Over the past several years one car has stood out as the fun to drive model. This car is the Mazda MX-5 Miata which has been a cute little roadster which has been offered as a soft top convertible two-seater that makes it easy to have a great time on the road. While this car has been fun to drive, it wasn’t quite the performance equivalent of the Toyota 86 (formerly the Scion FR-S), but with the release of the new Miata RF with the retractable hardtop, this is now a car that can keep up and compete with the Toyota model.
The Toyota 86
The Toyota 86 isn’t a name we’ve known for many years, but if you think of the former Scion model or the current Subaru BRZ, you’ll know what you’re getting into. This is a car that makes use of a boxer engine from Subaru to enjoy the 205 horsepower and 156 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission to give you the drive and feel you want in a small roadster that can handle the track and be the right way to drive and have a lot of fun.
The Toyota model is set up with RWD and uses a limited slip differential to make sure you can have the power you want to the wheels that need it. Get behind the wheel and take a drive to wherever you want to go and you’ll see how much fin and active this excellent small car can be so that you can head out on the roads and tracks in your area. You can challenge this car around the corners and let the Track Mode be the right way for you to complete the fast lap times you’re looking for.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
Now that this car has the hardtop you can see how it will compare with the Toyota model. The Miata is a car that has the dynamic drive and impressive steering system you’re searching for when you want something that’s a lot of fun to have out on the road. This car will rip off tight turns and give you the quality drive on the track or on the road that you want to enjoy. This new hardtop allows the Miata to be more engaging and a much more impressive choice for you on the road.
Under the hood you’ll find a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 155 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft. of torque. This power may seem like it’s a lot lower than what the Toyota model offers but with the use of the SkyActiv technology the Miata id quick and active wherever you drive with what this amazing car offers you. To add more control to this car, you may want to upgrade to the Brembo brakes, especially if you plan to take the Miata out on the track and run some fast laps that will show off what this little car is capable of.
(Another fun model–the Mazda3!)
Which Car is Right for You?
Between these two cars you’ll want to choose the one that’s right for you to drive. The Toyota 86 brings you an impressive chassis, excellent gearbox and an interior and trunk that are easy to use and enjoy. The Mazda MX-5 Miata RF has an even better chassis, a sexy look to the build and an extremely responsive drivetrain. Take a look at these two cars at the dealerships in our area and figure out which one of the choices will be the right one for you to enjoy on the roads and at the track.
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