The Driver's Choice? - MX5 vs FRS (Gt86, BRZ) - Everyday Driver 

After watching this video, it really makes me wish Honda would start making the S2000 again.

My girlfriend gets to the point quicker than these guys

Mazda has never made the MX5 a hard core sports car. It has allways been a nice softtop roadster.

the way they edit this video, I don't know when they're talking about the Miata or the FRS

looking at the mx5 in the wrong way, mx5 was never supposed to be a hardcore sports car why so negative

It seems like both of these cars force you to keep the revs up in the power band, so both cars force you to be a better driver then in something like a Mustang GT or something with gobs of horsepower. Something a lot of people can't do so they complain about lack of power.

You guys have become too hardcore to be called as Everyday Driver.

the quality of these gets better and better every episode! You guys really did a nice job on this one.

The new 2019 Miata has 181 hp, thats a 26hp increase.

How the fuck is 6 sec 0-60 slow? My car can do 0-60 in maybe 14-15 sec on a good day and that is slow, 6 sec isn't. Do you guys in 'merica all have like 400hp cars or something?

Is it just me or do they contradict themselves in every sentence? Guy; the Miata is a very track capable car, but then again not really. Other guy; you could really push this car if you wanted to, but you just don't want to. God damn their reviews are hard to watch

Yeah odd result. Every other review seems to prefer the MX-5

I’ve been watching Everyday Driver videos for quite a while now and I generally enjoy them! I like the commentary and perspective that you guys bring to the table. With that said, I can’t say I concur with a few of the major stipulations in this video: 1. You’re reviewing a Miata with the top UP! You readily admit that convertibles are more fun with the top down and then refuse to lower the top. You’re missing the point of a roadster. For the money that these cars demand, there are faster cars out there, but these two are meant for FUN! In that, by not lowering the Miata’s top you’re taking away its party piece and one of the prime reasons people actually buy them: roadsters are fun! It’s hard to replicate having the wind in your hair and the sunlight touching your face on a nice day! You have just ignored the primary reason that the Miata exists. It’s a lot like saying “I’m dating a supermodel, but I don’t want to ever look at her”; sure, she could be great at a lot of other things, but you’re missing the main attraction. 2. As mentioned multiple times above: you didn’t bring the Club edition! Seriously? You’re reviewing these cars on the premise of their sporting intentions and you neglected the bring the car with the sporty options (LSD, slightly stiffer Bilstein suspension, strut tower brace, optional lighter BBS wheels & Brembo brakes, ect). Instead you brought the LEAST sporty version of the car- the Launch Edition, which is essentially the GT package. I say least sporty because at least the base model/Sport package is lighter than the GT/LE. You claimed to be comparing the driving dynamics of these vehicles and yet you brought the fat-cat version of the Miata rather than the version intended for more serious driving. Yes, the Club still has body roll, but I don’t think many will argue that it’s not the more appropriate version to bring to a test of sporting intentions. I saw a comment above that the Launch Edition was the only Miata available to you at the time and I’m sure that might be true. In that case, you should have considered waiting for a Club in order to give the Miata a fair sporting chance. I understand that Todd owns an FR-S and while you guys are trying hard to mask that bias, it’s still there.

Another great video guys, these are always really fun to watch. I'm pro-Mazda, but I appreciate you guys going through not only the dynamics of the cars strengths/weaknesses, but also trying to understand what the companies were actually trying to do with their cars based on their performance level.

Thanks Toyota and Subaru for giving us a real hardcore coupe as an option. Mx5 checks some people’s boxes. Mainly 50 year old middle Class men. I bought the brz cause it’s the perfect purist car. Rwd, hard top coupe. A lot of cars sold as sporty now are are just altered economy cars. Like the GTi & civic Si. Etc etc.

Things to do when you get each car... Miata: get the club package, stiffer springs/shocks. BRZ/FRS: Header, tune, 4.67 final drive and better tires.

Give me the MX5 with the top down on a sunny day and its a no-brainer 😊💋

the Miata character has always include some body roll. motor trend have compared these cars, and the Miata have won in every category. this review is very bias for the frs. The Miata's quicker acceleration, better interior, faster corner speed, shorter braking was not enthused? the top down driving experience was just waived off? All other channels I've seen favor the Miata by a large margin.

This is the only channel whose old videos look like brand new

7:22 how did that drone not his the FRS??

Perhaps you guys would have found the Club model to be a better competitor to the FRS? It's a bit more stiffer, better brakes (optional), LSD, a little lighter, even less expensive :)

let's get one thing completely straight. Miata has not "grown softer." It has never been hard edged. The miata is the purest version of a sports car currently made, and it has been for 25 years. It's also proven to be faster than the FRS/BRZ. Miata gets my vote.

Great reviews guys. I really like how your getting more and more conversational - you guys have done such a great job with your "brand" i think people will enjoy the natural interaction just like the podcasts. I am looking forward to you guys testing the Club model indeed.

You guys have some of the best production values and somehow the subscribers haven't gotten there yet. Keep up the vids and podcasts. This year has been great for content.

why not compare a Club spec Miata with the Bilsteins and strut tower bar?

as much as i like the s2k, good luck finding one under 15k that hasnt been either wrecked or doesnt have 120k miles. the only worse honda to find is a bone stock ITR. unicorns are nice for bench racing, but its not really a fair comparison.

Miata Club supporters, don't forget it adds $3500 to the MSRP, to $28600. These guys, in their S2000 review, called it "taut, incredibly sharp," which I think is the key difference in approach between the ND and the S. The S feels like a cat walking on its claws, a feeling I loved when I tested it. At around $20k for a clean low-mile AP2, it's a great value up against the ND.

In conclusion: Mazda purposely made the MX-5 more on its soft side so it can appeal to a broader audience which the FRS/BRZ is more geared towards the track which limits its audience thus hurting its sales. Sounds like Mazda still comes back on top. But it all rolls back to what kind of driver are you; are you the one that likes to be aggressive all the time with only one purpose of performance or are you the kind of driver that enjoys spirited sessions every now again while also don't mind cruising around not getting tickets? Thus why I choose my Mustang Ecoboost for $26grand.

Every time I watch one of these I cant help but think how awesome the FRS/BRZ would be with the new WRX engine.

Mazda should come out with a mazdaspeed mx5, with all the track goodies that really tighten up the car, I'd love more power too but who are we kidding.

you guys talk way too much, your constantly looking for a new metaphore to make a point, over and over....it ends up just be rambling on. some parts are good, but some are just a mess

I’d love you to do a revised review with the 2020 GT86 and the 2020 Mazda Mitia

Alot of people seem to have wanted the MX5 to just destroy the FRS and for every reviewer to say the same thing. Personally I am in the FRS corner, never have been a convertible fan and I feel the FRS better follows the formula of a sportscar. Nice to see the new MX5 smaller and ligher in the age of every new generation being larger, heavier and slower but convertibles have never been sporty to me, always felt liker cruisers. A coupe on the other hand, that's where it's at

Great video as usual! How close did the aerial camera get to the FR-S at 7:24? Did the FR-S driver think he was going to hit it?

Just go to the end for the conclusion unless you want to fall asleep.

the 'Driver's Choice' would definitely be the Club version of the ND MX-5. I know you guys said that the Club wouldn't change your conclusion on the MX-5, but everything you say that makes the MX-5 LE soft is addressed in the Club version. You guys need to review the Club when you can! The MX-5 LE vs. the MX-5 Club is, to me, BMW E30 325i vs. 325is. Subtle changes that when added together change the overall picture to something more focused and more of what a 'Driver's Choice' would be.

I currently own both the BRZ and am on my second ND1 MX5. BRZ is trash compared to the ND and even the NC. Hence my BRZ is for sale. I wouldn't not recommend the BRZ as a daily on normal roads. And If I wanted to track it, I would still prefer to have the softer ND platform. Or just add a Front Sway Bar and Coilovers if you have the money. BRZ only wins for passenger legroom and overall practicality (you can bring tyres/tools in the car for the track day). Now the ND2, that just blows everything out of the water. I cannot wait for them to depreciate so I can eventually upgrade.

People complaining about 150 hp make me seriously mad. I have a later NA with 90hp and within a year of owning it there has not been a single moment I thought that I needed more power. Stop talking numbers and actually drive a car.

I love my GT86, its awesome car in anyways. and you can do any lots of style or add on to look so good looking and attractive car, so awesome car

As a 2015 BRZ owner and I love the Miata. I will always see it as a gender car. The Miata is a true ladies car, the BRZ/FRS is a mans car. Sorry, just expressing my view guys. Love your show. The wife hates the BRZ but she loves the Miata. Iconic

Great review. I'm sad that the newest MX5 didn't translate more feeling to the driver. I think Todd's exactly right though, this will market much better to a broad audience than a buttoned up version would.

Yes, body roll is something most of us are unfamiliar with because the cars we drive have a lot of roll resistance. And the front end is like a sled! But, the car goes really well, and if the roll is that alarming, you can change the springs and sway bars.

Every point is valid. There is, however, a pretty big feature oft the MX5 not addressed adequately. Do it again on a beautiful day with the top down.

The Miata is better looking and despite all their talk of the FRS being more focused the Miata is still faster, and you can always put the top down.

How long can we make this video, how many different ways can we say the same thing?

Miata looks like a BMW Z4 in 2004. Love the miata . Top down fun.

"Dancing with orthopedic shoes".....great line!....makes me want to run out and modify an ND Mx5...love it!

Check out the SavageGeese review of the MX-5. They get the car on the lift and discuss the nuts and bolts. There is great technology there, lightweight multi adjustable suspension pieces, weight savings throughout the car. I think if they had had the Club and not the Launch version they'd have been more positive about the car. I've got 21,500 miles on my Sport and really like it, it's perfect for the NH backroads I haunt. I drive it through the NH winters on Blizzacks, it copes fine, 15 degrees and top down, love it!

4:59 You want more power because your roads are too big, lol. Put that same car in Asia or Europe and you will quickly realise both cars have plenty enough power. Also, keeping momentum in lightweight, low power is in its self a skill and a fun one to get right too.

in mexico you can only get either the mx-5 or the brz... the brz costs around 6k more... sorry but the mazda is a better buy here, you can get the car and change the suspension setup, new seats and still be under the price of the BRZ

The problem with "road feel" that so many purists complain about is that America has terrible roads for the most part. Most of the roads in my area, including many highways, are a nightmare of nooks, crannies, bumps, and potholes. Why would I want to feel that? Mazda was right in making the suspension compliant. People don't want to be beat up when they drive their car.

I wish in one of your MX5 videos you would have had the Club trim. Every time you have a squishy GT. I have a Club and it’s more taut for sure, even though stiffer springs and sway bars would help. It was not an easy choice over the 86 and I still and not completely sure I have the right car. And there’s still a chance I could swap in the future.

- First, the idea was to leave the top up to compare driving dynamics... but at the end you talked about what would be the better car to own... which means you have to talk about the benefits of the Miata being a convertible, because that is part of the benefits you do get when buying a Miata. - Also, to over harp about body roll when a simple sway bar upgrade can be done for $400 seems close minded, especially since Todd spent more money than that upgrading the FRS's wheels and tires. - Lastly, you two say $30,000 is too much for those cars, so what NEW cars would be better buys for $30,000?

I see butthurt miata fanboys.

If all you're comparing is driving dynamics, then you guys pretty much nailed it. The FR-S is a sharper car, plain and simple. But the elephant in the room is the convertible top. And it's the reason these two cars can't really be compared. They are wholly different animals. The FR-S is the low priced track weapon, designed to connect driver to car to road in the most direct means possible for $25k. The MX-5 is the one that takes the driving experience to a whole other level when the top is down. It's not only about the driver to car to road relationship, although that is an important part of the equation. It's about seeing, feeling, hearing and smelling the entire world around you while delighting in the drive that's taking you through it. It's the difference between seeing a movie on a 25' color T.V. and seeing it in IMAX 3D. The FR-S is a fantastic car, and if the MX-5 didn't exist, I would happily plunk my money down for one. But that convertible top adds so much more to the driving experience. I'm willing to give up a bit of sharpness to experience the drive in ways you just can't in a car with a fixed roof.

Wasn't the 1986 Toyota Trueno the Predecessor of the Scion frs? That said I also feel like the mx5 in japan and the trueno had a lot of competition back in the day as well. Just look at initial D Hard top mx5 vs AE86. 😊 great video keep them coming.

I disagree with the opening premise. The MX-5 and the twins are in different segments. One a two seat roadster designed for cruising, and and the other is a hardtop coupe designed for the track. As such, these cars really aren't directly competing with each other in the market. You judged the MX-5 according to design philosophy of the twins, which is not really a fair comparison. Both cars are good at what they do, but need to do decide what you want first and then there really is no comparison.

The major problems I have with the FRS/BRZ are the mid-range torque divot and the crappy sounding intake/exhaust note. The MX-5 is better in those departments.

ok... I agree with their pick. They want the MX5 to be more performance oriented. I wanted that too. I dream all the time about strapping a turbo or supercharger onto this mazda add a better wheel/tire package and work the suspension and brakes. However I think they defeated the point of this car at the beginning of the video by saying they would not drop the top. Dropping the top is the point of the Miata. It is about cruising with a bit of zip but without the harshness of stuff suspension and neck snapping burnouts. It is a hey look at me and my wife taking a date night out away from our teenagers kind of car.

That drone work at 7:25... wow. You'r production quality in the past year has grown so very much. I have to say, I appreciate everything you guys do! Nice cars too...

The new Miata is aimed to a broad audience. The average age of owners for Miata are empty nesters. A small portion use the Miata as a track car. Where the toyobaru is geared to the "fast and furious " crowd. Not to mention you can't really compare a convertible to a fixed coupe. That being said, between these 2, I would still take the Miata. I think things will be different when the Fiat version hits the street.

They really ruined how the MX5 looks, atleast from the rear.

Love my FRS so much fun. Fun reading all the comments about these cars from people that don’t own nor have driven either the 86 twins or MX5 😂

Im sorry but I tested both FRS & BRZ, as well as the new Miata and I don't understand why anyone likes the Toyobaru twins. The interior looks great but feels cheap and shoddy all over, and that engine is SO WEAK at low RPMs - I step on it and the car doesnt accelerate much. Even the salesman accompanying my BRZ test drive says you dont feel the power until 4000 rpm, which is just too high especially for someone who doesn't plan on tracking. Out the box the Miata is so much better - all the low-end torque in the world, much lighter, accelerates fast & easy despite only 155 hp, interior feels much higher quality, and soft top is a bonus for extra fun in the sun. I actually like the body roll, cause any stiffer and those potholes will hurt your ass 10x more, and you'll feel all the G forces on the street without the need of a race track, so I think that's a win! My only problem with the Miata is getting scared of crashing into heavier cars on the street, which is like... every other car ever. Combined with the lesser safety of a soft-top, pray that you'll never roll over. I feel the only reason why the Twins sell better is because for a cheap lightweight rear-drive sports car that's still practical, there's no other choice right now. Please, hate me and tell me why the twins are so great because I really want to like them but I can't.

There is another comparison review on RU-vid of these 2 cars where they look at the quality of mechanical materials underneath the car as well as inside the car. To me, the MX 5 looks to be put together with better quality materials. I have also been reading reviews from consumers on the FR-S/BR-Z's since they came out. Many seem to be having quality issues with their cars? I haven't driven either car, so my comments are from what I have seen and read. I still may be more tempted to get a used Honda S2000 as opposed to either of these two cars.

Softness usually equates to better ride quality. A supple chassis increases mechanical grip. Sticky tires would greatly help with the body roll issues.

as an Everyday Driver you should consider insurance prices, which are way cheaper for the Miata, atleast in my country

Really loved this video guys. Production value has always been high, but this one- the editing, scenery, music- was all a step up. Keep up the great work, and thanks for making Fridays so much fun.

I like that the miata is more comfortable, more for cruising

Hey guys, I love all your reviews. I was hoping you can review the new 2017 BRZ and compare it to the old BRZ or FRS. thanks !

Are we talking about a driver driver, or a racer? coz I think the points you guys raised are track and race focused. Everyday drivers would be delighted with the softness and easiness of the new mx5. The kind that goes on a road trip to see the scenes and places.

Guys... GUYS! The Miata has ALWAYS been a squishy, rolly car from the factory. You seem so surprised that it's soft! Why? This car harks back to the original... and the original had very soft suspension. The primary demographic that buys the Miata want a comfy ride, and don't really push it that hard. The ones who want a hardcore car will change the suspension to their preference anyway.

So my 2019 club makes all the difference

Seemed biased to complain about lack of power in the faster car, then just spend 10 minutes complimenting the slower cars handling. Doesn't make sense.

First time I've watched one of their videos and firmly disagreed. Numbskulls! You compared A GT to the FRS! A fair comparison would have been the Club trim to the FRS.

It's the Grand Touring MX-5 version not the Club. That's why it feels softer and you feel like you want to cruise in it. Try a Club with BBS package.

I def think the club edition should be more stiff than it is. If people just want a cruiser then they won't buy the club...the club is for corner carving enthusiast...yet they still made it soft. Bad Mazda...Bad.

Never understood why people complained about mx5 having too much body roll. This type of cat isnt meant to go fast in a straight line or cut corner faster. There are other cars that can do far better than these cars. Merit of sports car at this price range is to have "fun", a cheap toy. In that case, body roll just enhances the spirit of what a true roadster should be. If u want a faster, better performing car, u need to look for a used performance car.

The better comparo for the Miata might have been a V6 Mustang with a manual, since Mazda is clearly tuning the Miata to be more of a GT car that handles rather than a sports car. I'm very interested to see what the Fiat version of this car is like, considering the differences that it will have in power trai and FCA's desire to hot up the 124 Spider as an Abarth version. Should be interesting to have the two cars side by side in a comparo.

You guys appear to be in the minority with the stance you take on the review. Not in terms of which is better, but about your specific faults with the Miata. They're both great cars, there's no way around that. But, you guys appear to be some of the only reviewers complaining about the issues you have with the Miata. They're your opinions, of course you're entitled. But, plenty of really hardcore enthusiasts are losing their minds over the new Miata.

Great description of the miata...I have a 2016 and I feel the same way.

Oh wait FRS is dead so who cares. The MX5 RF is way better. And it’s still on sale. And it’s not a convertible. Not a fair comparison.

Yeah, they forgot to mention that the FRS feels like you're riding on a gravel road ALL THE TIME. Most people won't like that which is why the Miata will outsell the other 2. The people who will race the Miata will modify it anyway. For everyone else the car will be perfect.

That FRS does not have memorable styling...Just another car on the road look. Dime a dozen...The MX5 does NOT have that look.

The Mx 5 is the better more premium car. It's also the ultra light weight of the two. MX 5 is easily the better car.

great comparison guys!!

Great review. You reconfirmed my feeling that I want that S2000!

So it will take money to make it handle better ....hmmm how much would it cost to cut the top off the frs

Are those 225/45 SuperSports on the FRS? 7.5" wheel?

A used s2k is cheaper than the Miata is has more power, it handles better, it looks better plus is a Honda so is gonna last longer for sure... I won't give Mazda 30k for this maybe 20k and that's even I the Miata gets on my shopping list again that's "if"....

You say that the Limited Edition represents the ""best" way Mazda wanted to present the car," but I'm also pretty sure they wanted to present the car with the top down. I understand you wanted to make a "fair" comparison because you "know top down can be influential, so we left it up while testing it against a coupe," but it's unfair to leave out a sensation that you would never get in the FRS.

Wish they redid this with the ND2 with the telescope wheel and better red line and more hp

I would like to see this same comparison done with the Club version of the MX5 and then followed with your remarks regarding the Club as opposed to the Launch Edition of the MX5. Thank you, Basil Smith

This is an amazing car, BUT, no glovebox and no adjustable steering wheel? It kind of had to have both of those honestly. I know, I know, weight reduction, but what if your knees touch the wheel in a funny way, plus where are you going to keep all your shit, if you have no compartments at all?

A tire and wheel upgrade is the best upgrade you can do to a vehicle....Of course the FRS is gonna feel better.

This review is irrelevant for everyday drivers. It’s good for boy racers who spend lots of time on the track. Except they would not buy either for the track.

Ok, i have 5 cars to buy really soon. So i have in my mind Miata NA or NB 350 or 370Z FRS,GT86 or BRZ S2000 Or WRX I like more to drive in the mountains and maybe one or two time in the year go to the Track. But don't know what it will be the best for my style.

You guys compared a car with aftermarket wheels + tires to a stock Miata lol.

Everybody thinks they are an "expert" Everyone thinks their opinion is the one that counts. Drive it for yourself and see if it's a match for you.

Toyobaru made a better, modern MX5. Simple as that.