GT86/BRZ and mk3.5 MX5 comparison

[V8Taxi]

I've searched the forums but really only came up with the PH feature of the GT86 vs the mk4 MX5. I'm only interested in the previous shape Mazda.

If anyone here has owned both the mk3/3.5MX5 and the GT86, please chime in...

I'm thinking of changing my E90 M3 (utterly brilliant though it is) for something a little smaller, lighter and sportier that I could occasionally take on track. I've driven a couple of mk3.5 MX5's recently and quite liked them and whilst it was far from uncomfortable, it was fairly snug - albeit pretty good fun with the top down. I've yet to try an 86 cos there aren't any locally to just pop and have a go in.


Is the Toyota as much fun as the Mazda? Is it "special" enough? Good enough to be a weekend car?

Which is better suited to good fun on the road (performance within sensible limits, unlike the M3) with occasional track sessions thrown in?

I'd be likely to tweak either for better fast road performance, and long-term possibly even look at supercharging. Corten- Miller or BBR to fettle the Mazda, and Fensport the Toyota.


Any thoughts or advise either wa, or comparisons of one to the other? I know the GT86 is divisive here, but don't hold back.

Cheers

[DoubleD]

Why not just get a boxster or cayman.

[V8Taxi]

DoubleD said:

Why not just get a boxster or cayman.

Don't fancy either of those.

[mikey P 500]

The gt86 is just as good as a mk3 mx5 in terms of fun, maybe slightly better and if you like what the mx5 stands for you would equally enjoy the gt86. But the mk3 mx5 is close in terms of fun stakes and if you don't need the back seats can probably be picked up alot cheaper, there are good forced induction options for both cars. (I have a gt86 mainly for the back seats for my children otherwise would likely still have mx5 or similar, as slightly miss the top down element.

[caelite]

mikey P 500 said:

The gt86 is just as good as a mk3 mx5 in terms of fun, maybe slightly better and if you like what the mx5 stands for you would equally enjoy the gt86. But the mk3 mx5 is close in terms of fun stakes and if you don't need the back seats can probably be picked up alot cheaper, there are good forced induction options for both cars. (I have a gt86 mainly for the back seats for my children otherwise would likely still have mx5 or similar, as slightly miss the top down element.

I'd echo this, I've got a mk2.5 and one of my good friends has a early GT86. Both are lightly modified (coilovers & fast road/track tyres). I'd say they are very very similar to drive, my mazda I would say is a little bit more chuckable, however the mk3s I know are slightly less chuckable than the older ones so it is likely fairly even with the GT. I would say the GT is a nicer place to be, plenty of creature comforts and much quieter, with that being said the Mazda is a lot more raw and 'feels' faster.

I'd say it really does come down to what you want more: a convertible or back seats. Personally I would've bought the GT86 in a heartbeat if there was one old enough to fall into my budget, wanted a small light sportscar, saw the convertible as a rather large compromise .

[V8Taxi]

Thanks for the replies chaps.

I drove a GT86 today and on the limited test drive and crap local roads, I did enjoy it. I just wonder if I'll regret the missed opportunity of going for the convertible if I don't choose the MX5. That said, I've never had one before and I don't want to wish I'd stuck with a fixed roof coupe if I choose the Mazda! I don't need rear seats, tho. Hmm.

I really can't decide. Although I prefer the looks of the Toyota...

[Codswallop]

Motor Trend did a really good video comparing the GT86 (nee Scion FRS) to the mk3.5 MX5;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDYaSwd4mmk&fe...

Personally, I think having the top down adds a lot to the driving experience, but the GT86 is darn good too. Tough choice that only another test drive can solve OP!

[V8Taxi]

Codswallop said:

Motor Trend did a really good video comparing the GT86 (nee Scion FRS) to the mk3.5 MX5;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDYaSwd4mmk&fe...

Personally, I think having the top down adds a lot to the driving experience, but the GT86 is darn good too. Tough choice that only another test drive can solve OP!

Thanks for the link, interesting video. Kinda leaves me in the same position though! As you say, I need a couple more test drives.

I must say, the BBR 200 upgrade for the MX5 is very appealing, let alone the supercharging option. Being just over 6ft tall and 15st though, the Toyota would be easier to live with.

[CABC]

86 is the more focused drive, by some margin out the box. Both are often modded of course.
Practicality of 86 obviously greater.

(Own std 86 and heavily modded NA, previously owned NA and suspension modded NC)

[V8Taxi]

Thanks for that. If it were an NC I was to go for, suspension (or at the very least a proper alignment) would be first thing on the agenda. What suspension did you choose on yours and how did you get on with it afterwards?

[CABC]

My early NC was merely lowered by WIM with Eibach springs to counter the ridiculous ride height issue for pedestrians. Made 'quite' sporty, certainly for road use, My latest NA has Meisters & chassis bracing to make it a track weapon that handles far more aggressively than stock. Jinbai tai is a Mazda thing that's a little too sloppy for many tastes. Although NC 3.5 fixed much of the earlier issues I suspect revised suspension would improve things for a keen drive. Not cheap eBay of course.

[V8Taxi]

CABC said:

My early NC was merely lowered by WIM with Eibach springs to counter the ridiculous ride height issue for pedestrians. Made 'quite' sporty, certainly for road use, My latest NA has Meisters & chassis bracing to make it a track weapon that handles far more aggressively than stock. Jinbai tai is a Mazda thing that's a little too sloppy for many tastes. Although NC 3.5 fixed much of the earlier issues I suspect revised suspension would improve things for a keen drive. Not cheap eBay of course.

No, it wouldn't be eBay stuff. I've only ever used KW, Bilstein or MeisterR coilovers.

I've read a couple of times that the Eibach springs on the stock shocks isn't the best combo in the world, but it's much better than the standard stuff.

Thanks for the input.