Mazda MX-5 vs Subaru BRZ
Verdict
At RM294,154 versus RM249,245, the Mazda MX-5 asks RM44,909 more for the open-top experience, not extra firepower: it has 181 hp and 205 Nm against the Subaru BRZ’s 234 hp and 250 Nm. Both are manual, rear-drive CBU sports cars, so the choice is sharp. The Mazda is smaller and has AEB plus lower RM379 road tax; the Subaru has a quoted 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time, four seats, a bigger boot and lower entry price.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 if you want the convertible body, the smaller footprint and lower RM379 annual road tax more than outright output.
Pick the Subaru BRZ if you want more power, four seats, a larger boot and the cheaper buy-in.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda MX-5 RM294,154; Subaru BRZ RM249,245
- Engine: Mazda MX-5 1,998 cc; Subaru BRZ 2,387 cc
- Output: Mazda MX-5 181 hp/205 Nm; Subaru BRZ 234 hp/250 Nm
- Seats and boot: Mazda MX-5 2 seats/130 L; Subaru BRZ 4 seats/226 L
- Size: Mazda MX-5 3,915 mm long/2,310 mm wheelbase; Subaru BRZ 4,265 mm long/2,575 mm wheelbase
- Safety and tax: Mazda MX-5 4 airbags/AEB yes/RM379 road tax; Subaru BRZ 7 airbags/AEB not listed/RM767 road tax
MX-5
- Convertible body gives it the open-top draw
- Lower annual road tax at RM379
- Shorter 3,915 mm length suits tight parking
- Costs RM44,909 more than the BRZ
- Less power and torque at 181 hp and 205 Nm
- Only 130 L of boot space
BRZ
- Stronger 234 hp and 250 Nm engine
- Four seats and 226 L boot are more usable
- Lower purchase price at RM249,245
- Higher RM767 annual road tax
- AEB is not listed
- Larger footprint than the MX-5
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 294,154 | RM 249,245✓ |
| Body type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Segment | Sports Car | Sports Car |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| 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✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Boxer |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| 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) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbone | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloys |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| 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 |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 379✓ | RM 767 |
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.
MX-5 vs BRZ FAQ
Is the Mazda MX-5 or Subaru BRZ better?
For driving numbers and practicality, the Subaru BRZ has the edge with 234 hp, 250 Nm, four seats and a 226 L boot. Choose the Mazda MX-5 if the convertible body, smaller size and lower road tax matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda MX-5 is RM44,909 more expensive than the Subaru BRZ, before considering the BRZ’s higher annual road tax of RM767 versus RM379 for the Mazda.
Which one is more practical?
The Subaru BRZ is more practical. It has four seats instead of two, a 226 L boot instead of 130 L, and a longer 2,575 mm wheelbase versus the Mazda’s 2,310 mm.