Car Buyer's Guide

Mazda MX-5 vs Subaru Forester

Mazda MX-5

Mazda MX-5

Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester

2.5i-S EyeSight

Verdict

The Forester has a 74% bigger boot, while the Forester is about 24% cheaper. Weigh that against the equipment each side gives you in the table below.

Price & overview
PriceRM294,154RM222,689
Body typeConvertibleSUV
SegmentSports CarC-Segment
AssemblyCBUCBU
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM379RM838
Powertrain
Engine Tech16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing16-Valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing
Capacity1,998 cc2,498 cc
Horsepower181 hp182 hp
Torque205 Nm247 Nm
FuelPetrolPetrol
Bore83.5 mm
Compression Ratio13
Drivetrain
TransmissionManualCVT Automatic
Transmission Name6MT-LSDLineartronic
Gears6
Transmission ManufacturerMazda
DrivelineRear Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h9.7 seconds
Top Speed220 km/h205 km/h
Dimensions
Length3,915 mm4,655 mm
Width1,735 mm1,830 mm
Height1,235 mm1,730 mm
Wheelbase2,310 mm2,670 mm
Weight1,119 kg1,643 kg
Fuel Tank45 litres63 litres
Doors25
Seats25
Boot Space130 litres496 litres
Front Tyre205/45R17225/55R18
Rear Tyre205/45R17225/55R18
Spare TyreSpace Saver
Factory TyresBridgestone Potenza S001Falken Ziex ZE001A A/S
Chassis
AssemblyJapan (CBU)Japan (CBU)
Front SuspensionDouble WishboneMacPherson Struts
Rear SuspensionMulti-linkDouble Wishbones
Front Wheels17" Alloy18" Alloys
Rear Wheels17" Alloy18" Alloys
SteeringRack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist)
Chassis NotesSI-Drive and X-Mode
Safety
AirbagsDriver and Front Passenger, Front SideDriver and Passenger, Driver's Knee & Front Passenger Seat Cushion, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain
ABS/EBD
Stability Control
Alarm
Immobilizer
Airbag Disable Function
Child Safety LockManual for rear doors
Seat Belts2 Three-point5 three-point
Blind Spot Info System
ISOFIXAvailable on Passenger SeatAvailable for Two Rear Passenger Seats
Autonomous Braking SystemYes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) - Front and RearYes
Lane-keeping AssistWarning OnlySteering Correction
Collision Warning
Seatbelt ReminderFront Seats OnlyFor All Seats
Lighting
HeadlampsLED ProjectorLED Projector
TaillampsLED CombinationLED Combination
LED Daytime Running Lights
Rear Foglamps
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators
Cabin
Front SeatsManual Adjustment10-way power adjustable driver with memory, 8-way powered adjustment front passenger
Rear Seats60:40 Split-folding
Front Air-conSingle-zone Automatic Climate ControlDual-zone Automatic Climate Control
Rear Air-conRear AC vents
SunroofPower-folding Retractable Hard-top
Power Sockets1 front, 2 USB-C1 Front, 2 USB Front, 1 Wireless Charger
Interior LightingMap LightsMap Lights
Cup Holders1 front2 Front, 2 Rear
AudioMazda Connect Infotainment System with 8.8" Display, Commander Control Knob, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 9-speaker Bose Sound System11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Convenience
Power WindowsTwo Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-PinchFour Windows, Driver and Front Passenger Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch
Engine StartKeyless Push ButtonKeyless Push Button
LocksKeyless Operation with Walk-away Auto LockKeyless Operation
Auto Start/Stop
Auto Headlamps
Auto Wipers
Cruise ControlPassive Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go
Paddle Shift
Steering Audio Control
Steering Tilt
Steering Telescopic
Boot OperationRemote Control ActivationPowered Boot
Parking Sensor Rear4 Sensors4 Sensors
Reverse CameraYesYes, 360-degree View Monitor
Folding Wing Mirrors
Bluetooth
Hill Start Assist
Instrument ClusterBacklit AnalogueBacklit Analogue
Parking BrakeHandbrakeElectronic
Warranty
Warranty Mileage Manufacturer100,000 km100,000 km
Warranty Manufacturer5 years5 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.

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