Mazda MX-5 Miata 0 to 60

According to expert testing, the 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds.
Written by Macy Fouse
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is iconic for a reason—the lightweight roadster went from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds in expert driving tests.  
Not everyone chooses the Miata for its speediness, but it definitely doesn’t hurt. And not everyone wants to spend the equivalent of a college education on a sports car, which is why the Miata stays at the top of the game when it comes to affordable and thrilling rides. 
Here to outline all the details and specs for Mazda’s classic MX-5 Miata coupe is
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. We’ll cover all your questions about the Miata’s speed, including how fast it is, how it drives, and how it compares to its rivals—plus, how to save on your
Mazda MX-5 Miata's insurance costs
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How fast is the Mazda MX-5 Miata 0 to 60?

5.7 seconds. 
Car and Driver recorded that the soft-top Miata got to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, and the hard-top RF model reached 60 in 5.8 seconds.
The MX-5 Miata is a longtime favorite for many reasons, including its affordability-to-speed ratio, but its agile handling and fun nature are icing on the cake. 
MORE: How to get an accurate car insurance quote

What makes the MX-5 Miata so fast?

The MX-5 Miata comes with a six-speed manual transmission, which makes the performance of the car shine brightest. The Miata’s powertrain is equipped with a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower. Because the Miata is so small, the engine is plenty responsive and powerful enough.
Even at higher speeds, the Miata maintains its smooth steering and easy brakes. With its eager handling, the small roadster tackles changing directions like a champ.
MORE: How to protect a convertible interior
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Mazda MX-5 Miata 0 to 60 vs. competitors

The MX-5 Miata is an icon, but how does it compare to its competitors? The Miata doesn’t actually have many known rivals in its class—it’s one of the only affordable sports cars that comes with a convertible option. 
The
Fiat 124 Spider
can give the Miata a run for its money in some areas of competition. They share many of the same benefits—small, convertible, two seats—but the Spider has an Italian flair and it’s slightly cheaper. However, the drive isn’t as smooth as the Miata’s. 
The
BMW Z4
has the same sporty and lightweight ride, but it has 382 horsepower compared to the Miata’s 181. As a luxury brand, the Z4 also costs about $12,000 more than the Miata. 
The Audi TT Roadster is another premium competitor of the Miata that packs more horsepower in its two-seater body. The TT boasts standard all-wheel drive and a more luxurious interior—but also a higher price tag.
Of course, the
Porsche 718 Boxster
is one of the more iconic roadster convertibles out there if you’re willing to spend more. It’s faster, smoother, and more chic than the Miata, but the base model starts at $63,950, making it less affordable. 
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of all the specs and how they compare in terms of speed and power.
Car
Engine
Transmission
Power
Torque
0 to 60
Quarter mile
2022 MX-5 Miata
2.0-liter inline four-cylinder
6-speed manual
181 hp
151 lb-ft
5.7 sec
14.4 sec
2020 Fiat 124 Spider
1.4-liter four-cylinder
6-speed automatic or manual
160 hp
184 lb-ft
6.8 sec
15.3 sec
2022 BMW Z4
2.0-liter four-cylinder
8-speed automatic
255 hp
295 lb-ft
5.2 sec
12.3 sec
2022 Audi TT Roadster
2.0-liter four-cylinder
S-tronic® dual-clutch automatic
228 hp
258 lb-ft
5.5 sec
13.6 sec
2022 Porsche 718 Boxster
2.5-liter four-cylinder
6-speed manual
300 hp
280 lb-ft
4.3 sec
14.7 sec

How to save money on car insurance in record time

Whether you’ve got your eye on a Mazda MX-5 Miata or you just value speediness, you can save money on your
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