2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. Its Competition

2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Bengt Halvorson Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

If you want a traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout in a small, light sports car, there aren't many options.

But with this year's introduction of the new Subaru BRZ and closely related Scion FR-S sports cars, you now have a few more options.

The Scion and Subaru have some of the same minimalist appeal as the Miata, and they're a blast to drive, but they won't be offered as convertibles for another year or two.

Otherwise, the Nissan 370Z is a bit bigger and with its large V-6 it's not subtle.

Although it's front-wheel-drive, the MINI Cooper Convertible offers somewhat similar performance, and is even more powerful in turbocharged form.

Jumping into a much higher price category, the Porsche Boxster is a top model that's great for track days and touring alike.

2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Browse Used Listings		2013 Nissan 370Z2013 Nissan 370Z
Browse Used Listings		2013 Porsche Boxster2013 Porsche Boxster
Browse Used Listings		2013 Subaru BRZ2013 Subaru BRZ
Browse Used Listings		2013 MINI Cooper Convertible 2-door Angular Front Exterior View2013 MINI Cooper Convertible
Browse Used Listings		2013 Scion FR-S2013 Scion FR-S
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
7.2
If you want a light and lean open-top sports car that's fun at legal speeds, the 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata is it--and it's reasonably practical.
8.0
While the performance-per-dollar value of the 2013 Nissan 370Z remains largely intact, enabling it to play with more expensive sports cars for less money, rising prices narrow that advantage.
9.0
The 2013 Porsche Boxster is one of the most fun, stylish, and luxurious roadsters available.
8.0
The 2013 Subaru BRZ shows that simplicity and leanness can provide more driving thrills than complex, high-horsepower sports cars costing several times as much.
8.0
The 2013 Scion FR-S is the real deal: a sports car, built simply, at an affordable price.
MSRP From     
$23,720$33,120$49,500$25,495$25,150$24,500
Gas Mileage     
21 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy17 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy20 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy22 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy26 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy22 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy
Engine     
Gas I4Gas V6Gas Flat-6Gas Flat 4Gas 4-CylGas I4
EPA Class     
Two SeaterTwo-SeaterTwo-SeaterSubcompact CarsMinicompactMinicompact
Style Name     
2-Door Convertible Manual Sport2-Door Coupe Manual2-Door Roadster2-Door Coupe Premium Manual2-Door2-Door Coupe Manual (GS)
Drivetrain     
Rear Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveRear-Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
222444
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A2
Body Style     
Convertible2 Door CoupeConvertibleCoupeConvertibleCoupe
Transmission     
ManualManual w/ODManualManualManualManual
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2013 Nissan 370Z2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2013 Porsche Boxster2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2013 Subaru BRZ2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2013 MINI Cooper Convertible2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2013 Scion FR-S