The 2019 MX-5 Miata has a top speed of 135 mph on the hard top and convertible. The acceleration differs a little between the models, however.

The Miata will have its doors blown off as the Ford rockets to 60 mph in half the time and carrying on to a 45 mph faster top speed. Mustang owners, though, only have access to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the Miata faithful still can row their own gears. Then there’s the price difference.

The 2016 MX-5 Miata is a good sports car, especially for those seeking a thrilling driving experience. It feels at home on winding roads, and its seats provide good driver support. It also gets good fuel economy estimates and has a low total cost of ownership score. We named it our 2016 Best Sports Car for the Money.

Powerful and Reliable Performance Powering all three trim levels of the 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a SKYACTIV®-G 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine with VVT. This engine produces up to 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque.

We consider the Miata a fun toy, and it’s plenty capable enough for routine daily commuting. The Mustang is a bit more comfortable and versatile for extended travel.

~180whp is about as fast as a Subaru STI. 200whp is an STI with a chip+exhaust. A poorly driven 200whp car will go mid-high 13s in the quarter and trap ~100mph.

+7 – To turbo a Miata, you need to take multiple things into account, so let’s set a 200whp power goal as an example and start with that. Now if you have a stock 1.6 90-93 car, your engine is capable of making this, or more without internal modification, +2 – Absolutely. Doesn’t matter if it’s 1.6 or 1.8.

With 155 horsepower, the new engine has 12 hp less than the 2015 but 8 pounds-feet more torque; the 2016 Miata has a peak of 148 pounds-feet of torque at 4,600 rpm. With the weight loss, the car feels a bit quicker — certainly quick enough.

Formerly known as the Mazda Miata, the new Mazda MX-5 is a little smaller than its predecessor, weighs less and has a bit less power, yet it’s still as nimble, quick and fun as ever.

The 2016 brings the Miata’s first application of electric power steering. Unlike Mazda’s front-drive models, the Miata’s assist motor is on the steering rack rather than the column, which is the only way to get the kind of performance and feel for which hydraulic assist is respected.

Turning back the clock in some ways and pushing the needle forward in many others, the redesigned 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster is the best Miata ever, and one of the most fun, capable cars you can buy, regardless of price.