Mazda MX-5 Miata RF vs. Subaru BRZ
In comparing the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF's and the Subaru BRZ's specifications and ratings, the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. The Subaru BRZ has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF's and the Subaru BRZ's specifications and ratings, the Subaru BRZ is a better car than the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF.
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF vs. Subaru BRZ Pricing
A used 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF ranges from $29,978 to $38,993 while a used 2023 Subaru BRZ is priced between $29,995 to $36,511. For a new model, the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF's price is between $35,784 and $40,703, with the Subaru BRZ priced between $29,604 and $34,824.
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF vs. Subaru BRZ Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF loses 32 percent of its value and the Subaru BRZ loses 28.1 percent of its value. This means the Subaru BRZ retains 3.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF.
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF vs. Subaru BRZ Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is 6.7 out of 10 while the Subaru BRZ's quality rating is 7.8 out of 10. This results in the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF being ranked 9 out of 15 Best Sports Cars and the Subaru BRZ being ranked 3 out of 15.
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF vs. Subaru BRZ Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is 6.3 out of 10. For the Subaru BRZ the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Subaru BRZ an advantage in reliability compared to the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF’s base engine makes 181 horsepower, and the Subaru BRZ base engine makes 228 horsepower. The MX-5 Miata RF is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 405 miles. The BRZ is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 356 miles. This gives the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Subaru BRZ. Both models use premium unleaded.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Subaru BRZ has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick+ award.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
35784 - 40703
Used Asking Price:
29978 - 38993
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.320417
Pricing
New Asking Price:
29604 - 34824
Used Asking Price:
29995 - 36511
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.280949
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
6.7 / 10
Reliability:
6.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Subaru BRZ Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.75 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 9Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 8Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
5 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 6Ranking
6 out of / 9Ranking
6 out of / 9Ranking
6 out of / 9Ranking
6 out of / 6Ranking
7 out of / 10Ranking
9 out of / 15Ranking
9 out of / 15Ranking
9 out of / 9Ranking
11 out of / 15Ranking
12 out of / 15Ranking
14 out of / 15Ranking
15 out of / 15Subaru BRZ Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 8Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 11Ranking
4 out of / 11Ranking
5 out of / 15Ranking
6 out of / 15Ranking
7 out of / 11Ranking
10 out of / 15Ranking
10 out of / 11Ranking
10 out of / 11Ranking
13 out of / 15Ranking
13 out of / 15Available Body Styles
Convertible
Available Body Styles
Coupe
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Trim Levels
Club, Grand Touring
Subaru BRZ Trim Levels
Limited, Premium
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
181 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque:
151 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.074 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
228 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.081 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 34 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
309 / 405 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 27 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
264 / 356 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
36.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
52.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
4.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
33.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
29.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
51.7 inches
Cargo Space:
6.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
83.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2452 lbs
Width:
68.3 inches
Height:
49 inches
Length:
154.1 inches
Wheelbase:
90.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2815 lbs
Width:
69.9 inches
Height:
51.6 inches
Length:
167.9 inches
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P205/45R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
215/45R17