5 Reasons Why I Prefer The Soft Top MX-5 Over The RF

Driving The 2017 Mazda Miata MX-5 RF Grand Touring

While both cars are fantastic, after spending a week in the 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF, several reasons made it apparent that I prefer the soft-top.

From The MX-5 Press Kit:
"Following the success of the third-generation MX-5 PRHT (power retractable hardtop), Mazda went a very different direction with the design of its power-folding fourth-gen. Called the MX-5 RF—for retractable fastback—the latest version of Mazda’s longstanding sports car was seen as the tuxedo complement to the
roadster’s track suit. Its top took all of 13 seconds to go from closed to open, or vice versa. MX-5 RF also introduced an aura of premium aesthetics in its seductive appeal, complemented with its Machine Gray Metallic paint, hand-painted black top and Auburn Nappa
leather interior. MX-5 RF captivated show-goers, retaining its familiarity with its soft-top sibling but charting new territory with the only top of its kind this side of six figures. The color combination proved so captivating that Mazda North American Operations sought to offer it exclusively as a 1,000-unit Launch Edition, giving the first customers of the MX-5 RF—some of Mazda’s most loyal customers—
but one option: six-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission or six-speed automatic."

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[gazorpazorp]

This guy is hard selling me my midlife crisis car. And it’s super affordable. Thanks Jason!

[HeleneBJean]

I am a grandmother in Canada and I subscribe to your channel! I learned to drive on back country roads in a push button start Corvair back in the 60s. My dad sold cars and was a car enthusiast and I inherited his passion. Just want to say I love listening to your technical but easy to follow explanations on every topic surrounding automobiles. I'm sure your mom is proud of you. P.S. I'd like to know what you think of Scotty Kilmer. He's not as techie and sharp as you for sure but he appreciates a good thing I think. Keep up the good work dear

[duster]

I drove both, including the FIAT 124 Abarth. I also briefly owned a silver NA. I've been a convertible and Miata guy my whole life (except for my almost 8 year torrid affair with a FIAT 500 Abarth), but when I drove the RF....I became a 'Hardtop all the way' guy. I already loved the looks of the RF more, but I loved how the cockpit felt with the roof up. I loved pushing that button and watching it fold away, Q Branch style. The amount of open air was a perfect amount, loved the back window that goes down too. Either way, Mazda has perfected the convertible top in both manual and electric, both in soft and hard tops. Kudos.

[Theo-lepo]

I think Mazda is to be congratulated on still producing a small, lightweight 'British' sportscar. The argument over which is best all comes down to personal preference. I believe you can weight up the options to all eternity. My advice would be to purchase one within budget and enjoy the car for what it is, whether it is an NA or ND. Happy motoring...

[jamesbarros]

You can tell when someone does a good review when based on their description, you can decide that you want the opposite of what they want. Thank you for presenting the differences clearly and understandably and helping provide us with good information and equipping us with things to think about on a test drive. :)

[TheCPUmeltdown]

I picked up the RF earlier this year and prefer the hard top for both its looks and functionality. Though the driver side blind spot issue was REALLY annoying, solved with a little convex mirror.

[takudzwandhlovu]

Insanely appreciate your videos, man. I'm always learning from this channel.

[Glasseh]

The RF is probably easier to live with on a day-to-day basis. Since it would be nicer to drive on the highway (less wind noise, etc), and you won't have to worry about maintaining the soft top.

If the Miata is your 2nd or 3rd car, then go with the soft top.
If it's your only, or 2nd car, then you're more likely to consider the RF.

[bonob]

2020: he buys this car. Money where his mouth was.

[LongSlenderNeck]

All valid points in my opinion, good video. I've test drove both and the wind noise was considerably more in the RF with the roof down due to that B pillar, which is why I bought the soft top instead.

[pitisflie]

It also depends on the prospective owner’s situation. If you’re only looking for a weekend toy I think the soft top is the obvious choice. But if you’re looking for a daily driver year round car I think the RF is probably the way to go.

[guypickrell]

All true, but the RF looks very nice. Personally, i'd love to see a fastback (coupe) version.

[austina]

I'm 6'7 and took driving school in a miata. Don't ask how

[SupraSav]

I don't enjoy soft tops because they all look like trash in 3 years and everyone ends up getting a removable hard top that you cannot remove while driving, anyways!!! If I was getting an MX5 purpose built track car then I would definitely go soft top. If I live in the city where someone having a bad day could slice my soft top for an easy opportunity at looting - I would rather avoid that altogether with a hard top. Not to mention paint matched hard top, not some cheap black thing?? Don't mind if I do..

[nczim]

Thanks for those great points in comparing the soft top and RF. Nice job! Ironically you actually convinced me to go with the the RF. I came across 2 other small differences between the ST and RF: the glove box between the seats is about half the size in the RF (might be a big deal since this space is so small anyway!), and the trunk is a slight bit smaller too in the RF (can't remember the numbers but something like half a cubic foot maybe). Anyway, thanks, this was one of the most concise and yet informative comparisons I have seen. rb.

[Doctor.T.]

I've owned both and I prefer the hardtop. I love the look and the convenience...and the soundproofing.

[BladedAngel]

Is by chance the Hardtop more aerodynamic than the soft top? Just curious.

[plojbravo]

The RF was the MX-5 I've always desired...and reason I finally purchased one!
Since I daily it all year around a soft top isn't really an option IMO. And when it looks that much better too...! :D
Those marginal pros with the soft top on a perfect day compared to the all day every day usability with the RF isn't enough of an argument for me. Then you only will want to use it on those days. Now I enjoy my MX-5 RF everyday no matter the weather or the length of the drive, a much bigger win in my book. And the fact that you still can take the top down on those perfect days still is just a plus. ;)

[thomastague]

The RF is for introverts who want to feel like they have a convertible. Lol slightly more privacy when everyone around you is in f150s. I think it’s nice to have something behind you.

[agallgood]

Great review & your review of the ST ND Club ( calling it one of the best cars under $50, 000 ) was one of the reasons for my test drive !
I bought the 2016 ND Club with Brembo brakes / BBS wheels. The RF was never at the dealer because every one of them was already sold off the truck at my Mazda dealer, that was in 2017 March soon after the RF Launch. So glad that choice was not available to me ( except to wait & pay way more $$$ over the ST) ! The Soft Top is so much better with the top down. In the RF the wind hits the back roof line & causes wind turbulence which makes it not only more enclosed but louder than the ST top down. This is the way Miatas were meant to be driven .... top down ! So much more fun in the ST ! I also enjoy the tail coming lose which snaps back with throttle applied, easy to control. Top up its noisy but I've also read complaints from RF owners about whistling wind noises when on the highway above 65 mph. Performance was the reason I bought this car & the Club delivers such driving thrills. I agree you can't go wrong with either but performance is in the ST ! Snow tires are on / Weather tech mats in ... ready for the 1st winter in a convertible ever ! Thanks EE !