Who doesn’t love the Miata? Innocent, cheap and a true drivers car, right? Well, us here at Mis-Shift has different feelings. For those who want to be independent and not fall prey to the TicTok e-boys pushing Miata greatness on your poor defenseless brain, we’ve got a list of 10 alternatives to a new Miata that are just as good!
10 – Jaguar XJS V12
What is a Miata, really? It’s a 2-door sports car that’s dead simple. But did simplicity ever progress humanity forward? No, didn’t think so. This is why the Jaguar XJS V12 is a better, more up-to-date Miata competitor, except it has the class of a Jag and the complexity of a modern vehicle, all while being cheap to pick up in good condition, like the one shown!
9 – Aston Martin Valkyrie
The Aston Martin Valkyrie shares a lot of its core principles with the original Mazda Miata. In fact, Adrian Newy, the brainchild behind the Valkyrie, used the NA Miata as a benchmark during initial development. Seeking to make the ultimate lightweight, no nonsense, driver-centric vehicle, the two cars where often pitted against each other on Silverstone, until the Valkyrie eventually came out on top. The Aston is not perfect though. The car is a bit pricier than a Miata, isn’t available as a manual, and the track ready AMR Pro does not come as a drop top. I guess perfection can’t truly be bested, Mr. Newy.
8 – Mercury Capri XR2
Do you want cheap, manual, top down fun for less than community college tuition? Look no further than the Capri XR2. It’s essentially a Mazda 323 GTX shoved into whatever Ford of Australia could come up with for a sporty convertible coupe. It’s got an engine that makes some “power”, assisted by a turbo, so it’s essentially a Mazdaspeed Miata you can actually afford to buy. Back in its day, the XR2 was actually quicker than the mx5. Quite the achievement!
7 – Radical SR3
Like the Miata, the Radical SR3 is a comparative bargain for driver focused open top thrills. Being correct wheel drive means you’ll still be able to pull those mad drifts you used to do in that NB you sold, all while giving hell to everyone else around you during track days. Like the Miata, the SR3 is light, correct wheel drive, and seats two. However, the SR3 does lack any form of roof, which does impact everyday usability. Points for the Miata then.
6 – 1987 Yamaha Razz
One may not immediately look at a scooter and think “Miata”, but if you’re looking for something just a little more raw with no more compromises than the Miata, the Razz is the way to go. It’s even lighter, has just as much power, and only one less seat. Storage space stays the same, so it’s just as practical as a Miata but a tenth of the entry cost!
5 – Toyota GR86
The new GR86 (not to be confused with the BRZ, different car) takes the recipe set out by Mazda and makes it significantly more reliable by pairing a FR layout with a boxer engine. 4 opposite oppositely opposed cylinders power this beast, taking a note out of Subaru’s book but making it last, like a Toyota does. The boxer engine is actually much more reliable than the original I4 in the Miata, because it’s a Toyota!
4 – 2023 Morgan Super 3
3 – Chevy SSR
Everyone likes fast Utes. Everyone likes convertibles. I know you’ve always wanted both, but could never find the nerve, cash, or will to commit a felony to attain them. However, Chevy did you a favor and combined the two ideas into one car. So grab life by the neck and take control for once you spineless flesh basket. It’s like a Miata, but almost superior because v8 and a bed. With sleek aerodynamic lines that hark back to a better time (Bush II, the Middle Eastern Boogaloo) , two doors, a 6 speed, and an LS2. It’s the ultimate ls swapped Miata. Just don’t ask about weight.
2 – LaFerrari Aperta
The LaFerrari is well known as an incredible hypercar, through and through. Same as the Miata is known as an incredible sports car! However, what makes specifically the Aperta a Miata alternative is its removable hardtop. This virtually transforms the hypercar from a cramped, claustrophobic cube to a freeing, open-top sports car. For just a few thousand more than a new Miata you can pick up one of these bad boys for a bargain!
Honorable Mention – Subaru BRZ
The new BRZ (not to be confused with the GT86, different car) takes the recipe set out by Mazda and makes it significantly more reliable by pairing a FR layout with a boxer engine. 4 opposite oppositely opposed cylinders power this beast, taking a note out of Toyota’s book but making it last, like a Subaru does. The boxer engine is actually much more reliable than the original I4 in the Miata, because it’s a Subaru!
1 – Fiat 124 Abarth
The 124 spider was sold from 2016 to 2020 in the US of A, and might be the most compelling Miata alternative yet. Tracing its linage to the rally monster from the 60’s, the new 124 had gained a bit of size in its golden years. Wheelbase and overall dimensions are almost identical to the current ND Miata, which was done on purpose to take advantage of the extra space on the Miata production line (the two cars are built in the same factory to save on cost). The similar dimensions means this sexy Italian stallion is able to mimic the Miata’s unrivaled enjoyment and maybe even surpass it with a unique Italian turbocharged power train. Also the Abarth version has a black hood and I think that’s cool 🙂
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