Under the MX-5 sits a 2.0L inline-4 cylinder that is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, producing 155 horses and 148 lb.-ft. of torque. Despite a smaller powertrain, the Miata is an extremely fun car to drive. With its smooth engine performance, the lightweight feels spirited and it induces a certain kind of joy every time you take it out for a spin.
Likewise, its transmission is as good as its engine and the manual gear shifts truly bring out the sporty aspects, making the Miata MX-5 one pleasurable soft top. The power is sent to the rear wheels, which gives this little Mazda one of the best driving experiences of any car, and that too at a rather affordable price.
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Model
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Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport
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Ford Mustang Ecoboost Fastback
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Fiat 124 Spider Convertible Classica
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MSRP
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$24,915
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$26,195
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$24,995
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Engine
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2.0L SKYACTIV-G DOHC 16-Valve inline-4
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2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost inline-4
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1.4L 4cyl Turbocharged
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Transmission
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6-Speed manual
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6-Speed Manual
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6-Speed Manual
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Power
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155 hp
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310 hp
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160 hp
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Torque
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148 lb-ft
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320 lb-ft
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184 lb-ft.
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In the competition, the Ford Mustang houses the most powerful powertrain, in its turbocharged 2.3L motor. The Fiat 124 also has a 1.4L turbocharged motor, which offers better output than the Miata MX-5. Every car in the lineup is offered with an option of a 6-speed manual gearbox, though only the Miata offers the 6-speed automatic.
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertible Acceleration
The Miata MX-5 is a zippy convertible, taking 5.6s to reach 0-60 while completing the quarter-mile in 14.5s. The naturally aspirated engine, with its brilliant throttle response and high rev-range, makes it quite a quick car, though it shows its character better in the midrange.
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Model
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Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport
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Ford Mustang Ecoboost Fastback
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Fiat 124 Spider Convertible Classica
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0 60 mph
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5.6 sec
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5.1 sec
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6.0 sec
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Quarter Mile
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14.5 sec
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14.1 sec
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14.9 sec
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Engine
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2.0L SKYACTIV-G DOHC 16-Valve inline-4
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2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost inline-4
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1.4L 4cyl Turbocharged
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Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
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6.0
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7.1
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NA
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In its rivalry, the Mustang Fastback takes the quickest from the lot, thanks to its vastly superior powertrain, whereas the tiny Fiat 124 takes a tad bit longer. The Ford Mustang takes 5.1 seconds to 60mph, with 14.1 seconds to the quarter-mile. The Fiat 124 is the slowest of the lot with 6.0 seconds to the 60mph mark.
2017 Mazda Miata MX-5 Convertible Handling
An exemplary convertible with excellent driving dynamics and an engaging experience, the Miata MX-5 is one spirited ride! It comes with crisp handling and as a rear-wheel drive, it keeps intact the raw athleticism of a sports vehicle alongside an agile and responsive handling performance.
Get over bumps or potholes, the Miata won't budge more than it should. Cornering capabilities are spot on, waiting in patience for the next curve it needs to tackle. The engine is a naturally aspirated motor, which is a bit noisy at idle but can be quite sweet, and rev colossally high to give a brilliant throttle response.
2017 Mazda Miata MX-5 Braking
The lightweight Miata MX-5 comes to a halt from 60-0 MPH in 109 ft., which is a decent amount of time to come to a standstill. Its brake pedals have a predictable feel to it, while the lightweight of the frame makes it double easy to drive and responsive. The brakes are normal ventilated disks, made from steel, but they can take some serious abuse if you are willing.
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Model
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Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport
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Ford Mustang Ecoboost Fastback
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Fiat 124 Spider Convertible Classica
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60 0 mph (ft.)
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109
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106
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113
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Curb Weight (lbs.)
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2332
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3532
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2436
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Brake (Front)
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11.0
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12.6
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11.0
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Brake (Rear)
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11.0
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12.6
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11.0
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In comparison, the high performing Ford Mustang takes a quicker stop by a few feet while the Fiat 124 takes the slowest at 113 ft. The Mazda Miata MX-5 is the lightest convertible in the bunch which most definitely shows up in its drivability and performance.
