Is Miata always the answer?
The Mazda MX-5 Miata and Hyundai Veloster N are two fun, fast cars in their own right. But is the little Japanese roadster always the best answer when you want something to have fun? In this video, Roman and Tommy argue it out in this father-son review just outside Portland, Oregon.
Hyundai Veloster N vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata: By the numbers
Why do so many love the MX-5? On paper, it offers the perfect layout. Front-engined, rear-wheel drive with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. Club models, like this RF, and Grand Touring models also offers a limited-slip differential. Under the hood, the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata actually gets a healthy power bump. Now, its 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine manages 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. It’s certainly not the most powerful car in the world, but it’s still tons of fun with its two-seater layout and low curb weight.
The 2019 Hyundai Veloster N brings much more horsepower to the table. This front-wheel drive hot hatch packs up to 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Unlike the MX-5 Miata, this Veloster N comes exclusively mated to a six-speed manual transmission with rev matching. It sends all power to the front wheels, through a limited-slip differential (with the $2,100 Performance Package).
Blowing the budget
On the fun scale, both the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Hyundai Veloster N rank well. However, one area these two diverge is on price. Take the Hyundai Veloster N, for example. The least expensive version starts at just $28,320 including destination. Spec one up a little bit, and you’re still coming in well under $30,000.
The Mazda, on the other hand, comes in at around $39,000 as it’s equipped in the video above. This is the RF (Retractable Fastback) with a hard-top roof, but that’s still massively more expensive. Not only that, but the Mazda is much less powerful.
When it comes to material quality, though, the Mazda does fight back against the Hyundai. While the Veloster N is pretty conventional inside, apart from the blue seatbelts, the MX-5 Miata feels special thanks to its leather-trimmed interior and contrast stitching.
The 2019 Hyundai Veloster N is still a hatchback, so it is much more practical than the two-seater Miata. But, does that make it the better car? Of course, that’s up to you to decide if you’re in the market for something fast and fun. Let us know which side of the argument you fall on in the comments below!