unrefined. Exhaust sounds good but engine noise is loud and sounds tinny rather than throaty. Wind noise is high with the roof up. Felt like a window was open. The ND1 clutch bites immediately and pedal travel is very short. Great car for a sporting. For a daily commute, it’s a bit rough around the edges. Love how the backend kicks around on corners. Maybe a GT soft top is more suited for me.
I find it extremely easy to use as a daily, but you're right it isn't a quiet and refined experience. Though you'll find all MX-5's feel that way. That's the trade off with trying to keep them as light as possible. Thanks for watching!
David Bourne Thanks for the response. It is a fun car for sure. Does the dual-mass flywheel in the ND2 feel different? The dual-mass flywheel in my Mk 7 GTI is extremely smooth and never shudders like my EG Civic did. Great videos. Keep it up.
@@desmondliao When I drove an ND2 it did seem to shift a bit smoother. Now that could have been because it only had 600km on it at the time, so wasn't fully loosened up yet. I do agree that the MX-5 is a harder car to shift smoothly than most, especially moving away in 1st and the 1st to 2nd change (more so if you have the air con on). My missus has a MK6 Golf (base model) and I notice that if I drive hers for any length of time, I have to really adjust my clutch / gas footwork to get it back in time with the MX-5, whereas on the golf I can be lazy as and it still shifts smoothly.
To anyone considering an RF but is worrying about visibility issues, my advice would be....before you buy one, hire a van for a week. A van is one big blind spot and driving one means that you have to be "on your mirrors" all the time. I have been driving vans daily in the UK for more than 30 years and so visibility in the RF is never a problem for me. The RF is also a better option from a security point of view. I have a 2021 GT, it's brilliant and looks stunning!
I wish the RF was a manual targa. all they had to do was fix the buttresses in place (actually a part of the chassis) which would eliminate completely the chance of notion of water leaking. Just redesign the boot lid so that when opened, you can "slot" the targa roof in there on some special rack system and slide it in like a CD or something where it will stay in the location the RF already has it (minus all the mechanical bits) until you want to use it again. that would have been better and the overal longevity of the car would be more timeless/usable into the distant future. with the roof being gimmicky like it is now, it kind of sets the car up as being sort of throwaway like a Mercedes or BMW after it ages.
@@DavidBournePhotoandVideo thanks for making it. I just want the car to last as long as possible. I reckon 2 decades from now the RF being stuck open with rain coats taped over them or in permanent hardtop mode will make for innovation where someone will invent a conversion kit of some sort in the aftermarket to turn our roof into a manual one. hopefully anyway. lol if drivings even legal then XD
i bought an RF two years ago. i sweat and sunburn more easily than most, so i'm usually top up. plus, i don't like the idea of someone being able to slice my top open with a steak knife. but i've driven a soft top, and it really is nice top down, when it's cool, or at night. i wish i could have one of each, but i made the right choice for me.
You cannot install an SCC approved roll hoop (such as the blackbird) to significantly increase roll over protection and chassis rigidity in an RF. Only in a soft top. Plus the added cost and weight gain in having the hoop is fractional or insignificant compared to the cost and weight disadvantage of the RF vs. soft top. Visually only in certain angles does the RF look better or designed with the rest of the body. That hard top looks good at a single glance. Look at it longer and that disproportionately large green house looks like an exaggerated vertical Dr. Seuss shack on on what is other wise a low slung body, especially with those thin little wheels. It has been proven time and time again that the original design of a car (in this case, soft top MX5) is the best aesthetic design. Note how the fast back of the rear part of the soft top (in place) merges with and enhances the hip line like art work!. The vertical hard top at the hip location destroys the hip line. The two rearward sloping ridges on either side on the RF, in attempt to diminish the 'box on curves look' further destroys it (hip line). The RF? A pizzazz creature comfort feature which is overly complex and heavy (totally contrary to the meticulously engineered-in 'lighter is better' philosophy) with aesthetic and other compromises. The Porsche 911 targa also has a similar pizzaz feature. But that vehicle has a much better power to weight ratio and that feature is more aesthetically thought out to where it adds more visual drama without compromising proportions. Driving focus sometimes is not at its best, no matter who the driver is. Nothing beats the 180 degree plus visibility of a retracted soft top. I feel much more secure rolling down the road with my soft top down and my roll over hoop ( which actually improves rear visibility even with the top up as those stock flimsely welded thin individual hoops partially obstruct the rear view). Double dose of safety occurs with better visibility and the elements (noise and wind) snapping me out of my drowsiness. Finally, I don't care how much an engineering feat the retractable RF roof is, I would be less encouraged to operate it for fear of wearing it out even if it won't wear out, but it will.
Hey mate, thanks for watching and for the detailed reply! I believe there is a company in the US who have been able to make a roll over bar for the RF, however it renders the roof inoperable, so whilst it has been done, not sure how practical it is. Going to have to disagree about the looks, but hey that's all good!
@@DavidBournePhotoandVideo Thanks for your quick response. Wow! That rollover bar would be great for those who would like a coupe and secure roll over protection. I wonder if the motors, gears and attachments can be removed once the roof is fixed and, if so, how much weight that would save. Let me know if you search has gone that far. The rag top is still raggedy, I know; and that consideration alone would make the RF more aesthetically appealing. Yet I feel that the rag top looks like it wants to disappear to show off off the the tarmac to the waistline sumptuous lines. In 2016, I bought an ND1. And soon traded it on a no mark-up deal on a Mustang GT350. Otherwise, I would have not traded it. Then in 2019, missing the MX5, I bought the ND2. Just could not justify the expense of the RF that I had problems (already mentioned ) accepting. So with the money savings, I installed a roll hoop, headers and straight piped the exhaust all the way to the tips (saving about 35 pounds), and added water methanol injection (added less than 10 pounds). Got 17 inch wider and lighter wheels with summer performance tires (reducing total wheel and tire weight by 8 pounds on each corner). No tune. I'm in the upper 5's 0-60. Alone, my fast driving does not want for anything. But with a passenger, I still could get performance not without strain and tension, however, which makes it less fun.
@@maseratiupgrades4363 I haven't heard if they've removed the guts of the roof, I imagine that would create its own issues. Your ND2 sounds awesome!!! Would love to have that sort of set up. Also a testament to the MX-5 that you had a GT350 yet still wanted to get back in an MX-5.
@@DavidBournePhotoandVideo The GT , as much as it is a handler a Mustang can ever be, in the end, it is still a show boater that is capable when pushed. The MX-5 is the spitfire that that I go to war with full out. Now (ND2) with the dual mass fly wheel , I can take to redline or near redline and quickly dump into the next higher gear without ever feeling I can grind those teeth away.
Maserati Upgrades it has been “proven.” Oh shut it. The soft top version looks cheap and ugly with the roof up: it has absolutely no aesthetic flow. Perhaps it is your taste which requires upgrading.
Going for an Mx5 in 21-22 and for me there's two main components: Price and function. There's is a noticeable price increase for the RF where I live. That electric roof is going to fail, sooner or later. Perhaps sooner in cold climates? That manual soft roof will outlast most of its owners, haha. If one's worried about wind-noise, perhaps a convertible isn't for you? 😉 RF looks great though and I haven't ruled it out.
Haven’t heard of any failures so far, but I get what you’re saying. I’ve heard of some issues of the soft top wearing out, but also the numbers of that happening are extremely low, especially considering the amount sold. I agree that wind noise needs to be accepted in a convertible, because it’s the nature of the beast. But I strongly urge you to compare a ST and RF roof up on the highway if you’re using it as a daily. If the ST noise levels are no issue for you then happy days! Thanks for watching mate.
However you gotta factor in one thing, which you may not be aware of if you've never owned a convertible; soft top care and wear. Cleaning the top is more than soap and water. Its special cleaners, conditioners, sealants. Certain ones only worth for cloth tops and others only for vinyl. Then of course most tops left out in the weather last only 5 years and need replacement. The electric top may lose a gear or motor in 10 years or so, if it anything like the Boxster was.
@@EjinRenos - Very true. I've owned an S2000 (which I never should have sold😢) I won't leave my car out in the rain and snow (Sweden) though. I'm a pretty pedantic owner and I form deep emotional ties to my cars, haha. I know I can maintain a soft-top, the RF-roof is unexplored country for me personally. Looks great though.
My next car will be an MX-5. I would like to know if the Mazda dealers have any statistics about the number of soft-tops that require repair from vandalism with cutter blades. My car is parked on the street at night in a busy area. Really I prefer the RF, but there is quite a big price difference, and for me that's important! Thanks for the video.
I feel like it is one of those internet stories that everyone knows a friend of a friend that it happened to, yet the actual number of cases would be quite low. Then again, you'd hate to go a soft top and then spend your entire ownership being paranoid about it. Tough call. Thanks for watching!
The RF looks nicer, but the whole point of the MX5 is to have the full opened top, wind in your hair, buffeted from all sides experience. If its cold, just put on warmer clothing, it just has to be the full roof down experience for me. The RF, also adds unnecessary weight, and even though Mazdas are incredibly reliable, fixing an RF roof, that has developed a fault, will be expensive. You simply don't get the full in your face weather experience, with the RF, and even though its the more attractive MX5, i went for the soft top, as its the true convertible sports car.
Yeah I get what you mean. For me the added weight is offset by the looks and comfort over the ST. My RF would also be technically the heaviest MX-5 available as it is the GT spec, so has the heated seats, Bose stereo etc.
Gotta go with the soft top, it’s surprising that Mazda couldn’t make a retractable hardtop that looks like the soft top and went with the RF design instead
I can only imagine it has to be a cost thing. I always wonder the same with high end convertibles, like BMW etc, that don't have a retractable hardtop, rather than a rag top. Thanks for watching :)
I had a new 2003 Mazdaspeed MX5, traded it in 2014. Had nearly 200k on it, the original clutch and brakes. It had no squeaks or rattles and looked showroom new. Only normal maintenance was done. Great mileage and lower insurance costs. The drawback? It is perceived as a "girls car". The dealership even asked who I was buying it for. With the loaded model today, it's squarely in the same price range as a Mustang GT, 370Z , Camaro and Challenger. Around here, the Miata is a very popular car and from what I see daily, the drivers break down into two groups youngish girls and retired guys.
Anyone that throws the girls car label at it isn't worth listening to, IMO. Unfortunately here in Aus Mustang's and 370z's are around $20K more than an MX-5. Camaro (if it ever gets here) will be stuuuuuupidly expensive, so that leaves the MX-5 to sit with the 86/BRZ twins and not much else. Thanks for watching mate!
I guess it depends on the reviewer on the loudness of the wind noise with the tops down. Some say the RF is horrible. Looks like I will have to drive both of them myself to compare. I am 6' tall. I will also have to test out the different seat options to see which one I fit into the best. I have sat in the normal seats. But, never have sat in the Recaro seats. The normal seats are pushing it pretty tight as far as leg room goes.
The recaro’s won’t rob you of any legroom but they are definitely more snug. You’re definitely right about the level of wind noise. If you’re expecting it to be a plush quiet ride then you’ll be disappointed. If you know what you’re getting in to, no problem at all. Thanks for watching!
Soft top Is better I love them both 240z This is way better looking The bottom line us you can’t put a roll cage in the RF , soft top Is the choice for the more serious driver RF is made for women
@@DavidBournePhotoandVideo actually haven't rev'd that high just yet, car only has about 400 miles on it and don't feel really comfortable going that high. But I like the bilstein shocks that comes standard on the GT now.
DukeGaGa thats a fair call. Once you do get the chance to rev it out, I’m sure you’ll love it. On paper it’s such a small point of difference, but I think it does make a noticeable change to the driving experience.
@@DavidBournePhotoandVideo I'm sure I will. I'm slowly but gradually adding all kinds of mods to the car, by the time the build is all finished, I'll set it loose and enjoy the top down fun.
Soft top all day long...plus it has a little more headroom for us tall people when roof is up vs. RF. It is also lighter and quicker and more true in spirit to the original Lotus Elan's and MGs it is inspired by. Good to have options tho. If I were rich I may have one of each!
To me The Rf looks alot like a small corvette. and i love this car.
That's the same look I get from it. Old stingray fastback.
Yea, like a mini Vette or Porches. Fastback have always looked better than Covertibles too me.
For me it harks back to the early, 1960's Japanese sports cars such as Toyota Sports 800, Honda S600 etc. To me, the ND RF is the most beautiful, affordable car on the road today.
I agree. The looks with the top up is stunning. I have been tossing the two and since it’s going to be my daily car the security and cabin noise might win out. I also live in Florida and rarely see people with tops down due to the heat.
I would go for the RF .Beautiful car . Reminds me of the 60s Corvette Stingray coupé.
Richard Shiggins I would go for the RF because of where I live lots of rain and snow, it would destroy the soft top.
Yea. I absolutely just prefer the Fastback Coupe look over a Roadster.
I’ve owned a few convertibles over the years and also ride a motorbike, so I suppose I’m a lot less sensitive to wind noise and buffeting. I think it depends on your driving prefs. If you, like me will want to spend most of the time with the roof off, rain, hail or shine then get the convertible. My rule is that if it’s not raining the roof is off. The only exception might be a really hot summer day. So, if you’re likely to be an occasional open top driver then maybe the RF is more your style.
Perfectly said mate! Agree with you 100%. Thanks for watching 😊
HMMmmm well about tht.
I daily drive an NC PHT, and my top is up and down several times a day.
Dropped for the ride to work, parked top up to prevent bird feces, back down again for the drive to lunch.
Back up during lunch to prevent bird feces, back down for the drive back to work.
End of the day, down for the ride home, and back up again (You guessed it, to prevent bird feces....)
I actually am able to drop the top when the temp is as low at 15f (try that with a soft top)
You’re doing it right! Thanks for watching 😊
Absolutely.
Soft top for me. I'm surprised it never gets mentioned, but the 50kg extra weight of the RF can be noticeable. I have a soft top and the car characteristics definitely change with a passenger circa 50kg.
Pau I was going to talk about it, however the soft top I had was the 1.5L motor. Which is noticeably down on power compared to the 2L. Would be interested to drive a 2L soft top back to back with my RF to see if I notice the difference. Cheers for watching and commenting!
I test drove the both soft top and RF 2.0, I felt like it is two different car on RF when the top is down. Maybe that extra weight in the back very noticeable. Most of my commute is highway, so definitely RF. I can't stand the road noise.
We drove the RF as a test and bought the soft top.
We found the RF too noisy. The extra weight was also an issue.
@@KoldingDenmark Let’s not forget the RF does not come with the lighter 16 inch wheels.
@@TheChenny73 If you're talking the bbs rims, it does. That's like saying the 30thAE wouldn't come with the Ray's. The package is what matters.
This is the only video that gave me a lot realization about getting the soft top. This is real life review!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.
More advantages to a soft top. By your own examples.
Soft top advantages: less Noise top down, lighter weight(the whole point of the car), way better visibility, cheaper , faster to put up or down, you can operate top at any speed .
Advantage to hard top : quieter top up, more secure against break in. , Slightly more head room in a hard top.
That's it.
Soft top wins easily !
Looks are opinion. I like the classic roadster look of a soft top. But I do like the look of the hard top also.
Agree with all your points. I'm just grateful that Mazda offers both products! Thanks for watching and commenting :)
@@DavidBournePhotoandVideo yep nothing against the hard top. I just see a purer , more connected to environment , more sensory input, more traditional experience in a soft top.
But the hard top has that hot rod look going for it.
depend what you buy your car for....
Agree with all except the head room. Soft top had more head room than RF. I'm 185 cm (6') I tryed both and finally bought an ST for that reason (and the others)
Secure against break in is a BIG advantage, particularly if you live in a city like Seattle where a soft top will get slashed open by some homeless drug addict if left out on the street overnight. Even having it parked on the street or parking lot for a few hours during the day is a risk.
Can't go wrong either way, I just bought the RF.
Exactly! Congrats on your RF mate! Thanks for watching :)
Same here!
For me it's a no-brainer. A sports car has a fabric top -- not a roof -- that is employed by hand when it rains. The canvas top's simplicity and lightness are consistent with the best aspects of a sports car attributes: simple, lightweight, nimble, efficient, economical.
The RF is inefficient -- only 2 dB quieter than the fabric top when up, and notorious for wind buffeting when the targa top is open at 70 mph or above. So it has no functional value -- it is a styling gimmick, heavy and encumbered by electric motors. And it adds THOUSANDS to the car's price.
Which is fine for the 40% of Miata buyers who also want automatic transmissions, lane departure warnings, pastel paint jobs, and self-activating windshield wipers. The fashionista market was never anticipated by Mazda but they happily cater to it.
For the hard-core sports car motorheads who buy MX-5s because of their uncompromising engagement between the driver and the road, the RF is a joke whose victims don't even know the punchline.
John Richards you’re the joke here. I guess you can only afford 1st generation cars and rationalize your poverty this way. Pathetic.
Just got my 2021 RF Grand Touring....Couldn’t be happier! Thanks for a great vid!
Congrats mate! Thanks for watching :)
Thanks for hitting the high points for us that are deciding between the soft top and the rf.
No worries at all! Thanks for watching 😊
Enjoyed the heck out of this comparison of two great versions of this car. My choice is the RF for 365 day/year driving. From sunny California to Sunny Australia, wishing you the very best.
Throckmorton thanks very much mate! Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching.
I went into the dealership back in January (just to see if I could fit in the cars) fully intent on getting an RF. Once I saw them both in person however, I much preferred the looks of the soft top. I think it's that plastic piece on the buttress of the RF, which I thought was glass until I saw it, that just really looks cheap to me, and now I can't unsee it! Ended up ordering a soft top which I just picked up about a week ago.
Yeah it is just a piece of black plastic, which unfortunately can scratch up easily. Congratulations on the new car! Hope you're loving every minute in it. Thanks for watching.
I'm sure there's probably after market for it by now.
Some Carbonfiber pieces would look nice.
Your comments about "plastic" I find amusing considering the entire front and back 'bumpers" are formed "plastic". Gee, the Japanese have gotten pretty good with working with that "plastic" 😉
Hi Again David
Great video!
Great cinematography, great sound, great editing, ( the cut away shots were on point) great colorization. Great script writing, that is great knowledge of the product (Miata, both RF and drop top). You were never at a loss for words. Good humor, the coin toss, lol
I couldn't have asked for a better video.
Honestly, hope you are doing well during these rugged times.
All the best Shaun of NYC
Hey Shaun! Thanks very much mate, I really appreciate the kind words. Glad you enjoyed the video. Hope you're staying safe and well too mate.
I always wanted an MX5 coupe so the RF was the closest I was going to get. I’m just not a convertible guy. I hardly ever drop my RF’s roof and the car handles better with the roof in place (far less scuttle shake) so even Sunday morning backroads are done top in place.
I would have preferred a proper coupe because it could have been packaged better, but it looks like one.
If it isn't raining or snowing, my top is down.
And with it down you get a wind wing.
And if you get the gts package, you won't have the Shaking. at least, I don't even at 135 mph.
don't like them...
Exactly.. I would really appreciate if they made a coupe version and increased the trunk to make the car a bit more practical.
Voxator Yeah...it would have been awesome with a lift back.
I sounds like you may like a Subaru BRZ, which is a bit less expensive since it does not have the complicated top.
I have 2004 Mazdaspeed MX-5 that has been my daily driver since 2006--I believe this is the SE in Australia. I would get the RF without a second's hesitation for all the reasons you mention.
You're correct that it is known as an SE. I'd love to take one of those for a spin. Thanks for watching mate :)
How is the weather all year around where you live since this is your daily?
A few other things that will help you decide:
1. Where you live/climate. If I lived in a sunny/warmer climate, I would probably get the soft top. However I live in Chicago, and even when I drive away from the city just to get into some Indiana/Michigan backroads, it's rare the weather is okay to just open the sunroof on a normal car. All of the cars I have owned with a sunroof maybe get opened 20 times a year if I am lucky. If it's not cold or raining, the sun is baking my head with the sunroof open.
2. Soft top care/car washing. You have to care for and clean your soft top differently than you wash the rest of your car. And you will never be going through any type of automatic (including touchless) carwash with the soft top.
All fair points mate. Our winters are noooooothing like yours so I wouldn't bother mentioning that to you, but our summers to get bloody intense. Thankfully where I am (Sydney) you do get a lot of opportunities to run top down. Thanks for watching mate.
@@DavidBournePhotoandVideo I live in Milwaukee, Chicago's northern and colder neighbor, with a 2019 RF. There are plenty of times to put the top down, even on slightly chillier days, albeit my MX-5 is my daily. The one issue that @ChicagoMike forgot to mention is dealing with snowfall and cleaning/maintaining a soft-top/RF if left outside.
It's a double-edged sword between the two: Soft-top is most likely easier to clean snow off of, considering how tight the buttresses on the RF are, but the snow/slush will degrade the soft-top much faster.
ChicagoMike , I'm in Naperville & the soft top is usually down for me. Its my daily driver I keep the windows up & use the wicked fast heater if I need it. Also the washing care ... always in a manual spray booth car wash & use a soft brush (specifically designed for convertibles) with 303 Convertible Cleaner every wash. Soft top looks exactly like the day I bought the car. Best car I've owned ! Through the snow / ice / sleet / heavy rain this car has handled everything thrown at it !
G’day mate! Taking delivery of a 2021 RF Club on April 15th. So the RF is my choice
Congrats! Thanks for watching and hope you love your RF 😎👍
Welcome to the club! Just got my 2021 RF grand touring on 4/1. It’s awesome!
@@briefcomedy8747 awesome! I selected to Club model but without the BBS/Brembo package but I did select the appearance package with all the front, rear and side spoilers with the metallic gray paint. I have a set of Flyin’ Miata 17x9 inch Kogeki rims with Michelin pilot sport AS 4’s ready and waiting once I can get it home from the dealership. Arrival is supposed to be 4/15.
I have to be honest, your comparison was spot on except I went with the convertible. To each their own.
Thanks mate! Happy that Mazda offers both versions hey! Thanks for watching.
I’ve had both configurations .... 16’ GT/17’ RF and now have 19’ Club Recaro/BBS/Brembo. The only advantages are the RF is slightly quieter at all speeds below 70/80MPH (has lots of wind noise above that) and despite people saying otherwise it does add a small amount of rigidity as there is no cowl shake with top of, with it down (or open) chassis stiffness is the same. The worst part about RF is the wind turbulence with roof open compared to soft top and the fact that the rear section being open gives a total convertible experience that I missed with RF. The fact that I went back to a soft top says it all I guess
*EDIT*
Hahahahaha! I commented before watching the video and after watching it I see we pretty much disagree on literally nearly EVERY single thing 🤣😉
jameswillard1 haha. It would be a boring world if we were all the same!! Glad you enjoyed the video 😊👍
One week into owning it, I love my RF. It isn’t my “2nd” car so I’ll be able to use it in winter months.
Congratulations mate. Whereabouts are you from? Granted our winters are really tame, but I’ve seen people use them in snow which I’m sure is an eye opening experience 😆 thanks for watching.
@@DavidBournePhotoandVideo London. My 15/20 min commute is a lot more fun!
I own a 2016 MX-5 Soft Top Club with the Brembo / BBS pkg. In the 1st week of March 2017 is when I bought my car. The RF's coming to the local dealership were sold weeks before they even were dropped off from the truck. So I never got to drive one before I bought my car. While I think Mazda engineers did a great job on the RF my preference is the Soft Top. Cheaper to buy & use the money left over on worthy after market parts like a Flying Miata Hush O Matic catback exhaust. Recently added a dash cam too. This car has been my 1st Miata / my 1st convertible. I live in the US by 4 season Chicago Illinois. Recently put on a coating of the 303 Fabric Guard to waterproof the top like every end of summer. This is my daily driver & when the cold weather hits the winter tires go on. Have to say even in winter the top goes down on my car & its probably open 35 % of the time in winter. A great car to have in any weather because of that 50 / 50 weight balance front to back , side to side. The added visibility with the top down is great but I always keep the windows up with the top down. At 125 pounds lighter than the RF its also faster off the line.
That's awesome mate, and kudos to you for getting top down I a Chicago winter! You're made of tough stuff! I love the brembo / bbs package too and really hate that it wasn't a normal option here in Australia. We only saw it appear on a limited edition of the RF and the 30 Year Anniversary Edition. Thanks for watching mate.
Definitely going to have to side with the RF. Not just for aesthetical reasons but for practicality, comfort and security.
Simeon Trewenack Agree with you about the security aspect too.
Bought an RF on 2019. Stunning looks, all year round drive and packed with high tech goodies. Both models are brilliant drives but Rf gives more style and sophistication.
Congrats on the RF. I agree with you, and glad you're enjoying it. Thanks for watching mate.
David, this review is excellent! It is the first review that I have been compelled to comment. I live in the northeastern part of USA and am thinking of buying a 2022 RF model. You solidified my selection, if I go through with purchase. Thank you.
Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm glad it was useful! Thanks for watching, and thanks for commenting!
Thanks for this video, it answered many questions I had deciding between the two
Jessica Copeland you’re welcome! Thanks for watching! 👍 which one are you thinking of picking up?
David Bourne always wanted the RF but was worried about wind noise with top down. I still have to test drive but we’ll deff be going with the RF 😄
@@HappyHaul Love it! Congrats on the new car :)
I love soft top 🥰
If you are going to daily drive it, then the RF makes the most sense because you will be driving it in rain and with the roof up, parking on streets in cities, and is quieter for daily life. If it is a weekend toy just to take out on sunny days, get the ST. Full disclosure, I own an RF that I daily drive through New Hampshire winters and the top is closed for several months straight each year.
Would be an interesting winter to drive through, guessing you guys would get snow? Thanks for watching mate :)
I bought a '19 Club soft top last year. When I was test driving both I did notice the sound difference, but the wind noise doesn't bother me in the soft top. While I do like the RF's lines, I much prefer the soft top. Less weight, easy to throw down and put up, and it was less expensive. Plus the RF has blindspots that don't go away with the roof down, which I didn't like. The Miata is one of the only convertibles that was designed to be a soft top convertible from the start. I think the soft top looks better overall, even though I know most people think the RF does.
Can completely understand where you're coming from. Congratulations on the new MX-5! The club spec you guys get is bloody awesome too. Really wish we had that on offer here. Had I had the chance of a club in soft top, or the RF non club, for the same money it would have been a much, much harder decision for me. Thanks for watching mate.
I have an NC with the power retractable hard top - best of both worlds as it's a full hardtop when up and a full convertible when down. Surprisingly the roof on the NC is faster to retract and go back up than it is on the latest cars. Would love a drive in a ND though, it looks like a great car.
That is interesting that the NC's roof moves faster than the RF's. The ND is an awesome machine, no doubt about that, then again so is the NC haha, there's just no getting it wrong :D Thanks for watching mate.
Late to the party here, but I just bought a 2021 RF in Deep Crystal Blue. My father has the ST in the Snowflake White Pearl.
I find the RF to be quite a bit more attractive to be honest, and the only thing I prefer about Dad's is the visibility.
Congrats on the new car mate. Sounds like you and your dad are men of good taste 😎 definitely agree the visibility is better in the ST, no argument there. Thanks for watching 👍
I have the soft top, I love it. If it’s not raining, the roof is down. Partly because of the lack of headroom. 😆
Murray Sampson not an abundance of space, that’s for sure! It’s been the only time in life where being short has been an advantage 😆
Hi there can you tell me how tall you are? Do you think I can fit in a miata or I'm forced to go for a BRZ or 86. I'm 1,9 m tall. Thanks
@@VibrioidClover I’m 1.76m tall, but I have a long torso, short legs. At your height I think you may find it a bit tight.
@@murraysampson2501 Sad to hear it, but thanks for responding. Have a nice day sir.
Thanks for the comparison! Very helpful.
Jim W glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching 👍
Love my ND2 RF 2021
Nice one 😎 thanks for watching!
I own an ND soft top, and previously Had an NC for six years. The first thing I noticed with the ND was the quite noticeable increase in noise over the previous model. This may be due to a number of things including a different engine and tyre noise. The NC was fitted with Dunlop Blu-Response tyres whilst the ND has the stock tyres that come with the car from new. I had the Dunlops fitted to the earlier car after doing much research as tyre noise was an important consideration when making my choice.
Thank you for your thoughtful presentation. As long as any of us are satisfied with our choice why should we give a stuff what others think. I've had clearly envious men confront me with "what do you want with that thing at your age!" (I'm in my seventies.) And I am often questioned if the roof leaks. I've never known it to although living in the north of Scotland where there is no shortage of rain, it is a valid one.
Thanks for watching mate. Glad you've had a great experience with your NC. The ND did go under a lot of weight saving measures which could account for some of the increased NVH over the NC too.
Your right on Harry. Those S001 Bridgestone's that came on my 2016 Club soft top were noisy. Now I have Michelin Super Sport summer performance which made a big difference in noise / smoothness. No roof leaks either in my car. Careful to not park under any trees though. 1 drain cleaning so far in 3.6 years.
I am 70, to those that don't like it I own a MX-5,...
(there must be a finger emoji somewhere)
I bought a 2019 RF manual last year and I'm so glad I did. And I don't care what the soft top crowd thinks. I expected you to comment on the security aspect of the RF compared to the soft top. I also thought you might have commented in the increase in power of the current model vs your 3 year old model. Great video - I enjoyed it.
Peter J. Uren cheers mate. Did forget about the security aspect. In regards to the power difference, I have previously made a video comparing a 2019 RF to my year model. If you have a few spare minutes, have a scroll through my videos to find it. Appreciate you watching and commenting 👍
Hey, Peter! How tall are you?
I recently learnt that when developing the ND, RF, (or maybe the ND2, RF) Mazda installed sound deadening material in the two metal roof panels, the transmission tunnel and both rear wheel arches. Just thought I'd throw it out there to help someones' decision.
That's interesting to learn! Haven't heard it before, thanks for sharing and thanks for watching :)
Just bought a manual RF in Ceramic Pearl. I like the looks of the RF whether the roof is open or closed; to me it looks like a Lotus Elise. But the soft top looks great too. I have bursitis in my left shoulder, so I had concerns that trying to operate that heavy soft top with my left arm would just aggravate it (I'm in Oz too, so RHD). Very happy with my RF, only done 15000kms so it's basically like a new car. And that manual shift is one of the best I've ever experienced
That’s awesome mate, congrats on the RF. Thanks for watching and commenting 😊
Love the RF! I dont drive stick so I get to hide that fact more with an RF than the soft top where people expect standard/manual or nothing at all.
Can’t say I’ve heard that line of thinking before! Thanks for watching mate 😊
learn stick, you will not regret it
RF for me! I live where we have snow 35% of the year! Thumbs up!
Yep that’s a fair call! Thanks heaps for watching 😊
I'm with you Dave! The MX_5 is a gorgeous car, except when the soft top is up...just like all other convertibles! I Want a car that looks good 100% of the time and I have yet to see a convertible soft-top that gives me that!
I agree with you 100% on that. Even the likes of Porsche haven't been able to do it. Though I will say the red soft top, on machine grey is as close as it gets for me.
the MX5 is a classic convertible in the MG tradition: the chassis was designed with the convertible top in mind, and it looks pretty much perfect to me; in contrast, say, to a car designed as a coupe that also offers a convertible version (i.e. almost any car other that an MX5, an MG, or classic alfa spider, etc.)
the hard top was clearly added to the MX5 as an afterthought, and although it remains a very well-done afterthought, it nevertheless shows.
@@donkeyshot8472 I can agree with that. I'm glad Mazda realised it was a smart move to make one with a hard top, but I'm also glad they didn't completely balls it up either, which would have been easily done. Thanks for watching.
Yep - another RF fan here. TBH, if the RF hadn't come out, I probably would have bought an 86 or BRZ. The style is what caught me, and I havn't changed my mid. I had driven various ST versions of the MX5 previously, but the RF does it for me.
I agree with you on the wind noise, I rarely have mine down, but I've found I prefer to have the "wind blocker" out regardless - seems to be less disturbed air flow.
The extra 50 kg or so for the better security, style, and quietness of the RF makes it a no-brainer in my opinion. PLUS - nearly every back to back comparo will tell you the RF does have a "Tauter" , more rigid , feel to the handling.
I have no problem personally with the alleged Blind Spots .. that's why we have 3 mirrors, and Blind Spot Monitoring !! In fact, the only drawback I've found to the RF roof, is when taking pics, you need to have the windows down if the top is down - otherwise it looks a little odd to me. :)..
Good review, I look forward to seeing more. Cheers.
John Spick cheers mate! I always crack it when I see a RF or ST with roof down, windows up. (Unless when it’s cold and you’re on the highway) drives me nuts! Everything should be down!
Excellent points, @johnspick6682! I felt the same when test driving the RF. I did feel RF a little tighter while doing the turns but I think I was a little hesitant when test driving the RF. I almost took all the freedom during the turns while test driving the SF. So, I am sure if it was my driving or it is really tauter.
No other automaker has managed to beat the gorgeous profile on the RF 🤍
Pretty close to perfect hey. Thanks for watching :)
The spirit of the mx5 is soft top, I've driven all generations and I still prefer my NA
There is something so special about an NA, that's for sure. Thanks for watching mate.
David Bourne your welcome bro,enjoy your car
Love your reviews David 👍 we did own both the ND soft top and the RF. Sadly due to a change in my work ... I had to sell my soft top in December last year after 4 and half years. The great news is that the RF is still in our garage so my MX5 fix for me is still being filled.
I agree with the roof up and nice and clean the RF is gorgeous. The lines and the attention to detail in styling still amazes and impress me after more than 3 years of ownership. On a sunny day and nice and clean the RF gets plenty of looks and we still get asked about the car.
Having said that ..... I remove my T-shirt by lifting from the front... I love the soft top. Can’t wait to have the finances back in order to be able to own a soft top ND once again ❤️❤️
haha, glad to hear your top removal preference :D Thanks for watching mate, appreciate it :)
Nice video thanks brought a base volester n needed 4 seats and as a bonus got 250 hp and saved money
Cheers mate! Thank you for watching :)
I think the soft top looks better both up and down. A proper roadster for sure. JMTC
Thanks for watching mate!
1.5 L softtop are the most fun on small curvy backroads, a real sportscar fealing.
The ND2, or 2019 onwards 2L motors have that same rev happy feeling the 1.5's do, in my opinion. The extra revs which now means you have the same 7,500rpm as the 1.5L available to you does make it that bit more fun. Thanks for watching.
Great review. I own a fairly new ND soft-top. I think you may have forgotten to mention the cost difference between the soft-top and the RF. So you're not comparing apples with apples. It's quite a few thousand dollars plus some extra weight, so it's not just 'which do you prefer?'. Two different price points. I drive with the roof off all year round, as long it's dry the roof is off. If you're less of a committed convertible driver, then the RF maybe a good option, if you see 'roof-off' as an occasional treat.
I drove both models before buying, and I did find the the soft-top to be quieter and less turbulent with the roof off than the RF. You can speak to your passenger with the roof off even at highway speeds without raising your voice, The RF was a lot 'blowier' inside the cabin. I think those buttresses seem to catch quite a bit of wind even at lower speeds. Both seemed quite similar with the roof on. Ultimately it might boil down to budget, do you want to spend the extra $$ on the RF, or it might be that you prefer the look of one over the other, but I have zero regrets having bought the soft-top. I''s what the MX-5/Miata is all about.
Great points. I own an NB, but I will buy me a ND with soft top as well.
Great honest objective comparison👍👍 I enjoyed this! 16 Club owner here. And you touched on it, if it’s a hobby car, maybe the vert. Personally have driven my vert 13.5 hrs NP. Cancelled midway hotel reservations, felt great, unfatigued. So, a Daily maybe the RF? Hobby the soft top. Autocross and I do, softop. Boils down to...Miata is always the answer👍👍👍👍
Cheers mate! Thanks for watching.
You have under estimated the soft top. Caveat is taking care of it by regular cleaning plus a yearly fabric guard treatment. If your willing to put the extra effort in the soft top is the way to go ! Daily driver in 4 season Northern Illinois.
I have always wanted a Miata. Love the idea of a small British-like roadster. Loved the MG’s as a kid but they are too old now. However, I also like BMW’s and I was talked into buying a Z4M roadster. It’s an amazing car but needs maintenance. You also have to break some speed limits to really have fun with the Z4M. The soft top also presents some problems as the car only looks good with the top down and that gives me about 3-4 months a year to enjoy it here in Michigan. So enter the RF. It’s the best of both worlds. Open when you want but a coupe when it’s too cold. It’s also fun without breaking speed limits. I still have the Z4M but will likely sell this spring and shed a tear.
I would love to have a steer of a Z4M! Feels like it would be an RF just pumped up. Thanks for watching mate 😊
I’ve had a 2.0 RF for the last three years but swapped for 1.5 soft top last month. Both are great cars but the small engined convertible captures the spirit of the Lotus Elan perfectly and that’s the essence of the MX5 I think?
I think that’s a fair point. I also think that’s half the reason people love the ND2, as the 2.0L now has the same rev range of the 1.5 . Both are so much fun to rev out to redline, and the soft top is definitely more closely aligned with the original MX5, no doubt there. Thanks for watching mate 👍
They are both beautiful, but convertible > targa.
Fair choice! Thanks for watching!
i really think mazda nailed it with the RF. its just a great looking car.
Agreed 😎 thanks for watching!
Driven both quite a bit. I prefer the RF with the top up, and the soft top with the top down. The RF is more refined and quiet and looks better w/ its top up, the soft top gives you a better view, more open feel, buffets less, and looks better w/ the top down. Considering it's a Miata which is largely defined by being a convertible, I favor the soft top.
@@brandoncomer6492 all very fair points and I reckon you’re spot on. Thanks for watching 😊
I have a 2016 Club. Soft top by far! I’m all about ease of use. And for quick trips, I can MUCH more easily enjoy the convertible when it only takes literally 2 seconds to put down. Versus having to wait 13 seconds. I know it doesn’t sound like much, but it’s a huge impact to whether you drive around more with the top down or up. If it’s a pain, you’ll be leaving it up. So, then, what’s the point of a MX-5 really?
I get what you mean about it being quicker, but I let my car idle for a little bit before taking off anyway, so for me it's all part of the start up ritual. I don't even notice it taking much time at all. Thanks for watching mate!
Just got an RF which I love, but I figured I'd add an extra 2 cents...
While I love the convertible hard-top, for me it was a choice between a power top and a manual top. I prefer power tops for 2 reasons.
1. I have a separated shoulder which makes it tricky/a little painful for me to reach around.
2. Power tops are more predictable.
The first one, of course, is a deal breaker. But I bring up the second one for when it's coming down rain. When those big drops start to fall, I want to press the button and know the top will come up. Fine, it takes 13 seconds to do it's dance. But when I press the button, I know that in less than 13 seconds, I'll be dry. I can't speak for the MX-5, but I've known some soft tops that are very easy to put up when you grab them in the center and pull them with an even force. But they're also known to jam if you grab them to the left or right of center or if you pull too fast--things you might do when the rain is coming down hard. And now you're out of the car and trying to unjam it while the rain is pouring down.
Yup. Seen that (on a Z-3--I was the guy with the power top behind him). Which is why I prefer a power top. But if Mazda made an MX-5 with a power soft top, I'd probably get that over the RF.
In regard to looks, it's a tricky call. In my opinion, here's the ordering:
1. RF/Top Up -- As someone below said, the lines on the RF are just stunning.
2. Soft Top/Top Down -- A great looking sporty convertible.
3. RF/Top Down -- The lines are stunning, but one of the lines is missing and that just makes it look a little funny.
3. Soft Top/Top Up -- Frankly, there are very few soft top convertibles that look good with the top up and the MX-5 isn't any worse than any of the other ones.
The blind spot is definitely a problem, especially when backing out. I'm glad that they provided the radar system because I'd probably end up pulling out in front of somebody.
Firstly, congrats on your new RF! Secondly, thanks for taking the time to watch and craft such a well thought out reply. Appreciate it mate.
Soft TOP for me. That is what convertible actually is.
All good mate, cheers for watching!
David Bourne guess it is individual’s choice. Just enjoy the drive.
I live in a 4 seasons country (Canada), snowy winter included. Would you recommend an RF as an all year around car? Thanx for your videos, mate, always interesting, and elegant I might say. Not loud as your Americans colleagues, always stuck in a sales pitch mode.
Thanks for the kind words mate. Keeping in mind our winters (Sydney Australia) are NOTHING compared to what you cop, I don't see why it wouldn't be able to handle winter time, so long as you have the proper tyres on it. I would assume how much snow / salt you have to endure would also play a major factor as to whether you'd want to subject the RF to it. Thanks for watching!
Four season mine in New Hampshire, which touches Canada. Definitely the RF since you won't be lowering the roof for months at a time. I only have on all season tires and do avoid real snow, but I have hit light snow and it was fine. With a 50/50 weight distribution and the limited slip diff, it should handle snow just fine with snow tires. Of course if the snow gets deeper than 5 inches, it will become a snow plow.
I love the look of the RF. I’ve heard plenty of comparisons of it to the styling of other cars I don’t think it looks anything at all like. It personally reminds me of my father’s ‘74 Corvette Stingray with the front wheel arches and rear buttresses. Having said that I have the soft top, love it and wouldn’t trade it for an RF. For me the real draw is opening the roof fully and driving out in the open air. I love being able to look around and see nothing but open sky. But I can see the appeal of the RF.
That's fair! Thanks for watching mate.
well stated, my opinion also.
I've owned both. Soft top in the past, RF now. Both are great. No regrets either way. Shouldn't be a deciding factor, but, I received compliments in both, many more with the RF, though.
Nice work owning both! Thanks for watching mate.
Really tough choice here. Like you said the RF looks nicer to me when the top is up. However, I am concerned about wind buffeting in the RF at high speeds. Road noise due to traffic does not bother me as much as wind buffeting in my ears. Then there's the mechanical aspect to consider. Any power top will eventually fail, either the motor gives out or other electrical problem. The rag top, is manual so no problem there. Then I have to consider the RF may start leaking at the seals where the separated top pieces come together, kinda like a targa or T-top. Only time will tell, the RF hasn't been out long enough to know how well it will hold up. On the other hand, rag tops will eventually wear out and need replacing as well. Tough choice indeed.
I've never noticed the buffeting that some seem to complain of. Though if I'm driving on a highway, I normally wear earphones anyway so I can still listen to music / phone calls, without blasting it out to the world. You're right though that you can make arguments for either. Which is why there's no wrong choice :) Thanks for watching mate.
You should have mentioned the blind spots with the convertible top up. I had a Beetle rag top and with the top up really limited vision.
I didn't even think of that, fair point! Thanks for watching.
I think the RF not only looks better but also is more practical. If you don’t have a garage to keep your car in and especially if it’s your daily, that wind noise is gonna get to you.
I agree with you 100%. Thanks for watching mate 👍
I bought a 2018 soft-top Cherry club. I love it.
Nice! I love that colour combo. Thanks for watching 😊
that cherry top with machine grey looked awesome.
Just picked up my soft top MX5 last week ! To me when I imagine a convertible it means a soft top with total open access . With that said the RF looks killer also but the Miata is best suited as true soft top convertible.
Congrats on the new MX5 mate! Cheers for watching :)
Love this car, both the RF and soft top, here's my beef, no luggage room for more than a weekend or an over nighter somewhere. Wind noise, I can live that, after riding a motorcycle for 50 years, wind noise not a problem, use ear buds.
I agree about the wind noise. I’ve got earphones in anyway so it’s a non issue for me personally. I do also agree about luggage. I get it’s a tiny car and most of the time it’s fine, but you’re right it would be nice to have a bit more space. Especially cos I take up most of it with camera gear 😆. Thanks for watching!
I can't do soft tops. They don't look right to me up against the rest of the car's body. Plus, I'm assuming the weather can cause escalated wear and tear.
One is a Targa one is a convertible . Soft top on a nice day is unbeatable .
Thanks for watching! :)
Soft top is insanely loud with top up at 80 mph. Still, I got the soft top.
Great video and the most comprehensive comparison between RF and ST I could find!
I think a big part of this decision process is the colour combination.
I was very set on buying RF 100th anniversary edition until I saw it side by side with the soft top in person. The red top on the pearl white is so beautiful! Also, something about the proportion of the RF in white colour just doesn't look right to me.
Either way, it's a beautiful car and can't wait to take deliver of it!
Thanks very much, Kevin! Glad you enjoyed the video. The 100AE is a special combo in soft top form for sure! I actually did a quick video on both the soft top and RF versions of it, if you're interested. Congratulations on the new car and thanks for watching :)
I'm all about the look then fun second to combine, so RF for me, the fact of RF is a choice here brings me tons more fun.
If Mustang ever has RF version to choose, that might be the deal-breaker for me to choose it over Miata as its competiter
An RF with the Mustang’s 5.0 V8 would be the pinnacle of fun! Thanks for watching mate 👍
Test drove a 2017 RF today with Bilstein, BBS, and Brembos. It was a visceral experience. I wanted to love it but found it a bit unrefined. Exhaust sounds good but engine noise is loud and sounds tinny rather than throaty. Wind noise is high with the roof up. Felt like a window was open. The ND1 clutch bites immediately and pedal travel is very short. Great car for a sporting. For a daily commute, it’s a bit rough around the edges. Love how the backend kicks around on corners. Maybe a GT soft top is more suited for me.
I find it extremely easy to use as a daily, but you're right it isn't a quiet and refined experience. Though you'll find all MX-5's feel that way. That's the trade off with trying to keep them as light as possible. Thanks for watching!
David Bourne Thanks for the response. It is a fun car for sure. Does the dual-mass flywheel in the ND2 feel different? The dual-mass flywheel in my Mk 7 GTI is extremely smooth and never shudders like my EG Civic did. Great videos. Keep it up.
@@desmondliao When I drove an ND2 it did seem to shift a bit smoother. Now that could have been because it only had 600km on it at the time, so wasn't fully loosened up yet. I do agree that the MX-5 is a harder car to shift smoothly than most, especially moving away in 1st and the 1st to 2nd change (more so if you have the air con on). My missus has a MK6 Golf (base model) and I notice that if I drive hers for any length of time, I have to really adjust my clutch / gas footwork to get it back in time with the MX-5, whereas on the golf I can be lazy as and it still shifts smoothly.
Have a 30AE RF, given the choice again I think I'd probably go for the softtop instead.
I absolutely love the 30AE. Congrats on owning one.
why ?
To anyone considering an RF but is worrying about visibility issues, my advice would be....before you buy one, hire a van for a week. A van is one big blind spot and driving one means that you have to be "on your mirrors" all the time. I have been driving vans daily in the UK for more than 30 years and so visibility in the RF is never a problem for me. The RF is also a better option from a security point of view. I have a 2021 GT, it's brilliant and looks stunning!
Great point mate! All about perspective hey. Thanks for watching and congrats on your RF 😎
I wish the RF was a manual targa. all they had to do was fix the buttresses in place (actually a part of the chassis) which would eliminate completely the chance of notion of water leaking. Just redesign the boot lid so that when opened, you can "slot" the targa roof in there on some special rack system and slide it in like a CD or something where it will stay in the location the RF already has it (minus all the mechanical bits) until you want to use it again. that would have been better and the overal longevity of the car would be more timeless/usable into the distant future. with the roof being gimmicky like it is now, it kind of sets the car up as being sort of throwaway like a Mercedes or BMW after it ages.
To be honest I’m immature enough to love the dance it does when opening / closing but you make an interesting point. Thanks for watching mate.
@@DavidBournePhotoandVideo thanks for making it. I just want the car to last as long as possible. I reckon 2 decades from now the RF being stuck open with rain coats taped over them or in permanent hardtop mode will make for innovation where someone will invent a conversion kit of some sort in the aftermarket to turn our roof into a manual one. hopefully anyway. lol if drivings even legal then XD
Glove boxes are deeper in the soft top
I have the 2019 RF Club. Best car I've own, period. Love the hard top for the security when parked. With the top open, I love the Targa look.
Congrats mate! I'd love the Recaro's and brembos in mine, so consider me jealous! Thanks for watching :)
Price was the major determining factor.
i bought an RF two years ago. i sweat and sunburn more easily than most, so i'm usually top up. plus, i don't like the idea of someone being able to slice my top open with a steak knife. but i've driven a soft top, and it really is nice top down, when it's cool, or at night. i wish i could have one of each, but i made the right choice for me.
Nice work mate! I honestly don't think you can get it wrong, as long as you get the one that suits you. Thanks for watching.
Whichever one you like is the best one for you.
Bingo! There are no wrong answers. Thanks for watching 😊
The Mx is fun either way, but good talk
Thanks for watching mate 😎
I choose the soft top.
:) Thanks for watching!
You cannot install an SCC approved roll hoop (such as the blackbird) to significantly increase roll over protection and chassis rigidity in an RF. Only in a soft top. Plus the added cost and weight gain in having the hoop is fractional or insignificant compared to the cost and weight disadvantage of the RF vs. soft top.
Visually only in certain angles does the RF look better or designed with the rest of the body. That hard top looks good at a single glance. Look at it longer and that disproportionately large green house looks like an exaggerated vertical Dr. Seuss shack on on what is other wise a low slung body, especially with those thin little wheels. It has been proven time and time again that the original design of a car (in this case, soft top MX5) is the best aesthetic design. Note how the fast back of the rear part of the soft top (in place) merges with and enhances the hip line like art work!. The vertical hard top at the hip location destroys the hip line. The two rearward sloping ridges on either side on the RF, in attempt to diminish the 'box on curves look' further destroys it (hip line).
The RF? A pizzazz creature comfort feature which is overly complex and heavy (totally contrary to the meticulously engineered-in 'lighter is better' philosophy) with aesthetic and other compromises. The Porsche 911 targa also has a similar pizzaz feature. But that vehicle has a much better power to weight ratio and that feature is more aesthetically thought out to where it adds more visual drama without compromising proportions.
Driving focus sometimes is not at its best, no matter who the driver is. Nothing beats the 180 degree plus visibility of a retracted soft top. I feel much more secure rolling down the road with my soft top down and my roll over hoop ( which actually improves rear visibility even with the top up as those stock flimsely welded thin individual hoops partially obstruct the rear view). Double dose of safety occurs with better visibility and the elements (noise and wind) snapping me out of my drowsiness.
Finally, I don't care how much an engineering feat the retractable RF roof is, I would be less encouraged to operate it for fear of wearing it out even if it won't wear out, but it will.
Hey mate, thanks for watching and for the detailed reply! I believe there is a company in the US who have been able to make a roll over bar for the RF, however it renders the roof inoperable, so whilst it has been done, not sure how practical it is. Going to have to disagree about the looks, but hey that's all good!
@@DavidBournePhotoandVideo Thanks for your quick response. Wow! That rollover bar would be great for those who would like a coupe and secure roll over protection. I wonder if the motors, gears and attachments can be removed once the roof is fixed and, if so, how much weight that would save. Let me know if you search has gone that far. The rag top is still raggedy, I know; and that consideration alone would make the RF more aesthetically appealing. Yet I feel that the rag top looks like it wants to disappear to show off off the the tarmac to the waistline sumptuous lines. In 2016, I bought an ND1. And soon traded it on a no mark-up deal on a Mustang GT350. Otherwise, I would have not traded it. Then in 2019, missing the MX5, I bought the ND2. Just could not justify the expense of the RF that I had problems (already mentioned ) accepting. So with the money savings, I installed a roll hoop, headers and straight piped the exhaust all the way to the tips (saving about 35 pounds), and added water methanol injection (added less than 10 pounds). Got 17 inch wider and lighter wheels with summer performance tires (reducing total wheel and tire weight by 8 pounds on each corner). No tune. I'm in the upper 5's 0-60. Alone, my fast driving does not want for anything. But with a passenger, I still could get performance not without strain and tension, however, which makes it less fun.
@@maseratiupgrades4363 I haven't heard if they've removed the guts of the roof, I imagine that would create its own issues. Your ND2 sounds awesome!!! Would love to have that sort of set up. Also a testament to the MX-5 that you had a GT350 yet still wanted to get back in an MX-5.
@@DavidBournePhotoandVideo The GT , as much as it is a handler a Mustang can ever be, in the end, it is still a show boater that is capable when pushed. The MX-5 is the spitfire that that I go to war with full out. Now (ND2) with the dual mass fly wheel , I can take to redline or near redline and quickly dump into the next higher gear without ever feeling I can grind those teeth away.
Maserati Upgrades it has been “proven.” Oh shut it. The soft top version looks cheap and ugly with the roof up: it has absolutely no aesthetic flow. Perhaps it is your taste which requires upgrading.
Love the soft top
Cheers for watching!
Great review. Thanks 👍
Thanks mate! Cheers for watching.
I'd choose both.
Can't argue with that!
Like them both but to me it’s the RF all day. Looks like a mini Ferrari in a good way. Stunning car.
If you get it in red with the brown interior, it really does look like a mini fez. Cheers for watching.
Going for an Mx5 in 21-22 and for me there's two main components: Price and function. There's is a noticeable price increase for the RF where I live. That electric roof is going to fail, sooner or later. Perhaps sooner in cold climates? That manual soft roof will outlast most of its owners, haha. If one's worried about wind-noise, perhaps a convertible isn't for you? 😉
RF looks great though and I haven't ruled it out.
Haven’t heard of any failures so far, but I get what you’re saying. I’ve heard of some issues of the soft top wearing out, but also the numbers of that happening are extremely low, especially considering the amount sold. I agree that wind noise needs to be accepted in a convertible, because it’s the nature of the beast. But I strongly urge you to compare a ST and RF roof up on the highway if you’re using it as a daily. If the ST noise levels are no issue for you then happy days! Thanks for watching mate.
However you gotta factor in one thing, which you may not be aware of if you've never owned a convertible; soft top care and wear. Cleaning the top is more than soap and water. Its special cleaners, conditioners, sealants. Certain ones only worth for cloth tops and others only for vinyl. Then of course most tops left out in the weather last only 5 years and need replacement.
The electric top may lose a gear or motor in 10 years or so, if it anything like the Boxster was.
@@EjinRenos - Very true. I've owned an S2000 (which I never should have sold😢) I won't leave my car out in the rain and snow (Sweden) though. I'm a pretty pedantic owner and I form deep emotional ties to my cars, haha. I know I can maintain a soft-top, the RF-roof is unexplored country for me personally. Looks great though.
My next car will be an MX-5. I would like to know if the Mazda dealers have any statistics about the number of soft-tops that require repair from vandalism with cutter blades. My car is parked on the street at night in a busy area. Really I prefer the RF, but there is quite a big price difference, and for me that's important! Thanks for the video.
I feel like it is one of those internet stories that everyone knows a friend of a friend that it happened to, yet the actual number of cases would be quite low. Then again, you'd hate to go a soft top and then spend your entire ownership being paranoid about it. Tough call. Thanks for watching!
Great review 👍
Cheers mate!
The RF looks nicer, but the whole point of the MX5 is to have the full opened top, wind in your hair, buffeted from all sides experience.
If its cold, just put on warmer clothing, it just has to be the full roof down experience for me.
The RF, also adds unnecessary weight, and even though Mazdas are incredibly reliable, fixing an RF roof, that has developed a fault, will be expensive.
You simply don't get the full in your face weather experience, with the RF, and even though its the more attractive MX5, i went for the soft top, as its the true convertible sports car.
Rag top every time .
Weight weight weight . Why aim to build an ultra lightweight then add 100lbs of top hamper ?
Yeah I get what you mean. For me the added weight is offset by the looks and comfort over the ST. My RF would also be technically the heaviest MX-5 available as it is the GT spec, so has the heated seats, Bose stereo etc.
Gotta go with the soft top, it’s surprising that Mazda couldn’t make a retractable hardtop that looks like the soft top and went with the RF design instead
I can only imagine it has to be a cost thing. I always wonder the same with high end convertibles, like BMW etc, that don't have a retractable hardtop, rather than a rag top. Thanks for watching :)
I had a new 2003 Mazdaspeed MX5, traded it in 2014. Had nearly 200k on it, the original clutch and brakes. It had no squeaks or rattles and looked showroom new. Only normal maintenance was done. Great mileage and lower insurance costs. The drawback? It is perceived as a "girls car". The dealership even asked who I was buying it for. With the loaded model today, it's squarely in the same price range as a Mustang GT, 370Z , Camaro and Challenger. Around here, the Miata is a very popular car and from what I see daily, the drivers break down into two groups youngish girls and retired guys.
Anyone that throws the girls car label at it isn't worth listening to, IMO. Unfortunately here in Aus Mustang's and 370z's are around $20K more than an MX-5. Camaro (if it ever gets here) will be stuuuuuupidly expensive, so that leaves the MX-5 to sit with the 86/BRZ twins and not much else. Thanks for watching mate!
@@DavidBournePhotoandVideo Let me add the VW Beetle, Prius and Mini to the girls favorite list.
I guess it depends on the reviewer on the loudness of the wind noise with the tops down. Some say the RF is horrible. Looks like I will have to drive both of them myself to compare. I am 6' tall. I will also have to test out the different seat options to see which one I fit into the best. I have sat in the normal seats. But, never have sat in the Recaro seats. The normal seats are pushing it pretty tight as far as leg room goes.
The recaro’s won’t rob you of any legroom but they are definitely more snug. You’re definitely right about the level of wind noise. If you’re expecting it to be a plush quiet ride then you’ll be disappointed. If you know what you’re getting in to, no problem at all. Thanks for watching!
I expect to order my mx5 this spring. I've owned several tag tips but this will be my last (70 yo) so I will go for the quieter RF.
Rag tops
That's awesome mate, congratulations! Thanks for watching :)
Soft top is genius in design; and no motor to deal with, which you will have to at some point as it ages. The car reminds me of a Solstice.
That's a fair point about the motor. Definitely something to be said about keeping things simple. Cheers for watching.
Soft top
Is better
I love them both
240z
This is way better looking
The bottom line us you can’t put a roll cage in the RF , soft top
Is the choice for the more serious driver
RF is made for women
I had a 2016 Launch Edition, and now a 2020 GT, both soft tops.
How are you enjoying the extra revs available in the 2020?
@@DavidBournePhotoandVideo actually haven't rev'd that high just yet, car only has about 400 miles on it and don't feel really comfortable going that high. But I like the bilstein shocks that comes standard on the GT now.
DukeGaGa thats a fair call. Once you do get the chance to rev it out, I’m sure you’ll love it. On paper it’s such a small point of difference, but I think it does make a noticeable change to the driving experience.
@@DavidBournePhotoandVideo I'm sure I will. I'm slowly but gradually adding all kinds of mods to the car, by the time the build is all finished, I'll set it loose and enjoy the top down fun.
Soft top all day long...plus it has a little more headroom for us tall people when roof is up vs. RF. It is also lighter and quicker and more true in spirit to the original Lotus Elan's and MGs it is inspired by. Good to have options tho. If I were rich I may have one of each!
I wouldn’t be upset to have one of each either haha. Thanks for watching!