Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 MT vs RF 2.0 AT
Verdict
This is a gearbox decision, not a performance upgrade. The Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 MT costs RM294,154, while the Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 AT is RM296,154, so the RM2,000 gap buys a conventional automatic instead of a manual. Both use the same 1,998 cc petrol engine with 181 hp and 205 Nm, both drive the rear wheels, and both have a 220 km/h top speed. For a Malaysian buyer, the AT is easier to live with; the MT is the purer buy and saves money.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 MT if you want the manual gearbox and would rather keep the RM2,000 difference.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 AT if you want the same 181 hp rear-drive package with a conventional automatic for daily use.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 MT RM294,154; Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 AT RM296,154
- Transmission: Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 MT manual; Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 AT conventional automatic
- Power and torque: Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 MT 181 hp/205 Nm; Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 AT 181 hp/205 Nm
- Top speed: Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 MT 220 km/h; Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 AT 220 km/h
- Boot space and fuel tank: Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 MT 130 L/45 L; Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 AT 130 L/45 L
- Safety and warranty: Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 MT 4 airbags/5-year warranty; Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 AT 4 airbags/5-year warranty
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 294,154✓ | RM 296,154 |
| 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 | 181 hp | 181 hp |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Transmission | Manual | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| Top speed | 220 km/h | 220 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3,915 mm | 3,915 mm |
| Width | 1,735 mm | 1,735 mm |
| Height | 1,235 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 | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5 | 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.
RF 2.0 MT
- RM2,000 cheaper than the AT
- Manual gearbox
- Same 181 hp and 205 Nm as the AT
- No automatic gearbox
- Same 130 L boot as the AT
- Two seats only
RF 2.0 AT
- Conventional automatic gearbox
- Same 220 km/h top speed as the MT
- Same 4 airbags and auto emergency braking as the MT
- RM2,000 more than the MT
- No extra power or torque
- Same 130 L boot as the MT
RF 2.0 MT vs RF 2.0 AT FAQ
Is the Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 MT or Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 AT better?
The Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 MT is the better driver’s pick if you want a manual. The Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 AT is better if you want the same 181 hp and rear-wheel drive with less effort in daily driving.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 AT costs RM2,000 more than the Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 MT. The difference is RM296,154 versus RM294,154.
Does the automatic get more power or performance?
No. Both variants use a 1,998 cc petrol engine with 181 hp and 205 Nm, both are rear-wheel drive, and both have a 220 km/h top speed.