Showdown: 2024 GR86 vs 2024 Miata MX-5 ND3

[@dlg5485]

I've driven both of these cars many times and here's what I think... As an only car, the the 86 wins simply because it's more practical. However, as a 2nd car, which is the case for me, the Miata wins hands down because you get similar performance and feedback as the 86, but you also get a more sophisticated design, better overall build quality, and the open top experience, which takes it to another level. I strongly prefer the Miata overall, which is why I just purchased a ND3 Miata GT MT soft top. I've had it for 3 days and I've already done 300 miles. I look for any excuse I can dream up to go for a drive. This car is pure bliss on 4 wheels. I'm not a kid anymore so I really like its grown up styling and excellent long term reliability. Looking forward to owning this car for decades to come. That said, if I could only own one vehicle, I would have purchased a BRZ, not a GR86, because I prefer its more understated design and I hate how greedy Toyota has become and their dealership experience is rage inducing.

[@CarGuy11]

Understandable thanks for sharing!

[@bricksbeersbeards9368]

how often do you think an 86 driver uses their backseat?

[@dlg5485]

@@bricksbeersbeards9368 Probably quite often for cargo and small kids. In any case, it's not even just about the seating capacity. The toyoburu is larger in every dimension, so it's going to be a more comfortable vehicle by default. Which one to choose simply comes down to the buyer's individual circumstances and priorities.

[@TheFlyrodder68]

GR86 for practicality, MX5 for pure driving fun.

[@J_S209]

Yeah, I bought a BRZ this year and it’s no fun at all to drive … 🤣 I looked at an MX5 and they are simply too small and focused, fun to drive but I’d imagine a PITA to live with.

[@Stamos1663]

The GR86 is an absolutely AMSING driving experience, pure fun

[@rcDoom]

8:48 Your Supera also doesn't have real working vents 😂 Great comparison 👍

[@CarGuy11]

This is true 😔. Thanks!!

[@bobs4718]

I just got my GR86 premium MT in Pavement yesterday! Was browsing for two years and when the dealership got 3 in at once I made my move. I would have liked the performance package but you get what Toyota says you get. Can always add later but much more expensive! I like these videos that make you think you can choose the options you want, so cute!

[@CarGuy11]

Well congrats!!

[@bobs4718]

Thanks, great video too!

[@bricksbeersbeards9368]

guess I'm out of touch - didn't know cruise control was an important feature in this type of car, or really any car

[@CarGuy11]

Once you experience it, it’s a game changer!

[@bricksbeersbeards9368]

@@CarGuy11 Obviously I've used cruise control in my life. I guess what I meant in particular was in this type of car, perhaps if used as a daily driver where longer runs are a part of your drive, where I live even if I did try and commute regularly it'd be super annoying, too much start and stop traffic and not many longer runs where cruise control in any form is a useful feature. When I drive my '23 ND2 its for the engagement experience on twisty and hilly canyon roads, not using cruise control and it wouldn't be useful there anyway. cheers!

[@TRPGpilot]

@@bricksbeersbeards9368 The world is a bigger place than your commute to work . . .

[@K03sport]

the MX-5 wins when you need to bring home a 5' potted tree from the local nursery. but seriously, each is best in their own right. I like each for different reasons and would own both (a BRZ over the 8-6)

[@johnnacke4134]

The MX5 is a true roadster; the GR 86 is not…. imo….. If you want the roaster experience, MX5 hands down..

[@AcoAegis]

I've never understood cruise control. Where am I going to rest my right foot anyway, is it really that hard???

[@CarGuy11]

Haha once you experience adaptive cruise you won’t want to go back.

[@TRPGpilot]

@@CarGuy11 It shocks me that the 'safety package' is optional on the US versions of these cars and also that some people think cruise control is strange in a sports car! Wait until they use adaptive cruise they wont know what to do with themselves . . .

[@kevin-jm3qb]

Notice any differences?

[@johns9904]

Is the GR86 performance package suspension softer than the normal GR86 suspension? Thanks

[@CarGuy11]

It’s similar but a tad firmer I feel.

[@cptndave1]

Is the gr86 the only competition you can find for a mx5 roadster icon. One’s a roadster the other is not.

[@CarGuy11]

Unfortunately yes because of price, size & weight.

[@cptndave1]

@@CarGuy11 understand but they are different cars. Truth is the mx5 has no competition at the moment. Others have come and gone. Nothing against the gr86 also a good car on its own merits.

[@willramirez75]

“City traffic” up in a mountain

[@steve-ey3rx]

Beautiful. Tennessee?

[@BitcoinTo150K]

You're like the only one reviewing a performance pack 👍

[@CarGuy11]

Cool yeah it’s definitely worth getting for the price.

[@BitcoinTo150K]

It's definitely worth it just something to note. If you option it on a base model it's $2020 instead $1500 guess because 18's added

[@CarGuy11]

Ah good point thanks!

[@immunity4soul]

You can only add it to the premium confirmed. I just picked up a grey one with the perf pack. Worth the upgrade fort he brembos they are very strong brakes and feel good. I just hit 300 miles and squeezed the brakes really hard after breaking em in. Amazing stopper now. The dampers seem good to its a rough ride but its a sports car so not too bad.

[@BitcoinTo150K]

@@immunity4soul go to the website and build one for yourself. Congratulations on the new car!!!

[@tjacobsen5131]

In Norway, the GR86 is almost twice as expensive as they Miata. Must be the taxes something something

[@CarGuy11]

Oh wow!

[@ag4allgood]

I have a 2016 MX-5 Club soft top with the Brembo / BBS package. Adaptive cruise control ? I have not touched my regular cruise control after almost 8 years & that is many highway trips included. My speed will vary with the terrain & traffic conditions so in my world its not a wanted option. In Canada for some reason Mazda gives ACC to those MX-5s even with a manual transmission. The BAD thing about ACC is its way more expensive to get the windshield & front end replaced if in a accident. The whole system needs to be recalibrated & finding a qualified dealer to do it might be an issue. The feel of the open top is great while driving & it adds a different feeling overall. There is no substitute for a light weight car 500 pounds is noticeable in just about ANY car around turns. Surprised you didn't even include any driving of the 2024 MX-5 GT which is not the sportiest model ( Club soft top BBR ) & would be the comparison to make. After 7+ years in the MX-5 I still look forward to any drive in any weather as winter tires is part of my annual seasonal change. 😎

[@CarGuy11]

Thanks for sharing. I had Miata the week before and didn’t have that package. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJvCZ5WLrJuVlcksi=jzk0llw-UI87507b

[@TRPGpilot]

It might shock you to know that in Europe MX-5 are a 6 speed manual and they have ACC.

[@ag4allgood]

@@TRPGpilot No thank you to ACC & its just a added cost I would NEVER use anyway ! Shocked ? Don't want it on my Club soft top. My 2024 Club has Android Auto & Alexa can route directions thru Google maps. Give it 20 seconds & the infotainment screen has the route displayed along with my verbal commands in text on the far rith hand side of the screen. Now that is a really useful feature making me a better driver. Not an automated driving system that makes you feel like you don't have to pay attention to driving !

[@TRPGpilot]

@@ag4allgood Not sure what your point is, they didnt just make the car just for YOU only. Gosh! You sound like you miss the days of hand cranking your engine form the front . . .

[@ag4allgood]

@@TRPGpilot Mazda in their wisdom put ACC in the MX-5s sold in Canada with the ugly radar slapped in the front grill. Exactly where rocks like to be thrown from the Big pickups & SUVs people in this country like to drive. Costly repair - THAT is my point ! Costly to put into the car too ! Adds absolutely nothing for people who actually drive their cars. So glad the US MX-5s come without ACC ! Makes the front grill look lopsided with ACC. 😎

[@ColtonBlumhagen]

Mx5 has radar cruise control in manual but not in the USA.

[@CarGuy11]

Interesting thanks!

[@14981fc]

My 24 GS-P (club) in 6MT has Adaptive Cruise Control, works just as you described in the GR86, in fact I was using the function following cars in the heavy rain in various gears on my way back home today. i like using ACC in the rain on the highway especially, it has much a faster reaction time than my eyes can see thru the intense mist created by the car in front.

[@CarGuy11]

Awesome, what country?

[@14981fc]

@@CarGuy11 Canada

[@troynewton5833]

In Australia my partners 2019 base CX5 manual has adaptive cruise and auto diming headlights. She doesn't use either feature. I guess it's not only not a game changer it's of absolutely no interest to some.

[@peterbogdan9249]

BRZ

[@Gobblessamurica]

I love my gr86, I still wouldn’t push it like a home built race car that you’ve handled all the internals of. it’s very much a practical 2 seater sports car, just don’t put anything fragile in the back 😂. They’re very rear happy

[@CarGuy11]

Haha nice!

[@mrporsche4236]

Its actually not a comparison. The mx5 is on another level of fun and the styling is the best there is. Its the best sports car ever. Sorry porsche the mx5 wins and by a distance too

[@BlackNAVYAmericanVET]

Mazda has a outstanding engine, reliability and superior interior* GR86 is a 1990s PLASTIC explosion

[@abcwarrior91]

I personally prefer the gr86 interior to the Miata it has the boy racer interior like a lot of the 90s jdm cars very simple design. The Miata is too mature for my liking with its soft touch leather interior its feels too much like a luxury interior then a simple interior design for young people even though I'm 33 now still can't get over that boy racer nostalgia.

[@65hi863dhyu]

Coupe > convertible. MX5 coupe would be heaven.

[@CarGuy11]

Well they do have the RF.

[@65hi863dhyu]

@@CarGuy11 adds no rigidity. Just weight.

[@Sideways_Singh]

​@@65hi863dhyu it does add a lil rigitdity n u can add a roll bar to convert into a coupe also this isnt 2001 anymore most convertibles like the miata have been super stiff for a while there much closer to a coupe now a days n stiffer then some older coupes. N that tiny bit extra rigidity doesnt matter anyways unless ur being paid to race n beat others.

[@65hi863dhyu]

@Sideways_Singh it's around 10K Nm/degree of torsional rigidity. All mx5s suffer from body flex. The gr86 is 991/Evora/997 stiffness. Around 30K. It's a big deal. And I'm not daily driving anything with a roll bar/cage and no helmet. Properly rigid fixed roof please. It matters profoundly for "feel."

[@dlg5485]

There is nowhere near enough difference in rigidity between these 2 cars for the average user to notice. Everyone talks like they are a skilled racing driver, but most so called 'enthusiasts' are barely above novice level when it comes to driving ability.

[@JR-bt5dy]

MX5 Roaster GT is the pick.

[@impreza0109]

The only thing potentially turning me off from the BRZ/GR86 is the Eyesight even on manuals, you can't even yeet it off the car. At least with the MX-5's KPC you can turn it off indefinitely. The roadster gets the win for me.

[@Chainwhips]

If you don’t want to turn it off in the menus, you can just put a piece of tape or paper over one of the cameras inside the car. Done.

[@impreza0109]

@@Chainwhips i wish it can be optioned out from the dealer, is what i'm saying.

[@mneiheiserable]

It's easy to turn off... you hold down the "right" traction control till the yellow lights come on the dash, then you hold down the "left" traction button until all 4 lights come on the dash... wallah, all digital nannies off

[@impreza0109]

@@mneiheiserable and i still wish it can be optioned out from the dealer.

[@K03sport]

​... off or not, does it lower your insurance rate when equipped?

[@mikeb9569]

There was a Miata in this presentation?

[@CarGuy11]

I had the Miata the week prior. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJvCZ5WLrJuVlcksi=XWjx8dti9jo3zViA

[@Painting_Inspiration]

Miata Is Always The Answer

[@mneiheiserable]

I've heard you cant turn off the active lane assist and front brake nannies, etc... Nonsense. It's easy to turn off... you hold down the "right" traction control till the yellow lights (2x) come on the dash, then you hold down the "left" traction button until all 4 lights come on the dash... wallah, all digital nannies are off

[@GT-RTData9]

86, prefer a coupe. But I hope they put that 3cyl in the next iteration of the 86.

[@CarGuy11]

Ah yes heard rumors of that!

[@jasonrichard6286]

Go with a Miata! Don’t bother with the trash Subaru engine. Always go with the convertible too. That Miata engine is proven. ❤