Compare the2024 Mazda MX-5 MiataVS 2024 Audi A5

The MX-5 Miata has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the A5’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the MX-5 Miata has standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert, helping the driver avoid collisions. Audi charges extra for Rear Cross-Traffic Assist on the A5.

Both the MX-5 Miata and the A5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems and rearview cameras.

Mazda’s powertrain warranty covers the MX-5 Miata 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Audi covers the A5. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the A5 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 78 percent more Mazda dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the MX-5 Miata’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the MX-5 Miata’s reliability 11 points higher than the A5.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. With 18 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Mazda higher than Audi.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda above average in long-term dependability. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Audi is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Mazda 12 places higher in reliability than Audi.

On the EPA test cycle the MX-5 Miata gets better mileage than the A5 Cabriolet:

The MX-5 Miata stops shorter than the A5:

For better maneuverability, the MX-5 Miata’s turning circle is 6.9 feet tighter than the A5’s (30.8 feet vs. 37.7 feet).

The Mazda MX-5 Miata may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1350 to 1550 pounds less than the Audi A5.

The MX-5 Miata is 2 feet, 6.8 inches shorter than the A5, making the MX-5 Miata easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The MX-5 Miata's optional power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The A5 doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

Insurance will cost less for the MX-5 Miata owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the MX-5 Miata will cost $2375 to $7020 less than the A5 over a five-year period.

The MX-5 Miata will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the MX-5 Miata will retain 50.16% to 57.06% of its original price after five years, while the A5 only retains 47.82% to 49.46%.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the MX-5 Miata is less expensive to operate than the A5 because it costs $109 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the MX-5 Miata than the A5, including $469 less for a water pump, $176 less for a muffler, $35 less for front brake pads, $346 less for a starter, $117 less for fuel injection, $44 less for a fuel pump, $122 less for front struts and $246 less for a timing belt/chain.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Mazda MX-5 Miata will be $19744 to $27122 less than for the Audi A5.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Mazda MX-5 Miata, based on reliability, safety and performance.