Which would you choose? Toyota or Mazda? It’s a tricky one!!

A 2ZZ in the MR2 makes it an absolute weapon.

@midlifemotors5050

8 ай бұрын

Would love to try a 2zz converted car tbh

I have an MR2 mk3 with 2zz engine conversion, lowered Tein springs, quad cobra exhaust, all new suspension parts. I don't think anything much can beat it for driving fun with the top down. It's a very raw experience and lacking in any type of luxury like heated seats or decent speakers etc. Think I would regret selling it for an ND2. Going to try and hang onto it as long as possible!

@midlifemotors5050

7 ай бұрын

The 2zz cars do sound superb. Would love to try one. The ND2 is just too expensive now imo, but maybe it’s just me being behind the times. Our MR2 is going nowhere either 👍

@marcandsebe

2 ай бұрын

My son has a black standard MR2 with a removable hardtop. It’s a great drive even with the 1ZZ engine.

Amazingly I’d go for the MR2 once the ND had been around for 20 years and is caked in rust then I’ll go got that 😂excellent comparison 👏

@midlifemotors5050

Жыл бұрын

We’ll get you to the dark side yet buddy 😉

@Agu_Ra

7 ай бұрын

My plan exactly lol. Bought the MR2 because I'll be able to buy a miata later on, mr2s though will be getting only more scarce (and in my country it's like only a handful of them, they were never sold here, and very few people went through a trouble of importing 'em), and now It's a good chance to experience it. An acquaintance of mine bought the nd recently, can't wait to drive it and compare my impressions with the video's author. That Toyota is the best car I've driven so far, I thought my mk3 Focus ST is good, man how wrong I was, it's not even close, it's a miles difference, that chunky mess of modernness now seems so shite of a car, utterly disconnected and boring.

Enjoyed the vid! And yes, your Mazda is drop dead gorgeous 👌

@midlifemotors5050

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, and thanks 👍

Love my miata... wouldn't trade it for anything. That being said, if toyota was making a modern mr2, I would've been veeeeerrryyyyyy interested.

@midlifemotors5050

Жыл бұрын

I think we all would. No idea why other manufacturers don’t chase some of Mazdas sales. A modern MR2 seems like a nobrainer to me

@boomhaueroo8703

Жыл бұрын

@@midlifemotors5050 your guess is as good as mine.

Sold a very tidy MR2 last year. Regretted it since. Was a fantastic car.

@midlifemotors5050

Жыл бұрын

They are a bit of a hidden gem, no doubt.

Both great cars 👍

@midlifemotors5050

Жыл бұрын

Agree 100%

Just a shade over a week ago I sprung for a 2019 MX5 N2 RF. Pretty happy with it. Between these two cars would be a tough choice. But for me it was the Mazda mostly due to the fact that I needed something newer in my life. I have quite a few old vehicles that I work on from time to time. I've never driven the MR2 but I have a friend who has and really loved it!

@midlifemotors5050

Жыл бұрын

Yup, the modernness of the Mazda definitely appeals. The MR2 is gaining popularity nowadays though, which is nice.

Fine to see those car face to face ! I was looking for videos like that since a while. Owner of an MR2 ZZW30, i know this a very special feeling about driving it. Some modifications make it so fun ! The mx5 ND seats seems comfy tho ! Sad you didn''t have a friend for some duo rolling shots !

@midlifemotors5050

7 ай бұрын

Some rolling shots is a great idea. Something to plan for next year 👍 Winter is coming here in Scotland now so time for them to be parked up for a few months now. Really enjoyed both cars this year and nothing really to do/spend on either over the winter, which is nice 😀

Love it! Both of these are the cars that got away....back in the day, i almost bought an MR2, but went for an EP3 civic type r instead, and then in 2013, I bought a GT86. About a year later the ND Mx5 came out, but i'm not really one to chop and change my cars too frequently. To say i'm constantly tempted by these is an understatement 😅

@midlifemotors5050

10 ай бұрын

All great cars. Bang for buck off the scale. Never actually driven a GT86 and don’t understand why, right up my street, recon I’d love it. We do enjoy our nd but the mr2 is a belter too. Very underrated car just beginning to get the attention it deserves now.

@robiulahmed

10 ай бұрын

@@midlifemotors5050 You absolutely would love it! The car dances down the road. In my opinion, cars of that size, weight and power are just about perfect for British roads.

I’ve just put a deposit on a mx5 launch edition. I’m so excited to pick it up.

@midlifemotors5050

Жыл бұрын

Great choice, you’ll love it 👍

Two really nice funcars! How about a third one - the MG TF(-;?

@midlifemotors5050

Жыл бұрын

100%. Mrs Mid Life Motors had one back in the day. Definitely worth revisiting 👍

I have two other vehicles I can use... I wanted something sub 2500 that was 2 seater and a convertible. My options that stuck out at me were the Daihatsu Copen, Mazda MX5 of some sort, or the MK3 MR2. I am quite broad, long backed, and big of arse - MX5s and me have never got along. Not the older ones at any rate. I need to replace the seats with something much closer to the floor to actually get my eyes below the top of the windscreen. Also, rust on earlier models in my price range was an issue. As much as I love the Copen, especially proper 650cc Kei engined ones, you do not get a lot of car for the money and its a bit tight. Mk3 MR2, to my surprise, once seated, I fit in it very well. The MR2 is certainly the most engaging to drive of the three cars I've outlined. I ended up with a 2004 MK3 MR2 with the factory hard top. I've mostly driven powerful BMWs over the past 15 years... but the MR2 is the first mid-engine car I've driven. The jump in cornering feel and rotation from FWD to front engined RWD, to me, seems less extreme than RWD to mid-engined. The feeling of rotation is so much more pronounced and takes some getting used to. But I only bought the car 5 days ago... Also, the MR2 isn't as slow as everyone makes it out to be. For a car designed over 20 years ago, it is actually alright for pace. Side story, before going to view any MR2s, I contacted MR2 specialist J-SPEC in Dalry, only 40 minutes from me, to ask if I could try fitting into a MK3 MR2. They were so welcoming and supportive. Within 48hrs of buying my car, I had bought a genuine TTE style bar from J-SPEC. I will certainly be contacting Andy at J-SPEC in the up and coming months as I build up my MR2.

@midlifemotors5050

5 ай бұрын

Can’t really argue with anything you’ve written there, great info 👍 We’re only about 15 mins from j-spec and the folks there have supplied everything needed to get our car back to tip top condition. We’ve found it a nice car to work on, even replacing the roof was relatively drama free, which makes it even more enjoyable to own. Hopefully catch you at the open day next year 😎

Lucky are the ones who aren't vexed by their size! Once seated, the MR2 is quite roomy. (I'm 6' 3".) In 2010 I compared the MR2 with the MX5 NC (3rd generation) and they were both roomy enough, but the MX5 rode more like our family car and seemed more refined, so I chose the "rawer" MR2. Since the ND MX5 and RF came out, I have really liked those a lot. Sadly, I cannot sit up straight in the RF. I can sit up alright in the soft top MX5, but it is quite tight. I especially felt that lower leg and footwell space were cramped, and would not allow me to wear whatever shoes I felt like wearing. So, the choice for me was not tricky. Again, lucky are those whose size doesn't decide for them! Still, the MR2 was a good choice and is still great fun.

@midlifemotors5050

Жыл бұрын

I just wish I was 6 foot 3 🤣 The silver with red roof looks lovely btw 👍

thanks for the video - but why comparing that old Toyota to the new and not the OLD NA Miata???

@midlifemotors5050

24 күн бұрын

Fair point the MR2 v MX5 NB would be a great comparison like for like. But it wouldn’t be £20k v £6k. It was interesting to see how things have changed in this video.

MR2 can be bought from 1500 to 6000k in standard form and generally a cash sale. No loans and depreciation is at its lowest infact on the rise . Some slight mods on the interior can lift the car and bring it up to date for not much money although probably would not match the modern refinement of the MX . . You have the option of a hardtop and boot rack . And for some investment you can fit the 2zz or turbo your 1zz .

@midlifemotors5050

Жыл бұрын

All very good points to be fair 👍 Particularly in this current economic climate.

oh what vid. i had both cars . i mean i have Mazda rf club now but had MRS and in it stock form for driving experience i would chose MRS everyday. Even tho it had plenty of body roll , mid engine layout just gives such a nimble cornering experience . car just turs you don't feel any understeer or oversteer . i miss that feeling. and regret very much selling that car. However now as a oner of mazda i experience RWD fun. car is playful if you want to kick out rear end it will happily do that . However i started enjoying my mx -5 ND1 only after i installed Koni shocks and FM springs and swaybars now car feels better so i have been spoiled by MRS . However if we take in consideration looks i would chose ND Miata over MRS any day RF has really nice lines

@midlifemotors5050

4 ай бұрын

The MR2 is a great drive, Toyota reliability, rare, cheap to run. I’m still surprised the values remain so low. Still overlooked to this day🤔 Mazda really got the ND right too 👌

@alexmaghlakelidze

4 ай бұрын

@@midlifemotors5050 i would keep the MR2 for weekend rides and use MX-5 as a daily driver.

I always lusted after the Elise (specifically 111R), but when the day came that I could afford an S2 Elise, I bought a used top spec ND1 MX-5 because it is more modern and I can't use the full potential of an Elise on the boring Dutch roads anyway and I'm not the type of person to drive to Germany to get to some corners. Buying an ZZW30 MR2 would always feel like settling to me, but the MX-5 doesn't even though it is not as raw as the Elise. I love the looks of the S2, but the ND is just as sexy.

@midlifemotors5050

2 ай бұрын

The Elise is not a car that’s ever appealed to me for some reason 🤔 My brother even had an S2 new back in 2001. The ND is great, peak MX5 in my opinion. Be interesting to see where Mazda go with the next model.

Safety is another factor. The MX5 has roll over hoops and strong A pillars to help if the car was to be rolled. I know it may not be a priority for many but I have taken both on multiple track days and I know which one I feel more comfortable driving fast. There is a video on KZread of an ND rolling, the driver crawled out the window and walked away, I doubt that would happen in the MR2, the MR2 I drove had the same chrome roll over hoop you have, but from memory that was not structural.

@midlifemotors5050

3 ай бұрын

That is a very good point to be fair 👍 The hoop is purely cosmetic, so no use in a rollover. My crazy driving & track days are very much behind me now but for others it is definitely worth noting.

@thumbtak

8 күн бұрын

The ND is obviously much safer, but the Spyder is surprisingly stout. There are pictures of rolled Spyders resting on their windshield frames completely intact. A few years ago one got pasted by a semi truck and the driver was able to walk away unharmed.

I bought a 2004 facelift MR2 in 2012 for £4500 and picked up a matching hardtop (lifts off in seconds) for £500 around the same time. It now has only 36000 miles (bought with 27000) it's needed nothing apart from a set of Toyo tyres and the usual oil/fluid changes.... totally rust free above and underneath. A similar age Mazda MX-5 would be a pile of rust...the new MX5 is nice but I've never been in one so can't really comment, hope they've fixed the corrosion issues.

@midlifemotors5050

11 ай бұрын

Sounds like a lovely example Mark, they do look nice in red. The Toyos work well on ours i'd have to say 👌 Not really a fan of MX5s prior to the MK4, hence the MR2 from that era. Mrs Mid Life Motors actually choose an MGTF over a MK2 MX5 back in the day.

@SpacehotelMusic

2 ай бұрын

I've got a Dark Blue 88 MK1 MR2 Super Charger which has kept me from wanting a MK3 (don't like mk2s at all too bloated and GT like) for 20 years... and was also never into MX-5s (the looks/roof and ubiquity) but I agree with you, the MK4 MX5 RF is a great looking car and the first MX5 I find desirable (I don't like the soft top version as much). I'm a sucker for targa roofs though@@midlifemotors5050 MK3 Mr2 with hardtop or even with the roll hoop fitted like yours does look good though, especially now there's less of them on the roads. I see you don't like Elises much from another comment (me either as they never looked like 'real cars') but I do like the VX220, almost the same but with a more striking/less fussy body. The VX and the MX5 RF are the only 2 cars out there that get my interest while owning the MK1 MR2 SC (who's looks I still love).

I have never driven the Mazda but I think that if you buy the Mr2 and spend the savings on the drive train, suspension, bracing and comfort you would have a different outcome.

@midlifemotors5050

Жыл бұрын

Yup, you could well be correct but tbh the MR2 doesn’t really need all that. To me it’s not about going fast it’s how the car makes you feel and the simple rawness of the Toyota is one of its best assets.

Would love to try a mk3 mr2. Been having thoughts about a 2zz one! You want to do a 6k MR2 or a 6K mx5 give me a shout 😂

@midlifemotors5050

Жыл бұрын

Great idea 👍 Be in touch soon fella 😎

6k MR2, spend the remaining 14k on a new set of good coilovers, 2AR swap, lotus elise wheels, some sound insulation (yeye weight blah blah!) and basic interior upgrades and you're all set!

@midlifemotors5050

Жыл бұрын

That’s a car I’d love to try 😎

A car for the masses? Or a car for the experten? Well, I'm no expert, but in my years, I've owned an '85, '88 SC, and a '91T. I was briefly reunited with the '88 SC by a recent owner who found me. It still drives sublime. I yearn for the Spyder so maybe one day. I've never had a yin for the Miata, though it seems a very well liked car.

@midlifemotors5050

Жыл бұрын

Go for it, you won’t regret a Spyder 👌

I've got an mr2 (mk3) and I love mx5 too but (imho) the thing is: If a 20yo car that cost more than 3 times less than the Mx5 still keep you doubting you about the choice well: The 20yo car won 😂

@midlifemotors5050

7 ай бұрын

Your probably right tbh, which is why it’d be good to try the car V an MX5 of the same era. Do love my ND though 👌

Fun video, but wrong decision, obviously.

@midlifemotors5050

8 күн бұрын

Oh, i'm good at being wrong 🤣🤣

MR2 Spyder >>>>

@midlifemotors5050

8 ай бұрын

It’s a great car 👍

Surprisingly for 26k…. You can have both.😅

@midlifemotors5050

Жыл бұрын

Which seems good value these days tbh. A Fiesta can cost that alone 😳