Although SUVs and trucks are currently all the rage in the American car buying market, sports cars still exist. More specifically, affordable sports cars – like the 2022 Subaru BRZ and Mazda MX-5 Miata – still exist. But the hard part is picking the right one for you. Here is a quick comparison showing a few advantages that the BRZ has over the Miata, in case you’re shopping between the two.

1. The 2022 Subaru BRZ has more horsepower than the Mazda MX-5 Miata

Let’s face it, neither one of these affordable sports cars produces too much power, but that’s what makes them fun to drive. The 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata produces 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, but the Subaru BRZ trumps it by making 228 and 184, respectively.

That’s a pretty big difference. The editors at Edmunds were able to scoot the Miata to 60 mph from a standstill in 6.6 seconds. That’s not bad, but the Subaru BRZ covered the same distance in just 6.1 seconds. We can see how that extra power translates into real-world performance.

2. If you need cargo space, then the Subaru BRZ has it

If you’re planning to drive either of these cars on a daily basis, then the Subaru BRZ has the cargo space you need. OK, so it’s not as practical as an SUV, but it does have 6.9 cubic feet of cargo volume with the rear seats up. By comparison, the Miata has 4.6 cubic feet of space, which is super small. In fact, it’s enough to carry just one carry-on suitcase and not much more.

3. The Subaru BRZ has a fixed roof

There’s nothing like enjoying the sun and the wind in your hair while cruising around in a Mazda MX-5 Miata. But if you’re not into that kind of thing, then you’ll enjoy the fixed roof that the Subaru BRZ has. There’s even enough headroom for a helmet to fit if you plan to take it to the track.

4. The BRZ has back seats… kind of

This one may sound like a cheap shot, but if you need back seat space, then the Subaru BRZ has it. No, you can’t really fit two large adults back there, but you can fit a couple of kids if needed. If not, then you can use it as more storage space for a backpack or purse. Also, the seat backs fold down, which will give you even more cargo volume.

2022 Subaru BRZ versus Mazda MX-5 Miata

Affordable sports cars can still be found on the market today, and the BRZ and Miata are two front runners. Not only are they affordable, but they are also very fun to drive. If you do end up shopping between them, make sure to consider these few points. In that case, you may just end up going with a 2022 Subaru BRZ. Who needs an SUV or truck anyway?