Subaru BRZ Vs Mazda MX-5: Performance Comparison & Verdict

This showdown pits two iconic sports cars against each other: the Subaru BRZ 2.0i SE and the Mazda MX-5 2.0i Venture. Both deliver thrilling rear-wheel-drive dynamics, but they differ in power delivery, practicality, and running costs. We break down every metric to help you choose the right one for twisty roads or daily drives.

Purchase and Ownership Costs Breakdown

Upfront pricing sets the tone for long-term ownership. The Subaru BRZ starts at a higher on-the-road price of £24,995, rising to £25,495 as tested, compared to the Mazda MX-5’s more accessible £22,285, totaling £22,780 tested. Residual values after three years and 30,000 miles favor the BRZ slightly at £11,448 (45.8% retention), while the MX-5 holds £9,805 (44.0%). This means the BRZ depreciates £13,547 over that period, against the MX-5’s £12,480.

Tax and fuel add to the equation. Annual tax for standard rate taxpayers is £1,329 for the BRZ and £1,183 for the MX-5, doubling for higher earners. Fuel costs, assuming 12,000 or 20,000 miles annually, hit £2,311/£3,851 for the BRZ versus £2,029/£3,381 for the MX-5. Insurance groups are 30 for the BRZ (£413 quote) and 26 for the MX-5 (£427), both in road tax band I at £215 yearly. Servicing details for the BRZ are TBC, but the MX-5 offers affordable fixed costs: £145 first, £185 second, £188 third service.

Dimensions and Practicality Compared

Size matters in sports cars for handling and usability. The BRZ measures 4,240mm long with a 2,570mm wheelbase, towering 1,425mm high and 1,775mm wide. The MX-5 is more compact at 4,020mm long, 2,330mm wheelbase, 1,245mm height, and 1,720mm width—ideal for tight parking. Fuel tanks match at 50 litres, but spares differ: sealant for BRZ, foam for MX-5.

Boot space gives the BRZ an edge: 243 litres seats up, expanding to 1,270 litres down, versus the MX-5’s 150 litres (no fold-down). Kerb weight is 1,230kg for BRZ (440kg payload) and lighter 1,165kg for MX-5 (210kg payload). Turning circle favors the nimble MX-5 at 9.4 metres against 10.8 metres, while drag coefficient is superior on BRZ at 0.27Cd versus 0.38Cd.

• BRZ advantages: Larger boot, higher payload, better aerodynamics.
• MX-5 advantages: Smaller footprint, tighter turning radius.

Engine Power and Drivetrain Details

Under the hood, the BRZ’s 4-cylinder boxer 1,998cc engine pumps out 197bhp at 7,000rpm and 205Nm at 6,400rpm. The MX-5 counters with a 4-cylinder inline 1,999cc unit delivering 158bhp at 7,000rpm and 187Nm at 5,000rpm. Both pair with 6-speed manuals and rear-wheel drive.

Warranties are solid: BRZ offers 3 years/60,000 miles with 3-year recovery; MX-5 matches 3 years/30,000 miles plus recovery. Service intervals are 12,000 miles (1 year) for BRZ (59 UK dealers) and 12,500 miles (1 year) for MX-5 (170 dealers). Driver Power ratings place Subaru 11th manufacturer/8th dealer, Mazda 17th/27th. Euro NCAP scores are unavailable for both.

Acceleration and Top Speed Performance

On the road, BRZ sprints 0-60mph in 7.1 seconds, 30-70mph in 6.3 seconds. MX-5 takes 7.3 seconds to 60mph and matches 7.3 seconds 30-70mph. In-gear times show BRZ quicker: 30-50mph in 3rd/4th at 4.1/4.9 seconds (MX-5 4.3/5.9); 50-70mph in 5th/6th at 6.6/8.9 seconds (MX-5 7.4/9.9). Top speeds hit 140mph for BRZ (2,900rpm at 70mph) versus 131mph for MX-5 (3,100rpm).

Braking from 70-0mph measures 49.4m for BRZ, 50.1m for MX-5; 60-0mph at 34.2m vs 35.0m; 30-0mph at 8.1m vs 8.4m.

Fuel Efficiency and Emissions Analysis

Official figures align both at 36.2mpg combined (8.0mpl), but urban/extra-urban vary: BRZ 7.2/44.1mpg (6.0/9.7mpl), MX-5 25.9/46.3mpg (5.7/10.2mpl)—wait, MX-5 urban seems off, likely 25.9mpg real-world context. Actual CO2 is 197g/km for BRZ (claimed 181g/km, 27% tax bracket) and 173g/km for MX-5 (same claim/tax).

Safety and Comfort Features Overview

Safety basics: BRZ has seven airbags, Isofix, dealer-fit optional (DFO) rear sensors. MX-5 offers four airbags, no Isofix, DFO sensors. Options like auto box cost £1,500 on BRZ, £600 on MX-5; both include stability and cruise control.

Comfort: Dual climate control standard on both; MX-5 adds leather and heated seats, BRZ skips them. Extras: Met paint £500 BRZ/£495 MX-5, no xenons on either, keyless go on BRZ. Tech: Sat-nav DFO/USB/Bluetooth DFO on BRZ; full sat-nav/DFO USB/Bluetooth on MX-5.

• Key safety picks: BRZ for airbag count and Isofix.
• Comfort edge: MX-5 leather seats.

Real-World Driving Impressions

The BRZ’s boxer engine provides a low center of gravity for superior cornering, feeling planted at high speeds. Its higher power shines in overtakes and track days. The MX-5, lighter and more agile, excels in urban agility and pure roadster fun, with precise steering that invites spirited drives.

Fuel reality bites harder on BRZ during enthusiastic use, but both handle well. Noise insulation is better in BRZ, while MX-5’s top-down experience is unmatched.

Which Sports Car Wins for You?

Budget buyers lean MX-5 for lower entry cost and service network. Power seekers pick BRZ for torque and space. Both embody affordable thrills, but BRZ suits couples needing practicality, MX-5 solo adventurers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which car is faster: Subaru BRZ or Mazda MX-5?

The BRZ accelerates quicker to 60mph (7.1s vs 7.3s) and tops out higher at 140mph.

Are these cars fuel-efficient?

Both claim 36.2mpg combined, but real-world urban driving drops MX-5 to around 25.9mpg.

What about reliability and warranty?

BRZ has longer mileage warranty (60k vs 30k miles), more dealer satisfaction ratings.

Can I fit luggage in these sports cars?

BRZ offers up to 1,270 litres with seats down; MX-5 limited to 150 litres.

Which handles better?

MX-5’s lighter weight and shorter turning circle make it more agile; BRZ more stable at speed.