Who Makes the Best Affordable Sportscar for Driving Around Rio Rancho, NM?

The term “affordable sports car” has changed over the years, but let’s start by considering what a sleek, light, high-performance, two-passenger car might be best for a drive around Rio Rancho. With the average price for a new automotive purchase beginning to exceed $49K, let’s also try to keep the price under $40,000 MSRP for all the bells and whistles. Finally, a true sports car should also at least offer a shift-for-yourself option, so let’s list a manual six-speed as a possibility. In 2025, these kinds of requirements cut down the number of contenders considerably. At the top of the list might be the new 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata, whose sleek roadster profile certainly meets the first requirement. With twin slim-line LED headlights and flowing lines that wrap around and carry the design from front to rear with graceful curves, the Mazda MX-5 looks good with the fabric top up or down. Minimalists will appreciate that the rear glass actually folds down into a rear well behind the cockpit, with the neatly folding top simply piling on top of it. Many will find it easy to use one hand to unlock and fold this simple top either up or down. So if open-air motoring rises to the top of your priority list, there may be little reason to keep on reading.

But Rio Rancho is a true four season locale, and for those who are looking for a single car to meet those challenges, the 2025 Subaru BRZ near Rio Rancho NM offers two compelling reasons why it may be a better choice. The first of these is room; both for driving and utility. With a 101.4” wheelbase, the Subaru BRZ is slightly more than 10 inches longer than the Mazda MX-5 stance. That translates to slightly better high-speed cornering performance and stability, while offering more cabin space as well. The Miata has always relied on weight savings to preserve as much performance as possible, and cutting out that much wheelbase is one way to cut it to the bone. The Subaru BRZ has a slightly more powerful engine with 228 HP and 184 lb./ft. torque to compensate, and uses a Torsen limited slip differential to put that power down. The Mazda MX-5 does just fine with a 181 HP four cylinder engine, while the Subaru BRZ counters with a flat-four (horizontal) engine layout that lowers the center of gravity. Both the Subaru and the Mazda can claim good fuel mileage figures with the lightweight Mazda MX-5 (26 city, 34 highway and 29 overall) gaining over the Subaru BRZ (21 city, 27 highway and 25 combined). But the increased room of the Subaru BRZ plays into the second big advantage: comfort. While some might argue the 2+2 seating layout of the Subaru BRZ is only useful for pets and small children, there’s no doubt a small bag or piece of luggage might fit behind the front seats. The Mazda MX-5 must rely on a small (four cubic feet) trunk to carry anything of consequence. By contrast, the Subaru BRZ offers 50% more from its compact trunk in addition to that tiny backseat. But it’s sometimes the small things that make the most difference to comfort in a cramped interior. The Mazda MX-5 offers two clip-on cupholders that fit between the driver and passenger, while the Subaru BRZ has them in the doors and center console. No question, Big Gulp-size cups are out of the question in the Miata unless you want to be wearing the contents!   

Going back to the question of what’s the better sportscar, the six-speed manual transmissions in both the Mazda and Subaru both offer great feel through their stubby knobs. Both have short throws, making it easy to find gears and make quick, decisive shifts. Which is the best? Let’s just call that one a tie, with the driver of either the Mazda MX-5 or Subaru BRZ the winner. How about suspension? Both cars feature a MacPherson type front suspension with an independent rear with firm suspension settings tuned more for sport than ride comfort. But damper technology for both cars has advanced to the point that neither car will rattle out any teeth fillings. Brakes and tires? Both cars offer excellent braking performance and 17-18” wheels and tires with summer tires that would work almost year round. But if you want to drive either the Mazda or Subaru in winter conditions (and let’s be honest, that can cover some spring or fall days too), you need a separate set of winter radials mounted on wheels for easy change over.

 

Tech, Safety and Warranty Matters

With all this performance come additional tech and safety features in the form of technology and again, size. While both cars have multiple airbags, the Subaru BRZ’s larger size provides better crush zones and protection in a crash. In addition, Subaru’s EyeSight system features adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking system, lane control and sway alert, all using sensors to assist the driver from getting into trouble when they least expect it. There’s also the question of having a steel roof over your head versus a cloth top with the Mazda MX-5. Besides this, anytime a fabric roof is considered for security, there’s always a greater chance of break-ins on the street. Both the Subaru BRZ and the Mazda MX-5 offer similar three year/36K mile bumper-to-bumper warranties, along with five year, 60K mile powertrain coverage.

 

So Which Sportcar Wins This Comparison?

Ultimately, this comes down to a question of values. As stated earlier, if having an open top car is at the top of your list, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is the choice. But if size, practicality and comfort come into the equation, the 2025 Subaru BRZ wins hands down. With prices near the mid-thirties, there are several models of the Subaru BRZ that will remain well-below the average price of a new car today. 

 

Where to find the Subaru BRZ Near Rio Rancho NM?

And for Rio Rancho, or any New Mexico consumers seeking more information on what 2025 Subaru BRZ near Rio Rancho NM models and colors are available, consider visiting the largest and most modern factory dealership in the state at Fiesta Subaru in Albuquerque at 7100 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 soon!