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

Рет қаралды 22,041

Жыл бұрын

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!
www.nelsoncars.com/
www.nelsonmazdamurfreesboro.com/
Link to video on how to install SmartTop module: • 2016+ Mazda MX-5 Miata...
#miata #mazda #mx5

Пікірлер: 113

@Killobyte Жыл бұрын

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.

@DaveSimkus Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

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 10 ай бұрын

@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 3 ай бұрын

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

@DaveSimkus 3 ай бұрын

@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 Жыл бұрын

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

@angelo747 Жыл бұрын

Hardtop security and aesthetics of the fastback.

@JohnNick72 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@lummel800 Жыл бұрын

@@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 Жыл бұрын

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.

@user-lm3bp2sx8l Жыл бұрын

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

@dre32pitt 9 ай бұрын

Reminds me of early 60s Jaguars.. Beautiful silhouette

@paulsparkes7404 3 ай бұрын

Yes, like an old e type jag

@martinhaskell376 Ай бұрын

Mine reminds me of a 60s Corvette Stingray…

@LoveToCode7 9 күн бұрын

I was dead set on the RF for a few years. Yes, years. Now that I'll finally be getting one in January 2025 (hopefully no big news on 2025/26 models), I changed my mind about a month ago and will likely go ST because of the classic feel and look. I've been waiting for my daughter to graduate from college as I'm helping her to pay for everything and she will graduate in December so I'll have the freedom to go Zoom-Zoom old style.

@alanthomson1227 Жыл бұрын

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

@jeffatturbofish Жыл бұрын

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 2 ай бұрын

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 2 ай бұрын

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 2 ай бұрын

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

@Saboda53 Жыл бұрын

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

@Gregory-Masovutch 4 ай бұрын

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

@stephanieroberts1394 11 ай бұрын

Excellent review!

@Killobyte Жыл бұрын

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

@ag4allgood Жыл бұрын

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

@dollyvarden69 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@MissionForward3 Жыл бұрын

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 9 ай бұрын

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

@dre32pitt 9 ай бұрын

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.

@paulstaffordcook8799 Жыл бұрын

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

@spendingtimetogether8428 9 ай бұрын

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.)

@bengeist3227 Жыл бұрын

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

@thetopstig2010 6 ай бұрын

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 6 ай бұрын

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

@thetopstig2010 6 ай бұрын

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

@philbaugh6076 6 күн бұрын

Soft top baby! Less noise with the top down. I think I would have built the RF as a coupe, it’s a sexy looking thing, but ST for me every time, it’s cheaper, lighter and they are built for top down, it’s a sports car and opening and closing done manually is the way to go. I had a Boxster S with motor driven soft top, give me the manual version every day. Good honest video, I don’t think security is an issue, if somebody wants in, they get in, but yeah a soft tape needs care and storing outside means it needs more than if you are garaging it.

@howieeskanazy4025 Жыл бұрын

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

@ag4allgood Жыл бұрын

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.

@Timpala44 Жыл бұрын

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.

@chrisroberts5299 5 ай бұрын

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

@michaelvella8511 2 ай бұрын

Great video......thanks

@georgenauss2670 19 күн бұрын

RF because I live in Canada! Weather is unpredictable! And security!😊

@peterlewis3540 Жыл бұрын

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

@stevensumner3146 5 ай бұрын

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.

@toastyroach1199 9 күн бұрын

One very important thing you did not mention is Driving visibility that soft top wins in this category as well.

@squeekyclean1644 6 ай бұрын

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

@richardhaas9519 11 ай бұрын

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

@MissionForward3 Жыл бұрын

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

@onewheelisbetterthan2 11 ай бұрын

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....

@Koishishibaman 2 ай бұрын

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!

@barneyrubble9309 Жыл бұрын

No right or wrong answer as both are brilliant.

@krisrocker437 6 ай бұрын

Well said, @barneyrubble9309

@tofudeliverygt86 10 ай бұрын

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.

@bakwon3790 3 ай бұрын

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! 🤩

@espinozanovak831 8 ай бұрын

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

@garycook3312 Жыл бұрын

I own a soft top as a daily driver in MA

@johndonaldson5126 11 ай бұрын

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.

@Alfierk Жыл бұрын

Soft Top is the only way to go!!!

@OMGWTFLOLSMH 20 күн бұрын

Uh, it's clearly not the only way to go because many people prefer the looks and the practicality of the RF.

@Lbjdlccp 4 ай бұрын

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

@abbshurz 8 ай бұрын

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.

@OMGWTFLOLSMH 20 күн бұрын

Get a BMW 4 series AWD convertible with a stick.

@kiba11921 Ай бұрын

Hello. Is the trunk volume different in the softtop and hardtop versions?

@everythingmainecooncat4938 2 ай бұрын

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.

@gnap19 7 ай бұрын

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.

@dlg5485 6 ай бұрын

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.

@druegillis1744 Жыл бұрын

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.

@paulperryman3839 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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.

@marcuspacheco3815 Ай бұрын

No roll bar means no three-point harness no 3-point harness means no track days no track days means no-go soft top all the way.... Soft top for the win 💪. They're having been said the RF does look cool with the top up.

@richard-mai 5 ай бұрын

Mazda should make a manual retractable hard top already.

@lummel800 Жыл бұрын

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 👌

@TheOriginalFSword 6 ай бұрын

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.

@vagabond1776 11 ай бұрын

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

@Dan330i Жыл бұрын

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

@Killobyte Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

Test drive both

@snowy511 8 ай бұрын

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

@TechGently 4 ай бұрын

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 4 ай бұрын

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

@aussietechie6625 4 ай бұрын

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

@alanjones3076 10 ай бұрын

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

@cptndave1 8 ай бұрын

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 2 ай бұрын

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

@6000pounds Жыл бұрын

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

@doug5uk 5 ай бұрын

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

@tap6943 2 күн бұрын

Soft top may be problematic for people with shoulder pain.

@MrTStone666 7 ай бұрын

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

@gabrielflores1149 7 ай бұрын

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.

@alangross2277 7 ай бұрын

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.

@mehoward5867 7 күн бұрын

Two gens of soft top - garage = RF. Just do not like the bulbous look of earlier hard MX tops.

@martinhaskell376 Ай бұрын

Surely it’s easier to put a rock through a side window than cut a soft top…

@forbannitus Жыл бұрын

RF for the win!

@jolkraeremeark6949 10 ай бұрын

In an actual race, it may be slower.

@dg7438 4 ай бұрын

Soft top

@sharafabalogun4956 8 ай бұрын

Hard Top's weight kills the driving fun.

@huetuber1204 11 ай бұрын

The RF just looks weird.

@demetriusrayden-erisjohnso2279 Жыл бұрын

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

@petetherealrelentless6542 8 ай бұрын

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

@demetriusrayden-erisjohnso2279 8 ай бұрын

@@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 6 ай бұрын

lol

@francoishornet Жыл бұрын

RF all day long

@particleinthewave8378 Жыл бұрын

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

@OMGWTFLOLSMH 20 күн бұрын

The RF is probably more practical and quieter, but the roadster simply looks better to me. I think I'd have to go with that. But TBH, if i were to buy another MX-5, it would be an NC with PRHT.