2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. Subaru BRZ

The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata and Subaru BRZ rank among the most exciting sports cars you can buy right now. Each delivers heart-pounding thrills behind the wheel and enjoys loyal followers, yet they bring completely different personalities to your driving life. We’ll compare their punch, style, and value to help you figure out which one might fit your driving dreams better.

Performance and Handling Comparison

These sporty machines pack plenty of power. The Miata runs with a 2.0-liter inline-four engine making 181 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The BRZ, meanwhile, gets a 2.4-liter flat-four engine pumping out 228 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque at 3700 rpm. Surprisingly, despite the power gap, both cars hit 60 mph in only 5.5 seconds — proof of how the Miata’s lighter weight pays off.

The Miata weighs just 2,454 pounds, a whopping 406 pounds less than the 2,860-pound BRZ. This weight advantage helps the Miata dart around corners like nothing else. Both cars come with six-speed manual transmissions that give you ultimate shifting control. The Miata’s new Kinematic Posture Control system helps it handle even better, while the BRZ offers its own sport-tuned suspension setup. Step up to the Miata Club model and you’ll get performance enhancements such as Bilstein dampers, a front shock tower brace, and a limited-slip differential. It also includes a DSC-Track mode for track day fun.

Looking at the raw stats, the BRZ pulls ahead in several areas. It runs the quarter-mile in 14 seconds at 101 mph, a bit quicker than the Miata’s 14.3 seconds at 96 mph. On the skidpad, the BRZ grips harder — 0.97 g versus the Miata’s 0.9 g. The BRZ also stops more quickly, halting from 70 mph in just 157 feet compared to the Miata’s 176 feet. But numbers don’t tell the whole story. The Miata feels nimbler in your hands, partly thanks to its tiny size and light build.

Exterior Aesthetics and Styling

These two sports cars are defined by their unique appearances. The Miata is tiny — just 154.1 inches long, 68.3 inches wide, and 49 inches tall. Those small dimensions give it that classic sports car vibe. Its curves and lines show off its light weight and hint at its agility.

In contrast, the BRZ stretches out to 167.9 inches long, 69.9 inches wide, and stands 51.6 inches tall — noticeably bigger than its rival. Its longer hood and swept-back rear end look more muscle-bound. While the Miata lets you choose between a soft-top or the retractable fastback hardtop version, the BRZ comes only as a fixed-roof coupe.

Interior Layout and Comfort

The Miata’s cabin hugs you tight with just two seats and a simple layout that keeps controls within easy reach. It offers 43.1 inches of legroom and 37.4 inches of headroom — snug but comfy for most drivers. Storage is tight with just 4.59 cubic feet of trunk space, but this makes sense given its priority on performance.

If you’re looking for more space, the BRZ gives you tiny back seats in a two-plus-two setup; however, these seats work better for storing your gym bag than for carrying friends. Its trunk holds more — 6.3 cubic feet worth.

Ergonomics: Driver and Passenger Experience

Get in either car and you’ll drop down into a low, sporty position. In the Miata, everything — the wheel, pedals, and shifter — sits exactly where it should for maximum driving pleasure. The BRZ feels similar but with a slightly more traditional sports car vibe, thanks to its longer hood and wider dash.

Both cars have well-padded seats that hold you firmly during hard cornering. The Miata’s seats feel surprisingly comfortable despite its size. The BRZ’s front seats support you well, plus you get back seats as well. Sight out of both cars is fine, but drop the Miata’s top and you’ll get an unbeatable all-around view that the fixed-roof BRZ can’t match.

Infotainment and Connectivity Options

Both cars pack decent tech to keep you connected. The Miata sports an 8.8-inch infotainment screen, a touch bigger than the BRZ’s 8-inch touch screen. Mazda includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and you’ll also find two USB-C ports to keep your gadgets charged up during long drives.

The BRZ’s system might be slightly smaller, but it works well with quick responses and sharp graphics. Both offer Bluetooth for calls and music streaming. Higher trims of each car can get better sound systems and built-in maps. It’s worth noting that the Miata puts its controls right where you need them, so you can keep your hands near the wheel, emphasizing how it puts your driving experience first.

Price and Economic Considerations

The 2025 Miata starts at $29,530, making it pretty affordable for a pure sports car. Add in fuel economy ratings of 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with the manual transmission, and the Miata makes an even better investment. The BRZ typically costs a bit more up front (starting at $31,210) and is less fuel efficient, getting just 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway with the manual gearbox.

Safety and Reliability

The 2025 Miata packs plenty of safety gear, including Mazda’s i-Activsense package with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, Smart Brake Support, and lane departure warning. In the BRZ, you’ll get Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology, which includes similar features as well as adaptive cruise control and precollision braking as standard. Both Mazda and Subaru build tough, reliable cars, so you can trust either one to serve you well for years to come.

The Ultimate Choice: Which One Reigns Supreme?

Picking between these two isn’t easy — they’re both a blast to drive but in slightly different ways. Your choice really depends on your lifestyle. If you want a weekend toy that won’t kill your fuel budget as a daily driver, the Miata makes more sense with its top-down fun and efficiency. But if you need a bit more room or prefer a fixed roof, the BRZ might suit you better. Both offer a raw driving feel that’s getting harder to find these days, guaranteeing you’ll find every excuse to get behind the wheel.

Discover the Mazda MX-5 Miata at Capistrano Mazda

If the Mazda MX-5 Miata sounds like the performance vehicle for you, why not take it for a spin? Contact our team at Capistrano Mazda in San Juan Capistrano, California, to test-drive it today and feel what makes this little roadster so special. We’re happy to answer any of your questions and discuss financing options. The Miata proves that sometimes smaller and simpler can give you the greatest experience.