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

GR86 for practicality, MX5 for pure driving fun.

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.

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

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!

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)

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

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

“City traffic” up in a mountain

Beautiful. Tennessee?

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

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

Miata Is Always The Answer

BRZ

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

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.

MX5 Roaster GT is the pick.

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. 😎

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

There was a Miata in this presentation?

Coupe > convertible. MX5 coupe would be heaven.

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