Verdict
The Mazda MX-5 costs RM294,154, RM44,909 more than the Subaru BRZ at RM249,245, yet it brings 181 hp and 205 Nm against the Subaru’s 234 hp and 250 Nm. The BRZ is also the more usable choice: four seats, a 226-litre boot and a 2,575 mm wheelbase versus the MX-5’s two seats, 130 litres and 2,310 mm. But the 1,119 kg Mazda is 170 kg lighter, has a power-folding retractable hard-top, and its RM379 annual road tax is far below the BRZ’s RM767. Roof-down driving matters here; so does carrying people and luggage.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 if a 1,119 kg two-seat roadster with a power-folding hard-top, Smart City Brake Support and lower RM379 annual road tax is your priority.
Pick the Subaru BRZ if you want 234 hp, 250 Nm, four seats and a 226-litre boot for RM44,909 less.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda MX-5 RM294,154; Subaru BRZ RM249,245.
- Power and torque: Mazda MX-5 181 hp/205 Nm; Subaru BRZ 234 hp/250 Nm.
- Kerb weight: Mazda MX-5 1,119 kg; Subaru BRZ 1,289 kg.
- Seating and boot: Mazda MX-5 2 seats/130 litres; Subaru BRZ 4 seats/226 litres.
- Dimensions: Mazda MX-5 3,915 mm long with 2,310 mm wheelbase; Subaru BRZ 4,265 mm long with 2,575 mm wheelbase.
- Annual road tax: Mazda MX-5 RM379; Subaru BRZ RM767.
MX-5
- 170 kg lighter at 1,119 kg.
- Power-folding retractable hard-top.
- Smart City Brake Support front and rear.
- Costs RM44,909 more.
- 181 hp and 205 Nm trail the BRZ’s 234 hp and 250 Nm.
- Only two seats and a 130-litre boot.
BRZ
- 234 hp and 250 Nm.
- Four seats with a 226-litre boot and 60:40 split-folding rear seat.
- Six airbags, including driver’s knee and front curtain airbags.
- 170 kg heavier than the MX-5.
- No autonomous braking system listed.
- RM767 annual road tax is RM388 higher.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM294,154 | RM249,245✓ |
| Body type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Segment | Sports Car | Sports Car |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379✓ | RM767 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally-aspirated with Direct and Port Injection, Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 2,387 cc |
| Horsepower | 181 hp | 234 hp✓ |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 250 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 83.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | 12.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Manual |
| Transmission Name | 6MT-LSD | — |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | Aisin |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 6.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 220 km/h | 226 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3,915 mm | 4,265 mm |
| Width | 1,735 mm | 1,775 mm |
| Height | 1,235 mm | 1,310 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,310 mm | 2,575 mm |
| Weight | 1,119 kg | 1,289 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 45 litres | 50 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Boot Space | 130 litres | 226 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 205/45R17 | 215/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 205/45R17 | 215/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Potenza S001 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbone | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side and Front Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Belts | 2 Three-point | 4 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Passenger Seat | Available for Two Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) - Front and Rear | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | Front Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Rear Cross Traffic Alert |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | — | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | Power-folding Retractable Hard-top | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 front, 2 USB-C | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 1 front | 2 Front |
| Audio | Mazda Connect Infotainment System with 8.8" Display, Commander Control Knob, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 9-speaker Bose Sound System | 8" Touchscreen with Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 8 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
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 & BRZ for sale
MX-5 vs BRZ FAQ
Is the Mazda MX-5 or Subaru BRZ better?
The BRZ is better for power and practicality, with 234 hp, four seats and a 226-litre boot. The MX-5 suits buyers who specifically want a lighter 1,119 kg convertible with a power-folding hard-top and Smart City Brake Support.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda MX-5 costs RM44,909 more than the Subaru BRZ: RM294,154 versus RM249,245.
Which is more practical for passengers and luggage?
The Subaru BRZ is decisively more practical. It has four seats, two ISOFIX rear positions, a 60:40 split-folding rear seat and a 226-litre boot; the MX-5 has two seats and 130 litres of boot space.