MR2 vs MX5

I had a 98 NB mx5 for a good number of years. It had a very different feel to an mr2. The simple answer is test drive both, as you will quickly figure out which one you prefer.

For me, the mx5 felt very easy to drive hard straight away. Feel like centre of gravity is lower and less weight shift overall. Very adjustable in the middle of a corner, lift accelerator slightly or dab brake is all fine in the mx5.
Part of that is also the lack of power, with less power you have the sensation of being able to thrash it safely.

I drove a couple of older mx5 NAs when I when I decided to get this mr2, and the lack of power turned me off them. Our 2008 Ford focus family car felt a lot faster ;p , couldn't see the point of getting a slower "sports" car.

I am comparing to a Turbo mr2 so it is a whole different league. It feels quick, it handles like a light sports car, but definitely more weight shift than the mx5. It takes longer to feel comfortable, but still handles nicely. I don't get the sensation of being able to drive it flat out on the road though like an mx5.
I think I would still prefer an NA mr2 over an NA mx5.

A big thing the mx5 is so much easier to work on, nice big engine bay with a small engine :p, bulletproof engine too but not very refined.

Looks wise is not even close :) mr2 looks way better. Mr2 interior much nicer too.

The convertible thing was never a big deal for me either, I had hardtop on the mx5 by choice.

A very tight winding road like Mt Buffalo in Vic, ill take an mx5. Everywhere else ill take the mr2.

I owned a late model n/a SW20 for over 10 years and now have a '99 n/a MX5. In my opinion the MX5 is a much better balanced car and handles better whilst lacking the power of the MR2.
The MX5 SE model (2004-2006) is the turbo model and is the one to go for if power is your thing and a good one of these cost around $18,000 to $22,000.
If you want a 'gentlemans' sports car with a nice open top (rather than targa) that is quiet and refined you can buy a good '98 to 2000 1.8 litre basic car for around $9,000 to $12,000. I personally prefer these to the newer models as I think the later ones lost some of their personality.
The MR2 is a different animal and sometimes I miss what it represents so if you prefer a nicer looking car (IMO) that is noisier (in a nice way) that tests your driving skill at speed then buy a good condition SW20 n/a or turbo.

Yeah, the boot space of sdubs is surprising.
 I am a muso, and I can easily fit both my guitar and amp in the boot.
When I was first looking to buy an SW20, the boot space was the clincher.
 

When I had my na sw20 off the road for a few months, I was lucky enough to borrow my brothers NA mx5. Fun little car. Luggage space is rubbish. Steering is much sharper than the mr2, especially that initial turn in. Steering ratio is also quicker so that helps too. Gear ratios make much more sense than the mr2 which I feel is geared way too tall (2nd gear hits 100kph and 3rd hits 150!!!). Goes some way to making up for it's power deficit but it's still a fair bit slower than an na sw20. Also had the pleasure of taking the mx5 out on a few track days. Handling is balanced. Easy to make it oversteer or understeer. With the mr2 you need to make your intentions clearer for the car to step out. Mx5 has better turn in, especially in the tighter corners where the mr2 tends to understeer. It's definitely faster than the mr2 through the final turn at Wakefield. Mr2 has much better traction on corner exit. 

Wow, i never realised the boots were *that* big!
 
I also am a guitarist, though engineering + SAE (look it up if you don't know what that is) takes its toll time wise. As a daily, I think the MR2 (SW20) would be a better bet. Also do want a car with a bit of power, just don't have the funds for an M3 or M5 yet :P
 
Even if the MX5 is "quicker around corners/at the track", "easier to control for a less experienced driver", "more forgiving on the edge" etc, it doesn't mean the MR2 is rubbish!
Also, went out for my birthday last night, 7 free drinks from the local club :D, 5 drinks in, I imagined myself to be buying either an MR2 or an MX5, and thought,  MR2, no question! :P
 
It is surprising that a two seater MR is more *practical* than a two seater FR! one day (when the government lets me) i'll go around test driving all the n/a and blown MR2s and MX5s I can. It is a bit ridiculous to think a good comparison can be made purely on internet forums! (but it's a good place to start)

karnage
It is surprising that a two seater MR is more *practical* than a two seater FR! one day (when the government lets me) i'll go around test driving all the n/a and blown MR2s and MX5s I can. It is a bit ridiculous to think a good comparison can be made purely on internet forums! (but it's a good place to start)

Yeah, nothing like experiencing the real thing, but if test driving an sdub be aware that many of them are now well over 20 years old, and many have poorly maintained suspension parts (as well as a lot of other stuff lol).
 
My car was terrible to drive (even dangerous) when I first got it with a bad sway on corners and even hard to keep in a straight line.
A suspension overhaul soon fixed that, and totally transformed the car.

karnage

Wow, i never realised the boots were *that* big!

I also am a guitarist, though engineering + SAE (look it up if you don't know what that is) takes its toll time wise. As a daily, I think the MR2 (SW20) would be a better bet. Also do want a car with a bit of power, just don't have the funds for an M3 or M5 yet :P

Even if the MX5 is "quicker around corners/at the track", "easier to control for a less experienced driver", "more forgiving on the edge" etc, it doesn't mean the MR2 is rubbish!

The MR2 is certainly not 'rubbish' and no one on this forum ever said it was. The fact is is that the MX5 is certainly more balanced on corners and easier to control on the track for the novice IMO.  The MR2 is more of a challenge at speed and is more suited to the experienced driver on the track. It makes up for it with the extra power and a lot of drivers including myself probably appreciate this on the track even if it is a bit more of a handful than the MX5.