Hard Top or Soft Top? 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF Part 1

In this first part of our two-part review, we explore the pluses and minuses of the 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF, or Retractable Fastback. We love the 17% increase in horsepower for 2019, an increase of 26 hp to 181. Which do you like better, the hard top or soft top?
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[@todd5082]

Great video. But he didn’t mention when the RF top is down the rear window is also open. While driving the wind goes right between the driver and passenger out the back. I was torn between the ST and the RF. After driving both I got the RF. Both were great! But when the top is up the RF looks so good! It’s better on longer drives, more secure, easier to heat and cool. Can’t go wrong either but just thought I would offer an opinion. I’ve owned 3 Miatas and the ND is by far the best version by a long shot.

[@TheChenny73]

Soft top with 16” wheels is the lightest that’s my choice.

[@Tones-he3cj]

Excellent Review I bought the MX-5 RF 2019 Model and I love it everyday. See my SMILE.. :)

[@ontaylortime2110]

Thank you! Enjoy your MX-5 RF!

[@tomc8854]

I like the wide openness of the soft top . I live in a warm climate so I don’t really need the hardtop. Although the soft top is pretty solid and quiet on those rare occasions when I do have it up.

[@Gruuvin1]

If it was all about looks, then the RF wins, hands down. But when you consider what's the most practical, the RF is the better choice. The RF.

[@EmmaHopman]

Blind spots, cost, and weight are worse on the rf

[@waynekempton7160]

The RF does look great with the top up. With the top down... not so much.

[@ag4allgood]

I have been daily driving my 2016 Club soft top with the Brembo / BBS package in 4 season weather. While the soft top takes some extra care the roof drainage systems are very similar. Parking under ANY trees in ANY season is really not a good idea for either one. I use the 303 Convertible top kit that comes with the cleaner & fabric guard on my top. My car has been thru the coldest sub zero days with snow & ice in winter to the monsoon type rains with extreme heat / humidity. Really a great car in any weather. I put the top down regularly & winter is no exception. The light weight of the soft top , 2320 pounds gives this car athletic handling in the corners but also from a stop. Back when I bought my car in the 1st week of March 2017 the RF's were 1st coming from the Hiroshima plant. My dealer had those RF's sold before they were driven off the transport trucks. Never got the chance to drive one back then. So you really don't NEED an RF to daily the ND / ND2.

[@MadelnMachines]

Is it just a little bit louder top down on the RF. Apparently taking out the wind deflector helps. It's the only thing holding me back from the RF really as I just prefer the look.

[@shiftintohigh5564]

16 Club owner here. Love it👍👍😎😎😎

[@MGR1900]

I think pretty much most everyone would agree that with the tops up, the RF is the better looking. With the tops down, the softtop is the better looking. Anyone disagree? With that being said, the car is designed to be a convertable. So get the version which the car was designed for, the soft top. You're welcome!

[@scdbrown]

Another consideration is price..soft top is several grand cheaper than RF..just purchased a 21 red base soft top.. perfect for weekend fun.. only 26k plus tax.. love it

[@NicoAle96]

26 plus tax where you live, 37.5 euros in Italy :(

[@waynekempton7160]

Here in Ventura, California we get 273 days per year of sunshine. The convertible top is down whenever I want... which is always. I have had convertibles as my daily drivers for three decades (a 1990 MX-5 NA, a 2003 BMW Z4 and a 2019 MX-5 ND2). On the very rare occasion it rains, we have other cars. As do most folks. So, I choose the convertible, of course.

[@hertzvador2220]

Great review.

[@pigboykool]

It is just so cool to watch the RF hard top "transform"......lol

[@joselopez-po8me]

i thing the down side down side of the RF is not full combertible experience as the nc hrd top .that for my s a shame. for that reson i choose the soft top instead..

[@loveitorscrapit6673]

Good car. Thumbs up.

[@red5standingby598]

[@fkg1194]

Hello ! I wanted to ask you for advice on the purchase. I found the mx-5 1.5 December 2019 soft top km 0 at 23.500 ... but I was / am interesting with the 2.0 sport 160 hp RF also because I have to travel there at least once every 2 months (about 550 km) and I'm worried about the noises of the hood etc. At this price the 2.0 RF will never find it ... The 1.5 l I tried and tried again, it pushes less but it is a pleasure. I was also undecided on the canvas for the travel question. What do you suggest me?

[@MichaelTaylor-oy7sf]

Thanks for your question! The RF is definitely the quietest route to go, but it really depends on your level of tolerance. Some people have no issues with the wind and road noise of the soft top. Personally, I would just prefer to have the security of the hardtop for year round use. But the soft top is the ultimate sun in your face, top down, summer car.

[@xiaobinlu6954]

How durable is the soft top if i don’t have a garage and planning to daily drive a Miata ?

[@MichaelTaylor-oy7sf]

That is a good question! You might be able to get some feedback on that at MX-5 forums.

[@stellayates4227]

I have had my soft top since 2014 and it is still in great condition with no tears or leaks. The frame is fine as well as the release catch. It is worth noting that if you park underneath trees keep the small drain holes clear otherwise water will slowly build up over time and seep into the car. It is not an issue if from time to time you check them There are videos on KZbin showing you how to do it but I just call into my local garage and they do it for me. See kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5bTiKOPaqZnfcU

[@dielaughing73]

How do think the RF compares to the hardtop NC and earlier removable hardtops?

[@MichaelTaylor-oy7sf]

They are likely comparable in terms of quietness but obviously don't offer the flexibility of the RF. They are also a good option for year round driving.

[@rembo183]

I’ve driven both and I think the NC retractable hard top is better then the new RF. However I do like the look better. To me you still feel partially enclosed with the RF. True convertible feel is lacking with the RF. The PRHT in the N.C. it best of both worlds. It’s coupe closed and a convertible top down when you opt for it.

[@93mlo]

I'm trying to learn rev matching. How long did it take you to learn rev matching?

[@TrackWorthy]

I learned it when I started driving standard and have been perfecting it ever since. Once you know how to do it, it becomes second nature. It is different with every car. Some are much easier to heel and toe than others.

[@Lee-70ish]

Rag top is still by far the most popular Why ? Weight weight weight

[@chipmunktubetop]

Maniacs ins 1970's slasher films always stab through the soft tops. Hardtops all the way.

[@Barry-26]

Where the part 2 ?

[@zzrsteve7934]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5-rmWZ3achjqZo

[@dominicfong6341]

Nose of the car seems to be out of proportion; make it a foot shorter would be perfect.

[@Dutch75]

Nose is long so that the engine can placed behind the front wheels for better front to rear weight distribution. This is considered a mid engine mounted car.