Maxus MIFA 9 vs Mazda MX-5
Verdict
These two answer very different wants. The Maxus MIFA 9 costs RM269,888 against the Mazda MX-5 at RM294,154, yet the cheaper car is the big one: a 5,270 mm, seven-seat electric MPV with 435 km of range and a 1,010-litre boot. The Mazda is a 3,915 mm, two-seat rear-drive convertible with a manual gearbox, 220 km/h top speed and just 130 litres of boot space. For a Malaysian buyer, this is family transport versus a weekend sports car, not a close packaging fight.
Pick the Maxus MIFA 9 if you need seven seats, a 435 km electric range and a huge 1,010-litre boot for family use.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 if you want a two-seat convertible with rear-wheel drive, a manual gearbox and a 220 km/h top speed.
Key differences
- Price: Maxus MIFA 9 RM269,888 | Mazda MX-5 RM294,154
- Seats: Maxus MIFA 9 7 | Mazda MX-5 2
- Powertrain: Maxus MIFA 9 single motor electric, 435 km range | Mazda MX-5 1,998 cc petrol, 45 L tank
- Power: Maxus MIFA 9 241 hp | Mazda MX-5 181 hp
- Boot space: Maxus MIFA 9 1,010 L | Mazda MX-5 130 L
- Size: Maxus MIFA 9 5,270 mm long and 2,000 mm wide | Mazda MX-5 3,915 mm long and 1,735 mm wide
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 269,888✓ | RM 294,154 |
| Body type | MPV | Convertible |
| Segment | D-Segment | Sports Car |
| Seats | 7 | 2 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Engine | Single motor | 1,998 cc |
| Power | 241 hp✓ | 181 hp |
| Torque | — | 205 Nm |
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Manual |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 9.2 s | — |
| Top speed | — | 220 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| EV range | 435 km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,270 mm | 3,915 mm |
| Width | 2,000 mm | 1,735 mm |
| Height | 1,840 mm | 1,235 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,200 mm | 2,310 mm |
| Boot space | 1,010 L✓ | 130 L |
| Fuel tank | — | 45 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6✓ | 4 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5 | 5 |
| Road tax / year | RM 220✓ | RM 379 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
MIFA 9
- Seven seats
- 435 km EV range
- 1,010-litre boot
- Very large at 5,270 mm long
- Front-wheel drive only
- No listed top speed
MX-5
- Rear-wheel drive
- Manual gearbox
- 220 km/h top speed
- Only two seats
- Small 130-litre boot
- Higher RM379 yearly road tax
MIFA 9 vs MX-5 FAQ
Is the Maxus MIFA 9 or Mazda MX-5 better?
The Maxus MIFA 9 is better for family use, with seven seats, 435 km EV range and a 1,010-litre boot. The Mazda MX-5 is better for driving fun, with rear-wheel drive, a manual gearbox and a convertible body.
What is the price difference?
The Maxus MIFA 9 is RM24,266 cheaper than the Mazda MX-5.
Which one is more practical?
The Maxus MIFA 9 is far more practical: it has seven seats and 1,010 litres of boot space. The Mazda MX-5 has two seats and a 130-litre boot.