Chevrolet Corvette vs Mazda MX-5 Miata

Zora Arkus-Duntov. That name is to Corvette enthusiasts, what John Bonham is to Led Zeppelin aficionados. As far back as the late 1950s, he suggested to General Motors that the Corvette should be a mid-engine sports car. But that decision would have been costly and GM was just fine keeping the ‘Vette profitable. There was a rumor that the C7 Corvette was supposed to have a mid-engine layout, but the recession of the 2000s shut the plan down. Almost 25 years after his death, Arkus-Duntov’s dream came to fruition in the form of the 2020 C8 Corvette.

In moving the engine to behind the driver, the Corvette got an instant boost in performance. It was faster and more dynamic, but there was more to it. The mid-engine placement made the new Corvette less like a step up from the Camaro and more like a world-class exotic car—think Porsche 911 or even a Ferrari or Lamborghini.

But elevating reputation also elevates expectations. Does the mid-engine 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray live up to its newfound supercar reputation? Read on to find out.

This year, the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata gets new steering, a reworked limited-slip rear differential, and a DSC-Track setting that relaxes the traction and stability control systems. In addition, the 2024 Miata gets the latest Mazda Connect infotainment system with an Alexa digital assistant and several interior refinements. The front and rear headlights are new, redesigned 17-inch wheels debut, and new exterior and interior colors are available. However, to achieve perfection, we’d like more choices in configurations.

Verdict: There isn’t a more elemental sports car than the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata. You can spend more money to get added power, performance, practicality, technology, luxury, cachet, and exclusivity, but if you’re looking for the equivalent of a street-legal go-kart, nothing on four wheels better defines a cheap thrill.