RF vs. Soft Top MX-5 Miata - Pros, Cons, and why I chose the Soft Top! 

Are you Team RF or Team Soft Top? Comment below!!

RF fan here. Just got a 2021 GT manual in Deep Crystal Blue. LOVE it so much! I’m a 73 year-old granny that loves ripping around in that gorgeous little car. Used to have an RX-8 years ago & I thought that was fun......but this is the most fun I’ve ever had! It’s so hot!

I live in an area with intense sun, extreme heat and cold, and high precipitation without a garage. I almost got the soft top until I saw this video. It was super helpful and well put together, nice job!

The RF looks better with the top up. The soft top looks better with the top down, and top-down driving is the main reason most people buy a Miata. The RF has three main advantages: parking lot security (thieves can't simply cut the top open to get into the cabin); long-term durability; a (very slightly) quieter cabin with the top up. The soft top has these advantages: a much better top-down driving experience, since it's a true convertible and not just a coupe with a hole in the roof; much less noisy wind buffeting with the top down; more headroom; none of the RF's massive blind spots and claustrophobic feeling with the top down; much faster to put the top up or take it down; weight reduction equivalent vs the RF of driving solo vs having a passenger; slightly quicker acceleration; costs thousands less. Honestly, the only solid reason for getting the RF is if one has to park the car outside every day, either at home or work. Then, sure, I wouldn't want to expose the soft top to thieves, and, especially, the elements. Perhaps if one lives in Seattle or Portland, where the top will probably need to be up more often than not since it's always raining, sure, the RF also makes sense there. Excepting those two scenarios, the soft top is superior the vast majority of the time one is behind the wheel. Bottom line, unless one prioritizes top-up driving over top-down driving, which is anathema to the entire MX-5 experience, then the soft top is the superior option for most people. One would really have to value that top-up look in order to forego the far greater number of advantages the soft top brings to the table.

So I have owned both. I bought the first generation ND in club model with the softtop and recently bought a 2021 RF GT. For me the top down experience in the soft top is better but I prefer the security and quietness of the hardtop!

I am planning to buy a 2021 MX-5 RF Club and, although the soft top is a bit lighter and offers slightly better visibility, the RF is better in every other way, in my opinion. I like that it's secure and can't be cut open. I like that it's a much quieter with the top up. This car will be my year-round daily driver and I spend a lot of time on the highway, so minimizing sound intrusion is important to me. The RF also looks WAY sexier than the soft top to my eye. The $3000 price differential is a lot, but I've waited a long time to make this purchase and will be keeping this car forever, so the extra expense isn't a huge factor. The bottom line is that you can't go wrong either way because the MX-5 in either configuration is a special car and will bring you miles of smiles!

RF for me too fella. Way more benefits here in Scotland where the winters can be quite harsh!! Great video as usual 👍

The best car I have ever owned. I've had 5 over the years and haven't had not one car problem in over 20 years.If your looking for a car that is dependable and will never break down.... This is the the car you will definitely want.

Team soft top! Soft top owner for over 20 years and multiple Miata versions. I wouldn’t dream of anything else. I like the ease of dropping the top. I like the look better and it just feels more like a roadster. I haven’t had any issues with noise or temperature change (I do live in Southern California). Taking care of the top hasn’t been an issue for me. I have covered parking and a car cover if needed. Con I have had assholes break into my car. In twenty years on two occasions my roof has been cut. Both times replaced the top. It is a pain in the ass and a custom job. Pro. On both occasions the custom top has been much higher quality than the stock version.

I went with the soft top. My primary goal is to have the best top down driving experience. The targa style RF just doesn't feel the same. This is also a 2nd car and I have a garage, so the advantages of the RF are minimal.

This was a great video. I think you and I are exactly aligned. I recently test drove both and I'm FULLY on the soft top side. I think the RF looks better than the ST with the top up, but the ST with the top down looks the best out of all of them. Like you said, the ST with the top down is fully wide open; seemed like the RF wasn't actually that open feeling. Also, maybe it's my seating position, but the RF B pillar seemed huge. Luckily I also have a garage and this would be my second as well. But yeah, the ST with top down is just fantastic. Thanks for the vid!

I own a 2020 Tesla Model X and a 2021 Miata RF which I LOVE as my daily driver. It took me a 2 months to decide between the soft top and RF. But I fell in love with the security, the looks and styling of the RF. Though the cost was around $45, 000 for the RF Grand Touring....still well worth the investment.

Soft top. No question. 5k cheaper, lighter, lower center of mass, much better situational awareness (top down) and the conversion takes under 3 seconds!

The MX-5 ND2 is my 3rd car in my garage and It took me at least 7 months to make my mind to finally buy a 2019 Soul Red Crystal MX-5 RF GSP (canadian Club version). At first I wasn't convice to buy a convertible but after trying different MX-5 models and colors (int/ext), I felt in love with this one for 2 main reasons other the fun factor. 1st reason, the climate. I live in Canada and having a hard top extends my fun to the maximum by driving this car from March to December (garage queen during winter). 2nd reason, the head turn factor. That car is not a Ferrari but at least once a week when I park at the store (even on traffic lights) I am getting ask what is that car and how great looking it is. Top up or top down, this car just looks great and exotic for a tenth of the price of a Ferrari! It never happened before to me with a soft top version.

I’ve got a 2020 RF and love it. I’ve found the buffeting sound is only prevalent when going 65 or more with the windows down. I raise the windows whenever I get on the highway and have great time.

Also too, there's a privacy factor that comes with the RF vs. soft top. I personally chose the RF because of that reason. I can have the top down and not have other drivers able to see every inch of my interior.

Bought a 21 base sport manual soft top soul red a year ago.. what a crazy value at $26,000.. many of your cruiser bikes will be more than that.. it’s the perfect 2nd car.. so much fun

Soft top all the way! On another note, I wanted to share that I just bought an ND2 and your videos definitely played a roll in my decision to do it. Super stoked on the car and appreciate the info you've shared! Many thanks from another California boy haha

Just found your channel. Thanks for this great break down. I like the look of the RF so it's probably RF for me.

Brilliant review. I have looked for years to answers to my questions and you just nailed it. Brilliant editing. Great video ❤

The RF is beautiful! If I was buying a soft top I would probably look for a clean last year NC for the extra room and better seats.

I would go soft top. Price of course. But also the quickness of dropping the top, even while driving, is nice. Finally the soft top has a deeper "glove box" and 2 cubby spaces behind the seats as apposed to 1 in the RF. There ain't a lot of room in a Miata so extra space is nice. I agree the RF looks subjectively better, but the soft top is the true roadster!

When I bought my Miata ( 2009 GT) , there were two choices also. The PRH ( power retractable hardtop) & it was about $ 1700. more. I also chose soft-top &am happy I did. Mine has been pampered in a garage for 14 years & is in excellent condition. Kelley Bluebook still values it between 10 &12 K! That's pretty remarkable

I test drove both the soft and hard top back-to-back and preferred the soft top for the following reasons: The soft top can easily be thrown up and down even while moving in about 2 seconds as opposed to the RF's 15 second wait time, so I am more inclined to actually put the top down when I want to The soft top has slightly more headroom than the RF. I'm 6'3" and that extra little bit of space made all the difference. While the RF has less road/wind noise with the top up, on the highway at higher speeds the RF with the top down has significantly more wind noise than the soft top. The RF with the top down does not have the sort of visibility or feel that I am familiar with and prefer in a convertible.

I have the soft top. I insisted on it. I drove the RF and it felt like a regular car with a large sunroof. The softop brings the outside to me. I'm able to garage mine and the noise doesnt trouble me at all. I'll replace this in a few years and again it will be a soft top.

I have a 2016 Club soft top with the Brembo / BBS package in Artic White. I bought it in the 1st week of March 2017. The RF's were just being shipped to dealers & they were all sold BEFORE they even got driven off the trucks ! There were no deals on them either as MSRP sticker was THE price. I think the soft top does quite well as a daily driver & in 4 season Northern Illinois my thoughts were its comprimised. Well that was wrong. Use the 303 Kit with the cleaner every car wash ( manual only ) with a soft bristle brush & it keeps the top in great shape. Also the 303 Fabric Guard used in the fall one time keeps a nice waterproof finish on the top. Ice & snow have not effected the top. Truly a well designed car that handles even the bad weather days. I left my car stock height so any snow fall under 6 inches is fine. Over that I'll wait for the plows to come before heading to work. Never had the chance to test drive an RF but just by hearing the extra cost / weight / open top noise / reduced vision not a fan ! One thing I do look out for is never parking under trees. I use a sun shade in summer & winter I'll walk the extra steps to keep away from the trees. Leaves / twigs / seeds can plug the top drains causing interior water leaks. Never had one so far by following my rule.

In my 2020 FT GT, there is no buffeting noise. There is a removable plastic optics int he back, I never took it out so maybe its different without it. I prefer the look of the RF and the Targa type top works for me. People have different tastes and needs, this why they make it in multiple configurations. Ive driven sports cars, stick shift since the age of 16 (53 now). In 2006, I even special ordered a BMW 5 series in stick shift. Only one I ever saw. I had Twin Turbo 300Zx's, Mitsubishi 300GT, Porsche 911 and others. For some reason, I think this is the most fun car of all of them. it feels so refined and high end, just makes me want to drive. Love this little car.

I agree! I also have a soft top as a secondary car that I bought this year and I drive with the top down 90 percent of the time. Better looking, lighter, and easier to put the top down. I had a Mercedes SLK 320 hardtop convertible for 13-years. Loved the car, not as fun to drive as the MX-5 (had auto trans) but when the hydraulics started to fail when lowering the top, VERY expensive to repair. MX-5 was the perfect replacement and significantly less expensive.

Haha glad to hear you choose the soft top, i already owning for 2 years now, an beautiful ND 1.5 TS+ and its so good. But before i bought this one, i tested it out the RF, and its alsoo to powerfull and like you said, its not an real convertible looking car... i mean its an targa convertible, im just like you, so happy having this beauty ND... and above mine has the red color that mazda always advertising the ND. Greetings from the Netherlands, and some flash lights and honking from mine little cadilac, and above all, have fun everyday in ur beautiful Miata!

Very helpful comparison. I live in Florida. I don't have to worry about winter temps and have a garage. I like the soft top because it has less rear view obstruction. Thank you.

I have owned two ND RF's and put 40k miles on the first one. I have never heard wind "Buffeting" in either car at any speed. I have heard lots of wind noise, but not the thud thud thud some cars give you with just one windows open or something that I consider buffeting. There is a gushing noise. If you drop the windows about an inch it does seem to quiet a wind noise coming from the intersection of the windows and the cross bar at highway speeds. Second, if it is a weekend toy, soft top for the convertible fun. If it is a daily driver, the extra quietness on the highway, security, and all weather capability make the RF a good choice. Certainly if you daily drive New England winters like I do.

This video has made the decision even harder for me! You've pushed me towards the soft top, but I haven't got a garage. Damn.

I have a 2020 100th Anniversary version which only came with the soft top. I have to park it outside as I have a 2021 LT1 Camaro in my garage. I tried parking both in my 2-car garage but the Camaro takes up too much room. It's a bigger car than you'd think.... As a result the Miata gets to stay in my driveway. I avoid 98-99% of the weather issues that would damage the soft top and the paint with a hi-quality custom-fit car cover! I get mine from Cover King which is near me in Anaheim, CA. They aren't cheap but they do an amazing job in keeping your car pristine even when it rains which it has been doing a lot of in SoCal here in January, 2023. I have found that spending several hundred $$'s on a well-made custom car cover is the hot ticket to preserve your baby if you can't or don't have access to a garage. 👍👍

2019 Soft top❗️, bought it new zero options 24 G best bang for the buck out there. RF might be OK for a cold climate but it’s really just a power targa , totally different experience.

Keeping in mind that I came from a NC with a PRHT, I picked my new ND2 [same color even!] with a soft top. Faster, lighter = more fun

Like you, James, I chose the soft top over the RF in our 2019 GT-S. And for most of the same reasons. Since I live in California, the weather does not require me to get an RF. Since I garage my car, no need for the additional protection. If it seems to me that the area I am going is a little sketchy and I might worry about the roof getting slashed, I just drive one of our cars with a solid roof. I like it that it is a "true" convertible rather than a Targa-type, because I almost always drive with the top down.

If weight and center of mass is being discussed with the RF, then yaw and rigidity of the chassis shoudl be discussed too, cause a solid connection over the roof can improve yaw and handling by a noticable amount.

I would not say my ND1 is loud on the road. Its livable and driveable. Its a 2nd tho. Yes, agreed the RF has to be quieter. And, I agree with you on the astetciics of soft tops vs RF. Great review!👍👍😎🇺🇸

If you had to park your car outdoors would you have still chosen the soft top? I love the mx5 but I am really struggling between the two. Love your videos.

I still have a 2002 NB for over 20 years and love the top down moments. Today I just bought a 2021 ND Sport and I chose a soft top for easy manual operation, nothing to break, so nothing to fix until I need a new top.

Yup, fully agree on all points, and I recently opted for the ragtop on my 2023 GT. It was mostly due to that open, freeing feeling you get when driving with the top down. With the RF, you don't quite get that.

I'm about to purchase my first new car, ever, and it's going to be a 2021 MX-5. This was extremely helpful, thanks, James! I still think I want to test drive each with the top "down" so I can experience the difference firsthand, however. Great channel you have. I hope to see you on the road sometime in So Cal!

I'm picking up my RF in 2 days - my girlfriend has the "practical car" of our couple if we ever need to fit more than 2 people and a backpack, but the miata is still going to be my daily driver. Living in new england and having street parking makes the RF almost a requirement.

After a hard nights sleep trying to decide which version that I wanted to buy, I came up with an entirely different choice. I am going with the Mazda3 Premium Hatch with a manual. I just got to have more room and my wife doesn't want to even ride in the Miata. It will be my car but if she won't ride in it, that would defeat my purpose since I am now retired. And I have to travel to see some of my family. The Miata would not hold all the luggage and gifts we normally take. But due to market conditions, price and availability, I will probably not get one right away. Maybe another nights sleep to think more about it! I have a Honda ST1300 v4 motorcycle to ride so that gives me plenty of outside air time, but I dare not travel with it any more nowadays. Love the conversation here though.

James, excellent review. If I could make one additional (relevant) point it would be that those of use who live in colder climates (I'm from Canada), there are not many days where it is possible to drive with the top down, due to the weather. For those of who do not live in sunny California, an RF version is a must. Again great review James. Thank you for that.

Gotta say I also love the speed of the soft top drop as opposed to the RF. The ~13 seconds feels like an eternity to drop the top on the RF.

Owned Miatas ( each generation) for 27+ years, I don’t live in an area that has majority of warm weather, I get all 4 seasons, including lots of snow and drive year round including in snow, love the handling and sporty feel. All my prior Miata (gen 1-3, ‘90, ‘99 and ‘09) were all soft top with detachable hardtop. I chose the RF for my location. Have a ‘17 RF LE & ideal and yes it’s true the ST does take a beating if parked outdoor, and hard to keep clean, I had the tan ST, and it was hard to take stains out. RF top is super easy to keep clean. As for the Wind buffering is in both types ST and RF if you have windows up on the highway. The ST with top down has way too much cabin wind turbulence and OEM windscreen is useless and I’ve installed aftermarket windscreen (taller ones to be tad over seatback) and works great. Noise in the ST is much louder and RF is more sound insulated and more ridget than ST. I notice on prior gen with the detachable hardtops the body had less flex.

Being kept outside for 2 years the soft top on my ND2 has developed some algea in places. Surprisingly easily remedied with the application of Milton sterilising fluid which is normally used for cleaning babies bottles!

That was the sincere video I was looking for! Thank you! Great job!

You buy the RF for added security, and appearance, otherwise, the full soft top convertible is the best option. Its cheaper to buy either new, or on the second hand market, and really the whole point of owning an MX5 is for the full open top sports car experience, There's no doubt the RF looks magnificent, and looks stunning from every angle, and that electric folding roof mechanism, is a masterpiece of design, but none of this really matters. When the sky is a beautiful clear blue, and its baking hot outside, you want to roll down the side windows, and pull the roof down completely, and just cruise along without a care in the world. I can see the point of the RF, but when you have owned a opened topped British Sports car in the distant past ( a lovely rust bucket of a Triumph Spitfire) you just have to go with the full open topped experience, less to go wrong, and much cheaper to repair if things do go astray.

2023 GT Soft Top LOVE MINE!!!! Thanks for the video.

I have a soft top , this is the best review about this topic I have ever seen , It is so spot on . I agree in every aspect , I love the RF but I always feel like its an extra girl in my car , Great video

Got my 2022 Soft top, loving it 🍻

The last generation of Miata had the phrt . This top was perfect . I have a rf now but it’s not as good a top as the phrt was .

Nice video. I have the RF but I agree with what you said. And I love how fast you can drop that soft top!. Just a tip because yours sounds like the factory exhaust. I swapped out the axel back muffler with a Goodwin Racing with a Roadster Sport Super Street exhaust and WOW what difference in the whole experience. Best $500 I've ever spent. It transforms the car for me. And you can install yourself in about 20 minutes.

I was convinced I needed an rf, but now I can't "unsee" how much better the soft top looks with the top down..

Thanks for objective review. It helps me make a more informed decision.

Both are really good cars. We recently went from an older soft top to an RF. The RF works out better for longer drives and for inclement weather. But if I was buying for nice weather and drives under 50 miles, I’d spring for the soft top.

I think the soft top looks better when the top is open. I prefer the RF slightly when the top is closed. I have a soft top mostly because of the price, but i do not regret it.

Great video. Interestingly, pre-owned examples of the RF in the UK seem to be less than the ragtop version. It's certainly a great looking car in both guises. However, like you, I like the freedom of the ragtop when the hood is down. The RF targa arrangement does seem to be a bit of a letdown after the ragtop. Staying that, I'm not ruling out either version as my next 'toy' but at the moment, the ragtop is winning!

I personally would like just a fixed roof if that'd be cheaper. I have no love for the convertible factor since I basically live in a forest of a city where it gets hot, cold, and sometimes very wet. Good weather comes for only several days of the year here.

I have a 2023 soft top. I absolutely love this car🥰 and I prefer soft top due to less blindspot and more open feel😊

Why am I watching this, I’m not buying a Miata but I’m more informed. Great job posting this video.

Great video. I personally bought an RF. One, because there’s no way my would have let me buy the soft top and Two, living in Portland, OR means rain six months a year. Since I often have to drive the car with the roof up, the increased quietness, stability, and security were mandatory for me.

This video was made for m. I had a 2016 soft top Miata club version. I traded that in on an RF 2020 grand touring. I agree with all of your pros for the RF and I agree with the noise factor but let me add one more thing. IF you could drop that top from the key fob that would’ve been a huge advantage. But as I’m sure you aware that is not an option. you have to be in the car with the car running. I’m older and a little heavier and with the soft top I was able to reach in and open and then drop right into the car. You can’t do that with the RF and for an older driver that’s another advantage to get the soft top. I also agree the wide open feel when you’re on the road is much more advantageous. it’s my second car also and I’m not gonna drive it on a cold or rainy day if I’m going to drive the car it’s gonna be sunny and warm and I want to top down and I want that open airy field. Last weekend I drove to Northern Virginia, traded in my 2020 Grand Touring RF on a Soul Red 2022 Grand Touring MX-5 soft top. Love it!

The appearance of the RF is the only practical advantage to me. Like James, this is a 2nd car that’s garaged for me. My daily is a gr86 so I have the two main competitors in the segment of very few rwd true sports cars…..this provides me the top down and hard top driving experiences. The RF also cuts into the already limited headroom. Important for me as a 6 footer. Lastly - the top up ST experience feels luxurious compared to the NB Miata I used to have. So the top up experience is plenty quiet for my purposes. Good video

All great points, I have some things to add if I may… I have a Gladiator as a second vehicle and honestly with a fiberglass roof you hear everything; if you’re someone who gets bothered by wind noise then you shouldn’t be looking into a convertible (no matter the type) to begin with 😂 As for weather protection, if it’s your baby and you want to keep things as close to perfect as possible…. Invest in a really durable cover for the whole car. It’s well worth it, especially if you like in a colder climate like I do. This also helps keep things as clean as possible so maintenance is a breeze. With vehicle this small you want to be driving much more carefully because you’ll be more difficult to spot right off from other drivers, especially if you’re behind much bigger vehicles as an example, but while to RF is great, you have huge blind spots that can make things a bit more squirrely All these things are my opinion and everyone is able to refute them if they wish, but I just thought I’d add my two cents

"I'm not made of money," You made my day. Thanks.

I'm Team Soft Top. My 2020 Club is my 3rd Miata. When considering the trade-in of my 2008 Soft Top, I really thought I was going in to buy the RF. After driving them, the decision to go with the Soft Top was an easy one.

Love the soft top when it’s open, but I live in a predominantly wet place so the RF provides that open top thrill on fine days but the security and weather proofing on wet days, I have never had buffeting as such, however ther is a bit of roar just behind you at the top of the buttresses, nothing that can’t be helped by cranking the radio and remembering you are in the best sports car you can get for the money

Yoo, first video from you I’m catching so far and it was super helpful my guy. 100% know i am deciding on either a 2017 soft or RF soon so i really needed this. You’re the man. - i still need to get a solid test drive in both first though but soft top is looking like the lead thus far.

I really like the points you made. I have test drive both Soft top and RF, personally prefer the Soft top, because it gives me a better view. To me, a garage is a place to park the car, instead of using it as a storage room or other purpose.

It’s been said before, but the soft top looks better with the top down and is more fun to drive with the top down. BUT the RF looks better with the top up and is not as fun to drive. You’re final point is a good one…if you have this car as a second/weekend car, then some of these factors and how we prioritize them change. I sold my 2018 soft top Club and so miss it. Just a big Mazda fan, now driving the ‘21 CX 30 Premium.

I’m on my third Miata. Unfortunately, I don’t have a garage so all of them have had issues with stains, etc. on the soft top over the years. My current one has a Beige top which is stained with black mildew spots. I’ve used every imaginable type cleaner but nothing really gets it all out. Bottom line is I’m getting ready for another Miata but this time, it’ll be an RF regardless of the pros & cons. What’s 13 seconds to put it up & down plus it’s cool as Hell how it folds up in & out. I’m done with ugly looking soft tops. There really are no cons with a Miata. I’m 61 and bought my first generation Miata back in 1991 when I was a much younger man of 31. I will always have one as they’re absolutely phenomenal cars. Just sayin……

Put 40k miles on an 2018 RF GT then traded it in for a 2021 RF GT I've put 20k on so far. Not once have I heard wind buffeting going whup whup whup at any speed. Wind noise is there but it is no louder on the highway with the RF than a 4 door sedan with all the windows and the sunroof open. Which is pretty loud, but I do it all the time. My take after having a Miata RF for several years and talking to many other owners. If it is a toy car that you drive only for fun on sunny days like it is for you, then get the soft top. If you are buying it to be a daily driver, or a primary driver, then get the RF.

have watched your video over and over again, still can’t make decision which top I should get😂

I came for the Miata video but I had to leave a comment because I grew up in Tierrasanta and recognized that you were driving there haha

I'm in The Netherlands. Sunshine is a rarity here, especially compared to California! Cloudless days - we get perhaps 10 to 15 of those per year. I do have a garage (a rarity as well here, I'm blessed) but the looks of the RF are so cool. And - I'd use it top up 85% of the time anyway. More of a concern would be the very limited luggage space, since htis would become my only car. Now in a series1 (E81) 1-series Beemer, I definitely look for a car with at least similar levels of fun and "feel". Good vid, thanks!

Like your garage ! I had a 10' X 20' oriental rug that the my 2006 MX5 parked on. The car was red with a black racing stripe down the center of the entire car. Also had oil paintings on the walls. My neighbors kept stopping and taking pictures if the garage door was open. The Mx5 was named "Lady Bug" and yes she was extremely pampered and spoiled !!

This is a great video, you are very well spoken!

About 12 years ago, I had stayed in San diego for learning English. At that time, I found very sexy used car. It was mx-5 miata NB(soft top) That had an unfixable problem. But in my memory opening top was fantastic. After coming back my country(south korea) I've forgot for long time about mx-5. These days I've been looking for new car and It will be RF. I am sure my first hard top will also give me pleasure

Miata owner since '02. Kept in a garage and driven on pretty days for joy? I can't shout this loud enough: soft top! But...daily driver? Trust me on this - hard top. Have your top slashed a couple of times, the car cleaned out, radio stolen, trunk emptied, glove box door broken and you'll join team RF, too.

I bougth a ST miata because is very quick to open the roof. There is another difference you did not mention. The calibration of the suspensión is diferent in both models. The ST is more tail happy, and the RF is more refined.

I can say that with the RF that up to about 60 MPH the RF has very little additional noise in the cabin with the top down.

If you're using it as a daily driver or live somewhere where it gets cold and snows or rains a lot, RF is the easy choice. If I lived somewhere like California or Arizona or only drove the car seasonally, I'd probably go with a softtop I definitely think the hard top looks better, so gotta disagree there.

Thanks for the video. My car is 2017 1.5L MX-5 RF. I bought it slightly used with about 3800 miles on the meter. I knew about the wind buffeting but since I bought the car used I was not able to choose the soft-top. I agree with all your points and I would like to add one more, if you plan on keeping MX-5 RF for long time I would guess that the motor for the roof will require maintenance in the future and it may also impact the battery of the car.

Soft top for me! I'm like you and lucky to have a garage and this not be my primary vehicle. The top on mine will only be up when in the garage, too hot, too cold or raining the rest of the time it will be down.A sunroof doesn't really replace that convertible experience and I know a fastback wouldn't either. If it had to live outside...pity the thought...I would consider the RF.

The perfect Miata is soft top but I will be getting the RF for practicality reasons.

Thank you for this great video, s/o from France ! 😎 i already wanted to get a ST but this was an interesting video!!

I west through all the same things when making the decision. It's like you read my mind, I came up with all the same reasons to get the soft top

Well a few clarifications on my part. Any soft top, no matter how unused, how well cared for, and what material... will be needing replacement in its lifetime. Cleaning a softtop can also be very challenging for new convertible owners. What works on cloth tops may not work for vinyl and what works on vinyl won't be compatible with cloth. You can very easily damage your top using the wrong products without knowing what material your top is. The wind noise for the RF. This is the biggest exaggeration of a con for the RF. Many people fail to understand the aerodynamics involved to cause such a noise. It only happens in wind speeds over 10mph (measured at a standstill) and you must be heading crosswind. My RF never has this noise if I am going with or against the direction of the wind. And this noise is so minor you have to have your radio off to really notice it. It's not like... BMW Supra noisy that's for sure. Otherwise, top up windows down, or fully down, both the RF and softtop are exactly the same in wind noise. Now the RF i enjoy the looks of. I've been asked when I first got the car, "is that the new Supra?!" No. No, it's not. It's a Mazda. "Is that the new RX7 or RX9?" No. its an MX5. "That car is so exotic it must've cost over 80k right?" No. 35k actually. Its looks resemble the old 70s Corvette fastback minus the flip up lights. And a bit like a Lotus without their signature style. Many compliments over its looks, does not ever get called "miata" which is great given that named died in 2005, and always seems to turn heads. The look on S2000 owners faces when they fail to outrun this car is priceless too, regardless if you got a softtop or not. In the end, go with what you like the looks of, and don't listen to critics too much.

Thank you for mentioning the wind buffeting issue in the RF. That hadn't occurred to me - I had a 94 Miata M Edition that I loved, just wanted a newer version of that :)

AWESOME video .. THANK YOU for sharing your views. I own a 1991 British Racing Green Miata. LOVE it .. living in Canada, (Northern Ontario) summers are short so I drive it when I can. When the sun 🌞😎 is out I call it a "Zoom Zoom day". Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts on the soft top vs the hard top. Almost time to put it in storage for 6 months.😥 Best regards from CYQT. 👍🇨🇦👍

Deciding between a base soft top vs a GT soft top. The RF doesn't do it for me after cost, appearance, weight, another thing that can break & lack of vision. I was not aware of the single ply vs double ply soft tops. That might be enough to steer me to the GT. Another issue is that dealers carry way more new GTs than base. In Phoenix currently, I'm only seeing 1 base available vs 20-30 GTs.

Just bought a 2017 RF. For the reasons you give in support of the RF. Though I agree, now that you mention it - the soft top has a slightly better line.

Thank you James. Isn't there an after market add-on that could minimize the wind noise that the RF makes --I am just curious. Thank you for the insight re wind noise and I *just love* that you compared it to my favorite (vintage) Ferrari California!)

I have a question. You mentioned the battering noise created by the open top. I wanted to ask, does this happen only when the side windows are up, or even when they are rolled down?

Great honest review ❤

I just drove an MX-5 for the first time today. I am 6' tall and 210lbs. One thing I noticed between the soft top and the RF is that the rear view mirror is slightly larger in the RF That extra inch on the mirror makes it slightly harder to see forward under the mirror. We both preferred the open air experience of the soft top better than the RF. But, the RF does look cooler just sitting there parked. I have also heard about nasty wind buffeting with the FR models. That would drive us crazy.

I have a 2016 GT soft top, the double layered top really makes a huge difference in noise and temperature!