Having the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata in the garage gives us many reasons to go out for a drive. The most common one? Fun. That’s right, we look for every chance to go out for a drive in this timeless roadster. Ever since we took delivery, we’ve experienced the nuances of driving the lightest vehicle on sale in America to date. However, the Miata’s two roof styles affect the way it drives more than you think.
2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Raise the RF
I’ve owned four Miatas, including all three versions of the current generation. I’ve seen this car’s evolution and experienced every update firsthand. The lighter soft top feels tossable and lively, with its body roll now managed better. Meanwhile, the RF has changed more throughout the years, giving it a distinct on-road personality.
Originally, it felt closer to a coupe version of the soft top due to similarities in its character. With the 2024 refresh bringing added stability to complement its slightly different suspension tune, the RF has a different take on the Miata’s signature playfulness. Push hard on a road like Angeles Crest, and you’ll notice superior body control. Although it doesn’t stay as flat through corners as the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86, the RF possesses superior stability. Credit the new Asymmetric limited-slip differential and updated steering for this. Kinetic Posture Control, a type of brake-based torque vectoring system, further enhances the Miata’s road manners, giving it better motion control on the road.
This difference in driving dynamics feels most obvious with the RF’s roof on. You feel the car communicates with you, just without the unwieldiness of the early cars. Lowering the roof brings you the open-air experience and a smidge more body roll, but less than what you experience in the soft top. The extra 100 pounds also adds to the Miata RF’s planted feel, which becomes most apparent cruising on the highway, especially with the RF’s slightly different suspension tuning. However, at 2,466 pounds, this car still drives like the featherweight that it is.
Always a Blast to Drive
Regardless of the roof style, the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata puts fun at the forefront. This car operates like an extension of the driver. A trusty friend who eggs you on to have fun when the opportunity arises. Even with the RF’s added stability and body control, the Miata’s personality thrives. A thoroughbred driver’s car designed for maximum fun. The only option now is which version of Mazda’s iconic roadster will you choose? This RF spoke to us more. Either way, you can’t go wrong because Miata Is Always The Answer.
