2024 Toyota GR86 vs Mazda MX-5 // Which is the Best Sports Car for under $40K?

2024 GR86 vs. MX-5: The Lightweight Showdown

The world has changed dramatically since the glory days of JDM sports cars. Back then, it was all about simple, lightweight machines built to put a massive grin on your face. Fast forward to today, and the roads are swarmed with crossovers and EVs that prioritize practicality over passion. So how is it possible that the GR86 and MX-5—two cars that helped redefine fun in the ’80s and ’90s—still matter in 2024? Spoiler: they do. And we’re here to dive into why.

Let’s put them head-to-head in what may be the purest comparison of modern-day lightweight sports cars. Is it the GR86 or the MX-5 that deserves the top spot in your heart (and garage)? Let’s find out.

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Under the Hood: Engines, Power, and Weight

The MX-5 is sticking to its tried-and-true formula for 2024. It’s still the ND platform but now in its ND3 iteration. The updates are minor, but the heart remains the same: a 2.0L naturally aspirated inline-four pumping out 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers might not sound earth-shattering, but with the MX-5 tipping the scales at just 2,400 pounds, it’s more than enough to make you giggle like a kid. Send it past 3,000 RPM, and you’re treated to an engine that loves to rev and rewards you with every push.

The GR86, on the other hand, packs more muscle—a 2.4L flat-four boxer engine delivering 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. At 2,800 pounds, it’s heftier than the MX-5 by around 400 pounds, which is significant in a class where lightness is king. But does the extra power compensate for the added weight? We lined them up for a drag race to settle the question.

**Drag Race Verdict:** Both cars are hilariously close in speed. The GR86 edges out slightly with its extra torque, especially at higher speeds, but honestly, who cares? These cars aren’t about numbers on a spec sheet—it’s about how they feel in the corners.

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The MX-5: A Precision Tool

The MX-5 has always been about handling, and the ND3 refines an already near-perfect recipe. With Bilstein dampers, Brembo brakes, and a newly tweaked asymmetrical limited-slip differential, the MX-5 feels surgically precise. It’s light, torquey, and responds to every input with immediacy. Whether you’re carving a canyon or navigating a twisty back road, it feels like the car is an extension of you.

The 6-speed manual gearbox in the MX-5 deserves special praise. It’s short, snappy, and just feels right. Heel-toe downshifting is a breeze, thanks to perfect pedal spacing, and there’s very little rev hang to interrupt the flow. The steering, now with a revised rack for 2024, is light but more engaging than ever. And while it’s not immune to body roll, that’s part of the MX-5’s charm. It’s playful, forgiving, and absolutely joyous.

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The GR86: A Track Weapon

If the MX-5 feels like a scalpel, the GR86 is a sledgehammer—but in a good way. Over the years, it’s grown bigger and heavier, but it’s still incredibly agile. The 2024 GR86 with the Performance Pack comes loaded with Brembo brakes, Sachs dampers, and Michelin PS4S tires, making it a sharper, more dialed-in machine. Body roll? Practically nonexistent. Stability? Rock solid, even when you’re pushing hard through corners.

The GR86 feels more planted than the MX-5, but it’s not as playful. It’s the car you want on a racetrack, with its extra grip and flatter handling. The 6-speed manual is smooth, with short throws that’ll keep your left hand busy. The clutch, however, is stiffer and has a shorter travel compared to the MX-5, making it feel more track-oriented but slightly less forgiving for everyday driving.

Unlike the MX-5, the GR86 doesn’t have a torque dip, and it pulls harder in the midrange. Whether you’re gunning it out of a corner or blasting down a straight, the GR86 delivers punchy, immediate power. Plus, the pumped-in engine noise—while divisive—gives it a sportier vibe.

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Exterior Design

The Mazda MX-5 and Toyota GR86 offer two distinct design philosophies that cater to different tastes. The MX-5 leans into its timeless charm with smooth, flowing lines, a compact silhouette, and an overall “cute but feisty” vibe. For 2024, its updated headlights and taillights add a touch of modernity to its classic appeal. On the other hand, the GR86 cranks up the aggression with sharper angles, a wider stance, and an unmistakable "track-ready" attitude. Its bold Track bRed paint screams performance, while side by side, you’ll notice the GR86 dwarfs the MX-5 in both height and width. Both feature sporty Brembo brakes and striking wheel designs, but where the MX-5 feels elegant and approachable, the GR86 commands attention with its edgier, meaner demeanor. Ultimately, it’s a question of whether you want playful sophistication or assertive boldness.

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Interior, Tech, and Practicality

The MX-5’s interior feels refined, with a new touchscreen that now supports wireless Apple CarPlay. The seats are snug with aggressive bolstering, but if you’re over six feet tall, you might feel a bit claustrophobic. Storage? Forget it. There’s barely room for a phone, let alone a week’s worth of groceries. But let’s be real: you don’t buy an MX-5 for practicality. You buy it to drop the top and feel the wind in your hair.

The GR86, in contrast, is bigger, roomier, and more usable. It has rear seats (technically), though they’re better suited for backpacks than passengers. The interior has a retro-JDM vibe, with suede accents and a digital dashboard that screams “race car.” It’s not as polished as the MX-5, but it’s youthful and fun. Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the trunk is surprisingly spacious, holding more than the MX-5 even with its hardtop folded.

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Evolution of the Modern Sports Car

The GR86 and MX-5 represent a dying breed in a world dominated by practical crossovers and silent EVs. They’re not just cars—they’re a statement. They remind us of an era when driving was about connection, excitement, and joy. Sure, they’re not perfect. Neither car is what you’d call practical, and they’re certainly not the quietest rides on the road. But they’re proof that fun still matters.

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Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Buy?

The GR86 is the more focused car. It’s precise, powerful, and ready to attack any track you throw at it. If you want a car that’s more about lap times and less about pure fun, the GR86 is your pick.

The MX-5, on the other hand, is a reminder of why we fell in love with driving in the first place. It’s light, playful, and makes you smile every time you hop in. It’s not the fastest, but it doesn’t need to be.

Ultimately, it comes down to what you value most. Are you looking for a car that’s more practical and track-ready? Go for the GR86. Want something that feels like a best friend on four wheels? The MX-5 is waiting for you.

Either way, both cars are a big middle finger to boring SUVs and EVs. They’re proof that the spirit of driving isn’t dead—and that’s something worth celebrating.