15 Cost-Effective Alternatives To The Mazda MX-5 Miata

Summary

• The Mazda MX-5 is a reliable and practical sports car that offers fun and engaging driving experiences.
• The Honda S2000, Subaru BRZ, and BMW Z3 M Roadster are great alternatives to the MX-5 that also provide fun and practical driving experiences.
• The Pontiac Solstice was a popular American roadster that offered strong performance and competed with the MX-5 in terms of sales.

It’s not hard to understand why the Mazda MX-5 is considered the end-all and be-all of affordable sports cars. Starting with what was fundamentally the European formula for a fun lightweight sports car, Mazda built on what worked and improved upon what didn’t and was the first automaker to mass-produce a reliable and practical sports car that was fun and engaging to drive.

With only 1.6 liters and less than 115 horsepower to make do with, the original Miata, was light, simple, and unintimidating but proved to be massive amounts of fun, more so when hustled around corners. The MX-5 was far from fast, but it more than made up for it with fun, unfiltered driving experiences every time.

Through the years, while other cars grew in dimensions and mass, the Mazda MX-5, after four generations, has remained largely the same. As it stands now, in its fourth generation, the ND Miata is wider but just as long; and more importantly, just as light as its great-great-grandfather, the NA.

Ironically, because it has always been the answer for almost any entry-level sports car, if you happen to be one of those few people who want the same experiences an MX-5 provides but from something other than an MX-5, here are some alternatives that are just as fun and just as practical as the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Updated October 20, 2023: The Mazda MX-5 Miata served as a wake-up call to other manufacturers to come up with their own compact sports cars. With that said, we are adding five more models to the list that make for great alternatives to the Japanese Roadster

We have gathered information from websites like Car and Driver, Classic.com, and Edmunds to compile a list of the best alternatives to the Mazda MX-5 Miata. We also gathered detailed performance data on each entry from the Automobile Catalog.

15 Honda S2000

Average Sale Price: $35,000

The S2000 might as well be Honda’s MX-5 because it uses the same general idea as the elder Mazda. Front-engine, rear-wheel drive, an open-top lightweight roadster that was practical for daily use and entertaining from 40 mph to whatever speed your man-parts would let you. With a similar commitment to fun and immersive driving, the S2000 is an awesome alternative to an MX-5. And with the AP2 updates, it’s easier to manage at the limit and has a more tractable power band.

Honda S2000 Specifications (AP2)

Being a Honda helps strengthen its case as well, with reputable reliability and healthy amounts of spare and aftermarket parts support. Being a relatively simple car to work on makes it affordable to own and keep in perfect shape too. These factors help soften the blow of its high entry price, but also, this topless Honda is a car that’s worth more in smiles per mile. Plus, it revs to eight and sounds deranged on the way to that redline.

14 Subaru BRZ

Average Sale Price: $28,000

The only true Miata rival with a roof, are the BRZ/86 twins, even performing fractions apart when the ND MX-5 was first introduced back in 2016. With a new 2.4-liter engine, the BRZ now outperforms the MX-5. And with more seats, space, and a lower price to play, it’s hard to ignore that the practicality scale leans slightly more towards the Subaru.

Toyota GR86 Specifications

Also built for pure driving enjoyment, which Toyota calls “waku doki”, the BRZ/86 twins serve up the fun by the bucket. With a well-balanced and talkative chassis, the BRZ keeps its driver engaged regardless of the speed. For the current model, Subaru and Toyota have updated and addressed all the twins’ small shortcomings in their first generation. Yes…including that mid-rpm torque dip.

13 BMW Z3 M Roadster

Average Sale Price: $25,000

If the S2000 was Honda’s MX-5, the Z3 is BMW’s equivalent of the Miata in Grand Touring trim. With a production run that ran from 1996 to 2002, there’s no shortage of Z3s to choose from, the big daddy among the open-top models from Bavaria is the Z3 M Roadster. Packing the 240-horsepower straight-six from the four-door E36 M3, the M Roadster is faster than its curvaceous body makes it seem to be.

BMW Z3 M Specifications (US Spec)

Although a similar recipe to the Mazda Miata, the Z3 M Roadster is more of an open-top tourer. The topless Bimmer is more comfortable than the MX-5 in terms of interior which is lined in more leather, and in terms of ride comfort with a softer sprung suspension from the factory. So if weekends are spent driving through picturesque roads rather than looking for that last two-tenths of a second on track, the Z3 M Roadster is a Miata alternative that’s worth exploring.

12 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG

Average Sale Price: $23,000

Another open-top tourer rather than an outright track machine, the Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG is slightly more sporty than the non-AMG-tuned version. The standout advantage of the SLK55 is surely its power retractable hard-top roof, offering the choice of driving a coupe or a roadster depending on the day.

Mercedes SLK55 AMG Specifications

With the touch of a button, the SLK with have its hard top up, or down in 30 seconds. Slow by modern standards, but hey, it’s a twenty-year-old car. Fancy a convertible sleeper? The SLK55 AMG might just be the answer. Be it that it weighs more than 1,000 pounds heavier than the Miata, the SLK55’s V-8 gets it to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds versus the Miata’s 5.7. In true AMG fashion, the SLK55 brutishly punches above its weight.

11 Porsche Boxster (986)

Average Sale Price: $20,000

For a car that utilizes the “supercar layout”, mid-engine, rear-wheel drive, the Boxster has taken unmerited criticism from enthusiasts. Unmerited because most journalists of the period sang praises and worshiped the Boxster while enthusiasts’ machismo clouded their judgment. And that was before Porsche released the higher “S” trim that gave it 33 more horsepower as well as better handling and steering. No matter, this criticism favors buyers looking for a fun, affordable sports car that isn’t a Miata.

Porsche Boxster S (986) Specifications

Reasonably priced when compared to other P-cars, the 986 Boxster must be the deal of the decade. 250-horsepower, six-speed manual Porsche in the “S” form, enough cargo space for a couple of weekend bags for two for less than a brand-new Mazda Miata; the value proposition of the Boxster is tempting. Just make sure it’s had the IMS bearing failure resolved. If journalists back then found themselves titillated by the Porsche Boxster, it must be doing something right. And asking prices are reasonable enough to find out what all the fuss was about.

10 Pontiac Solstice

Average Sale Price: $18,000

The Solstice was a valiant effort for Pontiac, and while a lot of its initial imperfections were addressed with the 2007 model, it still didn’t make the American roadster perfect. But as it turns out, the Solstice was quite popular, to the point that it beat the Miata as the top-selling roadster at one point and any enthusiast would know that’s no small feat taking into consideration the Mazda is the highest-selling sports car ever made.

Pontiac Solstice GXP Specifications

Boasting 260 horsepower and 260-pound feet from its 2007 update, the Solstice can be paired to either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission and does away with 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, nearly the same time as the beloved Mazda. As imperfect as it may be, the Solstice still seems to be fun for what it is. And isn’t that the main objective of a sports car like the Mazda Miata anyway? Or a Pontiac Solstice– you choose.

9 Toyota MR2 Spyder

Average Sale Price: $16,000

It’s cars like this that remind me of the time when Toyota had a full stack of fun, simple, and affordable sports cars. And in the 2000s, the MR2 Spyder was one of those fun cars in Toyota’s lineup. Packing a 1.8-liter economy engine found in other pedestrian cars in the Toyota line-up, the third-generation MR2 is still quite a quick and fizzy car to drive and was aimed directly at younger buyers.

Toyota MR2 Spyder Specifications

With all four wheels mounted comically as far outward as possible, the MR2 is quite balanced and predictable even in its mid-engine layout. So it was confidence-inspiring through fast bends and far from the reputation of previous generations that were infamous for their snap-oversteer. Despite its predictability, the MR2 remained a fun and interactive sports car. Add a dash of Toyota reliability and low running costs, which equals the MR2 Spyder being a compelling alternative to the MX-5. Even when considering its severe lack of luggage space.

8 Mini Cooper S Convertible

Average Sale Price: $15,000

Considered as the best neo-retro interpretation of a classic car, the Mini Cooper in convertible form still looks good, dare I say, it looks even better after shedding its roof. Being a compact four-seat convertible makes the topless Mini unique.

At the risk of angering the townsfolk, it gives an impression of being a chick-mobile, but don’t forget the Mini does bark– like a rabid Boston Terrier. Friendly while strolling around town, until let loose on canyon roads, where it can trigger school-girl giggles with its capable performance.

Mini Cooper S Convertible Specifications

Its supercharged 1.6-liter is eager to please and while it sends power to the front wheels, there is fun to be had. Through the years, the coupe Minis have been used for anything from a dedicated track toy to a semi-daily mountain road mincer. And guess what…the convertible is mechanically identical, minus the roof. Want the roadster experience but need space for more than two? The convertible Cooper S might be the Miata substitute for you.

7 Audi TT

Average Sale Price: $13,000

Built on the same chassis as the Volkswagen Golf, fun is already a guarantee in the Audi TT especially since a roof over your head is the second priority for this Audi. With its unique retro-inspired styling, the small roadster from Audi is a head-turner and one of the German brand’s best sports cars. Just like its friendly appearance thanks to its rounded shapes and curves, the Audi TT is a more mature and relaxed convertible sports car when compared to the Subaru BRZ or Honda S2000 that we touched upon earlier.

Audi TT Specifications

But being mature and relaxed doesn’t mean the Audi isn’t fun. With several engine options available when it was new and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, it still had performance in mind. The top engine choice has to be the 250-horsepower 3.2-liter V-6 that can send power either to the front end or both axles.

As for transmissions, Audi gave the choice to row the six-speed on your own or leave it to the DSG. Overall, the Audi TT is a solid choice should a topless cruiser be more to your taste over the Miata’s more sporty inclinations.

6 Honda Beat

Average Sale Price: $9,000

Three-cylinder 660-cubic centimeter engine, 64-horsepower, revs to nine, and weighs less than a ton— Beat that! The Honda Beat is small. So small that it’s surprising that it’s even legal to drive it on roads next to family sedans weighing four times over. And also that it isn’t confused with a Little Tykes push car. But remember, they say, “Good things come in small packages”.

The origins of kei-cars in Japan like the Honda Beat had practical reasons. Road congestion and fuel efficiency are among some of the reasons why the Japanese government encouraged manufacturers to build such small cars.

Honda Beat Specifications

But nowadays, and for anywhere other than Japan, Kei-cars are more for the fun experience than practicality. The sensations of a tiny open-top roadster that revs to nine thousand must be something else. With such a small, peppy engine, it seems the only way to keep up with slow-moving traffic in the Honda Beat is to keep it pegged. What is that popular car phrase? “It’s more fun to drive a slow car fast than to drive a fast car, slow.” …yeah, that’s the one. The Honda Beat may be smaller and slower than a Miata, but it sounds like it is more fun.

5 Saturn Sky

Average Sale Price: $11,500

Before Saturn went defunct in 2010, it was a subsidiary of GM that made rather lackluster commuter cars. The sole exception was the Saturn Sky, which was, essentially, a rebadged Pontiac Solstice with a different front end. The car was also sold in Europe as the Opel GT, where it didn’t see a lot of success. While the European model was offered exclusively, with the range-topping turbo-four EcoTec engine, US variants could also be had with a 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated engine.

Saturn Sky Specifications

Those are also the most common models you can find for sale. The Sky and Solstices share the same GM Kappa platform, which proved capable enough to rival even the Mazda MX-5. At the time, GM went bankrupt and the Saturn brand was sold, which led to the Sky being prematurely discontinued.

4 Suzuki Cappuccino

Average Sale Price: $10,500

Japanese Kei cars have garnered quite a popularity in recent years, but they are still far and wide between. Japanese regulations state that Kei cars cannot be longer than 3.4 meters (11.15 ft.) and wider than 1.5 meters (4.92 ft.). The Suzuki Cappuccino fits the bill with room to spare while boasting aesthetics similar to the Mazda NB Miata. The facelift versions came in 1995 and brought several improvements, among which a lighter engine construction, chain-driven camshafts, and a limited-slip differential.

Suzuki Cappuccino Specifications

The Cappuccino resembled a scaled-down Miata, and surprisingly, its small turbo engine was capable of Miata power with a few upgrades. However, anything over 130 horsepower would be risking catastrophic engine failure. The Suzuki Cappuccino is a rarity in the U.S. market, so the few examples you find, typically, determine the prices.

3 Toyota Celica

Average Sale Price: $6,650

Rumors indicate the Toyota Celica might be making a comeback, but until that happens the seventh generation remains the last representative of the iconic Toyota model. The humble, front-wheel-drive coupe is all about being nimble and lightweight, resulting in a fun sporty coupe, despite the “wrong-wheel drive”. The 1ZZ engine is shared with the W30 Toyota MR Spyder, but if you are lucky, you can find the GTS model, which features the 2ZZ engine. That one shares the same displacement as the 1ZZ but features a Yamaha-designed head, which gives the inline-four engine high-revving characteristics, similar to Honda B-series engines.

Toyota Celica GTS Specifications

GTS models, typically, go for about double the price of the regular one, which can be had for as little as $3,500. The Celica is, typically, reliable and cheap to maintain, but early models can suffer from bad oil pumps, which can cause catastrophic engine failure if not fixed on time.

2 Mercedes SLK32 AMG

Average Sale Price: $13,000

It’s not every day you can say that a premium German Roadster can offer a great bang for the buck. Typically, you have to pay “the brand tax”. However, for a fraction of a brand-new Miata’s price, you can get a modern classic and arguably, one of the most underrated AMG models. The first-generation SLK packs a punchy, supercharged V-6 engine, which can also be found in the Chrysler Crossfire SRT6, although in a slightly de-tuned form.

Mercedes SLK32 AMG (R170) Specifications

Dubbed the M112, this torquey V-6 is considered one of Mercedes’ best engines. It has a reputation for being bulletproof, but these cars are over 20 years old, so leaky gaskets shouldn’t be a surprise. The automatic transmission is equally robust, but not the sportiest, although the engine performance and compact size make up for it.

1 Honda Del Sol

Average Sale Price: $10,100

One of the most underappreciated, 1990S Japanese sports cars is the Honda Del Sol. Just like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the Honda Del Sol’s strongest cards are its compact size and lightness. The Si version comes with a B16 engine, which is reliable and fuel-efficient on one side and capable of great power on the other. These engines are well-known tuner platforms and aftermarket support is immense. While not the best car for the money, the Honda Del Sol is still relatively affordable, but prices won’t go any cheaper unless you are looking for a project car that needs TLC.

Honda Del Sol Si Specifications

Rust is the biggest issue on these little Hondas, so make sure to thoroughly check for that. They also come with a removable Targa-top, which you can store in the modest luggage compartment behind the cockpit. In many ways, the Honda Del Sol is just a front-wheel-drive Miata that can still be had for cheap.

Sources: Car and Driver, Classic.com, and Edmunds