Roadster Showdown: Mazda Miata vs Toyota MR2 Spyder

The Mazda Miata and Toyota MR2 are unique automotive success stories. In 1989, Mazda introduced the Miata, the largest-selling two-seat roadster, and Toyota introduced the MR2, a small, lightweight, and nimble alternative to expensive sports cars. Both models became instant success as reliable, nice, and affordable vehicles. This article will provide a detailed analysis of these success stories. 

Interior & Exterior

Mazda Miata

The Miata's interior is well-designed with standard features like leather or Alcantara covered seats, supportive bucket seats, adjustable steering wheel, air conditioning, red-glow aluminum gauges, short-throw shifter, silver finishing, and air vent bezels. The special edition (LS) offers stylish leather upholstery, 225-watt amp, Bose audio system, cruise control, heated seats, SatNav, and remote keyless entry. The MX-5 boasts ample storage options including a glove box, lockable box between seats, cup holders, and door bottle holders, along with a 150-liter boot.

The MX-5 Miata, available as a soft-top or cabriolet, boasts an aluminum bonnet, headlights, fog lights, and 15-inch alloy wheels. The MX-5 Miata offers numerous safety features including rollover hoops, airbags, child seat deactivation switch, grip-enhancing stability, traction control systems, ABS, seatbelt pretensioners, and a pop-up bonnet to protect pedestrians in case of an impact.

Toyota MR2 Spyder

The Toyota MR2 was a mid-engine coupe introduced in 1984, initially limited to supercars. Its second-generation model, released in 1990, featured a longer body, powerful engines, and increased weight, improving comfort and drivability. The third-generation MR2, known as the MR-S in Japan, MR2 Spyder in the US, and MR2 Roadster in Europe, offered options like air conditioning, Alcantara seating, adjustable steering, and sports seats.

The MR2 Spyders has a sporty front with a trapezium-shaped bumper, aggressive grille, and round fog lights. Dual-bulb headlights and red rear lights enhance its appearance. The big-bore exhaust pipe signifies performance. Other exterior features include side air intake, 15-inch alloy wheels, 16-inch alloy wheels at the front and rear, and built-in spotlights. The MR2 Spyder boasts numerous safety features such as dual front airbags, pretensioner seatbelts, ABS, driver's airbag, anti-theft alarm system, cruise control, traction control, stability control, and brake assist.

Engine & Fuel Efficiency

Mazda Miata

The Mazda Miata is a front-engine rear-wheel-drive vehicle with four iterations: NA, NB, NC, and ND. The NA model has a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder B6ZE (RS) DOHC engine, producing 114 HP with 12 KM/L fuel consumption. The NB model has a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder BP-4W engine, producing 140 HP with 12 KM/L fuel consumption. The NC model has a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder MZR L8-DE DOHC engine, producing 125 HP with 13.7 KM/L fuel consumption, or a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder MZR LF-VE DOHC engine, producing 170 HP with 14.5 KM/L fuel consumption. The ND model has a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder SkyActiv-G DOHC engine, producing 130 HP with 24 KM/L fuel consumption, or a 2.0-liter engine, producing 160 HP with 15 KM/L fuel consumption. 

Toyota MR2 Spyder

The Toyota MR2 Spyder is a mid-engine rear-wheel-drive car with three iterations: W10, W20, and W30. The AW10 model has a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder 3A-LU engine producing 81 HP, while the AW11 model has a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder 4A-GE DOHC engine producing 118 HP. The SW20 model has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder 3S-FE engine producing 140 HP or 160 HP, with a turbocharged version available. The Spyder model has a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder 1ZZ-FED DOHC engine producing 138 HP with an average fuel consumption of 14 KM/L. 

Finally

The Mazda MX-5 Miata and Toyota MR2 Spyder are fun, affordable open-top two-seaters that combine British sports car thrills with Japanese reliability. Available in Soft Top and cabriolet options, they're ideal for sports car enthusiasts and daily use. You can now check the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Toyota MR2 Spyder stock list for more available models.