Car Buyer's Guide

Mazda MX-5 vs Toyota GR86

Mazda MX-5

Mazda MX-5

Toyota GR86

Toyota GR86

Verdict

The GR86 has a 42% bigger boot, while the GR86 is 23% more powerful. Weigh that against the equipment each side gives you in the table below.

What the MX-5 has over the GR86

Autonomous Braking SystemLane-keeping AssistCollision WarningSunroofAuto Start/StopAuto WipersParking Sensor Rear

What the GR86 has over the MX-5

Rear Seats

Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.

The GR86's wheelbase is 265 mm longer, which usually translates to more rear legroom. The GR86 is 40 mm wider — more shoulder room, but a tighter fit in parking bays. Boot space favours the GR86: 226 litres against 130.

MX-5 3,915 × 1,735 × 1,235 mm · wheelbase 2,310 mmGR86 4,265 × 1,775 × 1,310 mm · wheelbase 2,575 mm
1,2353,915 mmWheelbase 2,310 mm1,3104,265 mmWheelbase 2,575 mm

Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.

Price & overview
PriceRM294,154✓RM296,000
Body typeConvertibleCoupe
SegmentSports CarSports Car
AssemblyCBUCBU
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM379✓RM767
Monthly instalment (est.)RM3,005/mo✓RM3,020/mo
Insurance / year (est.)RM7,961✓RM8,043
Powertrain
Engine Tech16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing
Capacity1,998 cc2,387 cc
Horsepower181 hp at 7,000 rpm234 hp at 7,000 rpm✓
Torque205 Nm at 4,000 rpm250 Nm at 3,700 rpm✓
Cylinder ArrangementInline 4Inline 4
FuelPetrolPetrol
Bore × Stroke83.5 mm × 91.2 mm94 mm × 86 mm
Compression Ratio1312.5
Drivetrain
TransmissionManualManual
Transmission Name6MT-LSD6-speed Manual
Gears66
Transmission ManufacturerMazdaToyota
DrivelineRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h—6.3 seconds
Top Speed220 km/h226 km/h✓
Dimensions
Length3,915 mm4,265 mm
Width1,735 mm1,775 mm
Height1,235 mm1,310 mm
Wheelbase2,310 mm2,575 mm
Weight1,119 kg1,291 kg
Fuel Tank45 litres50 litres
Doors22
Seats24
Boot Space130 litres226 litres✓
Front Tyre205/45R17215/40R18
Rear Tyre205/45R17215/40R18
Spare Tyre—Full Size
Factory TyresBridgestone Potenza S001Michelin Pilot Sport 4
Wiper Blade (Driver)—22 inch
Wiper Blade (Passenger)—20 inch
Chassis
AssemblyJapan (CBU)Japan (CBU)
Front SuspensionDouble WishboneMacPherson Strut with Stabiliser
Rear SuspensionMulti-linkDouble Wishbone with Stabiliser
Front Wheels17" Alloy18" Alloy
Rear Wheels17" Alloy18" Alloy
SteeringRack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)
Chassis Notes—Rear Limited Slip Differential
Safety
Airbags4 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side)7 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee)
ABS/EBD✓✓
Stability Control✓✓
Alarm✓✓
Immobilizer✓✓
Airbag Disable Function✓✓
Seat Belts2 Three-point4 Three-point
Blind Spot Info System✓✓
ISOFIXAvailable on Passenger SeatAvailable for 2 Outer Rear Seats
Autonomous Braking SystemYes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) - Front and Rear—
Lane-keeping AssistWarning Only—
Collision Warning✓—
Seatbelt ReminderFront Seats OnlyAll Seats
Safety Notes—Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
Lighting
HeadlampsLED ProjectorLED Headlamps
TaillampsLED CombinationLED Combination
LED Daytime Running Lights✓✓
Rear Foglamps✓✓
Cabin
Front SeatsManual AdjustmentManual Adjustable
Rear Seats—Foldable
Front Air-conSingle-zone Automatic Climate ControlDual-zone Automatic Climate Control
SunroofPower-folding Retractable Hard-top—
Power Sockets1 front, 2 USB-C1 Front, 2 Front USB
Interior LightingMap LightsMap Lights
Cup Holders1 front2 Front
AudioMazda Connect Infotainment System with 8.8" Display, Commander Control Knob, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 9-speaker Bose Sound System8" Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Convenience
Power WindowsTwo Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-PinchDriver and Passenger One Touch Auto Windows
Engine StartKeyless Push ButtonKeyless Push Button Start
LocksKeyless Operation with Walk-away Auto LockKeyless Entry
Auto Start/Stop✓—
Auto Headlamps✓✓
Auto Wipers✓—
Cruise ControlPassive Cruise ControlPassive Cruise Control
Steering Audio Control✓✓
Steering Tilt✓✓
Steering Telescopic✓✓
Boot OperationRemote Control ActivationManual Operation
Parking Sensor Rear4 Sensors—
Reverse CameraYesYes
Folding Wing Mirrors✓✓
Bluetooth✓✓
Hill Start Assist✓✓
Instrument ClusterBacklit AnalogueDigital/Analogue
Parking BrakeHandbrakeHandbrake
Warranty
Warranty Mileage Manufacturer100,000 km150,000 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. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked November 2026.

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