Mazda MX-5 Miata Soft Top VS RF Retractable Fastback Buyer's Guide! Which Is Better? Vote Now!

A real owner gives you a comparison of the Soft Top and RF of the ND/ND2 Mazda MX-5 Miatas. Reviews the pros and cons of each to help you decide which is best for you. And you can vote for your favorite in the comments!
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Link to video on how to install SmartTop module: • 2016+ Mazda MX-5 Miata...
#miata #mazda #mx5

[@Killobyte]

There are comments below you can like to vote for Soft Top and for RF. I can't pin both to make them stay at top so you may have to look for them.

[@user-lm3bp2sx8l]

Have had both , RF is so much better for longer trips and bad weather, nicer looking too.

[@dre32pitt]

Reminds me of early 60s Jaguars.. Beautiful silhouette

[@paulsparkes7404]

Yes, like an old e type jag

[@DaveSimkus]

Soft Top. The RF proportions have a "bubble" look with that roof line. The soft top looks sleeker/lower and I personally find a soft top more "interesting" and simple. Also, with the top down, the soft top is SO MUCH better because you can look all around you and it feels like a completely different experience. The RF does have a more exotic/premium look and I tried them both but I was more in love with the soft top. It has more character with that simple soft top.

[@alanthomson1227]

I agree I’ve had a soft top for almost 6 years and found the RF really claustrophobic which is not what you expect in a convertible

[@franciscochiriboga2268]

I am in the process of deciding whether to buy a Miata, or something else. I live in a place where we have strong sun and a rather heavy rainy season. I am more inclined towards the soft top, and therefore I would appreciate your input as to how does the soft top withstand those two elements, both in terms of insulation and of durability. Thank you for your help. 😊

[@DaveSimkus]

@franciscochiriboga2268 I've driven through some very heavy rain storms with no issues, no leaks or anything. I've also driven in hot 100 degree mid-day sun and felt very nicely insulated. The small cabin cools quickly with the air conditioning. If you have strong sun, get Xpel XR window tint installed after you get your car. I'm planning on getting 55% all around Xpel tints. It's pricey but it keeps a lot of Suns heat out compared to cheap tints that do nothing. The soft top does need to be cared for but it's simple and easy and even kinda fun. If it's grey and faded, then it's time to clean and condition it. Use simple water with dish detergent or Simple Green to clean it. Then add in a conditioner like Meguiars and clean off the excess. This will bring back that nice dark color again. So that's really the only thing with the soft top is that you need to maintain it so it lasts decades especially if you have it sitting in the sun. I think that only the grand touring model gets the double insulated soft top, so like a headliner or something inside. Mine is the club with just a regular soft top. You definitely hear more traffic from behind and sides when driving around with the soft top up. On the expressway, depending on the road, it can be a little exhausting because of how loud it is inside the cabin. At those times I wish I had the RF or the thicker soft top of the grand touring model for that more luxurious quietness inside. Finally, the best part of this Miata is that if I'm feeling depressed or low on energy, when I get in and take the soft top down and start driving, it instantly lifts my mood without fail. It never gets boring. The one con with the car is the slight lack of power especially on mine which is the ND1 2017. It's very zippy and quick in traffic but it doesn't have the sort of satisfying pull that you'd like from a car that looks like a mini supercar. The slightly extra power of the ND2 2019+ might be worth paying extra for.

[@YeongjunKwon]

To each their own! to me personally I think the RF has sleeker lines in the rear

[@DaveSimkus]

@YeongjunKwon RF definitely has some nice lines but if you look at just the roof/top/windows portion as a whole from the side profile view, the soft top closed is smaller than the RF which looks, to my eye at least, proportionally better with the rest of the body. The RF top portion seems a bit too large. But either way the RF is sexy as hell too, like a mini supercar.

[@Killobyte]

Like this comment to vote for the Soft Top and let us know why

[@ag4allgood]

Good to see Mrs Kilobyte in the RF ! Soft top because of the totally open feeling of the convertible.

[@dollyvarden69]

Don't like the buffeting that occurs with the RF open and the RF also has less head room than the soft top when closed.

[@particleinthewave8378]

The buffeting and blind spot made the RF a no go for me even though I think it’s better looking

[@MissionForward3]

I prefer the more traditional look of the English roadsters, and I like a more open-air experience. It's a true convertible and not a targa adaptation.

[@brucebolduc3403]

The look of the rf is better. The driving experience is better on the soft top. I have the soft top myself

[@jeffatturbofish]

I have a 2021 soft top in the same color. That flick of the top up or down has saved me quite a few times when hitting rain. It's been my daily driver for two years now. About to take it on a 3600 mile road trip.

[@le0redd104]

This wins me over and over especially when road tripping which will happen with this type of car whether you expect it or not coz it happened to me lol

[@le0redd104]

Told myself just a hour drive and back from half the day of just pure driving around cities getting to know more of nearby cities is awesome and the views are worth it

[@jeffatturbofish]

@@le0redd104 And it was a great trip although I saw rain every day I was on the road.

[@Saboda53]

I’ve owned three soft tops and have an RF now. RF takes it. (And I don’t even care about “security”.)

[@Gregory-Masovutch]

Absolutely. I had the Camery Solaro with the automatic soft top. The mildew smells are immense. Smart move we did the same. RF.

[@spendingtimetogether8428]

Fun video! I'm really a coupe guy, and having a convertible function is just a bonus to me, so RF all the way. (Not a fan of ragtops, the car just doesn't look right with it up.)

[@Killobyte]

Like this comment to vote for the RF (Retractable Fastback) and let us know why

[@angelo747]

Hardtop security and aesthetics of the fastback.

[@JohnNick72]

RF is better for extreme hot/cold and to me, it looks better. I agree it’s not quite as good as the full convertible for top down fun, but it’s still good. That’s why I got the RF.

[@fish_n_shift]

RF for security reason and those that don't have a garage!

[@lummel800]

@@JohnNick72Ppl who drove both couldn't tell the difference; in terms of air flow. Hence, according to them you aren't missing out any open driving experience with the RF.

[@jamesstelly995]

Have the 2022 GT RF. Looks better than the soft top with the top up (but admittedly the soft top looks better with the top down). Not many good days for top down driving in Houston. Especially in the summer, yuck.

[@chrisroberts5299]

I’m biased but I love and prefer my RF over a softop. More practical and I think it’s sleeker and more beautiful

[@alanthomson1227]

Love those recaros , wish I could get some for my soft top

[@thetopstig2010]

Hardtop owner here for less than a week so you know my vote. I pick the terracotta leather seats, so RF looks more exotic with the roof up or down.😍

[@krisrocker437]

Awesome! What is your exterior color? I picked Quartz Metallic with Terracotta. The car hasn't arrived at the dealer yet.

[@thetopstig2010]

​@@krisrocker437 Quartz Metallic also. Reminds me of (Sean Connery) James Bond's classic Aston Martins. Enjoy yours!!!

[@ag4allgood]

I have been daily driving a 2016 Club soft top with the Brembo / BBS package since the 1st week of March 2017 in 4 season Northern Illinois. Artic White with the Black aero bits - I think the bright white color is the safest & always drive with my headlights on to be seen. Added the Hush O Matic active exhaust & the Verus Enginering AOS.

[@howieeskanazy4025]

Very helpful video. I plan on test driving the RF. I’ve already tried the rag top. I want to see if there’s a big difference on the noise AND visibility between these 2 gems

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Great vid. Made me smile 😊. I’ll go soft top

[@dre32pitt]

Thanks for the vid! I've struggled with this back n forth for some time, lol.. I'm ultimately going with the RF since it'll be my only car (older, single, and work from home). Other factors are I live in the PNW (weather) and it's quite the looker. I think it will be more sought after once new ICE cars are completely gone since there are far fewer RFs than soft tops out there.

[@stephanieroberts1394]

Excellent review!

[@Alfierk]

Soft Top is the only way to go!!!

[@stevensumner3146]

Interesting vid love the look of the RF and surprised about the wind noise when open especially as that’s when you want to drive the car. I wonder if they’d made the small rear quarter lights ( triangular glass Windows) removable the wind noise would have been reduced? Thanks for making and sharing the vid.

[@squeekyclean1644]

RF any day here in arctic Canada I rarely would want to pull it down. I just like the style of fastback reminds me of the mid engine cars

[@michaelvella8511]

Great video......thanks

[@bengeist3227]

You're funny. Luv it! I want both!

[@peterlewis3540]

Weight is everything, when owning a current generation MD. The RF, may look the business, but it adds considerable weight to an already lightweight car. Im more than happy with my full convertible 1.5L Sports Venture MD

[@johndonaldson5126]

Both are nice looking. I bought the RF for a few reasons. 1) As you said the soft top will wear and eventually need to be replaced. 2) I really like the cleaver RF open/close design and show it off to others. 3) I like the looks of the RF more than the soft top. 4) 5 seconds vs 13 seconds means nothing to me. The top is open 98% of the time. Top down for temps up to about 105 after which I close the top. Same for the winters when below 40 it's time for the hard top to be closed. the soft top probably serves the same purpose. I just thought the hard top would be better in extreme weather. I do like the bright wheels on that soft top. I wish they were on my RF.

[@abbshurz]

I’ve had an nb for 8 years and nc for 9. Now it’s time for a new(er) one, and I am the mayor of strugglesville. Reason being, it’s my dd, and will be for a while. Living now back in snowy NWPA, makes me think the responsible choice, or least ridiculous choice, is the FB. And I think it looks amazing. Will have to drive one to see what the buffeting and lack of openness feels like. Sure, I should buy a more practical front drive, or all wheel drive, but I’ve never had 4 doors, or automatic. Why change now? Can’t imagine not sliding the back end and grinning every time I drive. It’s just so good.

[@tofudeliverygt86]

I just did a roadtrip in my NC (last gen) with a soft top and going above 130km is quite loud to a point where you don't talk in the car. I think it comes down to how many highway miles you plan on doing and how often.

[@Timpala44]

I love the look of the RF. But, I think the sound buffering would drive me crazy. I also agree that those are the two best colors.

[@Koishishibaman]

I owned 90, 92, and a 93Le. Never driven a rf. Currently drive a mustang bullitt , many times with the windows down to hear the exhaust. It is intoxicating! Thinking about getting a 24 miata. Love the look of the hard top, but reported wind buffiting. Tough Choice!

[@onewheelisbetterthan2]

I used to have a na miata and one of my favorite things was having zero blind spots. I did a lot of moving through traffic and was always looking around. I have longer hair now....almost past my butt and i still want the soft top for the ease of taking it up and down. But i dont want my hair blowing in my face also creating a blind spot. Im probably going to have to test drive them to know for sure....

[@MissionForward3]

Being the purist who remembers the British roadsters of the early '60s, I choose the soft top and a WeatherTech car cover.

[@richardhaas9519]

Just got a '22 RF. Love the look and the flexibility.

[@everythingmainecooncat4938]

Love both but I think I'd prefer the soft top. Looking to get one myself and if I find a better deal on an RF I'd get that. Wish they had more exciting colors, though the red looks really good and I'm not normally a fan of red.

[@bakwon3790]

Just traded in my 2018 RF GT for 2024 ST GT. Waiting for delivery. I love my RF but every time I see another MX-5 ST, I just drool over it. 🤤😅 Somehow with RF, it doesn’t feel like I’m driving a convertible. Yeah, open/close in 5s is awesome even though I’m still fascinated by RF motorized open/close roof. I’m really looking forward to getting my 2024 ST! 🤩

[@paulperryman3839]

I have a 2022 club, how do you like the 215/45/17 on the stock BBS. Any rub at full lock? Performance differences?

[@Killobyte]

I like the 215/45/17s as they fill up the wheel well better and look a little more meaty. They don’t rub and are just slightly taller so MPH is close. Off the line acceleration may be a touch slower but I doubt many would notice.

[@garycook3312]

I own a soft top as a daily driver in MA

[@espinozanovak831]

don't forget the soft top has 3 storage compartments between/behind seats and they are larger

[@lummel800]

Why I got the RF over the softtop: 1. Looks 2. Safer 3. Less wind noice 4. No issue when parking outside 5. Cant be slit open 6. Suitable for snow 7. Doesn't wear off As a 4 season driver who drivers long distances, the RF is the clear winner. If you only drive it half a year and you have a garage, get the softtop 👌

[@barneyrubble9309]

No right or wrong answer as both are brilliant.

[@krisrocker437]

Well said, @barneyrubble9309

[@TheOriginalFSword]

For me the soft top is the clear winner. Yes, the RF is more practical but you don't buy such a car for practicality. The soft top is better looking (personal opinion), it provides a more genuine open air feeling and generally... it rocks! Oh and the machine gray is the best color (again personal opinion), with red being a close second.

[@dlg5485]

Both beautiful cars, but the RF does look sexier, in my opinion, especially with the top closed. That said, the wind buffeting and ridiculously slow operation are deal breakers for me. I just love the simplicity and weight savings of the soft top. I also don't agree that a soft top will automatically wear out over time. There are some excellent care products for cleaning and sealing that can help it last decades, IF you take care of it which is not a big deal. I tried to talk myself into the RF because it looks so good, but I keep coming back to the simple perfection of the soft top and keeping $2700 in my bank account doesn't hurt either. I'm planning to order a ND3 GT soft top manual in Aaero gray w/tan nappa leather, probably early spring. Mazda typically takes at least 4 months to deliver Miatas from Japan, but I just want it by late summer, so I'll still have time to get it PPFed and fully broken in before storing it for the winter.

[@Lbjdlccp]

soft top llooks good when top down, RF looks nice when top up :)

[@TechGently]

Is the Mazda RF safe to use in a drive through car wash? I live near the mountains and we get dust like you wouldn't believe.

[@Killobyte]

I would think so, but I've not tried it myself.

[@gnap19]

If you live in SoCal soft top is the way to go. I drive mine with the top down 99% of the time enjoying the Cali sunshine.

[@richard-mai]

Mazda should make a manual retractable hard top already.

[@druegillis1744]

I am not a Miata owner, YET. I currently own my 3rd Corvette convertible. After 15 years of owning ragtops, this is why I am going to buy an RF: #1 only plan to drive mostly on secondary roads, i.e. the Blue Ridge Parkway, 45-55 MPH. The 70 MPH interstates are dangerous in smaller cars. #2 it gets hot in N.C. so having a top up when it is 90+ degrees with AC is great. #3 security, less chance of a break in. #4 wife’s hair will not be a factor, more reason for her to ride in the car. #5 quieter with the top up. #6 no deterioration of canvas. The reason to own a sports car is the ride experience and the RF will give me what I want. I am sure there are many reasons to get the convertible, but it is not for me.

[@vagabond1776]

Soft top for the sunbelt States and RF for the rest. Nothing looks better than a convertible with its top down.

[@Dan330i]

I live in cali and thinking of buying one after watching the video I still don’t know which one to choose

[@Killobyte]

I don't think there is a wrong answer, they are both a lot of fun. Everyone's situation is a little different and the best I can come up with is: for daily driving go RF and for weekend driving go Soft Top. But even then there are exceptions.

[@angelo747]

Test drive both

[@gabrielflores1149]

It is a simple decision. What are your priorities? Track times or aesthetics? Do you drive long distances on the highway? The answer is clear.

[@cptndave1]

I’ve had my NC RAGTOP for several years. Best car I’ve ever owned. I’ve now ordered the 2024 ND3 RS. Top down no blind spots. And If you put nitrogen in the tyres you’ll cut the noise down in half. I found. My opinion 😊

[@philliprumans753]

Not to be the party pooper but regular air is 78.1% nitrogen as it is

[@aussietechie6625]

I am just concerning about the wear and tear of soft-top over the years. But indeed soft-top has a better look.

[@6000pounds]

machine gray is one of the best mazda colors- said no one ever

[@doug5uk]

I have a CX5 in Machine Grey. Very soft paint that easily scratched and chipped.

[@alanjones3076]

Rf for winter or bad weather soft for all other. Get both Lol

[@alangross2277]

RF! It's a Hard top. It's a Convertable. It's very good looking. It's secure and very good looking! I have a 2021 Machine Gray, Club with BBS Package. It's just an awesome little sports car that is a blast to drive.

[@snowy511]

Soft top all day long, rf isn't a true convertible plus the mx5 was designed from the off to be a soft top

[@forbannitus]

RF for the win!

[@jolkraeremeark6949]

In an actual race, it may be slower.

[@MrTStone666]

Machine Grey fits the RF beautifully, even more reminding of old british sportscars.

[@dg7438]

Soft top

[@huetuber1204]

The RF just looks weird.

[@sharafabalogun4956]

Hard Top's weight kills the driving fun.

[@demetriusrayden-erisjohnso2279]

RF for sure, crazy Ex-Girlfriends can slash your convertible top...

[@petetherealrelentless6542]

Pretty sure she could do damage to either vehicle if that’s the goal.

[@demetriusrayden-erisjohnso2279]

@@petetherealrelentless6542 One is less criminal than the other Just depends on the level of crazy... A girl is more likely to spray paint your car than she is to wreck it with a hammer IJS... A comfortable is just an easier target and a more likely target IJS... All she needs is some scissors...

[@krisrocker437]

lol

[@francoishornet]

RF all day long

[@particleinthewave8378]

RF is gorgeous particularly in that red but I didn’t like the buffeting at all when I test drove it. I opted for an NC2 PRHT. The irony is I never drive her with the top up anyway. Either way, these are fantastic little cars in any trim or generation