Which car is more manly? MR2 Spyder or Miata?

[weirdichi]

My bro is selling his 1991 MR2 if you're in MN and interested. Has 70k miles on it. New tranny.

 

[Actaeon]

I'll give my personal opinions about both cars.

Looks wise, that is all subjective. Neither are very "manly" to begin with, but it doesn't bother me at all. You either love the cars, or hate them.

Honestly, I like the fact I can drive around and not see very many Miatas. I MIGHT see another once a day on the way to/from work. On a Civic and such, you see at least 2-3 at every stoplight. and that would bother me. Fortunately, you're good to go with either car. The MR2 isn't as common as the Miata is, but the Miata isn't THAT common to begin with.

Stock, The MR2 is a better performing car. Depending on the year you get, the Miata has slightly less or more power, but the MR2 is lighter. On the other hand, the Miata has a larger and better aftermarket, and likely more potential for power. Plenty of 200+ RWHP Miatas on Miata.net. Lets also not mention the possiblities for an Engine Swap if you want to get even more exotic.

There is also more documentation on the Miata, more books, and more resources (Miata.net is a HUGE resource) for information.

Reliablity is also a concern, I am not sure how the MR2 fares as far as reliability goes, but knowing its a Toyota, it should be top notch. I cannot comment on this, however, I will comment on the Miata.

Miata has the 1.8L thats been around forever. I currently have 108k~ miles on my car, and it still runs strong. I also feel that the Miata will be easier to work on than the mid-engine layout the MR2 has. I personally have never worked with a mid-engine car, but I don't hear many good things about them.

Also, Toyota is discontinuing the MR2, and I have a feeling that might drive up prices for parts if anything ever breaks. Not sure how it'll affect resale value as well (could be positive or negative). On the other hand, Mazda is changing from its 1.8L to a 2.0L(?) on the next generation Miata, that might affect part prices as well.

Regardless, of how I feel, I believe you'll have fun in either car. There are plenty of other roadsters I rather have than a Miata (S2000, Z4...), but I'm not quite sure about the MR-2. I guess I'll need to drive one.

I know this is likely pretty biased towards the Miata, and I don't blame anyone for looking at it this way. After all, I do drive one. But I do believe I am being fair with my accessment.

I'd drive both, see which one you like better, then go for that. I will tell you though, as a Miata driver, I've enjoyed it alot.

 

[bo0]

The kinds of people i see driving a miata over here(San Diego) are either:
1. Girls
2. Metro Sexual guys
3. 40+ yr olds guys with racing gloves

 

[EyeMWing]

Miata is more raceway-worthy. MR2 is mid-engined. They're both just about even; unless you mean an OLD MR2, in which case, the choice is clear.

 

[Rock Hydra]

More manly --> Full size truck

 

[Baked]

Miata screams "I'm gay" or "I'm a woman."

 

[xSkyDrAx]

Go with a Miata...I'm thinking of a Miata as my first car too 😀

 

[lokiju]

Where's the "Neither" option?

 

[OS]

I've briefly thought about getting either, but for me the MR2 I might actually buy, but not a miata.

Like already mentioned, the MR2 is midengined, which no other car below 40K is. The next closest thing would be a boxster.

 

[Viper GTS]

Definitely the MR2. Especially in past generations.

Viper GTS

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Spyder wit hthe TRD body kit is manly. Just pick a good manly color too like Black and your set!

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo

Originally posted by: EGGO
Miata. I see more girls driving the Spyder, anyway.

However, I'd still take a Mini as a sporty driver who loves turns.

That's FWD, those two are RWD

point?

 

[OS]

oh yeah another thing;

MR2 + celica GTS swap=poor man's Elise

 

[Sentinel]

miata, but they are both chick cars

get a fvcking truck

 

[Malak]

Only middle-aged fat men drive miatas. Poor realtor bachelors drive mr2's. Depends on who you are.

 

[nutxo]

Hmm,

Skirt or kilt?

 

[OverVolt]

Originally posted by: NFS4
If you have to ask which is more "manly," then you don't deserve to drive either one

:thumbsup:

not the best looking car but it is a helluva lot of fun to drive, you have to drive it yourself to get the feel for it. Good car especially for under 15k.

everyone else just hasn;t driven in one.

 

[Shawn]

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
Spyder wit hthe TRD body kit is manly. Just pick a good manly color too like Black and your set!

My dad had a black spyder with the TRD body kit and it was nice. :thumbsup: Too bad they don't sell it anymore. I still prefer the miata though.

 

[malbojah]

Originally posted by: OS
oh yeah another thing;

MR2 + celica GTS swap=poor man's Elise

I thought the old MR2's came with the Celica GTS engines stock. All Toyota did was stick a turbo on the 2.0l models

 

[Nitemare]

Originally posted by: shimsham
ive only seen girls driving miatas.

I've seen gay men/metrohomersexuals driving them.

 

[Ameesh]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
Honestly I refuse to answer the poll because they are both the epitome of non-manliness. There is no right answer.

werd

 

[Fritzo]

Miata because it handles well, but they're still girly cars

 

[thedarkwolf]

I like the miata better. The idea of working on a mid engined mr2 gives me nightmares.

 

[OS]

Originally posted by: malbojah

Originally posted by: OS
oh yeah another thing;

MR2 + celica GTS swap=poor man's Elise

I thought the old MR2's came with the Celica GTS engines stock. All Toyota did was stick a turbo on the 2.0l models

Sorry, meant the new ones. I don't know if it's the case the old MR2s uses the old Celica GTS engines. That sounds about right though, since they're both 2.0s.

The current celica GTS uses a 1.8L called the 2zzge, which is the same engine Lotus uses in their Elise. Incidentally, the Elise is also a midengined roadster hence a current style MR2+2zz=poor man's elise.

 

[Ryan]

Personally - I'd go for the MR-2 if I could find a decent one - else, it's the MazdaSpeed Miata 😀