Compare the2024 Mazda MX-5 MiataVS 2023 Audi TT

The MX-5 Miata has standard Smart City Brake Support, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The TT doesn't offer collision warning or crash mitigation brakes.

The MX-5 Miata’s lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. The TT doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the MX-5 Miata’s standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert uses sensors in the rear to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The TT doesn’t offer a rear cross-path warning system.

Both the MX-5 Miata and the TT 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, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, blind spot 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 TT. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the TT 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 23 points higher than the TT.

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 TT:

The MX-5 Miata stops shorter than the TT:

For better maneuverability, the MX-5 Miata’s turning circle is 5.3 feet tighter than the TT’s (30.8 feet vs. 36.1 feet).

The Mazda MX-5 Miata may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 850 to 900 pounds less than the Audi TT.

The MX-5 Miata is 10.9 inches shorter than the TT, 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 TT doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

The MX-5 Miata Convertible has .8 inches more front headroom and 2 inches more front legroom than the TT Roadster.

The MX-5 Miata Auto has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The TT doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

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

Consumer Reports rated the MX-5 Miata’s headlight performance “Good,” a higher rating than the TT’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the MX-5 Miata Grand Touring detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The TT doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

The TT’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 TT doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

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 $5670 to $8775 less than the TT 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 $22124 to $26595 less than for the Audi TT.

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

The Mazda MX-5 Miata outsold the Audi TT by over 12 to one during 2023.