Autotrader: Which of these two powerful sports cars should you get? The 2020 Subaru BRZ vs. the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Overview: When one thinks of the 2020 Subaru FUJHY, -1.21% BRZ, the first thing that comes to mind is “purity.” There is one goal of the BRZ, and that is to provide driving fun, with a minimum of frills and a maximum of smiles. 

There is a single engine choice, and it’s rather underpowered, but combined with the BRZ’s light weight, agile chassis, and rear-wheel drive, it allows a driver to exploit all that power by diving into turns and powering out of them. For some drivers, this is preferable to some high-performance sports cars whose full potential can only be utilized by experts on racetracks. 

There are sacrifices to this single-mindedness of purpose, however. While the layout of the 2020 BRZ is 2+2, the rear seats are so tiny that they’re best for extra storage, which is good because the BRZ has a very small trunk. 

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The cabin can also be loud, as part of the weight loss involved shedding sound-deadening material. And last of all, the BRZ does not have any of the standard driver assist features such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, or automatic braking.

 However, there is still some decent equipment, with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and Apple AAPL, -0.76% CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, and dual-zone climate control. And the focus is clearly on the driver, with very comfortable and supportive seats, a center-mounted tachometer, and a Performance package upgrade that beefs up the suspension and brakes. Subaru vehicles typically hold their value well, so we expect the BRZ to do the same.

What’s new for 2020: The most significant change for the 2020 Subaru BRZ is the return of the limited-edition (300 models only) tS model. A product of Subaru’s STI tuning division, the tS features a stiffer suspension, Sachs dampers, STI coil springs, traction and stability control, and Brembo BRE, +0.85% brakes. 

There’s only one color available, ceramic white, accented with bronze-finished 18-inch wheels, a low-profile spoiler and cherry blossom red accents around the grille and rear bumper. 

The changes continue inside, with Alcantara seat inserts with red leather bolsters, red seat belts, and a cast black center console. The base model has also been dropped, leaving only the Limited as the other trim.

Features and technology: With its single-purpose focus, the 2020 Subaru BRZ is offered with a single engine choice, body style, and rear-wheel drive. With the base trim dropped this year, there are only two trims, the Limited and the special-edition tS, described above. The Limited is well equipped, with dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, keyless entry and ignition, and navigation. 

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Infotainment consists of a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as well as satellite radio. Performance goodies include a Torsen limited-slipped differential, sport front seats and 17-inch alloy wheels.

While a six-speed manual transmission comes standard, there is a six-speed automatic available as an option, as well as a Performance package with some of the goodies found on the tS model.

What does the future hold? While we appreciate the focus of the BRZ, we would like to see a bit more in the way of creature comforts, such as more sound insulation and safety features, as well as maybe an optional upgrade engine. With the BRZ skipping the 2021 model year, a redesign is expected for 2022. 

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Mazda

Base price: $26,380

What we like: Fantastic manual transmission; optional hardtop version; great handling; luxury touches; standard driver assists

What we would change: Cramped for long legs; tiny trunk; single engine choice; ride can be harsh; touchscreen tends to wash out in sunlight

Overview: In production for more than 30 years, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata still holds true to its original goal of being a small, sporty two-seat roadster that is a blast to drive. It’s light, extremely agile, and still feels focused and special. 

Equipped with a 6-speed manual or an optional 6-speed automatic connected to the rear wheels, the Miata prides itself on being simple, with one of the best manuals around and a top that’s quick and easy to raise or lower. 

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That performance angle does have a price, however, as there are only two seats, and the trunk is minuscule. But inside there are lots of nice touches, with firm seats and a modern-looking dash. There is a large infotainment screen, but it’s controlled by a rotary knob rather than touch and it tends to wash out when viewed in bright sunlight. Also, there’s a somewhat odd bulge in the passenger-seat footwall that impedes legroom. 

Standard features include LED lights, USB ports, Bluetooth, and Mazda’s i-Activesense of driver assists. Neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto integration are available until you reach the higher trim levels. 

Options include a special brake package and leather-trimmed seats on the Grand Touring trim. For those seeking more security, there is also an optional retractable hardtop convertible version. Resale values are better than average.

What’s new for 2021: With a fair number of changes for 2020, including the addition to the i-Activesense suite of driver assists, the Miata remains unchanged for 2021. The only addition is a new 100th Anniversary (Mazda, not the Miata) Special Edition, with a few cosmetic details.

Features and technology: With simplicity as the goal, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata comes in three trim levels, with either a manual or automatic transmission and with either a soft top or retractable hardtop. 

The base MX-5 Miata is known as the Sport and is only available with a soft top. Standard features include a rearview camera, LED headlights, and two USB ports. Also included is a 7-inch infotainment screen with a rotary controller. The standard i-Activesense suite of driver assists includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning.

Next up is the Club (available with a soft top or a retractable hardtop), which adds a sport-tuned suspension, Bilstein shocks, a limited-slip rear differential, a strut tower brace, a Bose 9-speaker audio system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, and heated seats. Club models with a manual have the option of adding a Brembo brake package. Next up is the Grand Touring, which to the Club adds automatic climate control, leather-trimmed seats, adaptive front lighting, and navigation. When equipped with the automatic transmission, however, some of the performance upgrades are deleted.

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What does the future hold? The Miata has been a steady and enjoyable performer for many years, and Mazda has continually improved it with the times. Given that the MX-5 Miata is mostly driven top-down, we would like to see an infotainment screen that can be adjusted so it can be read in sunshine. 

BRZ vs. MX-5 Miata: Strengths comparison

BRZ Benefits: Bigger trunk; more power; higher resale value.

Miata Benefits: Hardtop or convertible; full suite of driver aids; fuel economy.

2020 Subaru BRZ vs. 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Which is better?

We really appreciate the missions of the 2020 Subaru BRZ and 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata. They prove that you don’t need a whole boatload of power to have a very fun, usable sports car that provides great thrills at a reasonable cost. That said, we have to give the baton here to the Miata. There are sacrifices made to have a lightweight sports car, but the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata proves that those don’t have to include safety equipment or fuel economy.

This story originally ran on Autotrader.com.