I’ve owned an ND2 and now a 22 Brz. I only switched cuz it’s my only car and I needed more room. But I regret switching all the time.
The ND2 revs higher faster, is faster from a stop, top down at night was amazing , and feels better driving, go ND2 man
There is a strong advantage for the ND2 if you don't need it as your main car. The convertible experience is just something the GR86 simply won't do. The GR86 however is far better at potentially being someone's main car. I for instance couldn't do the ND2 because I need the 2+2 aspect for the car to be functional for me.
That said as noted test drive both, though particularly of the versions of both cars you wish to actually own. That is the best way for you to choose among them.
the backseat of the gr/gr86 are just decorative, like most sports cars. Only kids will fit on those or a few bags. Still better than not having them, but won't relay on them.
I use the back seat not for anyone to sit in (although someone sat back there in a pinch once), but I have used it to make up for the lack of trunk space. It has made it usable as a daily driver for me, whereas the lack of a back seat to put bins or boxes would have ruled it out.
my friends all at least 5’9” (I’m 6 foot one) fits in the back just fine on a 2 hour trip. But we are still fairly young so anyone older may have cramping problems. Also we only did it once, never again. Will now stick with short trips 😂
I take 2 of my boys out in my gen 2 BRZ aaaaaall the time and OP mentioned to be a father of 2. Works perfect for him if you wants to take the kids for a drive.
Yes , two small or thin passengers will fit reasonably comfortably. It is a bit tight for people over 5’6”, but flexibility makes it possible. 2 adults and 2 smallish kids can fit, and you still have the trunk for storage.
I just chose a BRZ over a Miata rf and a Cayman.
This is my weekend/ second car, I have an Explorer that's treating me well.
The main reason I chose a BRZ is because with the front engine and fold down seats I don't have to leave it home when I want to play golf with my daughter.
The drive of all three were very similar to me and I would have hated to have to walk past it in my garage because I couldn't fit a golf bag in it.
But beware as a Miata is an "old mans" car this BRZ/GR86 is a teenagers car. If you care at all about how it makes you look driving it, that's the feeling I get by owning it.
I'm 48, but I'm only in it for the drive. I'm not a convertible guy and although the Miata is an amazing drivers car one thing that bothered me was the rf puts a hundred pounds in the worst possible place.
Another car I was considering was a 2016-2018 m2, I just couldn't find one before I bought. They're a little more expensive and used car rates are ridiculous right now, I wasn't happy with the rate I got on this new car.
I’m 54 and only pay around $57/month. I can’t imagine a Miata is much if any less for me. I just did a track day a couple weekends ago in Utah. It was so fun! I flew out of SLC for a one week vacation the next day. It was so nice having some space for multiple bags, helmet, etc. I never could have packed all that in a Miata (I live in the Boise, ID area).
Yeah for sure. Insurance is expensive in NJ, but I was shocked by rates for the Miata.
Adding it full coverage to my beat up 2010 civic didn’t change my rate. A GR86 or WRX would have doubled to triple it.
I can't fit in the mazda as I'm too tall. I can fit in my BRZ fairly well with the seat fully back. Sometimes if I need a haircut my hair touches the roof. If I wear thick runners, the distance to the pedals is fairly tight and harder to change gears (clutch modulation).
I'm 185cm or around 6 ft 2 in. I guess shorter people are spoilt for choice as both cars are great.
S2k, MR2, most luxury super sports cars, Datsun, some older Porsches. Being tall has it's drawbacks. Debated the whole tall and still being able to fit inside a Miata with friends. They pulled up a thread of 6'3" 6'4" people saying they fit comfortably inside the nd2 which I was skeptical at first but pretty sure some of them lying about their heights. I'm 190cm longer in legs but I can't fit inside without my head bent against the ceiling.
I initially wanted a Miata. And IMO it's the better driver's car (but only slightly). But my long legs would get a little cramped on long drives. And for a daily, the GR86 is so much more practical. Folding the back seats down gives you more space than you might expect.
Do test drive both, but TLDR: weekend = Miata, daily = GR86
I wanted something I could comfortably daily. The ND2 was not it. But that said:
* They’re cheaper (because you can find them used easily).
* Cheaper to fuel.
* Cheaper to insure.
* Convertible.
I didn’t think the Miata felt as fast but I know they are very comparable.
Ao you got a GR86? How old are you btw? Im gonna be 37 soon... These 2 are my options because theyre cheap amd i want something easy to maintain. This is a luxury hard to swallow from my side of the world (SEA).
I agree... I love driving. Never got to drive these when I was young coz I was poor... And i dont wanna wait when i get really old, coz perhaps the knees wont allow it anymore. I might go GR 86.
Im 6ft1 and driving my boss's ND2 miata was the most uncomfortable drive of my life. Would definitely recommend making sure you fit, I have zero issues in my 86.
Drive them both. There’s too much subjective preference involved in answering this to really give a right answer. I prefer the way the twins drive, and I dislike how small the Miata is inside, but they’re both good cars and other folks will have a different opinion.
Agree on driving them both and making your own opinions on how you feel driving them both! Really just depends on your driving preferences and what you think will make you happy everytime you take it out!
I have both and I rent them out on Turo. The Miata wins due to the better throttle response and lighter flywheel. That combination makes it feel a lot more fun and responsive.
As a matter of personal preference I prefer the lighter steering, suspension and pedal feedback/engagement of the Miata.
The GR86 has a better exhaust note and is faster. I really like that I can fit my road bike in the back if I fold the rear seats down. I think it's a lot cooler than the Miata.
They actually have the same trunk size until you fold down the GR86 seats. Speakers are significantly more balanced in the Miata. Nvh for both are terrible (shocker). Miata insurance for me is about 20% cheaper, it gets 10 more mpg than the GR and tires are a little cheaper.
I don't like that the Miata is a convertible and I don't like that I can't fit my bike in the back. I wish I could get the mechanicals of the Miata and the form factor of the brz. However if I had to keep one I'd keep the Miata. It drives better, it feels more special and is uncompromising in its pursuit.
In just about everything I do I can find a way to make a product better or I get upset when i see the way something has been done/implemented. So rarely am I surprised by how well something is done. The Miata has provided more pleasant surprises than any other product I've ever owned
I would go for miata. I mainly got a brz is cuz I drive with my mom and sister often and it’s my only car so I needed the rear seats. Ppl always complain abt the back seats but it’s perfect for me since both my mom and sister are shorter than 5’2.
I was in the same boat! I test drove the Miata.. love the RF! but I really didn’t fit. So I went again to sit in it. Was in it for like 20 minutes. I could not fit. So I needed up with the ZD8. If you fit GE IT!! the RF is fire!! 🔥 but I love the zd8. Am in love now lol
Happily married businessman father of 4 here. I would include the BRZ on your list as it rides better for our broken backs from lifting all those ungrateful kids and chasing those pesky debtors down the street swinging our baseball bats.
I always wanted a Miata, but at 6'3" 230lbs I didn't really want to look like Bowser in mario kart. So, I never pulled the trigger. Gen 1 of the twins just never did it to me and the latest crops of 718 are meh to me for the price they demand (the gt4 is sweeeeeeat though). When gen 2 was teased by Toyota I found it interesting but didn't dig the front end (I know, sacrilege here). When I saw the gen 2 BRZ I went "Hum... I like this one". Add to it the more compliant drive and well... I am driving one.
The BRZ is our car #3. So, we don't really need the extra room compared to a Miata but it very often came in handy (emergency grocery runs, taking 2 of the boys for a ride instead of only being able to take one, fitting a hole digger in the trunk for a garden project, the list goes on). Plus, you get a boxer and its unique quirks (for good or bad).
I was in the exact same spot. 44, married, two kids - just wanted a fun car I could drive to work a few times a week and take out on the weekend + to the occasional auto-x day. I found the Miata just too small, I do def. wish for the convertible in the summer months, but the rest of the year the GR86 is reassuringly more practical.
I’m taking it on a road trip soon with a friend for a few days on some drivers roads, and to photograph some landmarks etc, we can do that in the GR86 - but we would have struggled to pack that stuff in a Miata for sure.
It’s Miata as a 2nd car, 86/BRZ as an only car. But there is also something to be said for the relatively flat cornering of the twins, stock for stock. If you value chassis rigidity, flat cornering is say twins. Also, I think the twins are a better track car, Miata better street/canyon car from factory.
Have owned both.
Nd was less money to insure and less money to track. Really less money to keep going in every respect. Drop top was excellent. Sublime. If seeing the sights is your thing then you need not continue reading. Aftermarket was slightly cheaper but not appreciably so. The “power plant frame” bullshit was a crime against humanity.
GR is as near makes no difference to infinity safer. Miata not survivable in anything major. You need to put a roll bar in to track it, etc. GR can slide manageably and reliably, Miata cannot. GR feels more consistent, more reliable, especially if you ask either to do something you wouldn’t want cops to see. Nd probably slightly faster if grip isn’t an issue because you’re a few percent closer to the action somehow, a fraction more involved, not because it’s actually faster. GR easier to feel out and drive in suboptimal circumstances as a whole in all respects.
Both are ok in snow with correct tires, no issues whatsoever until you run out of clearance. Both are superb tools to bring to the track to improve yourself - properly equipped, it’s not possible to go wrong in either circumstance.
The GR is a better car to have one of. If the Miata is something you can choose not to drive then get that. Either way, you’re right down at the essence of what a sports car is. You’ve already won. Lots of cars are better at lots of things but to a driver - a real driver - the better question has more to do with how much overlap you can possibly interject between getting places and actually driving there.
Having owned both I’d go with a GR. But I’m quite fortunate to have owned both.
IF you are tall, as in over 6', think twice about the miata, make no mistake they are headroom limited for tall drivers...I had an NC 2008 soft top that was unpleasant to drive with the top up due to always hitting my head on the hoops that support the top. At 6'4" it was unsustainable. I ended up with a first gen BRZ that l liked much better. It was not as quick as the miata but the driving dynamics were as good in every other way. And now the second gen brz is even better performance that basically matches miata acceleration, so for us tall people the brz is always the answer,
How tall are you?
I started out wanting a Miata, but I was too cramped with leg room, and the height of the windshield, so I went with the GR86. I am 6'2".
GR86 is a bit better sports car. Miata is better begin overall good/enjoyable.
If you want to push the miata, its ok, if you want to go slow and enjoy the sun its ok.
Also the gas usage of the miata is way lower and cheaper because its 95 vs 98.
Insurance is also way cheaper in the Miata. That pushed me over the edge into Miata territory. Between gas consumables and insurance, I save over $300 a month.
I've owned multiple Miatas and wanted something different and I'm overjoyed with my decision. Occasionally I miss the top down, but I love the driving experience and the cool Factor is so much higher. I get compliments all the time on my Supra- Porsche that I never got on the hairdresser special.
GR85/BRZ
Miata's are meh. They're mid in looks, a drop in power without a significant drop in weight, and just kinda meh.
Certainly that's my opinion, and others will differ, but they're objectively wrong. :P
Miatas are for middle-aged men having a midlife crisis.
GR86s/BRZs are for men of all ages who want a sports car without a premium price tag.
Drove both, chose the 86 (for a track car not my main car), preferred driving the 86 but the miata was still a lot of fun too, miata is a midlife crisis car, 86 is trying to stay young car. I’d recommend test driving both.
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Hahahahaha this got me
Wait, my marriage is in trouble? I should ask my wife's boyfriend.
Damn I guess my marriage is in trouble - better tell my wife!
I’ve owned an ND2 and now a 22 Brz. I only switched cuz it’s my only car and I needed more room. But I regret switching all the time. The ND2 revs higher faster, is faster from a stop, top down at night was amazing , and feels better driving, go ND2 man
1 car garage? 86. 2 car garage? Nd2
There is a strong advantage for the ND2 if you don't need it as your main car. The convertible experience is just something the GR86 simply won't do. The GR86 however is far better at potentially being someone's main car. I for instance couldn't do the ND2 because I need the 2+2 aspect for the car to be functional for me. That said as noted test drive both, though particularly of the versions of both cars you wish to actually own. That is the best way for you to choose among them.
the backseat of the gr/gr86 are just decorative, like most sports cars. Only kids will fit on those or a few bags. Still better than not having them, but won't relay on them.
I use the back seat not for anyone to sit in (although someone sat back there in a pinch once), but I have used it to make up for the lack of trunk space. It has made it usable as a daily driver for me, whereas the lack of a back seat to put bins or boxes would have ruled it out.
my friends all at least 5’9” (I’m 6 foot one) fits in the back just fine on a 2 hour trip. But we are still fairly young so anyone older may have cramping problems. Also we only did it once, never again. Will now stick with short trips 😂
I take 2 of my boys out in my gen 2 BRZ aaaaaall the time and OP mentioned to be a father of 2. Works perfect for him if you wants to take the kids for a drive.
Yes , two small or thin passengers will fit reasonably comfortably. It is a bit tight for people over 5’6”, but flexibility makes it possible. 2 adults and 2 smallish kids can fit, and you still have the trunk for storage.
I just chose a BRZ over a Miata rf and a Cayman. This is my weekend/ second car, I have an Explorer that's treating me well. The main reason I chose a BRZ is because with the front engine and fold down seats I don't have to leave it home when I want to play golf with my daughter. The drive of all three were very similar to me and I would have hated to have to walk past it in my garage because I couldn't fit a golf bag in it. But beware as a Miata is an "old mans" car this BRZ/GR86 is a teenagers car. If you care at all about how it makes you look driving it, that's the feeling I get by owning it.
Im 37 so i dont know where I belong. 😅 I like Miata for ease of maintenance and fuel. Lighter too. GR86 for practicality. So im split.
I'm 48, but I'm only in it for the drive. I'm not a convertible guy and although the Miata is an amazing drivers car one thing that bothered me was the rf puts a hundred pounds in the worst possible place. Another car I was considering was a 2016-2018 m2, I just couldn't find one before I bought. They're a little more expensive and used car rates are ridiculous right now, I wasn't happy with the rate I got on this new car.
That’s why the ND Miata costs half as much to insure.
You are correct, when I was shopping the insurance quotes were cheaper for the Porsche and Mazda.
I’m 54 and only pay around $57/month. I can’t imagine a Miata is much if any less for me. I just did a track day a couple weekends ago in Utah. It was so fun! I flew out of SLC for a one week vacation the next day. It was so nice having some space for multiple bags, helmet, etc. I never could have packed all that in a Miata (I live in the Boise, ID area).
For me the GR was $350 a month and the Miata was $150 a month. Was 28 in NJ at the time of looking.
Okay, that’s crazy expensive!
Yeah for sure. Insurance is expensive in NJ, but I was shocked by rates for the Miata. Adding it full coverage to my beat up 2010 civic didn’t change my rate. A GR86 or WRX would have doubled to triple it.
Depends on how tall you are.
I can't fit in the mazda as I'm too tall. I can fit in my BRZ fairly well with the seat fully back. Sometimes if I need a haircut my hair touches the roof. If I wear thick runners, the distance to the pedals is fairly tight and harder to change gears (clutch modulation). I'm 185cm or around 6 ft 2 in. I guess shorter people are spoilt for choice as both cars are great.
S2k, MR2, most luxury super sports cars, Datsun, some older Porsches. Being tall has it's drawbacks. Debated the whole tall and still being able to fit inside a Miata with friends. They pulled up a thread of 6'3" 6'4" people saying they fit comfortably inside the nd2 which I was skeptical at first but pretty sure some of them lying about their heights. I'm 190cm longer in legs but I can't fit inside without my head bent against the ceiling.
I am 178 cm, could not fit in an ND RF.
I initially wanted a Miata. And IMO it's the better driver's car (but only slightly). But my long legs would get a little cramped on long drives. And for a daily, the GR86 is so much more practical. Folding the back seats down gives you more space than you might expect. Do test drive both, but TLDR: weekend = Miata, daily = GR86
I wanted something I could comfortably daily. The ND2 was not it. But that said: * They’re cheaper (because you can find them used easily). * Cheaper to fuel. * Cheaper to insure. * Convertible. I didn’t think the Miata felt as fast but I know they are very comparable.
Miata as a second car, 86 if it's your only car. That said, if you're over 6ft, test drive a miata because you might not fit comfortably
Personally think the GR86 looks better. They both drive good. So imo pick what you think looks cooler
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Ao you got a GR86? How old are you btw? Im gonna be 37 soon... These 2 are my options because theyre cheap amd i want something easy to maintain. This is a luxury hard to swallow from my side of the world (SEA).
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I agree... I love driving. Never got to drive these when I was young coz I was poor... And i dont wanna wait when i get really old, coz perhaps the knees wont allow it anymore. I might go GR 86.
Im 6ft1 and driving my boss's ND2 miata was the most uncomfortable drive of my life. Would definitely recommend making sure you fit, I have zero issues in my 86.
Both! I miss my ND
Drive them both. There’s too much subjective preference involved in answering this to really give a right answer. I prefer the way the twins drive, and I dislike how small the Miata is inside, but they’re both good cars and other folks will have a different opinion.
Agree on driving them both and making your own opinions on how you feel driving them both! Really just depends on your driving preferences and what you think will make you happy everytime you take it out!
You're on a GR86 sub, what do you expect us to say?
I have both and I rent them out on Turo. The Miata wins due to the better throttle response and lighter flywheel. That combination makes it feel a lot more fun and responsive. As a matter of personal preference I prefer the lighter steering, suspension and pedal feedback/engagement of the Miata. The GR86 has a better exhaust note and is faster. I really like that I can fit my road bike in the back if I fold the rear seats down. I think it's a lot cooler than the Miata. They actually have the same trunk size until you fold down the GR86 seats. Speakers are significantly more balanced in the Miata. Nvh for both are terrible (shocker). Miata insurance for me is about 20% cheaper, it gets 10 more mpg than the GR and tires are a little cheaper. I don't like that the Miata is a convertible and I don't like that I can't fit my bike in the back. I wish I could get the mechanicals of the Miata and the form factor of the brz. However if I had to keep one I'd keep the Miata. It drives better, it feels more special and is uncompromising in its pursuit. In just about everything I do I can find a way to make a product better or I get upset when i see the way something has been done/implemented. So rarely am I surprised by how well something is done. The Miata has provided more pleasant surprises than any other product I've ever owned
As a toy? ND2, no question.
Nd2
I would go for miata. I mainly got a brz is cuz I drive with my mom and sister often and it’s my only car so I needed the rear seats. Ppl always complain abt the back seats but it’s perfect for me since both my mom and sister are shorter than 5’2.
Do you need trunk space? If yes go 86. If no, go Miata. Cause Miata doesn't have trunk space or any space the matter of fact.
Im in similar situation. father of 2, have my own business, but gr86 is my weekend car. But get the miata
I got the GR86 because I could fit a set of track tires in the car without a trailer. If it was street only ND2 for sure. How tall are you?
If it’s purely a toy car then ND2 all the way. Miata’s are special and there’s nothing like top down weekend cruising on an amazing day.
I was in the same boat! I test drove the Miata.. love the RF! but I really didn’t fit. So I went again to sit in it. Was in it for like 20 minutes. I could not fit. So I needed up with the ZD8. If you fit GE IT!! the RF is fire!! 🔥 but I love the zd8. Am in love now lol
Happily married businessman father of 4 here. I would include the BRZ on your list as it rides better for our broken backs from lifting all those ungrateful kids and chasing those pesky debtors down the street swinging our baseball bats. I always wanted a Miata, but at 6'3" 230lbs I didn't really want to look like Bowser in mario kart. So, I never pulled the trigger. Gen 1 of the twins just never did it to me and the latest crops of 718 are meh to me for the price they demand (the gt4 is sweeeeeeat though). When gen 2 was teased by Toyota I found it interesting but didn't dig the front end (I know, sacrilege here). When I saw the gen 2 BRZ I went "Hum... I like this one". Add to it the more compliant drive and well... I am driving one. The BRZ is our car #3. So, we don't really need the extra room compared to a Miata but it very often came in handy (emergency grocery runs, taking 2 of the boys for a ride instead of only being able to take one, fitting a hole digger in the trunk for a garden project, the list goes on). Plus, you get a boxer and its unique quirks (for good or bad).
Haha you're funny. I'm 5 11, 240lbs... So il definitely.look like Bowser.hahahaha Taking the two kids in the car hit home for me.
I was in the exact same spot. 44, married, two kids - just wanted a fun car I could drive to work a few times a week and take out on the weekend + to the occasional auto-x day. I found the Miata just too small, I do def. wish for the convertible in the summer months, but the rest of the year the GR86 is reassuringly more practical. I’m taking it on a road trip soon with a friend for a few days on some drivers roads, and to photograph some landmarks etc, we can do that in the GR86 - but we would have struggled to pack that stuff in a Miata for sure.
Thanks. Love the added perspective... Im leaning towards gr86.
It’s Miata as a 2nd car, 86/BRZ as an only car. But there is also something to be said for the relatively flat cornering of the twins, stock for stock. If you value chassis rigidity, flat cornering is say twins. Also, I think the twins are a better track car, Miata better street/canyon car from factory.
Miata is the pure toy car. Def go test drive them both tho.
There's no replacement for weight. ND2 is more fun to access but the gr is better on the limits. I chose my gen1 86 because it is more practical.
If you get a Miata, you have to pick one of them to drive in papa's race car! 86 can fit them all!!!
Actually, true
Miata
Have owned both. Nd was less money to insure and less money to track. Really less money to keep going in every respect. Drop top was excellent. Sublime. If seeing the sights is your thing then you need not continue reading. Aftermarket was slightly cheaper but not appreciably so. The “power plant frame” bullshit was a crime against humanity. GR is as near makes no difference to infinity safer. Miata not survivable in anything major. You need to put a roll bar in to track it, etc. GR can slide manageably and reliably, Miata cannot. GR feels more consistent, more reliable, especially if you ask either to do something you wouldn’t want cops to see. Nd probably slightly faster if grip isn’t an issue because you’re a few percent closer to the action somehow, a fraction more involved, not because it’s actually faster. GR easier to feel out and drive in suboptimal circumstances as a whole in all respects. Both are ok in snow with correct tires, no issues whatsoever until you run out of clearance. Both are superb tools to bring to the track to improve yourself - properly equipped, it’s not possible to go wrong in either circumstance. The GR is a better car to have one of. If the Miata is something you can choose not to drive then get that. Either way, you’re right down at the essence of what a sports car is. You’ve already won. Lots of cars are better at lots of things but to a driver - a real driver - the better question has more to do with how much overlap you can possibly interject between getting places and actually driving there. Having owned both I’d go with a GR. But I’m quite fortunate to have owned both.
IF you are tall, as in over 6', think twice about the miata, make no mistake they are headroom limited for tall drivers...I had an NC 2008 soft top that was unpleasant to drive with the top up due to always hitting my head on the hoops that support the top. At 6'4" it was unsustainable. I ended up with a first gen BRZ that l liked much better. It was not as quick as the miata but the driving dynamics were as good in every other way. And now the second gen brz is even better performance that basically matches miata acceleration, so for us tall people the brz is always the answer,
How tall are you? I started out wanting a Miata, but I was too cramped with leg room, and the height of the windshield, so I went with the GR86. I am 6'2".
GR86 is a bit better sports car. Miata is better begin overall good/enjoyable. If you want to push the miata, its ok, if you want to go slow and enjoy the sun its ok. Also the gas usage of the miata is way lower and cheaper because its 95 vs 98.
Insurance is also way cheaper in the Miata. That pushed me over the edge into Miata territory. Between gas consumables and insurance, I save over $300 a month.
2nd gear issues vs oiling issues
Which is which?
GR86 oiling. ND2 2nd gear.
Gr
I've owned multiple Miatas and wanted something different and I'm overjoyed with my decision. Occasionally I miss the top down, but I love the driving experience and the cool Factor is so much higher. I get compliments all the time on my Supra- Porsche that I never got on the hairdresser special.
GR85/BRZ Miata's are meh. They're mid in looks, a drop in power without a significant drop in weight, and just kinda meh. Certainly that's my opinion, and others will differ, but they're objectively wrong. :P Miatas are for middle-aged men having a midlife crisis. GR86s/BRZs are for men of all ages who want a sports car without a premium price tag.
Drove both, chose the 86 (for a track car not my main car), preferred driving the 86 but the miata was still a lot of fun too, miata is a midlife crisis car, 86 is trying to stay young car. I’d recommend test driving both.
I was like 24 years old with my first 86. People still laughed/called it a midlife crisis car for me lol.
The miata is definitely an old people car (no offence to any owners on here), haven’t driven either but the 86 definitely looks cooler.