2024 Toyota GR86 vs Mazda MX-5 // Which is the Best Sports Car for under $40K?

[@averagecarjunkie]

These two cars will always be classic, no Turbos just regular small fun cars. Both cars been around for a while and I love em both.

[@POLITICALYCORRECTify]

86 is a sports car 0-100 in 7.5 seconds is top slow for these days.

[@brandonsanger9413]

Great video. My dad has always had an MX-5 starting with an NA that he had all the way until 2016 when the the ND finally came out. I learned to drive manual on that one and he even let me use it to drive to high school. When Mazda released the RF, we traded in the the 2016 for a 2020 RF and that's also when they gave it the slight boost in horsepower. It is the most fun I've ever had in a car. I finally just bought my first car and got a 2025 Elantra N. It's amazing, fun, fast, loud, stable, and even practical but whenever I see the miata in the garage I smile appreciating that my 75 year old dad has a totally impractical toy that I love as much as him.

[@stevenhearnden6103]

An electric car? 🤢🤮

[@tubruk9097]

@@stevenhearnden6103 no. its not electric.

[@toyosuba]

This is an easy question. Get the MX5 if it’s going to be your 2nd or weekend car. It’s less practical, smaller inside, no backseat to toss stuff into, smaller boot. But it suits a weekend role very well with the convertible top. Get the GR86 if it’s going to be your only car, and are on the bigger/taller side. It’s more practical, and more space inside. And the low-end torque with the FA24 makes it great for daily duties. If you don’t care about any of that, get the MX5. No rev hang unlike the 86/BRZ, less engine problems on track, and convertible. Only thing the 86 has over that is the low-end torque which is very nice, and the extra hp which is sort’ve evened out by the MX5’s weight. I own a GR86 myself and am very happy with it, but that's only cause I wouldn't fit in an mx5 and can only afford 1 car.

[@sunnyvalentino]

I am a 24 MX5 owner. Agreed! One more thing in favor of your car. If you want the best handling car (in my book thats flatter, more serious, more progressive) out of the factory (you will not mod it), your 86 is better. Its honestly one of the best handling factory cars Ive driven in 3 decades (and it includes Lotus, 911s etc). The MX5 will require coilovers or springs to get there. Otherwise, the inputs of the MX5 (shifter, steering, throttle response, engines and brake feel) is superior, along with the adjustability (alignments etc). It was designed for autocross and components hold up.

[@Austinomon]

Having owned a brz and the rf at the same time this is the most accurate statement. My wife has the rf and I had the brz and whenever we needed to shop we had to use the brz. The Miata was only good for going out but damn was it fun to run twistes together

[@ashleyriera-salwey1509]

How tall are you ? I’m 6’4 wondering if I fit in a ND

[@toyosuba]

@@ashleyriera-salwey1509 I’m 6’5 and weigh 135kg/300pounds. I just fit in a GR86 thankfully. I’d go to a dealer regardless and see if you fit.

[@philzvids3577]

@@ashleyriera-salwey1509 You won't. My friend is your height and he didn't fit in my ND. But go to a dealer and try one.

[@ridepedal4life103]

Got a GR86 Premium 6speed a few months back. Drive (carve) SoCal canyons each day. The GR86 is the perfect tight canyon racer, however, my daily is a ‘97 Miata NA that I own since 1998. Modified suspension, lower, stiffer, all else pretty much stock…. That thing is priceless fun, unbelievable reliable (26years cornering and keeps going) and very hard to beat. It’s like a slot car on rails….. so light, so precise, so slow……but wait, take that momentum along and not many cars with tripple and more power manage to follow. Thank you Colin Chapman for the philosophy, and many thanks to all Japanese engineers for their relentless pursuit of perfection!!

[@bearclaw5115]

Don't blame you for enjoying your NA but it's one of the very slowest vehicles even around a track. You're not taking down cars with 3x+ the power. Please.

[@sunnyvalentino]

24 MX5 Club owner here. GR86 fan. Good video - my take is same. 86 more serious sports car better setup from factory, flatter, oversteers more fluidly and much more practical (it can be an only car for childless people), MX5 more fun with better inputs (throttle, shifter, steering, smooth engine, even brake feel). MX5 is built better and higher quality (interior materials, aluminum, double wishbones, reliability). Gas mileage I'm getting is 36mpg US lol The MX5s handling softness is easily rectified in aftermarket, the eventual race potential is higher (but you have to spend more money then!). I would have been happy with either. Lovely cars.

[@sunnyvalentino]

Underrated part about the MX5. Those optional Recaros seats are AMAZING.

[@totoro6214]

so true, i drive for 4-5 hours on weekends sometimes without stopping. so comfortable

[@gregmcgowan4726]

Had a 13 FRS , and traded in for a 22 GR86, loved them both

[@huatulcowanderers]

The GR86 is a great looking car but it's missing one key feature that makes a sports car awesome in my opinion and that is a softtop! You can't beat the top down experience on a nice hot sunny day!

[@notdaijoubu5062]

For real. Soft top is the definitive Miata experience. Never thought I'd be a convertible person, but there's nothing better than having the expanse of the sky all around you.

[@JimmyXie]

One of your best reviews man! Love to see you driving the Miata. Watched all the way through, and agree with your take!

[@gregamos8793]

Great review!

[@EchoSigma6]

I’ll take both if I could! My Miata is definitely a top down mountain road car for Saturday mornings. It’s magical.

[@blackwolfthedragonmaster]

Cool channel I like your style

[@97Syahmie]

Really great cinematography in this one man, especially that opening, keep up the good videos

[@davidgillham6847]

The 86 definitely makes a bit more power than what is stated, and I would honestly say it feels reasonably faster than the MX-5 once you're up to speed. The body roll is also a lot less in the 86 making it feels more planted and controlled through bends, as a sports car should. Also, if you want any degree of practicality, then the 86 wins hands down. I think honestly the only thing that the mazda clearly beats the 86 on is interior quality, infotainment and sound system. The shifter is a bit nicer in the MX-5 though. Both classic cars though to be sure. Worst thing though about the 86 is fuel economy and stock brakes are crap.

[@DragonKnightX12]

I'm surprised they didn't offer a more premium trim option on the twins this time around. It shouldn't be that much to add in some more soft touch materials and synthetic seats. One thing nice about the infotainment tho is it's an old school double din setup, so you can easily get an aftermarket system in there. Stock brakes are actually pretty good with just high performance pads.

[@davidgillham6847]

@@DragonKnightX12 true that, track pads and better brake fluid will massively upgrade the stock brakes! Also, the 86 interior can easily be upgraded with lots cheap real CF interior trim pieces, and if done tastefully can really spruce up the cabin. Sound system is also an easy upgrade for just a few hundred bucks!

[@TripedalTroductions]

I think it speaks volumes that the cars can be so close when comparing just the driving dynamics and enjoyability even when you completely ignore the fact that the Miata is a convertible and the 86 has back seats. Back seats in the 86 gives it a longer wheelbase so is a track weapon compared to the Miata, but the Miata is a convertible roadster so adds to the experience when in the right setting. Ive never had the pleasure to drive an 86 on track but I'm sure it's amazing, but I can say that there is truly nothing else like carving a mountain/canyon road in a Miata with the top down.

[@BluDhillon]

Great video- the Camera work is crazy 👍🏻

[@opmike343]

There's not really any other companies even trying to compete in the small, lightweig,ht FR sports car category. Props to both companies for even bothering when they could just be selling more CUVs...

[@LoveToCode7]

I’ll be getting a soft top Miata in late December or early in 2025. I’ve been waiting for my daughter to graduate from college so I don’t have to make anymore tuition and rent payments.

[@Swarm509]

There is a rumor that there will be a 35th anniversary edition for 2025 in a unique color. No idea what the color will be, but might be worth waiting for if you are already going to get a 2025 model. The word is that it won't be a limited amount, only available over a limited time. That is what I am waiting for, a yellow or green Miata would be mint.

[@LoveToCode7]

@@Swarm509 There is some speculation. I read somewhere that the ND3 update for 2024 is the last ND and the change will be drastic. I think the 2024 will be considered a classic. However, I’m debating a 2 year lease with option to purchase just in case a drastic change just after I get one as the ND is a decade old almost

[@shift__robinson]

Nice comparison video between these 2 popular entry level sports cars 👏🏽 Thank you for sharing!

[@viktorpantazis4441]

Your shots are great, editing can improve slightly so that changing frames doesn't feel so rushed. I liked how you connected the car market and industry to society (generational inequality) to explain current market trends.

[@BastianUllr]

I was concerned with practicality- drove sedan/SUV for 15 yrs to realize that without kids, there is nothing to win in North America with a few more sits to spare where a car is almost a necessity. Most people drive! So I Made the leap of faith and instead of getting a new shuttle, got a Miata. It has been one of the best decisions of my life. It’s perfectly practical for a childless couple. Reliable, convenient, fun, cheap to maintain, mods are dirt cheap, sounds brilliant, it’s a joy to drive with top down after work/on a weekend/because why not… it’s pure joy. The practicality argument is such a silly thing, the MX-5 can totally be a daily driver. Excellent small city commuter, heats up quick on winter… I can’t find downsides, except you do need to drive defensively. Else… can’t wait to drive it tomorrow again. For any other few occasions a year, if any, I can rent a truck. For everything else? It does it great in my opinion. Great city car. I’m glad is not a silly stiff uncomfortable slow sports car… it’s actually more like a touring vehicle. The fact that even with blisteins on is still soft-ish makes it actually quite fun cornering slower around town. Good chasis and feel for a joy ride, not a track toy. For that, you’d need to get it there. Not interested, 😅 one thing I’m sure, I can’t afford to rent this much fun a year. It lights up any bad day, it motivates you to find an excuse to go somewhere and seize the day, see which sedan/suv can do that.

[@iaindurant4539]

Great intro my man

[@kickdreaming]

THE GR86 IS THE BETTER OPTION. I GOT MYSELF THE HALO TRUENO EDITION AND LOVING EVERY MILE! HAYAI! NAMASTE 🙏🏽 FROM BROOKLYN.

[@madisonmiller920]

Hell yeah! Great video!

[@LOLA6ifyable]

I own a first gen face-lift brz love it! waiting for the 3rd gen , hope we see it. Great video!

[@davianshipley3890]

What year is the 3rd generation gonna come out?

[@LOLA6ifyable]

@davianshipley3890 no one knows . It may never happen , I wrote "hope we see it" 1st gen was 2012 - 2022. 2nd generation 2022 - ?? Maybe because of emissions we may see it back as mild hybrid . The Celica and MR2 , are currently in the pipeline according to rumors, not the same recipe though.

[@vincentopperman1420]

So glad I stumbled upon this vid, amazing content

[@mannypaul5744]

Miata is always the answer but I would love to see the GR86 with the 3 banger that’s in the GR Corolla

[@bilokenneth]

But until you drive it past 85 MPH there is no warranty loooool

[@BluDhillon]

really well thought of Final thoughts 💭

[@Danmandingo]

*Really gotta tip my hat to MAZDA.* They truly make cars, that are quite fun to drive. The fact thst they're pretty damn reliable, is just the icing on the cake.

[@korizmo]

Same 2 cars I was cross shopping for a daily, fun, great handling small car. I drove both and ending up with a 2024 GR86 Premium Manual. Love this car and you should see it now with 10k dropped on suspension (RCE Coils > all), lighter/wider wheels & tires and exterior bits (Adro). So many customization options to stand out from the other brz/86's.

[@Eagle-wp4gy]

really nice editing and thoughts!

[@francisgomes9976]

Answer is always Miata. On top of that you get convertible experience

[@VictorPitstop]

I am a diehard Miata fan (on #6) but would take a coupe Miata in a millisecond.

[@edujourneyaspirasi2775]

Agreed

[@francisgomes9976]

@@VictorPitstop you can, the hardtop version.

[@VictorPitstop]

@@francisgomes9976 the one almost but Mazda never produced for the NA/NB? I’m sure it’s priceless. (The RF doesn’t count and that’s what I have).

[@totoro6214]

@@VictorPitstop I'm curious on your preference for a coupe over the rf. (i'm a 24' rf club owner myself) unless... you mean to have them all! I'd love to also have a soft top in the garage one day and switch between the ST and RF pending on the weather/ occasion

[@solocamo3654]

I own a 3600lb 2013 G37 Sedan 7AT and my GF a 2021 MX-5 6AT, the G37 will walk it on the straights but that MX-5 is an absolute go kart in the twisties. Still would rather drive the G as a daily though. Either the 86 or MX-5 with 50hp on either would be perfect.

[@GSXSF-250]

My most fun 4 cylinder car was the 1989 Ford Probe. It was a hoot to drive and quicker than a 5.0L Mustang.

[@brianbohnet1907]

The answer is easy: BRZ. Hope this helps. Better more straight forward dealership experience with a platform that is 85% subaru, along with a suspension that's easier at slow speeds and more confidence inspiring at higher limits.

[@makagio]

I have both. 2023 BRZ and a 1998 MX5 NB

[@Yumemaru.]

both are great. If you want a convertable, go with the Miata. It's the only real choice in it's class, at it's pricepoint. If you want a more practical coupe, with amazing aftermarket support, go with the 86 or BRZ.

[@radietetica]

Miata all the way!! Love the cinematics tho!

[@DrewsephBoo]

Great head-to-head comparison. Will say though, if you look on the used market, the MX-5 (ND2) will probably be a better value option than the GR86.

[@ajcivicracer]

Love my Miata and respect the 86. More people can afford these than other sports cars/sedans.

[@philzvids3577]

Both great cars and far more exciting than the boring SUVs and EVs that are taking over our roads. I have a MX5 ND2 2.0 184 that I use as a daily driver. It's a fun car and mine has a good trim so lots of gadgets including a reversing cam, idiot detection etc. One point that is never discussed is that the car is absolutely fine crawling along at walking speed in 1st gear. In the UK, the govt are on a mission to dig up every road and cause maximum congestion, so this feature is really handy. The engine is nice and revvy and will go to 7500 which is impressive. The car replaced my Fiat 124 spider which was written off by an idiot. In everyday use the MX5 achieves 40MPG. If it had a decent hydraulic steering rack and a turbo it would be my perfect car at an almost reasonable price.

[@ScottPriestley]

My takeaway - get a Miata but add aftermarket sway-bars 🙂 Of course Im biased because I just got my first Miata - an 08 GT PRHT ❤

[@eduardomaldonado5793]

Would definitely love to have to Elantra n here… different type of car then these to obviously but fwd turbo 4 cyl for 35k keeping it close to FL5 can’t compete with that definitely a underrated car

[@BlackNAVYAmericanVET]

Yo -GR86 Toyota/Subaru needs to address that “gasket glue problem “ …….👍🏽

[@vincentopperman1420]

Don’t think they will unless more accidents happen. Bur I mean you can just replace it.

[@GarretTheShadow]

Which one has more road noise on the highway? ND RF or GR86?

[@chibhishamanagsha4245]

Been following your amazing videos man! Where are you guys based from?

[@vincentopperman1420]

8:29 that’s because of the piped in noise from the speakers, you can disable it tho

[@FoigTCG]

Great video but your switching back and forth from 60 to 30fps is throwing me off

[@jasondixon9095]

I love my MX5 2021 RF fun car

[@jiewu1988]

nice weather weekend toy go for Miata. Entry-level track day car go for 86/brz

[@mattylight8600]

On paper yes, but in reality the GR86 has oil starvation issues on track during high speed right hand turns.

[@ruturaj47]

​@@mattylight8600and still many are tracking it without any issues. It's just fear mongering at this point. Sure pressure drops are real, it's not breaking cars and would be resolved with bigger oil pans.

[@itspronouncedjello]

Touge is pronounced toh-geh. Love these cars, would love to get into a Miata but I need backseats

[@LordShargaas]

Both fun cars. But in France, there is no match. MX-5 have a 3k € eco tax, the GR86... 60k €.

[@ApxuBbI]

Ain't this is new Miata red color? Looks different than Soul Red.

[@DanH-u3f]

The MX5 actually handles better, but the GR86 has more hp, torque and better lap times.

[@davianshipley3890]

How you think the long term reliability of the gr86 would be?

[@bigweedonly]

@@davianshipley3890 If you turn right too hard while tracking it, itll blow up. Avoid.

[@DanH-u3f]

@@davianshipley3890 Subaru flat 4. Not a Toyota engine. Good, but not great.

[@makingretro]

The GR86 has gotten bigger "over the years"? There has been exactly one redesign that made it one inch longer and one inch taller.

[@itaybutavia1204]

Thanks for your review and information. The MX5 most to be soft top ! More beautiful More Light weight . BBS great ! BRAMBO ...❤❤ Where are the Recaro seats ???

[@SrtRacerBoy]

I would never own a Subaru with a Boxer engine. Maybe when toyota launches that new crazy 4 cylinder they made, the GR86 will get that

[@vincentopperman1420]

8:50 Mx5 has better startup sound and gr86 has better exhaust. But that’s just me personally

[@peterzemanovic2038]

You keep saying MX-5 is better for fun yet you clearly show the GR86 swings it's back out nicely where the MX-5 kinda just wobbles around a corner. Does not look more fun to me. Also MX-5 has adjustable suspension already stock, so you can set it up for track easily, if you don't mind the excessive roll.

[@boost331]

Fun fact the 2 cars actually use the same Aisin transmission.

[@BlackNAVYAmericanVET]

MX5 is 2Xs more SEXY ! And the cabin is beautiful MX5 ❤…….

[@waynezw]

Which car will be more reliable? Build quality of Miata is better.

[@vincentopperman1420]

Gr86 has more mods and repair parts ,but I get your point. I think it goes either way depending on the person.

[@A861967]

I had both ❤ the GTS86 and the mx-5 the main difference is the size.. the 86 will fit me and a few friends if needed. The mx-5 was a pain as the practicality is none existent and even trips for shopping was a challenge. Sold them both and got a wrx Sportswagon 😅 still would get the GR86 again as it’s so much fun❤

[@pavelfoltanjudr.771]

😉 OK video, but there is no point in comparing these two cars. It's personal. For about 30 years I drove 4 Nissan GT tuning cars. Super cars. I'm almost 70 years old and I'm a professional musician. I can fit 2 guitars and 2 combos in the GR86. But there are more reasons. It's personal. The Miata is not for me. I bought a Subaru Impreza toy for my wife. And I think they are both satisfied. Choose the car that suits you and be happy. 🤠 HOWGH

[@Kriz91eo]

Its hard to ear your vocals, had to turn up the volume more than usual.

[@mrcsproncho3798]

it is very hard to hear you please reduce the music volume next video

[@blurayffan66]

MX-5 soft top for me.

[@planbparadise2046]

I "love" these videos with no clear winner! reminds me of... what's that word again? "Clickbait"

[@fahmidnd2]

Love both these cars, I decided to go with the Miata. However, there’s no wrong answer. But that 86 sounds like garbage 😭

[@ZevIRS]

I didn't watch the video, but the MX-5, because the GR86 can't be bought almost worldwide.

[@2010Seraphim]

That toyota only Kanata Rivington can handle it

[@donim5801]

Until the GR86 gets a convertible variant, MX5 all day long for a non-track toy. OR Toyota can bring back the MR2 and now we can compare apples to apples

[@fattybumflake]

There will never be a convertible GR86 because it would result in less body rigidity. Just like it’ll never have a sunroof because it would add weight up top.

[@Zykeil]

I'm pretty sure they're looking into a new MR2, generation, but the price point is probably gonna be in the $70k-$80k+ price range

[@donim5801]

@@Zykeil that's amazing news (except pricing)! If they can bring the price down to Miata ranges, it will be solid! At 70k from Toyota, it better be close to Tesla Roadster specs!

[@TC_Geosci]

"From the 'toges' of Japan" ?????? @1:24 とうげ (峠) ? 🤔

[@stanw8380]

they were competitors before sports cars were a thing? Don't tell that to a 1955 MGA!

[@ITNoetic]

Best sports car? Who knows... Best convertible? Well!

[@petermartin9494]

The MX-5 soft top has both of them beat...

[@boost331]

Spoiler alert. The correct one to buy is actually the SUBARU BRZ. It rides better and has a much better throttle map than the GR.

[@ae86fiend]

I'll take the Miata. The boxer will "Subaru" if taking hard right turns.

[@fredmthomas]

Eww, the RF

[@Mx5pro]

New buyers be very careful of the mx5 and gr86 they lose alot value after a year so always consider a lease or a used mx5 or gr86 base trim because these cars can be very hard to live with

[@Vijaypall_96]

Awesome review!