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Affordable Sports Car Comparison: Miata v GR86 v Mustang GT (POV)

MilesPerHr

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Join Miles as he compares three Best Affordable Sports Cars: Toyota GR86, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Ford Mustang GT. Which looks best, has the nicest interior, and is the most rewarding to drive? Find out!

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2024 Toyota GR86 Trueno Edition Manual

Price (as tested) 💲: $36,455
Powertrain ⚙️: 2.4-liter Boxer 4-Cylinder
Output 💪: 228 hp/184 lb-ft of torque
Transmission 🕹: 6-speed Manual
0-60 MPH 🚦: 6.1 seconds
Top Speed 💥: 140 mph
MPG (as tested) ⛽️: 20 city/26 hwy/22 combined
Curb weight ⚖️: 2,833 lbs

Options Equipped:
GR Performance Strut Tie Brace ($645)

2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata Manual

Price (as tested) 💲: $36,220
Powertrain ⚙️: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder
Output 💪: 181 hp/151 lb-ft of torque
Transmission 🕹: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 MPH 🚦: 5.8 seconds
Top Speed 💥: 140 mph
MPG (as tested) ⛽️: 26 city/34 hwy/29 combined
Curb weight ⚖️: 2,365 lbs

Options Equipped:
Aero Grey paint ($450)
Tan Nappa Leather ($300)

2024 Ford Mustang GT:

Price (as tested) 💲: $55,740
Powertrain ⚙️: 5.0-liter V8
Output 💪: 480 hp/415 lb-ft of torque
Transmission 🕹: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 MPH 🚦: 4.4 seconds
Top Speed 💥: 155 mph
MPG (as tested) ⛽️: 14 city/23 hwy/17 combined
Curb weight ⚖️: 3,947 lbs

Options Equipped:
Performance Pack ($4,995): front strut-tower brace, Summer tires Torsen limited-slip differential, wider wheels and tires, larger Brembo brakes, and a MagneRide active-dampening suspension
Bronze Appearance Package ($995)
Red Painted Brake Calipers ($495)

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💼 Equipment used:
0-60 Timer (discount code: MILESPERHR15) ► https://racebox.pro/store/
Walkaround Camera ► https://shorturl.at/klpvR
POV Camera ► https://shorturl.at/hjS14
Cabin Camera ► https://shorturl.at/aewKY
Hat Clip GoPro Mount ► https://amzn.to/3vXi6GH
Walkaround Mic ► https://shorturl.at/wzAST
POV 3D Audio Mic ► https://amzn.to/3ITq0GI
POV 3D Audio Recorder ► https://amzn.to/3qRIhOG
Walkaround Stand ► https://amzn.to/3p30nKI
Live Q&A Gimbal ► https://amzn.to/3fr0StC

Skip ahead:
0-60 00:00
Intro 00:42
Driveway 00:57
Interior storage 06:59
City driving 10:07
Highway 20:45
Fun driving 27:08
Conclusion 32:57

20 Comments

@jeffroyj95 8 months ago

I'm a life long Mustang fan, and one time owner of a '65 Fastback. Last year, at 60 yoa, I wanted a fun car, so I was in search of a manual sports car. The Mustang GT and the Miata MX-5 were on my short list. After driving a 2016 Mustang GT and a 2025 Miata GT, and realizing I'd go to jail in the Mustang and that driving the MX-5 top down through the twisties while running through the gears was way more fun than the hard top Stang. They were priced nearly the same, so I went with the Miata....no regrets.

@PNWSenior76 8 months ago

I really like the unique way you do the comparison with the short segments repeating the same part of the test back to back to back as you change cars. Other reviewers make you watch all phases, then switch to other cars. This makes it so much easier to see the direct comparison for every phase of the drive. (Here is the GR 86 on the curvy backroad. Now the Miata, then the Mustang. Ditto the interstate, etc. )

@bambikiller338 8 months ago

The newer gr86 has fixed the blinker for the record.

@luciusael 8 months ago

Should have done an Ecoboost mustang. The GT is way too overpowered in this comparison

@Metalwrath2 8 months ago

I will always pick the muscle option. But miata and gr86 are also very nice.

@sangeetsatheesan846 7 months ago

This is a comparison I wanted to see! Thank you so much for this!

@Mr_Eggsalotyt 8 months ago

Really eager for the QX80 Video!!!

@upcomingartists9373 3 months ago (edited)

One thing that was not mentioned is how much storage the GT has, you can fit two full size suitcases in the trunk while having the rear seats still up. Very important.

@jameslane2326 8 months ago

I was recently looking at all 3 of these and chose....a 2019 BMW Z4 s30I, and i couldnt be happier! $30k with 55k miles!

@cuzimaluzer777 8 months ago

Dude, oh wow. I literally just had this conversation last night in the comments section of a brz ts video. Lol.

Id pick mustang with a few suspension upgrades and lightweight wheels and 300tw tires 100% of the time. That car has the potential to handle extremely well with basic suspension tuning.

@PNWSenior76 8 months ago

Watching the Mustang I am flashing back to Steve McQueen in Bullit.

@kophaipk 8 months ago (edited)

can you do the comparison between gr86 and fl5 type R too?

@vnitto 8 months ago

Not sure people are cross shopping mustangs and gr86/miata. The mustang is 55k and Miata/gr86 are $20k less at $36k

@mamogalemolepo1602 8 months ago

Please review the audi rs6 performance

@FreewaysAndFoliage 2 months ago

I wish the Mustang had a manual e-brake. That and the new interior just don't cut it for me. I've been a lifelong Mustang fan and I would honestly choose it last over the other two, which is unfortunate. Still, it drives great, but after test driving all 3 I will be going with a Miata in the future.

@caseygamerboyy6954 8 months ago

Hey, MilesPerHr! :) ❤

@gavindunagan2930 8 months ago

This is the exact cross shopping I’m in right now. If the 86 came in a convertible? That 100% but I’m stuck between a gt again (my last one was killed by the winter) or a less rowdy but still sporty miata

@RaiiPlays1s 8 months ago

make a video on 2026 honda prelude

@EchoSigma6 8 months ago

I would agree that the Toyota is the better all around car but many Miata owners have a primary car and nothing beats the fun of nimble roadster in top down fun through the mountain roads. However, if you live in the flatlands the Mustang is going to be more fun even though it’s 5 seconds at a time. I love my Miata.

@ae86fiend 2 months ago

Miata. You would think I would get the GR86, but it's that Subaru engine that prevents me from liking it after my STI and 6 cylinder Tribeca blew up on me.