2017 Toyota 86 A/T vs 2016 Mazda MX-5 A/T

Having a high level of horsepower is something that most people crave, but there is also something very satisfying with a balanced sports car. With the perfect call in not only the output of the engine, but the steering, chassis and brakes well, they become more of a good dance partner, following your lead without trying to overwhelm you in every corner.

In this episode of Dancing with the Car, the two sports cars that perfectly fit the mold presents a very well balanced driver pleasant: fresh Toyota 86 and the Mazda MX-5. It comes with the added bonus of also with cars not in violation of two million pesos. Of course, opt for the three pedal set-up would make the purest form of human-machine interaction, but let's face it: who finally bought a manual today? Both are equipped with an automatic pistol, the Toyota 86 and MX-5 challenge each other to a dance off.

Time certainly has been good for Toyota 86 as it enters its fourth year in this market in 2016. And the secret lies in part because conservative styling. It's sleek and sporty, but also largely generic. One can argue it mostly as generic as its spiritual predecessor, AE86, which just happens to catch your attention when it was painted with "Tofu Delivery Service" on the door. This year though, Toyota has done their part, the modernization of 86 see the new style bumper, LED lights, better looking wheels and new LED tail lights. Unfortunately, "Boxer 86" logo on faux fender vents are now gone, replaced by a simple round. They should be removed altogether and go to see the free badge on the side.

The phrase, Multum in parvo or "much in little" perfectly describes the MX-5. As the smallest roadster has been out of Hiroshima, it's hard to imagine how Mazda could fit their intricate design theme there. But they somehow did it and it worked beautifully. Compared with most of the generic lines, angles, and angry from 86, MX-5 uses a gentle curve to cast a sensual silhouette. Plus, the surface interplaying working with light and reflections, visual overstate overall shape. Although large, it is still not perfect: the headlights look too small in proportion to the entire front-end and antenna could be tucked away in a neater somewhere. At the end of the day though, constantly smiling MX-5 is the most visible sign that your car has a lot of fun dancing through the corners like you.

Winner: Mazda MX-5

inland

As a roadster, the MX-5 has some compromises to be made to the interior; after all, it's supposed to withstand a bit of bad weather with the top down. And while it is not clear in the photos, the material used here quite a lot of various durable. Although well-textured whole, the dashboard, door trim, and even a piece of bark to run the passenger side all hard to the touch. Plastic shades though, the rest of the cabin gets the highest score. The single best thing is how the exterior color playfully given at the top of the door. Meanwhile, the rest of the interior is divided with other modern Mazdas good and bad. This is good, because all the driving controls logically placed and fall where the driver naturally expect them to be; it's bad because there is not much in terms of differentiation compared to more pedestrian Mazda2 or Mazda3. Get this, even a three-spoke steering wheel is larger and not as thick as one in 86.

Meanwhile, you could say that most of the work is done by 86 going on inside, where executions have definitely made it more premium sport coupe feeling than when it first came out. First, the ricer has significantly declined with only front seats and door trims are now receiving over-the-top red highlights. Then, the soft-touch dashboard top of this continuous carbon fiber inserts now go all the way to the passenger side without unsightly sores. Finally and most importantly, driving controls have received their fair share of tweaking on how to make the best segment. Gauges, now incorporating multi-info screen digital show everything from oil and water temperature to a G-meter to lap timer, with a fun and useful. Even the smaller steering wheel diameter is now even made compact, while still incorporating satellite controls for audio and trip computer functions. Together with this 86 tilt / telescopic adjustment wheel and more movement to the driver's seat, meaning it is much more forgiving for more body types and sizes of the MX-5. If there is one thing that needs changing in Toyota though, the audio system is cheap. This is the level of Clarion and Kenwood old system, but still horrible to see and use.

Space and Practicality

The MX-5 can’t talk, but it minces no words when it comes to lecturing you on the perfect driving position. With only small adjustments possible to the steering wheel and driver’s seat, you have to feel comfortable in Mazda’s prescribed Jinba-ittai driving position. It feels constricting at first, especially compared to the amount of seat adjustment possible in the 86, but the scientifically-backed driving position does improve the overall driving feel and comfort. The best driving position is with the seatback less upright and the legs aren’t as spread out. Even the arms are nicely tucked close to the steering wheel with the elbows having an almost 90-degree angle to them. The cabin is so well-contoured and tailored to the driver that the small frame feels just right. It’s not roomy, but not claustrophobic at the same time. Unsurprisingly, the sole passenger may not share the same level of enthusiasm. Not only does the limited space not allow much room for slouching, but the transmission does protrude a bit into the passenger’s foot well. Surprisingly enough, the MX-5 does have considerable more trunk space than the Toyota 86.

Compared to the MX-5, the Toyota 86 is far less demanding on the driver or passenger. With a bigger cabin to play around with (it’s supposed to seat four in a pinch), the 86 also offers way more in all fronts: head, shoulder, and leg room. Apart from just mere space, the 86 manages to fit in more cubby holes. While the Mazda lets you fit a mobile phone in front of the shifter, a pair of sunglasses on the center console, and everything else in a lockable bin between the seats, the Toyota has a proper glove box. Enough said. And though it doesn’t boast of the same deep trunk of the MX-5, the 86 does have a proper spare tire too. Finally, although the notion of driving a roadster is definitely romantic, the fixed roof 86 does have marginally have better NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) isolation.

Winner: Toyota 86

Performance and Fuel Economy

Neither car is quick in a straight line as an executive sedan will smoke them to the quarter mile. But what they give up in outright pace, they more than make up for in outstanding driver involvement. Push the starter button and the 86’s telltale boxer engine rumbles to life. The sound is designed to permeate the cabin even at idle and it makes itself all the more present at the slightest throttle application. It makes the 86 feel quicker than it really is, through the piped-in induction sound gets aurally tiring after a while. Apart from the droning engine sound, the 86’s accelerator is also quite jumpy. This is easily adjusted for though, and once you’re used to it, the automatic’s just as good, perhaps even better than the manual gearbox. There’s also no questioning the handling precision dialed into the 86. The steering is linear and quick, with a crisp turn in and obedient front-end. The rear-end isn’t as willing to dance as the front, opting to err safely towards understeer, but applying full throttle is still enough to promote a power-on drift. The ride’s been noticeably improved compared to before, but it still rides stiffly next to the MX-5.

Compared to the 86 which has become obsessed with nailing down numbers, the MX-5 has instead focused on the intangible experience. Not one aspect, from power to chassis to braking, overpowers all the others making this a beautifully balanced machinery. The 2.0-liter unit in the MX-5 makes less power than the 86, but it’s also worth noting that this car’s also lighter. The raspy engine note is also far less obtrusive and that makes it a much more hospitable companion during long trips. And then, you have the transmission which is far superior in both smoothness and linearity. But what sets the MX-5 apart from the 86 is how it feels telepathic for the driver in the way the entire car behaves around you. The steering may feel a little less direct in its response or maybe there’s more noticeable body roll in this set-up, but it’s all done deliberately. Throw it into a corner, and you don’t need to wonder how much weight is shifting, because you just feel it. It’s the same with the steering which is less of controlling the movements of the front wheels, but more of feeling how the entire car rotates around you. This car is clearly designed around the driver.

Winner: Mazda MX-5

Value for Money

Both of these cars are true entry-level sports cars each with an asking price below P 1,900,000. For 2017, Toyota has simplified the 86 line-up and it just tops out at just P 1,864,000 even when opting for the premium Crystal White Pearl paint job. Yet, it still comes in reasonably loaded: LED exterior lighting (no daytime running lights), push button start/stop, leather-and-suede seat material, dual zone climate control, a Kenwood infotainment system, and even a full suite of 7 airbags, anti-lock brakes, vehicle stability control, and a Torsen-type Limited Slip Differential.

Meanwhile, the 2016 Mazda MX-5 is priced just a tad cheaper at P 1,860,000 and that’s considering it’s the only one that can drop its top whenever the elements permit. Sadly, the more affordable price tag means some features have disappeared like cruise control and shockingly, the LSD system. It does try to make amends by putting in a more premium 9-speaker Bose sound system, but after trying out the LSD-equipped 86, Mazda should seriously re-think and offer the MX-5 with LSD. If it’s offered in the M/T get-up, there’s no reason not to offer it in the A/T as well. Whether you’re driving with three pedals or two, the added stability and security by having LSD apart from stability control is very welcome.

Winner: TIE

Driven back to back, it’s amazing how both the Toyota 86 and the Mazda MX-5 both stick to a simple formula of putting the driver at the center of the action. Both of these cars are engaging dance partners in their own right, with their superb skills and technique, offering some of the best driving experience at or below speed limits. Both are also mighty fun to drive, putting a smile on your face at every occasion. Be that as it may, the smiles are just wider and much more genuine behind the wheel of the MX-5. It’s the winner here because it transcends mere numbers and actually puts emotion and oneness with its dance partner over simple precision and technic. In one word, “chemistry” – and you can’t put a price on that.

2017 Toyota 86 A/T vs 2016 Mazda MX-5 2.0 A/T

Ownership2017 Toyota 86 2.0 A/T2016 Mazda MX-5 2.0 A/TYear Introduced2013 (Refreshed: 2016)2015Vehicle ClassificationSports CarSports CarThe BasicsBody Type2-door coupe2-door convertibleSeating2+22Engine / DriveF/RF/RUnder the HoodDisplacement (liters)2.02.0AspirationNormally AspiratedNormally AspiratedFuel DeliveryDirect InjectionDirect InjectionLayout / # of CylindersI4I4BHP @ rpm200 @160 @ 6,000Nm @ rpm205 @200 @ 4,600Fuel / Min. OctaneGasoline / 95~Gasoline / 95~Transmission6 AT6 ATCruise ControlYesNoFuel Economy @ Ave. Speed7.29 km/L @ 13 km/h8.33 km/L @ 13 km/hDimensions and WeightsLength (mm)4,2403,915Width (mm)1,7751,735Height (mm)1,3201,230Wheelbase (mm)2,5702,310Curb Weight (kg)1,2851,063Suspension and TiresFront SuspensionIndependent, MacPherson StrutIndependent, Double WishboneRear SuspensionIndependent, Double WishboneIndependent, Multi-linkFront BrakesVented DiscVented DiscRear BrakesVented DiscDiscTiresMichelin Primacy HP,

215/45 R 17 W (f & r)Bridgestone Adrenalin RE002,

 205/45 R 17 W (f & r)WheelsAlloyAlloySafety FeaturesAirbags72Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)YesYesTraction / Stability ControlYesYesParking SensorsNoneRearOther Safety FeaturesHill Start Assist

Limited Slip DifferentialHill Start AssistExterior FeaturesHeadlightsLEDLEDFog LampsFrontNoneAuto LightsYesNoRain-sensing WipersNoNoInterior FeaturesSteering Wheel AdjustTilt/TelescopicTiltSteering Wheel MaterialLeatherLeatherSeating AdjustmentManualManualSeating SurfaceLeather/SuedeLeatherFolding Rear SeatYesNoOn-Board ComputerYesYesConvenience FeaturesPower SteeringYesYesPower Door LocksYesYesPower WindowsYesYesPower MirrorsYes, with FoldYesClimate ControlDual ZoneAutomaticAudio SystemStereo

DVD

MP3

Aux

USB

Bluetooth

Wireless MirroringStereo

DVD

MP3

Aux

USB

Bluetooth

GPS# of Speakers69, BoseSteering ControlsYesYes

Tweet