At some point during the daily commute or driving through a clogged city center, just about every driver on the planet has felt the urge to mash the accelerator and run for the hills. But unfortunately, most people stuck behind the wheel don't ever actually get to enjoy their car for the performance machine that it is, instead just using it as a boring means of conveyance.

For anyone who has found the empty pandemic roads beckoning but who drives a boring commuter car, the urge to go out and purchase a sports car can seem overwhelming. But equally overwhelming is the decision of what car to buy? New or used, power or handling, buy or lease, coupe or convertible—maybe hatchback—the market for sports cars can feel huge.

But as a beginner buying a new sports car for some canyon carving or even a bit of autocross or track-day fun, there's really one model that stands out from the pack—it's a tried-and-true entrant into the world of sporty driving and older versions also represent the best used sports car on the secondhand market, as well: the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

The Best Bang For The Buck

2019-mazda-miata-rf-pros-and-cons
via Motor1

The Miata has been around since 1989 and very rarely over the years has it faced the same kind of competition it has today. A few challengers currently on the market include Honda's hardcore Civic Type R, the Mini Cooper S, and some of Detroit's current muscle cars, the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and Dodge Challenger, as well as the Miata's nearest comparable, the little sportster alternately known as the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota 86.

The Miata and the BRZ-86 easily outclass the rest of the pack when it comes to entry-level sports cars. First of all, the Civic and the Mini Cooper are both front-wheel drive. Now, sure, Honda might have built the greatest front-wheel-drive sports car of all time, but it's just not the same as swinging out the rear end. Meanwhile, the crop of American muscle cars, though powerful and surprisingly affordable, all weigh well over 3,000 pounds and, at the lower price points, mainly excel in straight-line sprinting.

Really, the decision comes down to the Miata and the BRZ-86, which are lightweight, rear-wheel drive, sports cars with respectable (if not overwhelming) power and an optional stick shift. They're affordable, starting at under $30,000 and they come from reliable companies with solid warranties.

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Different Strokes For Different Folks

Mazda Miata RF
via Pinterest

The BRZ-86 does have a few advantages, mostly in the form of a bit more power under the hood, which also comes from a flat-four, meaning a slightly lower center of gravity. Meanwhile, it's also got rear seats (even if they're tiny) that do fold down. But the BRZ-86 duo costs more, weighs more, and has had a few frightening engine recalls. Plus, it looks like a turbo variant could be on the way soon, which would make the current iteration obsolete.

All told, the Miata wins hands-down because it's the lightest of the bunch, costs less, comes in both coupe and hardtop convertible form, and has much better styling on both the exterior and interior. Mazda is currently celebrating 100 years as a manufacturer and the Miata has been a big part of the brand's success for over 30 years, with subtle, smooth styling today that hearkens back to earlier generations while adopting Mazda's excellent design aesthetic of the past few years.

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High Quality At Low Cost

2020-mazda-mx-5-miata-interior-inside
via Autodius

The 2020 Miata is currently available in a few different trim levels, though the overall recipe remains the same. All are powered by the same inline-four engine, which displaces 2.0 liters and produces 181 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM. Those figures aren't liable to overwhelm anyone, but the biggest stat that affects the Miata is its curb weight: in base Sport spec and equipped with a manual transmission, the car only weighs 2,341 pounds! (Compare that to the BRZ-86, which tips the scales at a minimum of 2,776 pounds.)

Stepping up to the Miata RF in Club trim adds the hardtop convertible, which translates to an additional 111 pounds of heft, though also includes stiffer suspension to really bring out the car's taut-yet-compliant characteristics. It almost goes without saying, but there's any doubt what someone getting into a beginner sports car should choose in terms of transmission, the six-speed stick shift is the way to go.

Truly, the Miata's low weight puts it into a class of its own. Throw in perfect balance, good looks, a low price tag, and the choice between the soft top and hardtop convertible and there's no beating it for the money.

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Take Things Up A Notch

Flyin Miata Turbo Package
via Flyin' Miata

For buyers with a bit more change, the next step up in terms of performance without sacrificing all the characteristics that makes the Miata so wonderful would be the Porsche siblings, the Boxster and Cayman—but they'll cost about twice as much to get into mid-engined glory.

On the other hand, the aftermarket community loves the Miata, so quick and easy mods are cheap and plentiful. The first and best upgrade (as always) should be some high-quality wheels and tires to improve upon the already stellar handling. A high-flow intake with freer exhaust wouldn't hurt either, which could combine with an ECU tune to give the little inline-four a bit more pep. For those with the funds, the famous tuning company Flyin' Miata also offers a bolt-on turbocharger kit that will truly elevate the 2020 Miata into a whole new class of its own.

Sources: Car and Driver, CNET, Motor1, and Flyin' Miata.

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