MX5 vs Suzuki Swift Sport – Who’s had both?
Discussion
I appreciate they’ve seldom been compared because they are quite different cars in some ways, but given they’re both lightweight, handling > power, reliable and good value small cars they are also very similar. So I don’t really care too much that they’re driven from different wheels or have practicality differences or even the convertible aspect.
Anyone who’s not driven the Swift will wonder how it could ever measure up to a rwd sports car but those who have will know how raw and involving it can be. Whereas in fact the MX5 comes in for criticism for its mass-appeal derived softness, though this is no doubt looking at it from a sports car purists perspective. So I’m very interested in the opinions of anyone who’s had good experience of driving recent examples of both and how they compare on fun?
Thanks in advance
Anyone who’s not driven the Swift will wonder how it could ever measure up to a rwd sports car but those who have will know how raw and involving it can be. Whereas in fact the MX5 comes in for criticism for its mass-appeal derived softness, though this is no doubt looking at it from a sports car purists perspective. So I’m very interested in the opinions of anyone who’s had good experience of driving recent examples of both and how they compare on fun?
Thanks in advance
Currently own a 1991 MX-5 and never owned a Swift but have driven one spiritedly a number of times.
The Swift is really good fun, feels fantastic and, of the two, would be my pick for a track day BUT for general fun on the roads, I really can't fault the MX-5 when the top is down, whether I'm trundling along in traffic or going on a B road hoon the little Mazda never fails to put a smile on my face, something which the swift only does when you 'open it up', all in my opinion of course!
Plus, value for money is a point too... I paid £800 for my MX-5 with the hard top, couldn't get in even the ropiest of Swifts for that!
EDIT: Oh, you said recent examples of both... I'd probably go for a Swift over an MX-5 NC to be honest, the 3rd gen MX-5 doesn't really do it for me!
The Swift is really good fun, feels fantastic and, of the two, would be my pick for a track day BUT for general fun on the roads, I really can't fault the MX-5 when the top is down, whether I'm trundling along in traffic or going on a B road hoon the little Mazda never fails to put a smile on my face, something which the swift only does when you 'open it up', all in my opinion of course!
Plus, value for money is a point too... I paid £800 for my MX-5 with the hard top, couldn't get in even the ropiest of Swifts for that!
EDIT: Oh, you said recent examples of both... I'd probably go for a Swift over an MX-5 NC to be honest, the 3rd gen MX-5 doesn't really do it for me!
Edited by TREMAiNE on Monday 17th August 15:15
I previously owned the first Suzuki Swift Sport and now own a Mazda MX5 mk3.5.
The Swift was my first car and I really liked it, drove it from the bottom to the top of Wales and back again. Great car for back road hoons, cheap to run and reasonable to fuel. A pretty poor motorway car if I'm being honest - no 6th gear so engine noise was quite intrusive and as a result of being in 5th, the fuel consumption at speed wasn't great.
My girlfriend wanted a car so I sold her it and bought myself the MX5. To be honest, I much prefer the mx5 for nearly every situation. On the driving front - the engine is more powerful so makes things a bit more entertaining, the gearbox is nicer once warmed up (bit notchy when cold), the steering wheel is a softer leather and quite thin so feeling is good and the rear wheel drive means more roundabouts can be entertaining.
Also, the interior is a more pleasant place with heated leather, soft top roof takes 1 hand and at most 5 seconds to put down and you sit down in the car rather than on it. Despite the increase in wind noise due to the soft top, I prefer it for motorway work as the engine is less strained, the bose stereo is very good and the cruise control makes driving long distances pretty easy to do.
In terms of running costs, my average mpg has barely changed between the two (motorway has improved) and, at 24, insurance is roughly similar. Servicing is a bit more on the Mazda but nothing too serious.
I still drive the Swift regularly and enjoy it when I do but I wouldn't switch back.
If you have any more questions, feel free!
The Swift was my first car and I really liked it, drove it from the bottom to the top of Wales and back again. Great car for back road hoons, cheap to run and reasonable to fuel. A pretty poor motorway car if I'm being honest - no 6th gear so engine noise was quite intrusive and as a result of being in 5th, the fuel consumption at speed wasn't great.
My girlfriend wanted a car so I sold her it and bought myself the MX5. To be honest, I much prefer the mx5 for nearly every situation. On the driving front - the engine is more powerful so makes things a bit more entertaining, the gearbox is nicer once warmed up (bit notchy when cold), the steering wheel is a softer leather and quite thin so feeling is good and the rear wheel drive means more roundabouts can be entertaining.
Also, the interior is a more pleasant place with heated leather, soft top roof takes 1 hand and at most 5 seconds to put down and you sit down in the car rather than on it. Despite the increase in wind noise due to the soft top, I prefer it for motorway work as the engine is less strained, the bose stereo is very good and the cruise control makes driving long distances pretty easy to do.
In terms of running costs, my average mpg has barely changed between the two (motorway has improved) and, at 24, insurance is roughly similar. Servicing is a bit more on the Mazda but nothing too serious.
I still drive the Swift regularly and enjoy it when I do but I wouldn't switch back.
If you have any more questions, feel free!
Own a mk2.5 Mx5.
Cousin owned a swift sport and they are nice warm little hatches.
It's all down to the costs, the Mx5 is a bomb to run, it's got stupidly low MPG when driven how it wants, hates being in traffic and tax is insane.
Cant beat it for the fun and top-down action if you can afford to run it.
Cousin owned a swift sport and they are nice warm little hatches.
It's all down to the costs, the Mx5 is a bomb to run, it's got stupidly low MPG when driven how it wants, hates being in traffic and tax is insane.
Cant beat it for the fun and top-down action if you can afford to run it.
VeeFource said:
I appreciate they’ve seldom been compared because they are quite different cars in some ways, but given they’re both lightweight, handling > power, reliable and good value small cars they are also very similar. So I don’t really care too much that they’re driven from different wheels or have practicality differences or even the convertible aspect.
Anyone who’s not driven the Swift will wonder how it could ever measure up to a rwd sports car but those who have will know how raw and involving it can be. Whereas in fact the MX5 comes in for criticism for its mass-appeal derived softness, though this is no doubt looking at it from a sports car purists perspective. So I’m very interested in the opinions of anyone who’s had good experience of driving recent examples of both and how they compare on fun?
Thanks in advance
They are complete polar opposites for me. Not driven a Swift, but honestly I don't believe it does anything any different to the myriad of other FWD compact hatches.Anyone who’s not driven the Swift will wonder how it could ever measure up to a rwd sports car but those who have will know how raw and involving it can be. Whereas in fact the MX5 comes in for criticism for its mass-appeal derived softness, though this is no doubt looking at it from a sports car purists perspective. So I’m very interested in the opinions of anyone who’s had good experience of driving recent examples of both and how they compare on fun?
Thanks in advance
VeeFource said:
I appreciate they’ve seldom been compared because they are quite different cars in some ways, but given they’re both lightweight, handling > power, reliable and good value small cars they are also very similar. So I don’t really care too much that they’re driven from different wheels or have practicality differences or even the convertible aspect.
Anyone who’s not driven the Swift will wonder how it could ever measure up to a rwd sports car but those who have will know how raw and involving it can be. Whereas in fact the MX5 comes in for criticism for its mass-appeal derived softness, though this is no doubt looking at it from a sports car purists perspective. So I’m very interested in the opinions of anyone who’s had good experience of driving recent examples of both and how they compare on fun?
Thanks in advance
I've owned an NB 1.6 MX5 and driven a Swift Sport extensively. Not owned the Swift Sport, but a friend of mine used to run two as business cars, I logged many hours in the seat of the Swift. Anyone who’s not driven the Swift will wonder how it could ever measure up to a rwd sports car but those who have will know how raw and involving it can be. Whereas in fact the MX5 comes in for criticism for its mass-appeal derived softness, though this is no doubt looking at it from a sports car purists perspective. So I’m very interested in the opinions of anyone who’s had good experience of driving recent examples of both and how they compare on fun?
Thanks in advance
Both a great cars, and very different. The Swift is considerably more 'practical' in the classic sense. Back seats, a decent-ish boot. The MX5 less so, but quite fine for me.
To drive, the MX5 is just more fun. Neither is fast, in fact, neither is really quick. They both handle well, but the MX5 is the better drive. Better gearshift, better seating position, roof down fun, lovely pedal weighting. As long as you don't expect a razor sharp drive you won't be disappointed. The engine is a little coarse and doesn't really do much below 4000rpm, so keeping it on the boil is definitely the way forward. A lot of people like to over-egg the turn in when driving MX5's to overload the soft chassis and produce oversteer. I think they're far more rewarding to drive cleanly, keeping it as tight as it'll go.
The Swift Sport needs some revs to give it's best too, and handles very well for a FWD car. It's turn in is easily as accurate as an MX5 and in terms of handling and holding a line, they're probably about equal despite their obviously different layouts. The gearshift is nice. The seats are pretty stiff and not very comfortable but they're passable for 'sports seats'. The keyless entry and go function was a bit naff, I thought.
Neither would be a tricky ownership proposition but mind the rust if you get the Mazda.
300bhp/ton said:
They are complete polar opposites for me. Not driven a Swift, but honestly I don't believe it does anything any different to the myriad of other FWD compact hatches.
But that's just it, you haven't driven one. If you value light weight(circa 1,000kg), n/a and good value with all the other performance car traits (proper sports suspension, revy engine (hello lightweight flywheel and high lift cams on the Swift) etc) then I challenge you to name many other contenders made in the last few years. I've realised I have more fun driving a Swift Sport than my old 350Z or 328is at the same speeds. And once you're down to such low horsepower, it doesn't matter as much which wheels are driven unless you're care free about being pulled for drifting on wet roundabouts.Thanks for the replies by the way everyone, some very interesting reading there!
VeeFource said:
But that's just it, you haven't driven one. If you value light weight(circa 1,000kg), n/a and good value with all the other performance car traits (proper sports suspension, revy engine (hello lightweight flywheel and high lift cams on the Swift) etc) then I challenge you to name many other contenders made in the last few years.
Suspect there are plenty, although you might have to define "last few years". Hatchbacks have not been in short supply in the UK/EU markets. In any shape or form.Not sure I could keep a straight face and call a Swift a performance car though...
VeeFource said:
I've realised I have more fun driving a Swift Sport than my old 350Z or 328is at the same speeds.
Then that might say more about you than the cars though. Although I can't vouch for what exactly a 328is actually is? What mark of BMW is that? 350z, well if it's stock and silent, then I suspect they are more GT than sports car.But some cars have more drama about them than others. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the Swift is a hoot to go for a quick blast, but I'm also sure it's probably pretty dull the rest of the time too. And it's probably a case of the grass is always greener on the other side.
VeeFource said:
And once you're down to such low horsepower, it doesn't matter as much which wheels are driven unless you're care free about being pulled for drifting on wet roundabouts.
I think driven wheels make a huge difference to how a car feels all the time. I don't have anything against FWD, and indeed I've enjoyed driving many FWD cars. Wouldn't want to live with it daily through choice though. Or at least only very few exceptions.But it's not just driven wheels. The whole upright seating position of any hatchback doesn't appeal.
I've had a Swift Sport and several MX5s, they are both great cars. The Swift has a great chassis, willing engine but it is stiff and the gearing isn't ideal for long motorway journeys. MPG was around 30 to 35, bulletproof reliability. Very bad in the snow with the light weight and wide summer tyres and a wierd main beam which throws too far, especially noticeable on country roads. All in all a great package which I enjoyed but wouldn't want one long term.
The MX5 was a 03 SVT Sport and much better to live with, the chassis is simply brilliant and the engine good, not much power but as with the SS you can use it all safely on the road. Downsides are the rust which is a chronic issue for lots of cars, I wouldn't want one without having a garage. Mechanical reliability was great too, I loved the MX5 much more than the SS.
Either way you won't go far wrong as long as you buy a good example of either car.
The MX5 was a 03 SVT Sport and much better to live with, the chassis is simply brilliant and the engine good, not much power but as with the SS you can use it all safely on the road. Downsides are the rust which is a chronic issue for lots of cars, I wouldn't want one without having a garage. Mechanical reliability was great too, I loved the MX5 much more than the SS.
Either way you won't go far wrong as long as you buy a good example of either car.
300bhp/ton said:
Not sure I could keep a straight face and call a Swift a performance car though...
I wasn’t saying the Swift is a performance car, I should have said if you value all the performance car traits without the high horsepower. I.e. sports suspension, quick shifting box, heavy steering etc..Based on those attributes and the others I’d previously mentioned then those sorts of cars are few and far between.
300bhp/ton said:
Although I can't vouch for what exactly a 328is actually is? What mark of BMW is that?
It was an E36.300bhp/ton said:
350z, well if it's stock and silent, then I suspect they are more GT than sports car.
It had a Remus exhaust on there which I still need to get around to selling at some point.300bhp/ton said:
I'm sure the Swift is a hoot to go for a quick blast, but I'm also sure it's probably pretty dull the rest of the time too.
I find it’s more interesting the rest of the time than more powerful cars as you can work the engine harder so it feels like the car’s more alive. This is the main reason I’m ‘downgrading’, but then I also have a motorbike to get my acceleration thrills.300bhp/ton said:
But it's not just driven wheels. The whole upright seating position of any hatchback doesn't appeal.
I know I’m massively in the minority here, but I actually quite like the upright go-kart like position of a hatchback. I actually feel a greater sense of speed from having a big windscreen and side windows rather than lying back and feel I’m looking through a pillar box. Each to their own though of course.I had a MX-5 NC and apart from putting the roof down on a sunny day I didn't enjoy it at all. The engineering felt dated and unrefined. It felt underpowered and most of all wasn't reliable. It leaked, it has transmission issues and the paintwork was terrible. The interior trim was also poor quality and the seats had excessive wear at less than 20k miles.
Now I own a 2014 Swift Sport and love it. I enjoy every second I'm behind the wheel. For a cheap car it's pretty well put together. It handles like a dream, is fairly good on petrol and absolutely loves to be revved. It has a 6th gear so revs are at a comfortable 3000 at 70mph and is fully kitted out as standard. It doesn't need a turbo in my opinion, 136ish bhp and 1045kg of car is perfect.
Now I own a 2014 Swift Sport and love it. I enjoy every second I'm behind the wheel. For a cheap car it's pretty well put together. It handles like a dream, is fairly good on petrol and absolutely loves to be revved. It has a 6th gear so revs are at a comfortable 3000 at 70mph and is fully kitted out as standard. It doesn't need a turbo in my opinion, 136ish bhp and 1045kg of car is perfect.
AW90 said:
I had a MX-5 NC and apart from putting the roof down on a sunny day I didn't enjoy it at all. The engineering felt dated and unrefined. It felt underpowered and most of all wasn't reliable. It leaked, it has transmission issues and the paintwork was terrible. The interior trim was also poor quality and the seats had excessive wear at less than 20k miles.
Now I own a 2014 Swift Sport and love it. I enjoy every second I'm behind the wheel. For a cheap car it's pretty well put together. It handles like a dream, is fairly good on petrol and absolutely loves to be revved. It has a 6th gear so revs are at a comfortable 3000 at 70mph and is fully kitted out as standard. It doesn't need a turbo in my opinion, 136ish bhp and 1045kg of car is perfect.
Interesting post! I went with the Swift in the end as the extra practicality and the rust issues of the MX5 were too hard to ignore. If I didn't have a motorbike it might not have worked out that way. Loving the car so far anyway, brilliant little things Now I own a 2014 Swift Sport and love it. I enjoy every second I'm behind the wheel. For a cheap car it's pretty well put together. It handles like a dream, is fairly good on petrol and absolutely loves to be revved. It has a 6th gear so revs are at a comfortable 3000 at 70mph and is fully kitted out as standard. It doesn't need a turbo in my opinion, 136ish bhp and 1045kg of car is perfect.
love the SSS, but if the requirement is just sports car then it has to be mx5. It's basic chassis is fantastic, and can be tweaked easily and inexpensively. Someone mentioned 'soft' earlier, this can be partly because they are from the factory (jinbai tai?) or maybe a baggy example too? £300 springs will transform. The SSS won't be as easy to mod.
I'm not down on SSS at all, love them. simple, involving driving fun. I want one (for fun practical duties)
I'm not down on SSS at all, love them. simple, involving driving fun. I want one (for fun practical duties)
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