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.
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 2013 Mazda MX-5 MiataBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Nissan 370ZBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Porsche BoxsterBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Subaru BRZBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Scion FR-SBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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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. |
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. |
The 2013 Porsche Boxster is one of the most fun, stylish, and luxurious roadsters available. |
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. |
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 | $24,500 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 21 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Gas I4 | Gas V6 | Gas Flat-6 | Gas Flat 4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Two Seater | Two-Seater | Two-Seater | Subcompact Cars | Minicompact |
| Style Name | ||||
| 2-Door Convertible Manual Sport | 2-Door Coupe Manual | 2-Door Roadster | 2-Door Coupe Premium Manual | 2-Door Coupe Manual (GS) |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 2 |
| Body Style | ||||
| Convertible | 2 Door Coupe | Convertible | Coupe | Coupe |
| Transmission | ||||
| Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2013 Nissan 370Z | 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2013 Porsche Boxster | 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2013 Subaru BRZ | 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2013 Scion FR-S | |
