I am contemplating selling my 2020 Miata RF and potentially getting a JCW Hardtop (maybe Pat Moss edition). I actually like the Miata a lot, particularly with the hardtop. It is comfortable for one since legroom is really compromised on the passenger side. It is a fun car, though. It is quick, but not fast. It handles really well. The issue is I don’t drive it much. It has less than 6,000 miles in 2 years, and is my fair weather car. I drive it rarely in the winter (had a cracked windshield last Spring) and I seldom take it to work. My commute is all highway and the car seems invisible to large trucks, so it is not an enjoyable experience. As a result, it is more a weekend car as well as for running around town. I am still not sure I want to part with it, but I wish I had a fun car I would drive more often.

At this point, I have driven a Cooper S. My dealer hasn’t had a JCW in some time that has not been presold. I like the turbo spool and the nimble feel. Acceleration is very different between the two cars. The ride seems smoother in the Miata and I haven’t had enough time in a Mini to know how handling would compare. Any current or former Miata drivers? Any thoughts on a JCW as a year round, nice weather, fun car? I am even toying with the idea of having both, but that may be hard to justify.

 

For me personally, the 2 door hardtop (and hot hatches in general) hits the sweet spot between fun and practicality. I'd love to have a small sports car life a Miata or BRZ or Cayman, but there are too many times through the year when I need more space.

Everyone says the Miata is much more planted in the turns vs a MINI, but I've never driven one so I don't know what I'm missing

 

I sold my 2016 MCS to buy a 2016 ND1 grand touring. My commute was 9 miles along the beach in south Florida. I bought it with about 4500 miles, a Goodwin Racing header to cat back and a chip/software flash. It was great fun in every way.

the car was an absolute blast. The lightweight and perfect manual 6 speed made for highly engaged fully fun everyday drives. In short, although my 2 previous MINI’s were great fun, the rwd, lightweight ND1 was more fun with the top down.

then life intervened. My commute changed to driving across Florida (220+ miles) each week. On 2 lane roads, With the semi’s and jacked pickups, My Miata while fun, was way too small and way too scary. And I’m not easily scared behind the wheel.

Yes, long story. I traded the MX-5 for a 2017 MCS, sport package and no moonroof. The MINI definitely is bigger and heavier. That leads to a more planted feel. I loved the rwd and lightweight MX-5. I also love the heavier, planted feel of my current MINI. And the extra space is my deal maker.

Either way both cars are great fun. The MX-5 is really small. Really. If it’s a second car for pure fun, I say go for it. No regrets will follow. If you need enough space for a 6 pack, think MINI.

No loser either way. Both are great fun.

 

I think a lot of us have had to make this decision. I drove both. Price is really pretty close. I didn't want to wait for a new one so looked to the online sites. Pretty much had my choice of options and colors. It finally came down to space.....you just can't add more room whenever you need it. I play golf and if there are two of you going to the course the Miata isn't going to get you and your stuff there. The Mini is really fun to drive and does give you the extra space when you need it.

 

My first 'retirement car' was a 2017 Miata Club. The ten-minute test drive at the dealer went well so I signed and the Miata was mine. The honeymoon was over quickly as 90 minutes into my first road trip in the car I had to get out and stretch. I'm about 5' 11" and felt cramped in the car. In fact, it got to where I had to get out every 90 minutes to stretch and at that point, I decided to sell it one year after coming home with it.

My next try at a retirement car was a 2018 Mustang GT but that's a story for another forum.

My third try, and current car, is a 2022 MINI Cooper Oxford base. I figured for $20,600 I couldn't go too far wrong. I ordered the car in May 2021 and took delivery in October. It's been parked for the winter and has about 500 miles on it but here's what I like: it handles well for a base car in normal street driving and it's perfect for me. I have lots of legroom and it is comfortable. It was inexpensive and much easier to justify keeping it as a third fair weather car. With the hatch, it has more room for stuff than the Miata. It also gets mid-30s + for mileage.

My one big dislike is that Android Auto is not available on any trim and Apple Carplay only on higher trim levels. It's absurd that AA and AC are not available on across the board on MINI's in this day and age.

Now to your question of Miata versus MINI - both are fun to drive on the street and have great turn-in and make for great sporty drives. Front drivers do handle differently than rear drivers and there really isn't ever a feeling of hanging the rear end out with a MINI. The MINI has more useful space for stuff for short trips and for me is just as much fun as the Miata was.

 

I had to sell my 2011 PRHT Miata when my two boys got too big, and bought my Clubman. Absolutely loved the Miata, but still enjoy driving the Clubman almost as much. And the Clubman has much more usability. I think the choice could be worse trying to decide between Miata or Mini. Either one will be a great driver.

 

Never owned but test drove two 2018 Miata RF's, Club with BBS/Brembo's & a touring. After one test drive of the 2018 Mini JCW I went back next day to buy it. My impression: the Miata's a great car, great connection with the motor/shifting etc. but felt like I was sitting in a bathtub, The Mini has a sense of urgency, like a 10 year old boy that consumed too much sugar.
I had a 2014 Camaro SS which, just like you drove 6,000mi in 2 years. Looking back I didn't really like the Camaro much. This could be a reason the Camaro never got used much, maybe your experiencing a similar issue?
You can't go wrong with either Mini or Miata.

 

I have owned the Miata for 2 years, and can relate to the Miata being scary on roads with semis and large trucks. It is one of the reasons I don't drive the Miata much since my work commute is all highway. Appreciate the comments.

 

It is a fun car, but tight. I only 5'8", so I fit fine. I actually like the driving position and find the car comfortable. Every passenger, however, has commented on how snug their spot is. Their floor board is not as deep as is shallow with a bulge right by their seat. Anyone taller than me cannot stretch their legs out. The Mini wins on this front with more space.

My son was driving an Oxford Edition. I think I enjoyed it more than him. He learned to drive on a Crosstrek, so is now partial to raised hatchbacks.

Happy to hear that you thought both were fun, but just different. That is my biggest concern that I will miss the way Miata corners and sticks to the road. Thanks again for the commentary.

 

The "too much sugar" analogy is too funny. I do find the Mini busier, but I do like the turbo torque. I also found your comment about "sitting in a bathtub" humorous. I actually like the driving position of the Miata. It has a great view to the front & sides, albeit it is really easy to pick-up stones (cracked the windshield last Spring). I also can relate to the comment about the Camaro. There is probably some truth to it. I really enjoy the Miata, but it hard to justify given how little it is used.

A reoccurring theme is space, something the Miata doesn't have. It certainly can't accommodate clubs or anything more than 2 reasonable sized duffles. I also thought about a Cayman. It feels bigger and more refined than the Miata with a more settle highway ride. It is still is really low to the ground. I am very tempted to order a JCW or reservation for a Moss Edition. Thank you for all of the comments. It has been helpful.

 

I have had a NA miata for 20years. The first one 1998 to 2014, when I killed it autocrossing. The second one, a 1997 this time, I've had from 2014-> Since we got the second miata, we had an opportunity to pick up a well maintained R50. Which we then augmented the fleet with the f56s this past fall. Very low pandemic mileage, 60th edition with < 20000 km....

Driving the miata is a great joy and there's nothing like dropping the top. Driving a mostly original car, it is going to need stuff replaced this year. Commuting in the S will be a great compromise. It also makes me believe boost will likely be back in the future for the miata.

If your situation will allow it, keep both. Miata for the weekend fun, the mini for day to day.

 

I have owned 4 different Miatas over the years, a 1994, a 2006, a 2013 and lastly a 2018 RF. I put about 10k miles on my RF between April 2018 and August 2020 when I sold it. Loved the driving experience, but as stated, was uncomfortable for a passenger and as a driver I tended to get a bit of a leg cramp if driving for too long. The decision to sell came down to me not wanting to have something that valuable sitting around a lot of the time. I still have the 1994, I've had it since 2014 and put about 11k miles on it in that time. With it being my only "fun" car for the last couple years, it's gotten more miles. I kind of wish I had kept the 2013 as it was the Club model with the PRHT, I've toyed with the idea of looking at those again, but the prices are so much higher than I paid for mine in 2016.

I had a 2005 Cooper S for a while, and while it was well used by the time I had it, it was fun to drive in a different way than the Miatas as others have stated. I really liked the power delivery from the supercharged engine. I had a 2022 Oxford on order last year, but ended up canceling due to lengthy delays, lack of communication and other circumstances.

At this point I am potentially looking at a Mini again as my "daily" (not so applicable since I permanently work from home now). Looks like they're finally adding CarPlay as standard for the 2023 model year.

 

JCW for the win! Pat Moss edition icing on the rare model.



I would get the anniversary as I like the green a little more.

 

I have owned two Caymans. While I was very comfortable in them, they are terrible cars for long trips. The tire noise is just horrible and makes for very unpleasant touring. The MINIs are very quiet compared to any Cayman. And the '22 JCW with the current DDC suspension is a revelation. I switched out the runflats very early in my first 4 MINI's, but the runflats on my '22 JCW Hardtop are just fine.

 

I like the hood stripe and roof on the Pat Moss edition!

 

You just can't do this in a Miata

 

I appreciate all of the responses and perspectives. I completed a pre-order for a white Moss Edition. I like most of what is on the package and my dealer has been great. They have no issue if I opt to do a custom order instead. The way the options are configured the msrp is likely going be very similar to whatever I would build (other than Special Edition charge). The 2023 configurator seems glitchy with some of the options (dynamic dampers don't show up) and standard features. I also like the BRG anniversary edition, but I think they are long past being in a dealership.

I am not sure if I will keep the Miata or not at this point, but have time to think about it. What has been eye-opening on this thread are all the comments about versatility and room. It has been a reminder of all of the times where I couldn't take the Miata because the lack of space. I was also surprised on the comment on the Cayman not being a good highway cruiser because of tire noise. I initially bought the Miata as a way to test if I could live with a 2-seater. I liked it so much, I never really considered the Cayman after that. I always think of the Cayman has been perfect 2 seater.

 

I find that when you tell people your biggest car is a mini, most people are shocked by that.

Over the years I have done the deals gap multiple times. Going in the miata early on, was great, sunburn potential aside. But travelling 2 up, (with a spouse), the mini(s) are a much easier sell. The f56 will need to make the trip at some point in its life to earn its own gap stickers, everything else we have already has. The mini's are much better for the long interstate run to get there but nothing will be a modified miata on 129.

The thing is you have to plan your packing.....I know several people who have done long cross-country drives in various vintages of miata.... I find the only true limitation is if you need more than 2 people....

 

Here's one more thing to consider and is something I'm planning on doing this year to my new F56 Oxford edition: do a rear seat delete. I will never use the back seat to transport people because it's pretty useless in the two door so it's coming out and going into storage to be put back in when it comes time to sell the car.

Stern - https://sternperformance.de/en/ - is a German company and they manufacture a two part rear seat delete kit. Part 1 comes with a cross bar and webbing to keep stuff in back from flying forward and Part 2 is a carpet kit to finish it off. I built my own rear seat delete in a Chevy Colorado a few years back and when finished off looked nearly factory but I'm debating just purchasing the Stern kit and saving some time.

You can also piecemeal the MINI GP interior trim as the GP comes from the factory without a rear seat and I think it looks really good. But by the time you add up all the bits needed to finish it off with a factory look it gets quite expensive.

So if you want more space for travel stuff, a rear seat delete might be a good solution for you.

 

two comments:

- I owned an 'NA' Miata for 12 years. Most reliable car I ever owned and I am friends with the guy I sold it to in '07 who still owns it! For a time I had this 95 Miata a (new then) 2002 R53 and a rather modified 1979 Mini in the garage and lived near some nice twisty country roads. Taking all 3 out on same roads really let you experience the differences 'tween them. What FUN!!

- In 2106 Mrs was looking for a new 'fun car' <last child moved out> and with fond memories of the NA we looked at Miata. Unfortunately they were too low for getting in/out with our worn out hips ..... Then one day Mrs saw a Roadster ..... she'd never noticed one b4 and got VERY interested. Long story short I found a 'never been sold' '15, S with manual, about 90 miles away at a dealer. We went to see and came home with the car. It is sad that the R59 didn't sell well as we found it to be comparable to the Miata in the fun factor, sits higher making in/out easier for us older farts, and has significantly more 'boot' space. If you've never seen the trunk on a roadster you'd be VERY surprised. I was never a fan of the R58 Coupe but the 59 has been a fine ride for us . . . not as much room as the hatch for stuff but if only two people arguably more room in the boot than the 'vertable MINI (daughter has one so we can directly compare)


p.s. son pretty much learned the drive in the Miata and even drove it to school/work senior year of h.s. He eventually bought my R53 during college time. Graduated a while ago and now makes enuf to get a 'toy' .... just bought a 2016 Miata (CARVANA, super low miles, Brembo package) .... easy to see which one he prefers . . . BTW he's a big guy ... 6'1" 240 ..... put the seat lowering brackets in the Miata as soon as he got it

 

Bob-O
Like you I will never use the back seats but ...just in case I didn't pull them out. You will find that you really do have a nice flat area and not a lot to gain by pulling the seats (in my opinion).

 

I had a base 2015 Cayman PDK and a 2014 MCS manual. Its night and day. The MCS feels like a luxury car in comparison. The Cayman tramlines, hydroplanes in scary ways in the wet and is VERY noisy at anything above 40mph. When I asked the dealer about the noise, he said may choose the Boxster because the insulated top is actually quieter on the highway than the Cayman's hardtop. I cant verify that but have always been curious if true.
Either way, the Cayman is an epic, hardcore sports car for occasional use while the MCS or MCJCW are far better daily drivers and every bit as fun on the street for me at least.
I also had a 2016 M2 which was epic fun but took harsh ride and road noise to a whole new level! My 2014 911 Cabriolet was probably the best GT car I've owned yet but holy canoli the maintenance out of warranty was eye watering! $7.5k to replace clutch? No thanks!

 

Do you get a lot of additional interior noise leaving the seats folded down as opposed to up? I tend to experience that in most hatchbacks I've had. The Mini especially, but that may have been due to a number of other factors as well (near 100k miles and with a Borla exhaust).

 

I have had both an RF and a ST MX-5 - hated them both - least favorite cars I've ever had. I didn't like the RF because of the excessive wind noise when the removable roof was folded up. The ST gave me incredible anxiety commuting and I was basically pit-maneuvered by a brand new Ford Expedition - lady claimed she didn't see me. Horrible blind spots, and at 6' tall and 175 lbs I still didn't feel comfortable. I only realized this after purchasing the car and commuting an hour each way to work. I was able to sell the car to my dealership and walk away with no money out of pocket to get rid of it. I have a F56 JCW HT on the way. It's sitting at the port in Southampton. Hopefully will be here soon!