Guys, talk some sense into me.

[Max57]

I understand the OP's desire for the Miata, or a small 2 seater sports car. I was also looking for one until I saw a 97 Honda DelSol, manual shift. Loved the removable Targa roof and powered rear window in back of the seats. This was the first small sports car I ever owned (I still have it) and now I understood why having a little roadster was so popular. It's a blast to drive, especially on winding hilly roads. To me, the only down-side of the DelSol is that she's a bit under-powered, but in the same light she gets fantastic MPG.

Now with all that being said, the new Mustang takes handling and fun to a whole new level. At least from the few test drives that I experienced. If I had to make this very same choice? The Mustang would win, hands down! Not only for the power and handling, but for the comfort, larger interior space and style as well!

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[Pony]

I can understand the dilemma. Having come from a 90 Miata I certainly understand the desire to have one. They are fast nimble cars which a lot of people don't get. As for those that they claim it is too small against other vehicles on the road. My insurance actually gave me a special discount based on crash survivability.

This is actually my third Mustang, and for me was time to come back to the fastback design. That and getting older which makes it difficult to get in and out of the such a small car.

While the Miata may not throw you back into your seat like the Mustang, it can out maneuver one on the track. The Miata is definitely a driver's car.

 

[Max57]

Great Photo!!!

 

[Dirtleg]

The Miata is the reason I am angry at Mazda. Gone is the RX that I actually fit in (6'4") barely, and the Miata, which is a "no way in hell do I fit" car is still out there frustrating tall guys like me. Never will I be able to experience the light weight bliss and direct feel of it's chassis.

Curse you Mazda, curse you!!

 

[Strokerswild]

Based on what I've read about it so far, the new Miata is the best one yet.

 

[Tcnarber]

Lets see: Mustang: Icon of American Motor lore
Miata:______________________

 

[TinyTim93]

Being as I work at a Mazda dealership, I can tell you the Miata is a fun car to drive. It's looks are not bad and the gas mileage is not bad either. They're also mechanically sound. But I'll tell you what isn't fun about that car tho is the price. Take the one sitting in our showroom. Nothing special about it in any way, just your ordinary Miata and it's listed at $30,300. At that price you're in Mustang territory.
I'm sure the 2016 Miata will be no exception. It looks cool, it's fun to drive, but the price will be high for such a small car. At that point you should just weight the pros and cons of each car based on how close the prices are on each of them.

 

[Jamo]

Personally, I like the Honda Accord Coupe w/manual and 4 cyl. But that's just me.

 

[Pony]

Lets see: Mustang: Icon of American Motor lore
Miata:______________________

That's all you have?

 

[B-52 Jetman]

If you like a tiny little death trap...go for it.



Don't get me wrong, it's a damn nice looking car. I just think those things are so small. My one GF had a 2010 and man every time I was in that thing all I thought was "If we get hit in this we'll probably die".

Never felt comfortable in a car that small.

Crash suvivability is a big misconception these days...larger does not always mean safer. I used to be a Sales Manager for Fiat. In 2012we did a large ad campaign emphasizing this fact...due to the Fiat being a small car and American's have that view of bigger is better or safer. As a matter of fact, in 2012, the Fiat had a better crash test survivability than a 2012 Ford F-150! The biggest factor is that, smaller cars, due to their agility, a can avoid an accident better than most.

 

[Nitro]

I used to own a 2007 Miata. I can say, without a doubt, that at legal speeds on public roads that the Miata is leaps and bounds more fun to drive than a Mustang. The Mustang on the other hand is faster, more comfortable and more practical.

 

[Max57]

Personally, I like the Honda Accord Coupe w/manual and 4 cyl. But that's just me.

I test drove the Honda Accord Coupe, manual tranny, with the 6 cylinder. Plenty of power, very smooth shifter and fun to drive.

 

[BmacIL]

Personally, I like the Honda Accord Coupe w/manual and 4 cyl. But that's just me.

I own one. Any of the three options for 2015 Mustang is a huge step up for driving enjoyment without sacrificing much practicality. It's decent to toss around and I have autocrossed it, but it's not in its element. The 2015 V6 has twice the torque to the wheels...

 

[sqidd]

Haven't been on here much recently, but there's a reason.

The Miata. Specifically the 2016 Miata. I've always wanted one, just like I've always wanted a Mustang. My heart has been set for years on the Mustang, but the new Miata has really made me fall in love with the little roadster. Seriously, the idea of a light, agile, efficient, and cheaper DD is sounding very, very appealing to me.

Take me back to the dark side, guys!

Go drive a Miata on the freeway at 80mph with the top down and big trucks around. It's scary. I would rather be on a motorcycle.

 

[Vile_the_Bastage]

OP, don't want to sound cliche, but you should get what your heart tells you to. Most, if not all of the responses you are going to get here are going to be in favor of the car that everyone here bought.

The Miata, S2000, and BRZ/FRS are all fantastic cars. Most (not all) people that hate on them have never driven them on long winding roads. They are cars that you can drive safely at their limit, and often not get in trouble for doing so. You can't say the same about a Mustang GT, or even a lightly tuned Ecoboost for that matter.

I love my car, but driving it is an exercise in how much restraint and maturity I have. I'll take it to the drag strip, sure, and maybe some circuit tracks. But, even then I'll never ring out every bit of potential the car has.

Just get what you'll have the most fun in (and can afford).

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