Verdict
At RM294,154, the MX-5 is RM1,846 cheaper, 172 kg lighter and the only choice here with a power-folding retractable hard-top, so it is the focused two-seat open-air option. The GR86 answers with 234 hp and 250 Nm against 181 hp and 205 Nm, plus four seats, a 226-litre boot and a 150,000-km warranty. Its RM767 annual road tax is RM388 more than the Mazda’s RM379. For Malaysian buyers needing occasional rear passengers or luggage, take the Toyota; the Mazda’s front-and-rear autonomous braking and 1,119-kg weight make the more specialised case.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 if you want a 1,119-kg two-seat convertible with a power-folding hard-top and front-and-rear autonomous braking.
Pick the Toyota GR86 if you need four seats, a 226-litre boot and the stronger 234-hp, 250-Nm drivetrain.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda MX-5 RM294,154; Toyota GR86 RM296,000
- Power and torque: Mazda MX-5 181 hp and 205 Nm; Toyota GR86 234 hp and 250 Nm
- Kerb weight: Mazda MX-5 1,119 kg; Toyota GR86 1,291 kg
- Seating and boot space: Mazda MX-5 2 seats and 130 litres; Toyota GR86 4 seats and 226 litres
- Annual road tax: Mazda MX-5 RM379; Toyota GR86 RM767
- Warranty mileage: Mazda MX-5 100,000 km; Toyota GR86 150,000 km
MX-5
- 172 kg lighter at 1,119 kg
- Power-folding retractable hard-top
- Smart City Brake Support front and rear
- Only two seats and a 130-litre boot
- Lower 181-hp, 205-Nm output
- Shorter 100,000-km warranty
GR86
- 234 hp and 250 Nm
- Four seats with a 226-litre boot
- 150,000-km manufacturer warranty
- 172 kg heavier at 1,291 kg
- RM388 higher annual road tax
- No listed autonomous braking system or auto wipers
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM294,154✓ | RM296,000 |
| Body type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Segment | Sports Car | Sports Car |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379✓ | RM767 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 2,387 cc |
| Horsepower | 181 hp | 234 hp✓ |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 250 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 83.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | 12.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Manual |
| Transmission Name | 6MT-LSD | 6-speed Manual |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | Toyota |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 6.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 220 km/h | 226 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3,915 mm | 4,265 mm |
| Width | 1,735 mm | 1,775 mm |
| Height | 1,235 mm | 1,310 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,310 mm | 2,575 mm |
| Weight | 1,119 kg | 1,291 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 45 litres | 50 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Boot Space | 130 litres | 226 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 205/45R17 | 215/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 205/45R17 | 215/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Full Size |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Potenza S001 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbone | MacPherson Strut with Stabiliser |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbone with Stabiliser |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Rear Limited Slip Differential |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Belts | 2 Three-point | 4 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Passenger Seat | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) - Front and Rear | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | — |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Headlamps |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | — | Foldable |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | Power-folding Retractable Hard-top | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 front, 2 USB-C | 1 Front, 2 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 1 front | 2 Front |
| Audio | Mazda Connect Infotainment System with 8.8" Display, Commander Control Knob, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 9-speaker Bose Sound System | 8" Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Driver and Passenger One Touch Auto Windows |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock | Keyless Entry |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | — |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 150,000 km✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used MX-5 & GR86 for sale
MX-5 vs GR86 FAQ
Is the Mazda MX-5 or Toyota GR86 better?
The GR86 is better if you need four seats, more boot space and 234 hp. The MX-5 is the better choice for a lighter 1,119-kg roadster experience, a retractable hard-top and front-and-rear autonomous braking.
What is the price difference?
The Toyota GR86 costs RM1,846 more than the Mazda MX-5: RM296,000 versus RM294,154.
Which car is more practical for daily use?
The GR86 is more practical, with four seats, a 226-litre boot, foldable rear seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. The MX-5 has two seats and a 130-litre boot, but gains a power-folding retractable hard-top.
