2016 Miata vs Scion FR-S
Hm, 2015 Mazda Miata MX-5 or the Scion FR-S? Scion, Mazda

Okay, just to make everything clear, we still do not possess substantial information regarding the latest specs on the 2016 Mazda Miata MX-5. As you may already know, the new 2016 Miata is an extremely important car for Mazda. Even more so than its legendary discontinued RX-7 sports car, the Miata defines the ethos of the automaker

"It's really a situation where you have to pinch yourself," described Mazda chief designer Derek Jenkins. "And then, the next thought is, 'I really hope we don't screw this up.'"

Over the past three generations of the Mazda Miata, challengers including the Toyota MR2, Pontiac Fiero, as well as the forgettable Pontiac Solstice and Mercury Capri have come and gone. Now, the latest rival to the Miata maybe considered the most formidable of all: the Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ. How will the new 'ND' 2016 Mazda Miata stack up against the immensely popular FR sports car?

As far as we know, the 2016 Mazda Miata will offer two distinct engine choices. First, a modest Mazda2-derived naturally-aspirated 1.5-liter engine is said to produce approximately 130 horsepower. Next, a much more potent 2.0-liter Skyactiv engine promises to punch close to 200 horsepower. Anonymous sources claim the 1.5-liter runabout will likely be found in more basic models that will save a lot of weight by forgoing luxury options like premium stereo, infotainment, navigation, power seats, and power windows. It could also be possible that a Miata Club Sport model removes the radio as well.

In philosophy, the Mazda Miata and the Scion FR-S are extremely similar. Both vehicles place an emphasis on handling and feel. To drive either car well, one must concentrate on carrying rhythm around the track and a lot of momentum around the corners. No doubt, in the compact FR sports car category, weight and agility is immensely important over outright power. That said, the 2.0-liter boxer engine in the FR-S boasts 200 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque. It's safe to say that the FR-S has clinched an early victory in the horsepower battle.

So let's begin with the other figures: The Scion FR-S measures 166.7 inches long, 69.9 inches wide, and 50.6 inches tall. Its wheelbase measures 101.2 inches long. Finally, the curb weight of the Scion FR-S tips the scale at 2758 lbs. As for the 2016 Mazda Miata, Road & Track leaked its exterior dimensions earlier this week. The new Miata measures just 154.1 inches long, 68.1 inches wide, and 48.62 inches tall. Its wheelbase is a miniscule 91.1 inches. The Miata is more than 10 inches shorter than the FR-S. According to reports, the 2016 Miata will also weigh 220 lbs. less than the outgoing NC Miata. Given the claim, we project the new 2016 Miata to weigh just 2,250 lbs., or a staggering 500 lbs. less than the FR-S!

Even if the 2016 Miata 2.0-liter Skyactiv is just a little short in power output, we are absolutely convinced that the 500 lbs. weight advantage puts the Miata far ahead of the FR-S. That said, we'll have to wait for the official release of the Miata in the months ahead before we can jump to a conclusion.

Now it's your turn. Would you choose the new 2016 Mazda Miata over the Scion FR-S or Subaru BRZ? Let us know in the comment section below!

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