2019 Mazda MX-5 vs VW Golf R - TRACK REVIEW // DRAG RACE & LAP TIMES

CONTINUING OUR FULL TRACK SERIES! James and Thomas take the new 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata GT and pit it against the 2019 Golf R in a full track test: Drag race, drifting, and lap times! Can the lightweight Miata outmanoeuvre the more powerful but heavier Golf R? Let's find out!
*For more info about Krown and to get YOUR car protected, go here:
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Written and Presented by: James Engelsman, and Thomas Holland
Filmed and Edited by: Thomas Holland
Produced by: James Engelsman
Drone/Camera Operator: Ben Kahan
Camera Operator: Harrison D.
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[@aperson5062]

As a fellow Miata owner, we all know that the point is how much fun it is to drive on the road. I've had a couple of Audi S4's and driving a fast car at 3/10ths isn't that much fun. They would go faster on a track, and haul more people and stuff, but I would much rather drive the Miata.

[@mostyles328]

I also have a 2018 Audi S4 that can wipe the floor with a Miata, but I’m always exited to take my 124 spider (Fiata) out in the spring/summer. So much fun!

[@josephmichael4219]

Both are 42k? Here in Spain you could buy 1 and a half MX5 for the price of a Golf R, Miatas go for 20-30k while the Golf Rs go for 45k+

[@TheFlyingClutchman]

Similar in the UK

[@nicoschu]

In Switzerland it's even worse. The Golf R starts at around 51k and ends at 80k swiss-francs

[@sadmanh0]

yep, I couldn't believe it either but they cost the same in Canada

[@Jameshhl]

Golf R $41k MX-5 $31k ($35k Fully loaded, LSD, Bilstein, Tower brace, Interior, Appearance, Weather, lighting packages) in US

[@ayeapprove]

@@sadmanh0 Europeans paying for the competitive pricing elsewhere

[@ClintsReptiles]

These are my exact realistic dream cars. I want both.

[@maxhall6346]

Clint's Reptiles I would not expect you to be watching throttle house 😂

[@blitzkriegbeatbox706]

@@maxhall6346 same bro I saw the top comment, i was like huh that's familiar.

[@epicraptorman]

Clint likes lizards and Miatas?

[@jessalove8322]

Same actually

[@yutub561]

Get a GTI. Lots of MK7 GTI guys who have driven both prefer the GTI over the R for weight and fun factor. Everyone has their own reasons but you can get a GTI for half the price of an R and tune for more HP, saving you a lot of money

[@nats50]

You can have your 2.33 seconds, I'll still take the Miata.

[@inthebagsolutions]

Me too!

[@sergiosanchezpadilla6941]

me too!

[@balram7428]

And i will keep my 4 seats lol

[@motionelco]

Balram I’ve never heard someone bragging about having extra seats in a sports car.

[@balram7428]

@@motionelco it was a joke btw.

[@ChapeauRouge921]

How to identify the MX5 driver: The guy with the year round tan arriving at work with a grin on his face.

[@joaodellarosa9615]

That is so funny because there's this guy I have seen a few times around my building parking lot that owns a Miata and perfectly fits the description Lol

[@tmo2798]

That's me... when I have a job.

[@80s_Boombox_Collector]

And typically age 50+

[@ZACH_95_]

80's Boombox Collector naa not really. Most people that have miatas are younger. 👏🏻👏🏻

[@80s_Boombox_Collector]

@@ZACH_95_ I don't believe I've ever seen anyone in their 20s with a Miata. They would much rather drive a BRZ, WRX, Mustang, M3, M2, or even just a Wrangler. Those are much more practical for someone who can only own 1 car.

[@wanghanshen]

I owned a MK 7 Golf R with manual transmission for 4 years, drove it for 60,000km and sold it last year and bought a 2016 MX5 with only 16,000km on the clock. It's manual transmission of course, and I also got $8,000 back from this change. In the 4 years of owning the Golf, I almost never go out just for a drive. Since I got the MX5, I go to the mountains pretty much every weekend LOL. POWER doesn't equal to FUN, especially on the streets. The dynamics & the way the car makes you feel is way more important.

[@davidking4686]

I really appreciate when y'all do the lap view and have the minimap showing speeds at certain points on the track. It's really informative about how some cars are slower through turns or faster on the straights.

[@michaelzaff2843]

In Europe (I am located in Austria) it is a little different - here the Golf R starts at € 55.980,- and the MX5 incl. Bilsteins and Recaros at € 35.890,-

[@kainanchen]

In addition, LSD only comes to the RF with Sportline (It isn't written anywhere, I knew this by asking Mazada Deutschland).

[@Kradfreund]

Absolutely, my first thought was: A fair match would be the Golf GTI, not the R.

[@LZKaiMarc]

@@kainanchen in germany the LSD is onboard at every 2l model - i have a 2l preFacelift Roadster "Sportsline" with 160hp from 2016 and it has mounted the LSD!

[@kainanchen]

@@LZKaiMarc I am very confused recently, too. Because I got the answer directly from Mazda Deutschland email support. But I went to the dealer last week and they told me it has to be there. The dealer will anyway contact Mazda again to confirm, let's see what would they say😂

[@LZKaiMarc]

@@kainanchen i am sorry for confusing you - but i only can speak for the german market. But it sounds strange because the RF model came later. My model is one of the first, i bought it last year as used car from a mazda-dealer and when i did research for buying, i got this information. For me it was very important to get a model with LSD. In two weeks i am on the asia-arena meeting in Oschersleben and my MX5 has its first time on the track. All My mates have more powerful cars with around 200hp and they can't outrun me. The MX5 is a car wich will often be underestimated. For me it is my dreamcar which i ride everyday. And for riding it very sporty it don't need much petrol - around 7-8l per 100 km.

[@tennisthehilife]

ND miata for me soon hopefully. I mistakenly sold my 95 miata for a sporty practical lexus for 3 years with 0 smiles. I loved driving the miata and getting lost and making an amazing adventure of every little drive.

[@nickn753]

4:18 that was straight top gear R8 Vs 911 and I love it

[@delahozlife4978]

link??

[@kovenant9460]

@@delahozlife4978 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZKof3pnq9lpY7s

[@delahozlife4978]

Andrés Arbeláez que santa maravilla

[@serbzero]

fellas, your editing and cinematic skills are improving exponentially! combined with great personalities, and silly antics, you deserve every single of those 200k subscriptions! Onto a million! Keep up the good work!

[@martytdd1606]

Mr expert hahaha

[@CanningPetto]

Mx-5 is my favourite car in asseto corsa. Was crushed when I went to test drive one. I'm 6'3" I was literally crushed.

[@scottroberts5529]

I'm 6'3" I fit nicely in my R my dad has a 2018 mini cooper and I fit nicely in that car as well and that thing handles really nice in the twistys

[@CanningPetto]

Guys I drive a 2018 base golf. Love it and want an R so bad.

[@josephandreuccetti8043]

CanningPetto Women make me feel bad for not being tall at 5.7 But then I fit every single motorcycle and every single performance car made. Fuck it I’ll take that I feel bad for big dudes can’t get into cars they like and get stuck with only large cars

[@gettingbettereveryday350]

I'm 6'2 and my NC miata has plenty of space.... have u tried an NC?

[@Newzchspy]

CanningPetto that's why chu X drive them. Smaller car for smaller chix.

[@ikarugaxx3749]

In Italy a Golf R starts from €48100 (with mandatory five doors & DSG gearshift), while the MX-5 Sport with the new upgraded 2L engine (184 HP) and soft top starts from €32000: that's a €16000, more or less $17500 USD difference. In Canada, the two cars' prices (I checked that the equipment be the same) are $3603 apart instead of €16100. If you wonder why, that is because the 101% or maybe the 200% of people in Italy will buy the Golf (if they can't an A Class, A3, or 1 Series, that is), no matter how it drives, handles, what equipment it comes with, what the competition, Mazda for instance, is offering under those respects. This reflects in the companies' attitudes, starting from how they price their cars (and not limited to that).

[@kaox44]

Remember folks, it's AWD+285hp vs RWD+181hp. The MX5 time is pretty good with two big disadvantages.

[@jjf3934]

Isn’t the golf technically a front wheel drive and only engages all 4 wheel if it detects slippage?

[@patrick7695]

I dont think golf has 285hp, some people say it has 280 and some say it has 300.... Knowing VW they probably lie about how much hp the golf actually has I was watching a drag race between 320hp type r and 300hp golf r and golf was noticably faster It probably has like 320-330hp

[@MisoElEven]

@@patrick7695 If the manufacturer declares 285hp then thats the lowest possible number..usually when you get it actually tested you will find that they have more power.

[@Gustinpham]

@@patrick7695 likely the dsg made it faster

[@josechuperez4280]

In europe it's 320 horse power. I think it depends on the market.

[@colinwulput5509]

Miata, really ! She's in the garage and each morning starting the day with a banana smile when i push the start button. Even through bad weather, dislock the ESP and test a gently drift! Coming back from the Corse Island, it was so magnifique.

[@danielanthony6141]

This is what top gear used to be, before it became less about the cars and more about the script / special effects. You guys have a winning recipe right here, great chemistry, superb content and driver focused. Please never change!!

[@rockervdrive]

4:20 was just like that old Top Gear scene with the R8 vs 911. Epic!

[@delahozlife4978]

Can someone put the video?

[@VK-sc6mf]

@@delahozlife4978 It's not R8 vs 911, but it's similar moment kzbin.info/www/bejne/epK9dquaia17oLs

[@kovenant9460]

@@delahozlife4978 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZKof3pnq9lpY7s

[@pipsqeak7104]

Yeah noticed that to I think it was intentional

[@giriprasadkotte9876]

I was searching for the name of the Topgear video for almost two years now. I only remembered the 911 and not the other. Thanks to you, now I do.

The mist made many shots in this quite cinematic :) Even 4 years ago Throttle House was already top notch

[@kiyabcs]

Mx5 vs. Brz would be a fantastic comparison.

[@DocHoliday444]

Absolutely! Great idea.

[@rusty9501]

Great video gents. In Australia the VW is 15 to 20 k more expensive. My garage is a 2016 Mx-5 ND and a BMW M140i. Love em both!

[@hackerino159]

Dream Garage😍😍

[@jeremycrowe2139]

I’ve owned an MX-5 (NC 6-speed, 2006) for 8yrs, and 18 months ago bought a 2016 Golf R DSG as a more practical daily commute / family car. (And they’re both grey.) The Golf R is amazing, no doubt about it. Incredible performance, and can get you from A to B very quickly indeed. But for the sheer pleasure of driving, the MX-5 wins hands down. Plus you can do most of the servicing yourself.

[@WhiteGoldSynesthesia]

Nice video. And congrats on 200k! Very well deserved. Here's to the next 200! 🍻

[@ElectronikReviews]

I have a 92 miata and it has a very similar redline to the one you tested. It really does feel lie you're just winding the engine right out. Very satisfying.

[@garor1994]

Dude you need to accelerate at those corners with the miata, it might seem scary at first, but it's the magic of a roadster, you can oversteer confidently, if you dont give power to the back in corners you lose more grip

[@noresttoomuchtoinvest8150]

Yesssss. This is the truth.

[@Luigin182]

Why do you run with OPEN Window in Miata, and Golf Closed???

[@GSPEED-dw3gs]

its because in the Miata you go thru the corners so fast ya crap your pants so having the window down helps keep the smell in check.…. the other car is just..well..just another car :-) I hope that explanation helps clear it up for ya a little

[@ArtemLokhovitskiy]

Maybe it was pretty hot and he didn't want to use a/c to save power?

[@zinny999]

@@ArtemLokhovitskiy amateurish... girls probably do this. SAVAGEESE would rape this dude back to middle ages.

[@GerhardImhof]

I got an mx-5, if the window's open you feel much air pressure insider of the car. This really makes a difference 🤔

[@kc510]

Maybe because buffeting in a golf is so horrendous you can’t drive with windows down.

[@macbitz]

I'll take fun over speed any day. Not everything humans do has to be completed in the shortest time possible 😉

[@NippyMoto]

Golf Rs are incredible fun just not as fun as a Miata. If you need one as a daily and a track car for the weekends I'd go for the Golf R every day though.

[@GreatGrandmasterWang]

But its fun overtaking slowpokes

[@gettingbettereveryday350]

that's what my wife says.....

[@sadmanh0]

but Golf R can be your only vehicle, a miata just can't

[@gettingbettereveryday350]

@@sadmanh0 i have only a miata.... but i agree it is a lot less practical than a golf

[@beristain]

I’ll take the Miata in a heartbeat. It’s a roadster and rear wheel drive for xtra fun

[@miguelsanchez6465]

the mazda came out it only had 150 hp, now it has 180 so ya its probably fun as hell

[@Timochat_]

@@miguelsanchez6465 184

[@jamespanda7887]

@@miguelsanchez6465 miata only had 110hp originally

[@miguelsanchez6465]

@@jamespanda7887 the first gen correct? im talking about the newest gen, i think it only had 150 hp in its top spec when it debuted. with 184 it is probably soooo fun

[@jamespanda7887]

@@miguelsanchez6465 I have a 2003 mx5 turbo project happening soon. it has a stock 140hp. but run 7psi turbo and you'll get 220whp reliably.

[@Dolby109]

I feel like this is a bit of a wierd comparison. A 4-door hot hatch with near to 300hp, AWD, and a $35k starting price against a 2-door convertible with 181hp and a ~$26k starting price. Still on track they might be somewhat close, though I expect the Miata to be both more fun and slower.

[@divyangmistry7454]

The miata featured here has a more powerful engine and LSD, bumps up the price

[@Dolby109]

@@divyangmistry7454 The LSD might, although it really shouldn't much. The more powerful 181hp engine is simply standard for 2019+ MX-5's.

[@divyangmistry7454]

@@Dolby109 Didn't knew that. These guys compared type R and M2 Comp a while back, calculate the price difference there. But that video made sense as both the cars were 1-2 seconds apart on the track. Many people want to own a roadster or a hot hatch or both, this might be a video geared towards them.

[@Dolby109]

@@divyangmistry7454 MT Compared the V6 1LE Camaro (which runs pretty similar lap times to the CTR) to the regular M2. The M2 won, but not by a huge margin. The SS 1LE was still cheaper than the base M2, but I think they wanted it a bit closer performance wise than price.

[@zTheBigFishz]

@@Dolby109 Yea, cause the SS 1LE would curb stomp the M2.

[@caglioso]

200k? This channel should easily be at 1mil! Either way congrats guys.

[@nickjohnston7513]

All of the Miatas look so cool, and every time someone reviews them, they talk about how much fun they are. That is my dream car.

[@mikeb9569]

Yeehaaaahhhh! I'm on my 4th (two NBs an NC and now an ND) and they amazingly just keep getting better!!

[@shortstories3349]

They aren't wrong. I finally bought a 2020 RF. I'm learning on it, and it is an absolute blast to drive. Slow, fast - anytime.

[@martyn_g]

I have a 2017 MX5 - cost me $41K AUD - Golf R $60K AUD, Golf R is DSG only, my MX5 is manual. I don’t have kids. You can keep the damn Golf😂

[@lakerforever1114]

Martyn Gasson until you start mods, and realize that an apr stage 2 kit is inexpensive and makes the golf r a damn rocket.

[@Joe-qc2fw]

lakerforever1114 As if even more power in the golf is remotely appealing to an MX5 owner???

[@RussellMiddleton]

Golf R isn't DSG only, there's a popular manual version.

[@emmanuelperrina6105]

@@lakerforever1114 until you find a miata in a twisty mountain road. Do you think that we keep the crappy stock tires?

[@emmanuelperrina6105]

@@dmpope1527 we have the ability to have fun in the winter. There is nothing more fun than an rwd car on snow.

[@abalakrishnan4152]

M iata I s A lways T he A nswer because traction is overrated

[@Platypus_Warrior]

Wish the window was closed on track, I really think it makes a difference

[@TheBb6prelude]

A Balakrishnan drifting is garbage

[@Th3_0_h8]

They woulda put some pilot sports on that miata it would have destroyed the golf

[@Platypus_Warrior]

@@Th3_0_h8 Thank you. Comparing cars on a track should be done with same tire compound

[@MouseCIick]

the car is so light, you barely even need traction which makes it so easy and forgiving to drive.

[@wbwayne8887]

Thanks for all the dedication and work you obviously put in to each and every video. No one out there quite like you guys. Makes for very enjoyable videos. Well deserved 200K. Keep up the excellent work.

[@jamesengelsman9369]

Thanks Wayne!

[@scootcha]

@@jamesengelsman9369 you should make vlogs on your channel. You're a cool guy.

[@rezboadog369]

"...which is good cause I got "five" reasons!" That banter right there was the reason why I subscribed. It feels like two friends having fun and review cars. I love it.

[@laynedingman9707]

This is why you just buy both, like I did! Except the Miata is an NA and it's a dedicated track car now, and the R is a DSG.

[@jon_vega]

nice to come back to this video and know james chose both

[@tajo98]

Can you please do rwd vs awd? BMW M240 rwd with LSD vs M240 xdrive would be very interesting.

[@pikachupowers]

RWD will walk all over it, even with open diff.

[@tajo98]

@@pikachupowers Not sure. The instructor from BMW driving experience was saying that 5 series xdrive is faster through 30sec auto x course than non xdrive model.

[@pikachupowers]

@@tajo98 he would have to prove it then. BMW's were designed as RWD vehicles.

[@tajo98]

@@pikachupowers that is exactly why I asked these guys to do it. ;-)

[@christianbowes7907]

This is RWD (Miata) vs AWD (Golf R)

[@unclelou5240]

Nice review👍🏽 However I didn’t expect to see Golf R is 4sec slower than Audi RS3, as I thought they should be neck-to-neck competitor on the track

[@djengomd6285]

I think you may mean the S4*

[@mikew3752]

@@djengomd6285 The S3 is the same as the Golf R. In NA, we don't get the hatch version of the S3, but other places do. From what I've seen, the Audi is a bit quicker on the track. Perhaps the suspension is tuned more for the track than the Golf is.

[@danielmarconi3527]

Giulia Quadrifoglio vs M3 CS vs C63S sedan vs Model 3 DMP please!

[@Newzchspy]

Daniel Marconi add the Model 3 DMP to that and do some drag racing.

[@wbwayne8887]

Need to wait for the new M3 imo though, but good suggestion.

[@wbwayne8887]

@@Newzchspy No contest, the Tesla will wipe the floor with them in a drag race.

[@Newzchspy]

WB Wayne and in the track/handling test....

[@hoen2009]

@@wbwayne8887 Model 3 is still good at drag racing, but those other three can actually beat it.

[@abbashaider8668]

I had a Golf R. Great daily car. Due to the Covid lockdown I wasnt driving it as much and when I did take it out it didnt give me that special driving feel that a true sports car does. Even though my Golf R was modified, it still didn’t feel special enough to be a weekend only car. I sold it and bought a ND miata and turbocharged it. What an amazing car! It feels so much faster than the Golf R even though it’s a little bit slower. Driving it feels like an occasion everytime no matter how fast or slow you’re going.

[@Hamilcar_Stronginthearm]

Unless you're being paid to turn in fast lap times, then isn't having fun really the only thing?

[@bfjenser]

Why have a dropped window on the Mazda on the hot laps? You can literally hear the wind drag grab under that canvas roof...

[@andras.89]

Those two cars price matched? In hungary there is 1,5x rate if You speck the Golf R, either the Golf R is cheap, or the Miata is expensive AF there

[@just.a.simplejoe]

Still one of my fav videos from you guys, because I'm a miata owner. And whether it wins or loses isn't as important cause its always a fun time!

[@BretSnyderMusic]

4:20 HOLY SHIT!

[@xenialxerus934]

Lightweight cars are worthy to drift and fall over

[@1972juankarlos]

The more i watch you guys, the better i like your videos... keep it up, hope to see 500 K by the end of 2020, you deserve it.

[@ThrottleHouse]

Thanks!

[@jairon_2518]

Just two of the cars I'm more interested on Practicality vs Fun

[@Spike.SpiegeI]

this channel is soooo underrated. The content and quality is top notch!

[@Joe-qc2fw]

Lapping with the windows open on the Miata???

[@canuckwineguy]

Great that you added the pip of racetrack as you drive it, your welcome!

[@brucetumblinjr7980]

GTI & Golf R are better all around daily drivers for me, but I do like the Miata RF!

[@dersinnor3109]

Bruce Tumblin Jr And that is the reason i changed from miata to gti

[@fragu123]

.... don’t want to be overly harsh but the fact that you (finally) understand that a Golf is a better daily driver than a Miata doesn’t cast a positive light on your general smartness....

[@brucetumblinjr7980]

jogu123 what makes you think I’m just realizing this genius?

[@fragu123]

Bruce Tumblin Jr ....the fact that you decided to post your genius message....

[@brucetumblinjr7980]

jogu123 NEGATIVE smart guy, the fact that I gave the other tubers my choice & my reason for that choice does not indicate that I’m just finding this out

[@johnflavin1602]

Were you trying to slow the Miata by having the windows down (wind drag) while they were up in the Golf?

[@ThePatriots1993]

Congrats on 200k subs!! & Great entertaining video as always

[@daver7465]

Great video! I own a Golf R and am looking to buy a Miata so this was very interesting for me.

[@dlg5485]

Impressive finish for the MX-5 given the massive power difference. I wouldn't trade my '21 GT for anything, it's the most fun I've ever had behind the wheel.

[@gogglez61]

I just bought a 22 MX-5 GT and I love it. I've had a couple s550 Mustangs and a couple WRX's, but they were nowhere near as fun as my MX-5

[@mharro88]

I got rid of mine for a Elantra N , I thought I'd regret it but I don't.

[@Doozer72]

I went from a 2016 manual Golf R to a 2017 MX5 RF. The miata had way more personality. Less practical, sure, but more fun. And I regretted not getting the DSG in the Golf R because the manual is programmed to aggressively cut power on launch to save the clutch; takes away a lot of the fun of having that much torque on tap.

[@dudndadn12212]

Craig M should have gotten it tuned.

[@Doozer72]

Kita I looked into it but a tune without an aftermarket clutch that can handle the torque is a risky proposition and more than I was willing to spend.

[@_________1863]

Open windows on the Miata though? Doesn't that affect the aero drag during hot laps? Genuine question I'm not a race driver.

[@giusepperocchi2979]

Yes, it does to a great extent indeed.

[@thefancyllama4657]

lalo f golf r would win even if the windows were closed, almost double the hp and AWD. Each pair of wheels on the golf is pushing with the same power as both rear wheels on the Miata.

[@jimmy92goodwin]

@@thefancyllama4657 But the results show there was only 2 seconds in it? So having the windows closed would probably close that laptime by about a second or maybe the full 2 seconds. If you think how much of a difference the aero makes on supercars, having windows down is like putting a sail up on a pirate ship hahaha

[@giusepperocchi2979]

@@thefancyllama4657 The Golf is much heavier and has a higher center of mass, so it's not that easy...

[@_________1863]

@@thefancyllama4657 That would only be the case in an even split full-time AWD system. The golf R is a front biased haldex system so it only sends power to the rear when the fancy german engineered computer decides it wants to.

[@middler5212]

That wrist brace explanation was both perplexing and hilarious!!!!

[@OldDirtyCollector]

I’m interested to see a MK 7.5 GTI would do up against a Miata. I love both cars and own both. So, it would be a win, win for me to see!

[@sheldonraju2309]

My golf was pretty expensive due to some negative left on my loan. But I've had it for a month and couldn't be happier. It's a fun capable ride while looking pretty unassuming. Waxed a Genny turbo on the way home haha

[@swizzard3147]

Good video. A professional race car driver would probably end up with closer - and more consistent - times but, the results would probably be similar. The Miata is such fun to drive - it always has been.

[@chrishenry571]

James, James, buddy, I think we need an intervention... you now own both of these cars (mk8 though) Well done!

[@stephenhendricks103]

Two of my favorite cars (at any price.) I've always lusted after a Miata but never owned one. That's the result of competing priorities in terms of passenger capacity and versatility. I don't own a Golf R either, but my Stage I tuned GTI provides the power of a stock Golf R while lacking the advantage of AWD. I wouldn't give up my beloved VW but when the kid goes off to college and the dog dies, I would consider adding a Miata to the family fleet.

[@PaulMansfield]

You can get a Miata with reasonable miles and fair condition quite cheap. I just did. My main/sensible/family car is a EV, which of course is auto, heavy, wallowy. Can you guess which one makes me grin like a loon when I drive it?

[@WitchYuki22]

​@PaulMansfield what about having only one car? Can the miata be as practical to be a family car? Lmao

[@ericmohlenhoff1431]

I actually have both of these cars in my garage....although mine are an '18 GTI SE manual and a '16 MX-5 Club w/brembo-BBS manual....pretty close though. I bought both of them because they are the best bang for the buck regardless. I'm still very happy with my purchases although I wish I had the newer MX-5 with the uprated engine.

[@suttonsplash14]

not sure how these cars ended up price matched. the golf r is better value but I love the mx5. ps theres more time in that mx5

[@rainbowkeropi]

I noticed the miatas windows were down. Won't the drag affect the lap times?🤔

[@cptnfalcon20000]

That's it right there. Paid commercial by VW.

[@DeeJayAdverb]

Soooo I've known Jakub and Yuri for years and they're personal friends of mine and I love their channel.....buuuuuuuut YOU GUYS ARE ABOUT TO PASS THEM HARD IN THE LEFT LANE ;)

[@wbwayne8887]

Jakub and Yuri: (In unison) WITH FRIENDS LIKE YOU, WHO NEEDS ENEMIES. 🤣🤣

[@DeeJayAdverb]

@@wbwayne8887 they're good sports ;)

[@wbwayne8887]

@@DeeJayAdverb You can tell they would be. They are also excellent at their work. Always love their intros too. "I'm Jakub, I'm Yuri and we're going for a ride."

[@wbwayne8887]

@@DeeJayAdverb Especially a few vids ago when Yuri changed it up for the Kia Tell U Ride.

[@payasofeo69]

I find that the straightpipes guys changed with time... They are now a bit full of themselves and arrogant. Still good content but disconnected. I could be wrong but it’s the feeling I’m getting.

[@fl1654]

Why was window down on miata and up on the golf? Wind resistance would be much higher for the Miata?

[@madsrasmussen3249]

Wow!! That's insanely cheap. In Denmark a MX-5 (the cheapest version with 184HP), costs: 71.700 Canadian Dollars!!! A Golf R (300HP, 4-motion), costs....drumroll: 125.500 Canadian Dollars.

[@Dolby109]

When everything is expensive shouldn't that just adjust your vision of what a normal price is? I expect with the price of cars in Denmark the average annual income is also a bit higher than average.

[@JamieR2077]

Wow. That's insane! Or course you have got public transit options. Here in the US I'm looking at used cars around $10,000 and if you're ok with a few miles you can get a pretty nice car

[@IAmTheHound]

I'd have thought the Golf GTI would be the more classic comparison. In any case, if you need the extra seats and practicality, the Golf is a great proposition. If you don't, and you have decent twisty roads near you, it would be the MX-5 all day long for me (and indeed I had a MK1 for quite a few years back in the day - loved that car).

[@middler5212]

That opening fog background tho! 😲

[@TenguDrift]

This is proper apple and oranges one haha, but hey any excuse to have some fun on the track, great video guys !

[@inox1ck]

The miata should be easier to maintain unless it has reliability problems and more fun around corners, better as a track toy but it seems really expensive if it costs as much as the golfR, 40k?! The cup version at only 900kg+ and racing dampers and coils can do like 5 seconds faster on a 2 minute track so it’s one of the fastest turning production cars with no aero kit. As a family fast and fun car I would take the golfR Track toy- mx5

[@gravity45b]

It does have reliability problems. This generation transmission will always break regardless of usage

[@MBinMA]

I couldn't decide, so I got both! 2018 Golf R (which replaced a 2016 GTI) and a 2019 MIata RF GT-S (which replaced a 2017 RF GT).

[@chaseedgren3097]

The golf r need a rear anti sway bar! Helps a fair amount with the from end grip

[@kevinrotge4774]

need sway bar and tires the tire that comes on the Golf R suck!! sadly i have a sway bar but no good tires

[@barsaf9989]

@@kevinrotge4774 the golf comes with nice summer performance continentals. They are not bad. They stick pretty well.

[@roadster890]

A nice test, because ist unique. Great Job Guys. There is just one Thing.....Give the Miata a more gripfull Tire and the Gap will be sooo close. The Bridgestones are very bad for the Track. So the easiest Tuning for the Miata is to Change the Tires into a Michelin or something like that. I used the Bridgestone on my Mini and changed it into a Michelin Pilot Sport4. The Speed in the Corners are so much higher now.

[@landlubber42069]

I love the Golf R. It flies under the radar, but with bolt-ons and tune, it's a different animal. I love the Miata too, but 40K goes a LONG way on the used sports car market.

[@JacesOwnWorld]

Dan Lee exactly. You could even get a used GT350 for that price OR an E46 Manual all tracked out with a supercharger and clean as hell with top maintenance, and still get that for cheaper than a new slow as hell Miata. The E46 M3’s would outhandle the Miata all fay

[@joszer]

@@Polarbear428773 I have a Stage 2 Golf R. It's a tick over 30k miles and I've had nothing but problem free daily fun with it. It's honestly the best DD out there. I have some accel tests on my channel too if you wanna take a look.

[@tonymelnik2235]

Yep I have a 7.5 Apr stage 1 the acceleration is impressive

[@GUITARTIME2024]

Bolt ons?

[@udmbfckx2916]

When it comes to car pricing, VAT, etc, Canada is like a different Continent from the USA. Here are the list (MSRP) prices without the requisite, almost $1,000 destination charge that they all command: For those of you in other markets in which Mazda may not be using the RF designation, RF means Retractable Fastback or in other words Convertible (Targa-like in this case) Hardtop. 1) Miata Sport - $28,875 2) GTI 2.0T S - $30,315 3) Miata Club - $31,835 - The Handler, the one I would buy soft top. 4) GTI 2.0T SE - $33,915 5) Miata GT - $33,140 6) Miata RF Club - $34,590 - The Hard-Top Convertible Handler. 7) Miata RF GT - $35,695 8) GTI 2.0T Autobahn - $38,215 9) Golf R Manual - $41,290 So as you can see: 1 vs 2 - Basic Miata is $1,440 cheaper than Basic GTI 2 vs 3 - Basic GTI is $1,520 cheaper than Miata Club RF 4 vs 6 - GTI SE is $665 cheaper than Miata Club RF If I lived in Canada, no doubt it would be an AWD vehicle, maybe a WRX or if I could afford it the Golf R.....But living here in South Florida? NO CONTEST. The Miata RF Club would be the one to own.

[@basithph8958]

Both cars are fun in their own way Love that fact that both of them are a manual

[@lensoprezole5322]

Golf can't drift properly.

[@enduroiasg4068]

Curious how your e46 would compare to both 😀

[@SavageP]

Sold my Miata for a Golf R. Miss my Miata but love the golf.

[@worldofz00]

is it a 6MT, the golf?

[@billplaschka9279]

It's hard to beat the do it all Golf R...especially considering the discounts you can get.

[@SavageP]

Zuby A dsg a year later lol

[@CherriPicking]

congrats on 200k, you guys definitely deserve it! great video as always, too!

[@jamesengelsman9369]

Thanks Canafa!

[@connermt74]

You guys are flippin stupid (in a good way) and I love every minute of it. Haha.

[@alaya_shiki_1]

I own a ND1 Miata right now and used to own a DSG mk7.5 GTI. I miss the GTI's sharpness, but I love the Miata's handling. A part of me wants to go back by getting a manual Golf R...but another part of me knows once I do...I'll never come back.

[@gli.stephenmtl3749]

Would love 2 see a gli vs wrx or gli vs si

[@Telecasterland]

I saw this and then looked at the cars and immediately knew that was a GT stock. The track variant is the Club with Brembo package and stiffer lowering options then the tires were not matched. I want to see a club MX5 "prepped" vs a VW Golf R "prepped". You will be shocked how much the Miata is unlocked with prep compared to the VW R. I'll see your Golf on the track.

[@ozahmed4523]

You guys are awesome! Keep up the good work with the cool hot rods! You have a new subscriber from T.O.

[@MicLogan427]

James says "the perfect garage" and 4 years later he owns both of these. Either he spoke it to existence or knew along what he really wanted. 👏🏽

[@redfivemiata2872]

can't believe those are price matched... here in Mexico you can buy 2x MX-5 in sport trim for the price of the Golf R ... madness! here the miata is a no-brainer

[@daddyeagen]

The RF is about 15k more than the sport

[@anandvirapandian5738]

Looks like the windows were open in the Miata during the hot lap 😐...wouldn’t that affect the lap time?

[@dogwink]

I like the nod to tire degradation in the Golf R. Do about 20-30 laps straight. There's a good chance the MX-5 will have a faster cumulative time due to lightness.

[@josephtullis9313]

What tire pressure are you running on that Miata? Please get a 2021 Mazda3 Turbo and test it.

[@ChoPi-Eww]

This was my garage, until I regrettably sold the R for a 340i, because kids.

[@NOFATCHICK1]

What do you miss the most about the Golf R?

[@goneracing1646]

@@NOFATCHICK1 other than missing the hatch, the 340i (rwd, of course) is a better car in every way, except possibly the brakes. VWs tend to have a lot of braking.

[@2wheelmac]

I'm trying to figure out the logic behind that and I just do not understand 🤔

[@caglioso]

I don’t even like the R or VW in general but if you just wanted a nicer car that’s one thing, tho the R is a pretty decent sized hatch and can accommodate kids just as well as a 340.

[@timothycoyne5874]

Though mine is a 2018, my Miata GT is that exact color combo. What a kick to see it thrashed on the track!! The Golf R here in the US is considerably more expensive than a Miata, even in GT trim. If I could get a new Golf R for what I paid for my Miata I’d probably buy one.

[@Tech-Kino2685]

I love both cars but since I already have a small light weight 2dr spots car (lotus Elise)...I would love to go for the golf R next

[@ravelerx]

The Veloster N is back in the intro! Yes!

[@MLKM4N]

Isn’t the golf r $40k and the mx5 $25k? I live in the US but idk

[@ramon7113]

Max Ferguson mx5 is around $37k

[@youcanrunnaked]

Mr Unknown : Nope. MX-5 starting price in the US is $25,500; Club is just under $30K.

[@ramon7113]

youcanrunnaked I just did my research n a new MX5 is about $34k lol

[@youcanrunnaked]

Mr Unknown : First you wrote $37K. Now, $34K. Keep trying. Prices start at $25,500. You can buy an RF GT for $34K, but you don’t have to. The roadster in Club trim is the sweet spot, at $29,800. Your “research” is whack. Try the buying tools at mazda.com.

[@ramon7113]

youcanrunnaked okay see there you go, you said to yourself,, I was talking about the GT where it’s roughly $34k

[@joshmckee7074]

why does nobody compare the dsg golf Rs? night and day difference over the manual r

[@leokal457]

i thought the golf would be much faster than the Miata! Amazing what 180hp can do with such a light car! And you dont have to worry after 3 laps that something is going to overheat

[@6spdkeg]

In racing, 2.3 seconds is still a lot of time lap after lap. a win is a win. 2.3 seconds is enough to be able to deal with lap traffic without much worry. most are not racing these cars Wheel to wheel though. Most who truely care about their car's health while tracking upgrade cooling if needed. But you are right. you have to be more careful with turbo vehicles. From what I've read, the Golf R has done better stock to stock than most other turbo cars on track in regards to over heating.

[@Slash687]

The Golf R is now nearly $10,000 more than the Miata. Give me the Miata.