10 Cost-Effective But Often Over-Looked Alternatives To The Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Mazda MX-5 is the world’s go-to affordable sports car for good reason. Its blend of a well-balanced chassis, lightweight body, naturally aspirated engine, rear-wheel drive, and manual transmission are all the components that are required in a great sports car. The fact that the MX-5 has managed to retain its pure essence up until now is an impressive achievement considering the modern requirements for safety and efficiency.

While sports cars are often viewed as luxury items for the well-off, the Miata’s secret weapon is its affordable price – in 2025, it begins at just $29,830. Essentially in a class of its own, you might think the little Mazda has no competition. But if we center our efforts on sports-focused models, new and old, there are still a variety of alternatives available to the Miata, even if they ultimately may still fall short of pure motoring perfection.

10

2026 Toyota GR86

MSRP: $30,800

Despite not offering the same convertible form factor as the Miata, the Toyota GR86, like its Subaru cousin, comes a close second in most areas. Like the MX-5, it’s affordable, and the focus here is on a pure, well-balanced driving experienc eover outright power.

As part of the second generation, the sleek-styled GR86 offers more power from its naturally aspirated boxer engine than before and also a healthy dose more than the Miata – 228 horsepower versus 181 horses for the Mazda. Lots of technology, features, and two extra rear seats round off this surprisingly usable sports car.

9

2025 Subaru BRZ

MSRP: $33,210

Subaru’s BRZ is the mechanical twin to the GR86 and offers the same rear-wheel drive setup, available manual transmission, charismatic flat-four engine, and understated styling. There are minor color and trim variations between them, but the overall package is just as thrilling and affordable from either manufacturer.

A tS trim for the BRZ offers the chance to experience a more track-focused version with STI-tuned dampers, upgraded Brembo brakes, and other cosmetic details, including contrasting blue interior stitching that recalls past heroes such as the iconic Subaru Impreza. A fixed-roof alternative to the Mazda, albeit more expensive than the GR86, with the tS trim costing even more at $38,000.

8

2020 Mini Cooper S Convertible

Average Value: $19,914

This quintessential British car is a BMW in disguise, but it offers a vastly different feel to any 3 Series. The Mini’s quirky styling, iconic design elements, and peppy handling make this a great all-rounder for those looking for a taste of the sports car experience without sacrificing on a little practicality and predictable road manners.

It’s not without its pitfalls, which, aside from the compact interior dimensions in the rear, include a sometimes-rough ride. But that’s to be expected in a car with sporting pretensions. It won’t rival the Miata on dynamics, especially since this model is front-wheel drive, but power is on point at 189 horsepower – roughly on par with the MX-5.

7

2019 Audi A3 Convertible

Average Value: $22,010

While not technically a sports car, the Audi A3 convertible delivered much of the visual appeal expected from a premium drop-top, along with some genuine sporting character. This roadster variant, which was sold alongside the sedan until its discontinuation following the 2019 model year, came equipped with either a 184-horsepower or 228-horsepower engine. Buyers could choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.

The absence of a manual transmission option and the car’s comfort-oriented suspension tuning rather than track-focused handling may disappoint purists. However, when compared to something like a Mazda MX-5 Miata, the A3 convertible offered practical advantages including usable rear seats and a refined, luxury-grade interior. Performance remained respectable, with 0-60 mph acceleration achievable in approximately six seconds.

6

2020 BMW 230i xDrive Convertible

Average Value: $27,764

Like the Audi A3 convertible, the BMW 2 Series drop-top is a premium luxury convertible that doesn’t compete with the Mazda MX-5 directly but could offer itself as a great alternative for those who actually need to transport more than one passenger or need slightly increased storage opportunities. Refinement and quality are superior to the Miata and the turbocharged engine provides 248 horsepower / 258 pound-feet, which is far higher.

Both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants were sold, but for true sports car handling, we’d choose the former, but the standard eight-speed automatic transmission is the big omission that, while suiting the car as a whole, takes away from its potential to be a real Miata alternative.

5

2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC

Average Value: $29,097

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class represents the renamed third-generation of the SLK, maintaining the qualities that defined its predecessors for years. Featuring the same retractable hardtop design inherited from the second generation, the SLC combines eye-catching aesthetics with contemporary styling that commands attention on the road. True to Mercedes tradition, the emphasis remains firmly on luxury, style, and comfort rather than pure performance.

The SLC300 variant delivers ample power with its 241-horsepower engine, outmuscling the Mazda MX-5 by 60 horses. However, this comes with inevitable compromises. The car’s heavy load of technology and luxury amenities means sacrificing the pure handling dynamics, lightweight construction, and exceptional balance that make the Miata such a celebrated driver’s car. Still, for buyers prioritizing refinement and road presence over raw driving engagement, the SLC offers an appealing alternative.

4

2020 Audi TT Roadster

Average Value: $30,819

The Audi TT is a sports car, one that is as iconic as it is seemingly divisive, with some gearheads finding the styling or image hard to swallow. There is no denying that the final generation TT’s styling was sharp and well-executed, in both coupe and convertible versions. Power is courtesy of a turbocharged engine offering 228 horsepower on the standard model and 288 horses on the TTS.

Both models are motivated via Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system and both work alongside a seven-speed automatic gearbox, which is standard fare for the time and class but disappointing to those who would also otherwise consider a Miata. The reason buyers might choose an Audi TT over an MX-5 is for its premium interior, increased performance, and upmarket presence, as well as its all-weather traction.

3

2019 BMW Z4 sDrive30i

Average Value: $32,867

Similar to the Mercedes-Benz SLC, the BMW Z4 occupies the premium luxury segment, straddling the divide between performance and comfort while favoring refinement over raw athleticism. While the Z4 delivers satisfying handling and strong performance across all variants, it lacks the meticulous weight distribution and finely-tuned balance that define the Miata experience. What it sacrifices in pure driving dynamics, however, it compensates for with a substantially more upscale interior and head-turning, expensive-looking design.

The Z4 shares its platform and numerous components with the Toyota Supra, though Toyota chose not to offer a convertible version of their sports coupe. Standard equipment includes rear-wheel drive and an automatic transmission. Base models feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 255 horsepower, while the range-topping Z4 M40i variant boosts output to an impressive 382 horsepower.

2

2023 Nissan Z

Average Value: $32,991

With this kind of power thanks to its twin-turbocharged V6 engine, the Nissan Z is in a different league to the likes of the Miata or other modest sports cars like the Toyota GR86. It is every bit a modern sports car with all the right ingredients, such as rear-wheel drive, a manual transmission (an automatic is optional), and impressive acceleration: in the order of under five seconds to 60 mph.

A Nissan Z is more expensive than junior sports cars like the Miata, but with 400 horsepower on tap and exotic looks that also tap into the heritage of the Z-Car lineage, the modern Z is a lot of car for the money. It isn’t without its faults, but a Nissan Z for a little more than a Mazda MX-5 represents a big jump in performance even if it loses some of the simple magic and balance of the Miata.

1

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster

Average Value: $38,641

At $38,000, a used Porsche Boxster, like the fixed-roof sibling the Cayman, is significantly more expensive than a new Miata, but it’s a lot of sports car for the money. Unlike some cars on this list, the Boxster is a fully-fledged sports car that could rival the Miata in dynamics, performance, and luxury. Repairs and maintenance will sting you for much more than a Mazda, but the quality and heritage present in a Porsche comes at a price.

This generation, which moved to the 718 prefix in the name, introduced turbocharged flat-four engines that ruffled feathers for purists but proved just as effective, and crucially, more economical with fewer emissions. That aside, key ingredients such as a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive are offered, along with an expertly-tuned chassis and driver-focused controls. If there was a superior option to the Mazda it would be this, at a similar price, but one of the key draws of the Mazda – its affordability – is not the Boxster’s strong suit.