Verdict
At RM294,154, the Mazda MX-5 is RM1,846 cheaper and brings the rare pleasure of a power-folding retractable hard-top in a 1,119 kg two-seater. The Toyota GR86 costs RM296,000 but its 2.4-litre engine makes 234 hp and 250 Nm, against the Mazda’s 181 hp and 205 Nm, while four seats and a 226-litre boot make it less restrictive. The MX-5 repays with RM379 annual road tax versus RM767, plus Smart City Brake Support front and rear. Choose the Mazda for open-air lightness; take the GR86 for pace and useful space.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 if a 1,119 kg retractable-hard-top roadster, lower RM379 road tax and front-and-rear autonomous braking matter more than rear seats and outright power.
Pick the Toyota GR86 if you want 234 hp, a 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time, four seats and a 226-litre boot in a fixed-roof coupe.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda MX-5 RM294,154; Toyota GR86 RM296,000
- Engine output: Mazda MX-5 181 hp and 205 Nm; Toyota GR86 234 hp and 250 Nm
- Weight: Mazda MX-5 1,119 kg; Toyota GR86 1,291 kg
- Seats and boot: Mazda MX-5 2 seats and 130 litres; Toyota GR86 4 seats and 226 litres
- Road tax: Mazda MX-5 RM379/year; Toyota GR86 RM767/year
- Wheels: Mazda MX-5 17-inch alloys with 205/45R17 tyres; Toyota GR86 18-inch alloys with 215/40R18 tyres
MX-5
- Power-folding retractable hard-top
- 172 kg lighter than the GR86
- Smart City Brake Support operates front and rear
- 181 hp and 205 Nm trail the GR86's 234 hp and 250 Nm
- Two seats and a 130-litre boot are far less practical
- Four airbags versus the GR86's seven
GR86
- 234 hp, 250 Nm and a 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time
- Four seats and a 226-litre boot
- Seven airbags and a full-size spare tyre
- Costs RM1,846 more and annual road tax is RM388 higher
- 172 kg heavier than the MX-5
- No autonomous braking, lane-keeping warning or auto wipers listed
What the MX-5 has over the GR86
What the GR86 has over the MX-5
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.
Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM294,154✓ | RM296,000 |
| Body type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Segment | Sports Car | Sports Car |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379✓ | RM767 |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM3,005/mo✓ | RM3,020/mo |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM7,961✓ | RM8,043 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 2,387 cc |
| Horsepower | 181 hp at 7,000 rpm | 234 hp at 7,000 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 205 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 250 Nm at 3,700 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 83.5 mm × 91.2 mm | 94 mm × 86 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | 12.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Manual |
| Transmission Name | 6MT-LSD | 6-speed Manual |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | Toyota |
| 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 | 1,291 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 | — | Full Size |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Potenza S001 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
| Wiper Blade (Driver) | — | 22 inch |
| Wiper Blade (Passenger) | — | 20 inch |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbone | MacPherson Strut with Stabiliser |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbone with Stabiliser |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Rear Limited Slip Differential |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 4 (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 Belts | 2 Three-point | 4 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Passenger Seat | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) - Front and Rear | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | — |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Headlamps |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | — | Foldable |
| 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, 2 Front USB |
| 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" Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Driver and Passenger One Touch Auto Windows |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock | Keyless Entry |
| 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 | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | — |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 150,000 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. 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.
Used MX-5 & GR86 for sale
Our reviews & guides
Mazda MX-5
MX-5 vs GR86 FAQ
Is the Mazda MX-5 or Toyota GR86 better?
The GR86 is the better choice for power, four seats and luggage room: it has 234 hp, four seats and a 226-litre boot. The MX-5 suits buyers who prioritise a retractable hard-top, lower road tax and 1,119 kg kerb weight.
What is the price difference?
The Toyota GR86 costs RM296,000, which is RM1,846 more than the RM294,154 Mazda MX-5.
Which has lower running costs on road tax?
The Mazda MX-5 has lower annual road tax at RM379, compared with RM767 for the Toyota GR86. That is a RM388 annual saving for the Mazda.