Compare the2024 Mazda MX-5 MiataVS 2024 Jaguar F-Type

The MX-5 Miata has standard Secondary Collision Reduction, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The F-Type doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the MX-5 Miata and the F-Type 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, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and rear cross-path warning.

There are almost 3 times as many Mazda dealers as there are Jaguar 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 43 points higher than the F-Type.

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 Jaguar 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, Jaguar is rated below average.

On the EPA test cycle the MX-5 Miata gets better mileage than the F-Type:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mazda MX-5 Miata uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The F-Type requires premium, which can cost on average about 82.8 cents more per gallon.

The MX-5 Miata offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The F-Type doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

The MX-5 Miata’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51% to 49%) than the F-Type’s (54.5% to 45.5%). This gives the MX-5 Miata more stable handling and braking.

For better maneuverability, the MX-5 Miata’s turning circle is 4.1 feet tighter than the F-Type’s (30.8 feet vs. 34.9 feet). The MX-5 Miata’s turning circle is 6.2 feet tighter than the F-Type AWD’s (30.8 feet vs. 37 feet).

The Mazda MX-5 Miata may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1400 to 1450 pounds less than the Jaguar F-Type.

The MX-5 Miata is 1 foot, 9.9 inches shorter than the F-Type, making the MX-5 Miata easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The MX-5 Miata is 5.9 inches narrower than the F-Type, making the MX-5 Miata easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

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

The MX-5 Miata Convertible has .4 inches more front headroom and .3 inches more front legroom than the F-Type Convertible.

A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the MX-5 Miata easier. The MX-5 Miata’s trunk lift-over height is 32 inches, while the F-Type’s liftover is 33.3 inches.

The MX-5 Miata’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them. Jaguar does not offer a locking feature on the F-Type’s standard power windows.

The F-Type’s cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The MX-5 Miata Grand Touring’s standard adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the MX-5 Miata Grand Touring Automatic has a standard Radar Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The F-Type doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

With standard voice command, the MX-5 Miata offers the driver hands free control of the radio and the navigation computer by simply speaking. The F-Type doesn’t offer a voice control system.

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 $6300 to $11535 less than the F-Type over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Mazda MX-5 Miata will be $47832 to $70282 less than for the Jaguar F-Type.

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

The Mazda MX-5 Miata outsold the Jaguar F-Type by over 8 to one during 2023.