There aren’t too many budget-minded, rear-drive sports cars in the market today. However, the 2023 Toyota GR86 and the Mazda MX-5 Miata are two good choices – especially if you’re confined to spending less than $40,000. That kind of budget leads to a lot of fun no matter which car you choose, though.

Both of them have a rear-drive configuration, a rev-happy naturally aspirated engine, and a lightweight tossable nature that makes them fun to drive every day. If you narrow your shopping list down to these two sports cars, you may find a few key differences between them. As such, here are three reasons the Toyota GR86 could be a better choice over the Mazda MX-5.

1. The 2023 Toyota GR86 is more practical than the Mazda MX-5

We doubt anyone would buy either of these cars to be practical. However, since some sports car enthusiasts will drive these cars every day, it’s worth noting that the 2023 Toyota GR86 is more practical than the Mazda MX-5. Despite what you may think, it’s not only due to the GR86’s 6.26 cubic feet of trunk space over the Mazda MX-5’s 4.59.

In addition to its larger trunk, the Toyota GR86 has more cubby holes, interior storage spaces, and cupholders than the Mazda MX-5. Also, unlike the Mazda MX-5’s ridiculously placed cupholders (between the seats), the GR86’s cupholders are easy to access and can even accommodate large water bottles. Who says that sports cars can’t be practical?

2. The Toyota GR86 has a little more power

The 2023 Mazda MX-5 is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter SkyActiv engine that puts out 181 hp. The 2023 Toyota GR86, on the other hand, has a larger 2.4-liter Boxer engine that generates 228 hp. That extra 40 hp makes a big difference when driving around normally. The GR86 produces more usable torque, which makes pulling onto the freeway easier and spirited driving more fun.

3. The GR86 is cheaper than the MX-5

Lastly, the 2023 Toyota GR86 is cheaper than the Mazda MX-5. The base price for the Toyota is $28,400, while the Mazda starts at $28,050. That may sound more expensive, but when you opt for the higher MX-5 trim levels and add packages, the differences in price begin to show.

For example, the top-trim Mazda MX-5 Grand Touring chimes in at $33,050, but the GR86 Premium only costs $32,500 by comparison. If you added the optional Brembo/Recaro package on the MX-5, the price shoots up to around $37,000, which is much higher than a fully loaded GR86.

The 2023 Toyota GR86 could be a better choice over the Mazda MX-5

There’s no denying that both of these affordable sports coupes can provide buyers with a lot of fun and practicality. However, the Toyota GR86 could be the better pick of the two for those that plan to drive a two-door sports car every day.