Mazda MX-5: ND vs ND3
Verdict
The ND3 is the newer, dearer MX-5, and the numbers show a focused update rather than a different car. The RM74,155 gap buys 23 hp, 5 Nm, a manual gearbox, AEB and two extra years of warranty, while the 1,998 cc engine size, rear-wheel drive, 45-litre tank, 130-litre boot and RM379 road tax stay the same. The older Mazda MX-5 ND still has the only quoted 0-100 km/h time, 7.4 seconds, plus a slightly higher 222 km/h top speed. For Malaysia, this is price and preference, not size.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 ND if you want the cheaper automatic MX-5 and can live without AEB and the longer warranty.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 ND3 if you want the newer manual car with 181 hp, AEB and a five-year warranty.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda MX-5 ND RM219,999; Mazda MX-5 ND3 RM294,154
- Power and torque: Mazda MX-5 ND 158 hp/200 Nm; Mazda MX-5 ND3 181 hp/205 Nm
- Transmission: Mazda MX-5 ND conventional automatic; Mazda MX-5 ND3 manual
- Auto emergency braking: Mazda MX-5 ND not fitted; Mazda MX-5 ND3 fitted
- Warranty: Mazda MX-5 ND 3 years; Mazda MX-5 ND3 5 years
- Top speed: Mazda MX-5 ND 222 km/h; Mazda MX-5 ND3 220 km/h
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 219,999✓ | RM 294,154 |
| Body type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Segment | Sports Car | Sports Car |
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 1,998 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Power | 158 hp | 181 hp✓ |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 205 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Manual |
| Driven wheels | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 7.4 s | — |
| Top speed | 222 km/h✓ | 220 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | 7.8 L/100km | — |
| EV range | 0 km | — |
| CO₂ | 0 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3,915 mm | 3,915 mm |
| Width | 1,735 mm | 1,735 mm |
| Height | 1,230 mm | 1,235 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,310 mm | 2,310 mm |
| Boot space | 130 L | 130 L |
| Fuel tank | 45 L | 45 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 4 | 4 |
| Auto emergency braking | — | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 3 | 5✓ |
| Road tax / year | RM 379 | RM 379 |
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.
ND
- Costs RM74,155 less
- Conventional automatic gearbox
- Quoted 7.4-second 0-100 km/h
- Lower output: 158 hp and 200 Nm
- No auto emergency braking
- Shorter three-year warranty
ND3
- Higher output: 181 hp and 205 Nm
- Manual gearbox
- Auto emergency braking and five-year warranty
- Costs RM74,155 more
- No official 0-100 km/h figure to compare
- Slightly lower 220 km/h top speed
ND vs ND3 FAQ
Is the Mazda MX-5 ND or Mazda MX-5 ND3 better?
The Mazda MX-5 ND3 is better if you value 181 hp, a manual gearbox, AEB and a five-year warranty. The Mazda MX-5 ND is better value if the lower price and automatic gearbox matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda MX-5 ND is RM219,999 and the Mazda MX-5 ND3 is RM294,154, so the newer car costs RM74,155 more.
Do they have the same engine size and dimensions?
Both use a 1,998 cc petrol engine and rear-wheel drive. Length and width are identical at 3,915 mm and 1,735 mm, with the same 2,310 mm wheelbase; the ND3 is 5 mm taller.