Verdict
The RM80,266 gap separates two very different Malaysian propositions. The Mazda MX-5 is a 1,119-kg, rear-wheel-drive two-seater with a 181-hp 2.0-litre petrol engine, six-speed manual and retractable hard-top; it is the choice for drivers who want those mechanical ingredients. The MINI Aceman costs less while bringing five seats, a 300-litre boot and a 54.2-kWh battery rated for 406 km. Its 215-hp, 330-Nm motor also has more output, but it sends drive to the front wheels through a single-speed automatic.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 if a six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive and a power-folding hard-top matter more than rear seats, luggage space and EV running.
Pick the MINI Aceman if you need five seats, a 300-litre boot, 406 km EV range and a lower purchase price.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda MX-5 RM294,154; MINI Aceman RM213,888.
- Powertrain: Mazda MX-5 181 hp and 205 Nm from a 1,998-cc petrol engine; MINI Aceman 215 hp and 330 Nm from one electric motor.
- Driveline and transmission: Mazda MX-5 rear-wheel drive with a six-speed manual; MINI Aceman front-wheel drive with a single-ratio automatic.
- Practicality: Mazda MX-5 has 2 seats and a 130-litre boot; MINI Aceman has 5 seats and a 300-litre boot.
- Dimensions: Mazda MX-5 has a 2,310-mm wheelbase and is 1,235 mm tall; MINI Aceman has a 2,606-mm wheelbase and is 1,515 mm tall.
- Top speed: Mazda MX-5 220 km/h; MINI Aceman 170 km/h.
MX-5
- Six-speed manual and rear-wheel drive
- Power-folding retractable hard-top
- Five-year/100,000-km manufacturer warranty
- RM80,266 more expensive
- Only two seats and a 130-litre boot
- Less power and torque: 181 hp/205 Nm versus 215 hp/330 Nm
Aceman
- Five seats, five doors and a 300-litre boot
- 54.2-kWh battery with 406 km range; 11-kW AC and 95-kW DC charging
- 360-degree camera, head-up display and powered tailgate
- 170-km/h top speed versus the MX-5's 220 km/h
- Two-year manufacturer warranty versus five years
- No manual transmission or rear-wheel drive
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM294,154 | RM213,888✓ |
| Body type | Convertible | SUV |
| Segment | Sports Car | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379 | RM200✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 181 hp | — |
| Torque | 205 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 83.5 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 215 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 330 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 54.2 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 406 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 95 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6MT-LSD | — |
| Gears | 6 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | — |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 7.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | 220 km/h✓ | 170 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3,915 mm | 4,076 mm |
| Width | 1,735 mm | 1,754 mm |
| Height | 1,235 mm | 1,515 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,310 mm | 2,606 mm |
| Weight | 1,119 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 45 litres | — |
| Doors | 2 | 5 |
| Seats | 2 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 130 litres | 300 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 205/45R17 | 225/40R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 205/45R17 | 225/40R19 |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Potenza S001 | Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbone | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 19" Hexagram Alloy Wheels |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 19" Hexagram Alloy Wheels |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | — |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 2 Three-point | 5 Three-point belts |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Passenger Seat | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats, Front Passenger Seat |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) - Front and Rear | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Powered Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory and Massage Function |
| Rear Seats | — | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate |
| Sunroof | Power-folding Retractable Hard-top | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 front, 2 USB-C | — |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 1 front | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Mazda Connect Infotainment System with 8.8" Display, Commander Control Knob, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 9-speaker Bose Sound System | 9.4" OLED Display with MINI OS, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Flip Switch |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control (Requires Subscription) |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Tailgate |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | — |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | — | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years✓ | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | — | 4 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | Repair Inclusive extendable up to 5 years, 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
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.
Used MX-5 & Aceman for sale
MX-5 vs Aceman FAQ
Is the Mazda MX-5 or MINI Aceman better?
The MINI Aceman is better for daily carrying duties, with five seats, 300 litres of boot space and 406 km of electric range. The Mazda MX-5 is better if the priority is a rear-wheel-drive sports car with a six-speed manual and retractable hard-top.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda MX-5 costs RM80,266 more than the MINI Aceman.
Which has the better warranty?
The Mazda MX-5 has a five-year/100,000-km manufacturer warranty. The MINI Aceman has a two-year unlimited-mileage manufacturer warranty, extendable for four years, plus an eight-year/160,000-km battery warranty.