The Mazda MX-5 Miata and Ford Mustang characterize the tip of a really enjoyable automotive period. For those who’re searching for a traditional front-engined, rear-wheel-drive open-roof sports activities automotive in America that will not destroy your checking account, listed here are your solely selections.

Frankly, this realization form of crept up on us. The Camaro is useless, and there is no signal of a Nissan Z convertible within the works. The Corvette has lengthy moved previous its “below $60,000” beginning value, and even then, it isn’t precisely an reasonably priced choice. Until Subaru and Toyota determined to whack the roof from the BRZ and GR86, motoring lovers are left with only a few cheap choices.

That’s, a minimum of on the subject of sports activities vehicles. You might nab an entry-level Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler with a gentle prime at an inexpensive value. However these off-roaders do not evoke the sports activities automotive spirit, for apparent causes. There’s additionally the Mini Cooper, which slips beneath the Mustang as the most cost effective four-seat convertible in America, with a beginning value of $34,945. Minis have lengthy been terrifically enjoyable to drive, however they align extra with the hot-hatch section than sports activities vehicles. And the Mini is front-wheel drive.

In order that brings us again to Miata and Mustang, two unlikely companions in an SUV-dominated world. We by no means thought we would be cross-shopping these vehicles, but when your needs are open sky and rear-wheel drive for below $50,000, that is all you get. Here is how they stack up.

There are some wildly totally different numbers there, however that displays the totally different nature of those autos. The Mustang clearly is the bigger of the 2, and by a fairly vital margin while you evaluate them side-by-side. It is taller, longer, wider, and albeit, much better fitted to sports activities automotive tomfoolery in the event you frequently have a passenger. Technically, the Mustang is a four-seater, however the again is not precisely a pleasant place for adult-sized individuals. Consider it extra as further area for some quick-access baggage or carrying youngsters to the seaside in fashion. Supplied the seaside is only a few miles away.

Picture by: Christopher Smith / Motor1

The dimensions makes Mustang a cushty, enjoyable grand tourer. The trunk is giant sufficient for every week’s value of bags for 2, by no means thoughts what you stuff within the again seat. And the 315-hp turbo-four is wealthy with torque, sufficient to drag properly when the street opens up. You’ll be able to nab 60 mph from a standstill in a bit of over 5 seconds, which is not precisely gradual. And the EcoStang would not deal with unhealthy, both.

The Miata, nonetheless, handles like a boss. With a curb weight below 2,500 kilos and a close to 50/50 weight distribution, it very a lot carries on like a real sports activities automotive. The 181-hp engine feels stronger than it truly is, and the automotive’s dealing with limits are largely past something you will attain on the road. It is definitely the basic selection of this pair, serving up all types of analog enjoyable versus the Mustang’s digital expertise. That features the six-speed guide transmission—one thing you’ll be able to’t get in an EcoBoost Mustang.

Picture by: Christopher Smith / Motor1

Picture by: Christopher Smith / Motor1

The Miata can also be surprisingly good for street journeys, albeit for simply the motive force. The journey is not as harsh as you’d anticipate, and the seating place is comfy for lengthy distances. Cupboard space within the trunk could be very sparse although, with room for only a single bag. A weekend journey for 2 would require very gentle packing.

As for which is best, that is not likely the precise query right here. Mustang stretches the definition of a sports activities automotive within the traditional sense, however it does ship a sporty open-air expertise with a front-engine/rear-drive structure. It is simply the higher touring car, whereas the Miata is targeted on enjoyable, with guide controls and heavenly dealing with.

Ought to neither of those vehicles be to your liking, you will want a minimum of $55,000 to discover different choices. That is the beginning value for a brand new BMW Z4 Roadster. And issues solely get dearer from there. Nonetheless, a minimum of there’s some measure of selection on the decrease finish of the value spectrum. Tariffs would possibly take a toll on the Miata’s affordability index, however each vehicles ought to stick round for the foreseeable future.

Enjoyable convertibles—reasonably priced or in any other case—are an endangered species. Get pleasure from them whereas they final.