Few places suit a convertible better than the Coachella Valley, with clear winter mornings, sunset drives down Highway 111 and the climb up the Palms to Pines Highway into the San Jacinto mountains. At Palm Springs Mazda, located at 69200 E Palm Canyon Dr in Cathedral City, you can compare both versions of Mazda’s two-seat roadster: the MX-5 Miata with its classic soft top and the MX-5 Miata RF with its power-retractable hardtop.
Browse the sports car inventory above, then use the comparison table, model overviews and tips below to decide which roof, trim and transmission fit how you want to drive.
Both versions share the same engine, two seats and rear-wheel-drive layout. The biggest difference is the roof. Click either model name to shop that model’s inventory.
| Model | Size / Type | Seating and Capability | Best For | Shop Inventory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX-5 Miata | Two-seat roadster, manual soft top | 2 seats, 181 hp, about 2,366 lbs (manual), Sport, Club and Grand Touring trims | The lightest, purest open-air driving experience | Shop Mazda MX-5 Miata |
| MX-5 Miata RF | Two-seat fastback, power-retractable hardtop | 2 seats, 181 hp, about 2,467 lbs (manual), Club and Grand Touring trims | Coupe-like quiet with open-air flexibility | Shop Mazda MX-5 Miata RF |
| Spec | MX-5 Miata (Soft Top) | MX-5 Miata RF |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Skyactiv-G 4-cylinder | 2.0L Skyactiv-G 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower / Torque | 181 hp / 151 lb-ft | 181 hp / 151 lb-ft |
| Transmissions | 6-speed manual; 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters on Grand Touring | 6-speed manual; 6-speed automatic on Grand Touring |
| Fuel Economy (EPA est.) | 26 city / 34 hwy (manual); 26 / 35 (automatic); 29 combined | 26 city / 34 hwy (manual); 26 / 35 (automatic); 29 combined |
| Curb Weight | About 2,366 to 2,405 lbs | About 2,467 to 2,513 lbs |
| Roof | Manually operated cloth top | Electrically operated retractable hardtop, center-console switch |
The soft-top MX-5 Miata is Mazda’s roadster in its simplest form. The cloth top folds by hand in seconds, the car weighs about 2,366 lbs with the manual, and the 181-hp 2.0L Skyactiv-G pairs with a short-throw 6-speed manual. Choose the Sport for the essentials, the Club for sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein dampers and an asymmetric limited-slip differential, or the Grand Touring for more comfort features and an available automatic.
The RF, short for Retractable Fastback, adds a power-operated hardtop that tucks into its own compartment at the press of a center-console switch. With the roof up, you get a quieter, coupe-like cabin for highway drives on I-10, and with it down, open-air driving through Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells. It is offered in Club and Grand Touring trims, with the same 181-hp engine and a near-balanced 51:49 weight distribution.
Need room for more passengers? Compare the sporty Mazda3 sedan and hatchback, the Mazda SUV and crossover lineup or our electrified Mazda models.
The best way to choose between a soft top and an RF, or between the manual and automatic, is to drive them. At Palm Springs Mazda, our team will help you compare trims and packages in a process we aim to keep simple, transparent and enjoyable, and you can relax in the exclusive, state-of-the-art Mazda Lounge upstairs while we prepare your test drive. Check current new Mazda specials, explore financing and lease options, and get a value for your current vehicle with our Kelley Blue Book® Instant Cash Offer.
After the sale, our factory-trained service team helps keep your roadster sharp, and you can schedule service online or order genuine Mazda parts and accessories. If your MX-5 ever needs collision repair, our on-site body shop is right here in Cathedral City.
The MX-5 Miata has a manually operated cloth soft top, while the RF has an electrically operated retractable hardtop with fastback styling. Both use the same 181-hp 2.0L engine. The soft top is lighter, and the RF offers a quieter cabin with the roof up.
The MX-5 Miata is built around driving enjoyment, with a lightweight two-seat body, rear-wheel drive, a short-throw 6-speed manual and a near-balanced weight distribution. Taking one up Highway 74 toward the San Jacinto mountains is a good way to see why so many drivers love it.
Both the soft top and the RF use a 2.0L Skyactiv-G four-cylinder rated at 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. Because the car is so light, that output delivers lively acceleration and responsive handling.
Yes. A 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters is available on Grand Touring models of both the soft top and the RF. The 6-speed manual is standard and is required for the asymmetric limited-slip differential.
The EPA estimates 29 mpg combined for both the manual and automatic, with 26 mpg city and 34 highway for the manual and 26 city and 35 highway for the automatic. Actual mileage varies with driving habits and conditions.
The Club trim is the most performance-focused, with sport-tuned suspension and Bilstein dampers on the soft top and an available BBS/Brembo/Recaro package. Ask our team which Club models in stock have the package installed.
Many owners drive their MX-5 every day, especially for commutes along Highway 111 and short trips around the valley. Keep in mind it seats two and has a small trunk, so it works best for drivers who don’t need to carry passengers or large cargo.
Palm Springs Mazda is proud to serve drivers from Cathedral City, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Thousand Palms, Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, Beaumont, Banning, and beyond.
Compare the MX-5 Miata and MX-5 Miata RF with our team at 69200 E Palm Canyon Dr in Cathedral City.
69200 E Palm Canyon Dr
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Sales, Service & Parts: 760-328-2102
Body Shop: 760-699-6748
