I want one or the other. Have driven both. Both have plus'es and minus'es.
This would be my car do drive around in -- not take a vacation (use the other car for that).
Some people get a Mini and trade it away. Have never heard of a person doing that to a Miata.
Hard choice. Help . . .
2007-02-08 04:56:04 · 6 answers · asked by rsobin 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Mazda
the miata is twice the car as the mini - the mini is more of a trend car were the miata has proven its here to stay. performance wise - the mini cooper may have a slight HP advantage (if you are picking an older mx-5 (pre 2006) but the 2006 and up are about the same level) but heres the biggest problem with the mini - its heavy as all get out. its got at least 500lbs on the mx5, so those extra horses are wasted. the miata is the true sports car with its rear wheel drive and limited slip differential. the mini is front wheel and probably doesnt have the LSD - i think it was an option. the next issue would be relaiblity - the mazda is backed by years and years of great engines and transmissions - miatas easily push 200k with regular maintaince. while the mini is powered by the chyrler block and bmw head (in the older versions - pre 2007 models) and the peuogot / bmw motor with the 2007 - these companies would be far from making problem free engines and this is not to mention the sky high mechanic bills. go miata
2007-02-08 07:14:13 · answer #1 · answered by noah 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Your right, a hard choice. You have to figure what do you want in a car? Image wise I would have to go with the Mini. The style is classic and people look at Minis!!(Why Im not too sure). Performance wise goes to the Miata. I have had the privilege to be able to drive both cars extensively, and the new Miata just was 100 times more comfortable and fun to drive. It was very civil in traffic and was VERY nimble and balanced in the twistys. and with the new convertible hardtop, fun in the sun and protection from the rain. The shifter was smooth and top notch.
Not to discredit the Mini, it was a fun car too and you get all kinds of looky loos and questions, the Miata would be where I would spend my money. Also Mazda dealers are all over the U.S., Mini dealers not so much.
Good Luck!!
2007-02-08 07:43:32 · answer #2 · answered by inenvofme 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
After owning both, the miata is still in a garage and the mini is at some dealership some where. The miata can be thrown around more and is a ball to drive. The mini is a visual statement and nothing else. After owning every generation I still have my gen 1 and now the boxster. Get the miata no comparision.
2007-02-11 04:42:34 · answer #3 · answered by richardmckee7 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The mini cooper is not originally designed to be a convertible. The frame is not as rigid as the MX5's because a hardtop roof makes the car rigid. The MX5 is designed from the ground up as a convertible with a very stiff frame. Therefore, Mini convertibles develop more rattles over time as their frames flex, particularily since they have really big rims and sporty suspensions. That said, they are both really cool cars and very well engineered.
2007-02-10 11:38:32 · answer #4 · answered by Michelle Obama's Hair Gel 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Get the Miata, it's a newer model and much cheaper to work on and much more reliable.
2007-02-10 18:01:20 · answer #5 · answered by A dude 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i say Miata, it's sleeker and sexier
2007-02-08 04:59:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋