They’re both sporty affordable. They’re both crowd pleasers with a lot of flair, but when it comes to Mazda MX-5 vs. Toyota GT86, which is better? Here’s a side by side comparison with information pulled from sources like U.S. News and World Report and Car and Driver.
Price Comparison of MX-5 vs. GT86
The 2018 Mazda MX-5 and Toyota 86 of the same year have similar pricing. The Miata sport manual has an MSRP of $25,295 according to US News and World Report, while the Toyota is just over $1,000 more at $26,455.
For the Sport Auto, the same report puts Miata’s MSRP at $26,645 and the automatic Toyota has an MSRP of $27,175. If you’re wondering the difference between MSRP, invoice price and true market value, we covered that in part one of our East Texas Car Buying Guide.
Interior Features
The most obvious difference between the two is that the Toyota GT86 seats four, while the MX-5 is a two-seater. When it comes to convenience and comfort, these features come standard in both vehicles:
- Power windows and doors
- Cruise control
- Adjustable steering
- Leather wrapped steering wheel
- Trip computer
- Keyless entry
Miata has interior features that will cost you extra in the Toyota. Keyless start, a CD player, a hands-free communication system and Smart Device Integration come with every MX-5. Mazda’s car also has slightly more head room and more front leg room.
Handling and Performance
Here’s where critics start to notice a significant difference between the two cars. A Car Magazine article points out the difference, “when you crack open the throttle and the GT86 fades in the rear-view mirror like a water skier whose line has just snapped clean in two.” Ouch.
According to Toyota, the GT86 goes from zero to 62 mph in 7.6 seconds, with drivers often noticing a dip in the mid-range torque. Miata has a smooth torque curve, so the 7.4 second acceleration from zip to 62 feels much more precise and powerful. It also communicates when you’ve taken a corner too fast or need corrective steering, so you can enjoy winding roads at speed with confidence.
MX-5 has a turning diameter of 30.8 compared to Toyota’s 36.1. Both run on premium unleaded. Miata gets an estimated 26 city miles per gallon and 35 on East Texas highways. The Toyota averages 24 in town and 32 on the open road.
Overall Pros and Cons of Mazda MX-5 vs. Toyota GT86
US News praises Miata’s athletic handling, great fuel economy, effortlessly shifting manual transmission, luxurious interior and extreme reliability rating. The only drawback it lists is MX-5s small trunk, a criticism common to sporty two-seaters in general.
When it comes to the Toyota GT86, compared to other four-seaters it has supportive seats, and the automatic transmission provides good fuel economy. However, it has an “uninspiring engine” and less technology than others in its class. It also has cramped rear seating and very little trunk space.
The Best Way to Decide
Researching cars you’re considering is always a good idea. Then you need to experience them in person. Come by and test drive an MX-5 today. Click here to see your choices.
Sources:
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/compare?trims=13651-398118_13699-395827
https://www.caranddriver.com/toyota/86
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