Topic: Comparison Test: 2019 Mazda MX-5 vs 2019 Mini Cooper S Convertible

[AutoTrader.ca]

Legends of the fall.
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[ChaosphereIX]

I am a fan of Mini, but not THIS Mini. #R53forever

I would take the MX-5 all day, or rather the 124 Abarth (same thing).

[mlin32]

I'd take the Fiat 124, which is really a MX-5 with better suspension (less roll).

The Mini thesedays is hardly mini, and the build quality......really a 'FGC' as you guys call it.

[JacobBlack]

I'd take the Fiat 124, which is really a MX-5 with better suspension (less roll).

The Mini thesedays is hardly mini, and the build quality......really a 'FGC' as you guys call it.

Less roll? .... um... yeah... nah.

[Gurgie]

Great write up!! Enjoyed that read 

I'm like Chaos though, only Mini I'd get is the R53 - everything since then has become so big!! Just look at the hood on these and the shoulder line... and less greenhouse every year 

I'd take the Miata in a heartbeat over this Mini.

[Jaeger]

Love the Miata - and I honestly think I would get way more daily driving enjoyment from one than, say, a Mustang Shelby.  I mean, I'd actually get to rip up through the gears without going straight to jail, which is a real bonus.  They are getting damned spendy, though.

[mlin32]

I'd take the Fiat 124, which is really a MX-5 with better suspension (less roll).

The Mini thesedays is hardly mini, and the build quality......really a 'FGC' as you guys call it.

Less roll? .... um... yeah... nah.

Thought the Abarth version was more buttoned down than a MX-5 ?

[JacobBlack]

Thought the Abarth version was more buttoned down than a MX-5 ?

https://www.autotrader.ca/expert/20170821/comparison-test-2017-fiat-124-spider-abarth-and-mazda-mx-5-gs-sport-package/

Nah. It's more composed, but that's got more to do with its damping and softness than lack of roll. The MX-5 is pointier.

[mlin32]

Thought the Abarth version was more buttoned down than a MX-5 ?

https://www.autotrader.ca/expert/20170821/comparison-test-2017-fiat-124-spider-abarth-and-mazda-mx-5-gs-sport-package/

Nah. It's more composed, but that's got more to do with its damping and softness than lack of roll. The MX-5 is pointier.

I'd have to honestly drive the two back to back to see what you mean, but historically I haven't been a fan of Mazda's suspension tunings. Somehow to me, it always felt a smidge too much roll without any of the comfort. This is based off driving my father's NC-gen MX-5 and my Mazda3 GT.

[Weels]

Love Brendan's writing.
He captures so well the appeal of the MX-5.  Your just want to keep driving....

The only Mini (I also won't do MINI) i'd consider would have a fixed roof.  But there are many cars i'd pick before that.

[aquadorhj]

i was actually pondering this exact comparison.

my bimmers getting up there in age, come february of next year it will be able to buy it's own whisky from liquor store.

lexus is technically my wife's.  so thinking about new daily driver.  i thought maybe R53 or R56 convertible or Miata would work.

but then if i get a dog, my wife will not have a place to sit in a Miata... 

[Fobroader]

To me the Miata is a no brainer as its front wheel drive and the "mini" is, well, not a mini.

[JacobBlack]

To me the Miata is a no brainer as its front wheel drive and the "mini" is, well, not a mini.

I wish you were one of those people who were like "Oh my god you writers are so dumb I can't believe you said this has a 6-speed when it's a 7! you suck, you should quit" - because then I could be all "oh my god Fob...."


But you're nice so I have to just ignore your typo. 

[Gurgie]

To me the Miata is a no brainer as its front wheel drive and the "mini" is, well, not a mini.

I wish you were one of those people who were like "Oh my god you writers are so dumb I can't believe you said this has a 6-speed when it's a 7! you suck, you should quit" - because then I could be all "oh my god Fob...."


But you're nice so I have to just ignore your typo. 

You're being too nice Jacob!      

Let me say it for you... "Fob, you dumbass... Miata is REAR WHEEL DRIVE, NOT front wheel drive"

[Fobroader]

 

To me the Miata is a no brainer as its front wheel drive and the "mini" is, well, not a mini.

I wish you were one of those people who were like "Oh my god you writers are so dumb I can't believe you said this has a 6-speed when it's a 7! you suck, you should quit" - because then I could be all "oh my god Fob...."


But you're nice so I have to just ignore your typo. 

You're being too nice Jacob!      

Let me say it for you... "Fob, you dumbass... Miata is REAR WHEEL DRIVE, NOT front wheel drive"

[Fobroader]

At least you've stopped with the Fiesta stuff.   

On here...IRL I keep going strong hahahaha

[Weels]

At least you've stopped with the Fiesta stuff.   

On here...IRL I keep going strong hahahaha

Or was it Festiva... whatever.   

[johngenx]

I drove an ND Miata and should not have. The chassis is amazing. The steering is precise and wonderful. Brakes are linear and just right. And the tuning?  I still don't get how lawyers let Mazda sell it. It's the most playful stock car I've driven in forever.  Hang the tail out, go ahead!  See-saw in mid corner and it will move all over and then you just add some power and bring it to where you want it.

The 86 felt playful and fun until I drove the new Miata. Ha. Fiat can keep their "buttoned down" tuning. I love the wild and woolly Miata.

And vs a Mini?  F-off.

[ChaosphereIX]

An R53 Mini is possibly on the level with the Miata for fun to drive etc. but not the current blunted ginormous thing they are selling

[mlin32]

An R53 Mini is possibly on the level with the Miata for fun to drive etc. but not the current blunted ginormous thing they are selling

pst.....the current Mini is really a MPV. Shared platform with the 2er Active Tourer along with the X1.