2022 Mazda MX-5: soft-top or RF?
The Mazda MX-5, formerly known as the Miata, is one of the best compact sports cars you can get. There is a massive community around it, and each generation is unique on its own. I have driven every single one of them, and I will tell you, it would be challenging for me to choose one. Anyways, that’s not today’s subject. We want to know which version is better, the regular convertible MX-5 and its hard-top RF version.
For the 4th and current generation, Mazda decided things would be slightly different. The Japanese manufacturer introduced two versions to the public. By doing this, Mazda could offer a true soft-top convertible to those who enjoy this type of vehicle. And the retractable hard top RF version came along for those to prefer the style and the comfort of a coupe-style convertible car.
The Price
You will first notice that the RF version is relatively more expensive than the soft top MX-5. With this one, you get a price of $33,300, whereas it's $40,300 with the RF MX-5. Although, the price gap isn’t as huge as it seems since the soft top MX-5 offers three trim levels, GS, GS-P, and GT. For the RF MX-5, there are only two, the GS-P and the GT. If you really want to compare the price for the two, the soft top MX-5 GS-P starts at $37,300.
Performance
Both cars share the same engine, a 2.0 liter of 4 cylinders producing 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. I know this doesn’t sound like a lot, but the MX-5 is a very light car at only 1134 kilos in its heaviest form, which is the RF, of course. This can make a little difference on the driving experience, but it is not something you will notice unless you are timing yourself on a racetrack.
You can choose either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic with both cars, which is fantastic. In both cases the power is sent to the rear wheels. According to Mazda, the fuel consumption is about the same for both cars, with an average of 9.0 L/100 km in the city and 6.6 L/100 km on the highway.
Everything Is About Taste
To be honest with you, I would choose both cars in a perfect world, but I think this might help you decide which version you would take. I would prefer the RF MX-5 as a Monday-to-Friday car. Its hard top is perfect for winter conditions, but don’t forget it’s a rear-wheel-drive car. I think the RF version is better looking, to, and you can always enjoy a bit of wind and the sunny sky during the weekend with a partially retractable roof. On the other hand, the MX-5 soft top is the only one that offers an authentic convertible experience. In my opinion, it is the perfect weekend car in its category, and for this price.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
Tags: Mazda, Mazda MX-5
Author: Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
