How the Miata Compares to Competitors: BRZ, S2000, and More

When it comes to lightweight, nimble, and engaging sports cars, three iconic names stand out: the Mazda Miata, the Subaru BRZ (and its Toyota GR86 sibling), and the now-retired-but-legendary Honda S2000. Each of these cars checks the “attainable fun car” box in a unique way, offering rear-wheel drive, manual transmissions, and a driver-focused engineering approach. However, if you’re researching which one truly delivers the best blend of thrills, livability, and classic sports-car feel, you might be surprised by which model still sits at the top.

Honda S2000: The High-Strung Classic

The Honda S2000 burst onto the scene with one big trick up its sleeve: an engine that screams to 8,000 RPM (and beyond, depending on the model year). Paired with a front-midship layout, near-perfect weight distribution, and a six-speed manual that shifts as if it’s telepathically connected, the S2000 became an icon among enthusiasts. On a twisty road or a racetrack, it’s a scalpel, slicing corners with minimal body roll and providing electrifying feedback.

That old-school nature, though, is both its greatest charm and its biggest drawback. Modern drivers might feel like the cabin is short on conveniences, and the price tag can be steep for clean, low-mileage examples, these things have soared in value. Plus, if you’re tall or want to drive it daily, be prepared to squeeze your baggage into a comically small trunk and sacrifice on creature comforts. Still, the S2000’s nostalgic, high-revving spirit remains a huge draw. It’s just worth knowing that you’ll likely pay a premium (and accept some compromises) to experience it.

Subaru BRZ & Toyota GR86: Modern Day Rival

If you’d prefer a sports car that can competently handle your everyday responsibilities, the BRZ or GR86 is tough to beat. On the practical side, you actually get a useable trunk and a 2+2 seating layout, so it can swallow a set of tires for a track day or groceries for a weekend trip. The newer 2.4L boxer engine is much better than the old 2.0L at delivering midrange torque, meaning you no longer have to rev it to the moon to get going.

Handling-wise, it’s well-balanced and forgiving. You can push the BRZ/GR86 without feeling like the car is out to bite you, which is a relief if you’re learning the art of rear-wheel drive. Tech and safety are decently modern, too. The only real sticking points for some people are the engine’s generally uninspiring sound and the fact that you can’t open the roof, it’s a coupe only. But if you don’t care about top-down motoring and need something practical enough to live with day after day, the BRZ/GR86 hits a sweet spot in the market.

The Timeless Roadster

Then there’s the Mazda Miata, which is practically a synonym for “lightweight driving joy.” It embraces minimalism, and that’s precisely what so many fans love about it. Weighing in at around 2,400 to 2,500 pounds, it’s one of the lightest modern sports cars you can buy. There’s no shortage of fun, even though the on-paper horsepower numbers might look modest. Every flick of the steering wheel, every gearshift, and every press of the throttle gives you immediate, playful feedback, reminding you how rewarding a well-tuned roadster can be.

You also get an option between a traditional cloth soft top or a more coupe-like RF (retractable fastback) if you want a bit more shelter. Inside, it’s surprisingly refined, with heated seats on higher trims and driver aids like blind-spot monitoring. However, there’s no hiding its small size, storage space is limited, and taller folks might feel cramped. If you can deal with that, the open-top experience is unlike anything else in this price range. It’s a pure, smile-inducing car that’s just as happy meandering through town as it is taking apexes on a track day.

Other Competitors and Mentions

If you’re considering this sporty corner of the market, you might also look at older Toyota MR2s (with mid-engine dynamics) or Nissan’s Z cars, which offer more punch from a V6 but at the cost of extra weight. Porsche’s Boxster and Cayman are also in the conversation, top-tier handling, but at a higher purchase and maintenance price point.

Each of these alternatives has something special to offer, but they also come with various trade-offs, whether that’s older-car upkeep (MR2), more heft and a different driving feel (370Z/400Z), or a jump in cost (Boxster/Cayman). It’s worth weighing how much you value factors like cabin space, storage, and horsepower against a car’s raw connection to the road.

While the S2000 delivers iconic high-rev thrills and the BRZ/GR86 nails the “do-everything” role, the Miata still manages to shine as a king of driving enjoyment. Yes, it’s down on horsepower, and yes, you won’t be hauling a lot of cargo with that tiny trunk. But that’s also part of the secret sauce: at modest speeds, it feels engaging and alive in a way that’s hard to match.

The open-air element is a big part of that charm, top-down motoring adds a layer of immersion you simply don’t get in a coupe. Add in Mazda’s reputation for reliability, a huge aftermarket, and a long legacy of open-top fun, and it’s easy to see why “Miata Is Always The Answer” remains a running joke among enthusiasts. If your main goal is maximizing the grin factor and you can live with limited cargo space, the Miata is still the clear winner in this class.

Ultimately, no matter which car you choose, S2000, BRZ, or Miata, you’re in for a good time. Each offers its own flavor of lightweight RWD fun. But if you crave that distilled “essence of a true roadster,” there’s really nothing quite like a Miata. Grab the keys, drop the top (if you went with the soft top), and enjoy the open road. That’s what this category of sports cars is all about.