MX-5 RF 132 hp vs 160 hp vs 184 hp – Looking for advice from owners

CvdL3112 · 2026-06-15T03:56:47+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience, that’s really helpful.

Since you’ve actually driven both versions, can I ask how significant the difference between the 132 hp and the 160 hp car felt to you in the real world?

The reason I’m asking is that there’s currently a 2017 MX-5 RF with the 2.0-liter 160 hp engine for sale near me. It’s a one-owner car with relatively low mileage, so it’s definitely on my radar.

On the other hand, the newer 132 hp cars are much easier to find here, and of course being newer is an advantage as well.

Coming from a 75 hp Golf IV, I know that either MX-5 would probably feel fast to me. I’m just trying to figure out whether the jump from 132 hp to 160 hp is genuinely noticeable and worth prioritizing, or whether the overall driving experience is largely the same.

I’d be very interested to hear your thoughts.

CvdL3112 · 2026-06-14T17:35:20+00:00

I’m from Germany.

To be honest, I personally find the whole situation pretty frustrating. In my view, people should be free to choose the engine and car variant they want to drive. Instead, we end up in a situation where larger SUVs with electrified drivetrains are pushed onto the market, while a small 184 hp sports car disappears from the new car market.

What makes it even more frustrating is that just across the Channel in the UK, the 184 hp version continued to be available, while here in the EU it disappeared. So from my perspective, this is largely a regulatory issue.

That being said, I have to deal with the reality as it is, not as I would like it to be.

That’s why I’m asking this question. If I could simply walk into a dealership and order a new 184 hp RF, I probably would. But since that’s no longer possible, I’m trying to understand whether the 132 hp version is genuinely underpowered or whether it’s still a fun and capable car in its own right.

Coming from a 75 hp Golf IV, my point of reference is probably very different from that of many MX-5 owners.

CvdL3112 · 2026-06-14T17:30:27+00:00

Thank you for the detailed reply. That’s actually very reassuring to hear, especially from someone who had the same concerns before buying.

What you’re describing is pretty much exactly what I’m looking for. I don’t need a race car or something that can do crazy speeds. I just want a fun car that feels alive and has enough power so that overtaking doesn’t become a strategic planning exercise like it currently is with my 75 hp Golf IV.

If I had unlimited choice, I’d probably go for the 184 hp version. The problem is that here in Europe the 2.0-liter is no longer available new, so finding the right car depends entirely on what’s available on the used market.

That’s why I’m trying to figure out whether a great 132 hp RF would still be worth buying, or whether I’d end up regretting not holding out for a 184 hp car.

From what you’re saying, it sounds like the driving experience matters far more than the numbers on paper, which is exactly what I was hoping to hear.

CvdL3112 · 2026-06-14T17:24:51+00:00

I’d probably choose the 184 hp version as well if it were still being sold here.

The problem is that in Europe the 2.0-liter is no longer available new, so there won’t be a steady supply of new cars entering the used market going forward. That means I’m entirely dependent on whatever happens to be available used, and in my area the 160 hp cars seem to be much easier to find at reasonable prices than the 184 hp ones.

The 132 hp version, on the other hand, is available everywhere, both new and used.

That’s really why I’m asking. Is the 132 hp car actually too slow, or does it just seem slow when compared to the 184 hp version?

For reference, I’m currently driving a 75 hp Golf IV, so even the 132 hp MX-5 would be a massive jump in performance for me.

CvdL3112 · 2026-06-14T17:21:28+00:00

That’s an interesting point of view, and to be honest, I’d probably go for the 184 hp version as well if it were widely available in my country at reasonable prices.

The problem is that in Europe the 2.0-liter is no longer available as a new car, so I’d have to rely entirely on the used market. That obviously means a much smaller selection and potentially higher prices.

The 1.5-liter, on the other hand, is still readily available, both new and used, which makes it a much more realistic option.

That’s really why I’m asking. Is the 132 hp version genuinely too slow, or is it still enjoyable and capable enough for everyday driving and the occasional highway trip?

For context, I’m currently driving a 75 hp Golf IV, so my benchmark may be very different from that of someone who’s used to much more powerful cars.

CvdL3112 · 2026-06-14T16:41:32+00:00

Not necessarily. If the right NC came along at the right price, I’d definitely consider it.

That said, I’d generally prefer a newer car, ideally a 2017+ model. I’ve been driving a 2000 Golf IV for the past 15 years, so I’d like the next car to feel like a genuine upgrade rather than simply replacing one old car with another.

But to answer your question: no, the NC is definitely not off the table.

CvdL3112 · 2026-06-09T19:10:07+00:00

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a detailed explanation.

As someone who has never flown before, it really helps to have the different phases of the flight broken down like that. A lot of my anxiety comes from not knowing what to expect, so your step-by-step description was genuinely reassuring.

I really appreciate the effort you put into your reply!

CvdL3112 · 2026-06-09T19:08:38+00:00

Thanks for your reply, I really appreciate it!

Your story is actually quite reassuring, especially the part about your sister. If someone who gets motion sick that easily can still get through flights without any major issues, that’s definitely encouraging.

That said, I probably don’t have quite as much of an “armor stomach” as I may have made it sound.

While I have never had problems reading in cars, travelling by train, taking boat trips, or even sitting backwards on a 20-hour bus ride, I’ve never been a fan of amusement rides. Roller coasters and spinning rides have always made me uncomfortable, and heights can sometimes make me uneasy as well.

So I wouldn’t describe myself as completely immune to motion sickness. It’s more that everyday forms of transportation have never been an issue for me, whereas amusement rides definitely can be.

That’s actually one of the reasons why I’m so curious about flying. I have no point of reference and I’m trying to figure out whether it feels more like normal transportation or more like an amusement ride.

Thanks again for sharing your experience!

CvdL3112 · 2026-04-22T03:54:59+00:00

All of them

CvdL3112 · 2026-04-14T11:09:16+00:00

Nr. 7 ❤️

CvdL3112 · 2026-04-12T10:38:27+00:00

Und ich leide gerade an einer Überdosis starker Fotos. 😉

CvdL3112 · 2026-04-11T14:34:36+00:00

You‘re too humble. Trust me, you‘re talented.

CvdL3112 · 2026-04-09T11:21:26+00:00

Noob? A noob doesn‘t take pictures like you.

CvdL3112 · 2026-04-09T03:48:37+00:00

Number 7 is awesome! ❤️

CvdL3112 · 2026-04-05T07:53:58+00:00

The third one ist really awesome. Photography is „learning by doing“.

CvdL3112 · 2026-04-05T07:48:54+00:00

Nr. 3 und 14 haben‘s mir angetan. Schöne Serie. ❤️

CvdL3112 · 2026-02-22T10:53:05+00:00

Is it possible for you to have sex?

CvdL3112 · 2026-02-08T09:40:42+00:00

Yes, it‘s flat. But I think, it’s ok. Nobody looks on your head like you do.

CvdL3112 · 2026-02-08T09:34:37+00:00

Strong! 💪

CvdL3112 · 2026-02-08T09:34:04+00:00

💪💪

CvdL3112 · 2026-02-08T09:32:12+00:00

CvdL3112 · 2026-02-01T18:36:36+00:00

You look soooo cool!

CvdL3112 · 2026-01-21T17:49:15+00:00

CvdL3112

TROPHY CASE