Subaru WRX vs. Mazda Miata?

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I have multiple questions between the two regarding overall fun/reliability/maintain/drive. I'm trying to make a decision within the next year or so and i wanted some peoples perspectives and opinions. Anything is appreciated as long as its no biased Thanks in advance.

1) I going to put this car on the track and have some timed fun with it. I wanted to know what you guys think of the WRX/miata on the track as far as handling/time(stock or near stock)/fun. Obviously there are two different view points to it as the WRX is AWD and the miata is RWD. From what i understand aswell, is that once you lose control of a AWD, it turns into a FWD in the sense that you cannot control it much. Also which car would you consider more fun.

2) reliability/maintain... whats your opinion on either car?

3) Which car would you consider more fun? I'm sure this could get a lot of different view points from either owner.

4) If i wanted to take my car out on a canyon road or just a weekend drive, what would you prefer and why?


Sorry it seems like an essay. I'm just in need of outside opinions. Anything is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[dave c]

Wow, great question.

I own a Miata and have for 19 years. But the WRX is on the short list of cars I would buy if I had to replace it. (I don't, but just in case...)

I've got a friend who owned a WRX in 2003. Great car - it was like a jet engine on wheels. Very fast. But not the most reliable car ever. (I'll let the 19 years on my Miata speak for itself.) The other thing I would say about the WRX is that it's pretty spartan. That car is all about the engine.

1. Handling - The Miata is on rails. It sticks to the road. The WRX is pretty good too though. Slight edge to the Miata.

2. Reliability - Miata. Big edge.

3. More fun - This one really depends. If you're about going fast down the stretches, the WRX wins hands down. If you're talking about going through a slalom, I'll give an edge to the Miata. The Miata has nowhere near the raw power of the WRX, but it's handling is better and compensates for that.

4. Don't underestimate the convertible factor. The Miata is all about fun and it's a more civilized car.

So here's what I would say...

If you're looking for a civilized sports car that has great sports car characteristics, the Miata is the one to beat in any comparison.

But if your looking for something to get your adrenaline going, the WRX is the way to go.

I love my Miata and obviously I'm going to be biased toward it, but I love driving the WRX. It's got a lot going for it.

Test drive both of them and see what you think.