Hi to everyone.
I am fortunate to own both.
I have a 1990 MX5 (Rear wheel drive) and some MR2's. (AW11 as well as SW20)
To me they are chalk and cheese. I love them equally though.
Many years ago (1967) I used to race a gocart and the AW11 reminds me of that time. The AW11 is like a big gocart to me.
My SW20 is totally different and drives more like a super car than a gocart. 
The MX5 reminds me very much of an early MGB. My MX5 is slower in acceleration than my MR2's but has a much quicker gear change. The gear stick on the MX5
sits directly in the box whereas the MR2's use cables.
Seats are good in both cars and the seating position is very similar.
Working on the engine, changing the coolant doing mechanical work etc is far easier in my MX5 than my MR2's.
With the roof down on the MX5 you get full 360 degree vision whereas a Targa top MR2 the vision is slightly restricted. You can feel a little less protected
in the MX5 though.
With the roof up however the MX5 feels a little claustrophobic. I am 5' 3" so pretty short and I feel as if I have keep my head down in the MX5.
The MR2's on the other hand feel much more spacious.
 
Many people will have very differing opinions on both but to me they are terrific cars.
I understand that there are probably more MX5's than MR2's in Australia.
Cheers
John
 
  

I am still weighing up what to buy as a second car when finances permit, or when the right car comes along. Funny enough my choices are all related to the last post, MX-5, AW11 or SW20.
 
I used to own an AW11 some years ago, and without doubt it has worked out to be the most fun car I have ever owned. And fun for me is the main reason to get this sort of car. Unfortunately they were rare back in the day and are more so now, especially in Vic. I am very interested in the SW20, if not something new to me, but it may also suit my maturity, my main concern has been that many people who have driven and rate the AW11 is the SW20 is less fun to drive, and more of a GT car than a sports car in standard form.
 
By contrast the MX-5 seems to be a very safe bet, apart from issues dealing with soft tops and the fact I am tall. They do have a lot going for them; smaller, lighter, more readily available, easier to work on, and a less sophisticated engine bay, and a car to put a smile on your face with ease. I have never owned a convertible either. Prices however seem strong, and in comparison I'd say you get a lot more car for your money buying either Toyota. For me I still I have a huge leaning toward either Toyota, as like many I still can't quite shake off that 'Barbie car' vibe from the MX-5 but perhaps I just need to find one to beef up, or one that sends out less feminine signals.

Just drive them...
but a non turbo mx5 really needs tight twisty roads to get it, otherwise it can be a bit underwhelming.

Hi guys,
 
First post here, so hello, hope all are well.
 
Car History:
1995 Toyota 4Runner 2005-2006
1988 Nissan Pulsar 2006-2010
2002 Mazda MX-5 2006-2009
1990 Nissan 180SX 2009-2011
1990 Suzuki Vitara (Highly Modified) 2011-Current
1995 Toyota MR2 2012-Current
 
I used to own a 2002 NB8B MX-5, which was a NA Variable Valve Timing 6 Speed Manual. I now own my brothers Gen III SW20 NA 5 Speed Manual. 
 
I have driven both over plenty over the years. Alright here goes my 2c....
 
My SW20 has Whiteline Heavy Duty Adjustable Swaybars, and a cold air intake, other than that it is bone stock.
 
My NB8B, had Whiteline Heavy Duty Adjustalke Swaybars, Tein S-Tech Springs, Carbing Front and Rear Strut Braces, Chassis Bracing, Fidanza Lightened Flywheel, Heavy Duty Exedy Sports Tuff Clutch, Short Shift Kit, Slotted and Cross Drilled Rotors, EBC Greenstuff Pads and a Cold Air Intake.
 
MX5 vs MR2
 
MX5 was faster in every way, be it round a corner, braking, or acceleration (bearing in mind it is modified, I'll see how the SW20 goes once I've installed all the goodies onto it)
 
MX5 is obviously newer so it feels tighter, it is more fun to drive (for me). Has better turn it, but has a tendency to over steer once pushed to limit. I have found the MR2 to under steer when pushed hard, unless your going into a corner at stupid speeds. 
 
MR2 does definitely look better, much more aggressive, MX5 does look nice, but definitely a hair dressers car, haha.
 
So far I've found it almost difficult to get parts for the MR2, where as the MX5 is easy to get anything for.
 
MX5 definitely costs more to service and isn't as economical on fuel.
 
I do definitely prefer the engine behind my head, sounds great when pushed, but I think that's the reason the MR2 under steers a little to much for my liking.
 
Look I could honestly go on all day about the positives and negatives of both cars, because they've been in my family for years.
 
At the end of the day you need to drive both cars, and all variations of each and decide on which one of them suits you situation and which one you like the most. They are both great cars and I promise you which ever way you go, you will fall in love with your choice, both these cars have an amazing aftermarket following, and a great community behind them, are great to drive.
 
Hope this helps,
 
Goodluck
 
Matty 
 
 

gen 3 sw20?...
 
im assuming you mean a non-vvt sw20 n/a?

The later model (94+ in Aus) has different sussy geometry than the early ones because "most people don't have the reactive ability of a race driver". This could explain some of your understeer problem. Maybe do a bit of trail braking haha

I always thought it was 92+ when they went to different rear suspension, 15" wheels and larger brakes etc.
 
Understeer can be reduced by fitting wider tires on the front, (205/50R15 instead of the stock 195/55R15)
But I have found a wide variation with grip between different brand tires, so this will affect understeer also.
ARB settings can also influence understeer.
I have the later model rear X-member with the later model ARB's (19mm) fitted to my '90 model and use the above size tires, making handling close to neutral in hard cornering.
 

They tweaked suspension again in late '93 (Rev 3) with redesigned lower arms on the front and modifications to the rear suspension brackets. You could say the Rev 2 was a more dramatic change from the twitchy original, while Rev3 was a continuation of that theme, for some maybe a tad too much.

I'm really hoping that once I fit new bushes, sway bar supports, end links, and coilovers that the problem can be adjusted out, which I'm sure it will be.

If not I'll get the trd strut braces, or another brand if they're to hard to come by. (suggestions?)

My MX5 became a completely different car once all these were fitted.

Thanks guys

Matty

Cheers

i've got the old model... but the only time i've ever experienced understeer is turning hard from a stationary start... theres no weight in the front and less when you first take off..... maybe you just need to adjust when and how much you hit the gas?
 
i now have whiteline sways front and rear and if anything it's a tad tail happy.... good for laughs on club runs but it IS more squirmy than with the factory sways.