Aston Martin DB12 vs Mazda MX-5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Convertibles compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Aston Martin DB12
Price TBC
Convertible
Petrol
Twin-turbo petrol
500kW
12.3 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
200L
Mazda MX-5
From $31,990
Convertible
Petrol
1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (SKYACTIV-G)
96kW
6.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
130L
Aston Martin DB12: we're still completing price, turning circle and braked towing.
Mazda MX-5: we're still completing seat count, 0-100km/h and braked towing.
Blank cells below mean we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Aston Martin DB12 stands out with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bowers & Wilkins audio that you will not find on the Mazda MX-5. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Aston Martin DB12 uses a Twin-turbo petrol producing 500kW and 800Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds.
The Mazda MX-5 responds with a 1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (SKYACTIV-G) making 96kW and 150Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual (skyactiv-mt) driving the rear wheels.
The Aston Martin DB12 has the clear power advantage at 500kW vs 96kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Aston Martin DB12 measures 4,725mm long on a 2,805mm wheelbase, 810mm longer than the Mazda MX-5 at 3,915mm (2,310mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Aston Martin DB12 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 200L in the Aston Martin DB12 and 130L in the Mazda MX-5, giving the Aston Martin DB12 a 70L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m diameter
Excellent
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Excellent
Clears the U-turn in one swing
Needs about 8.2 m of road; you have 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.7 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,506/year for the Aston Martin DB12 and $1,739/year for the Mazda MX-5. That is a $1,767 annual difference in favour of the Mazda MX-5.
Estimated annual total: $3,506 (Aston Martin DB12) vs $1,739 (Mazda MX-5). The Mazda MX-5 saves you roughly $1,767 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years (Aston Martin DB12) vs 3 years (Mazda MX-5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Aston Martin DB12 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Aston Martin's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda MX-5 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Aston Martin DB12 takes 2 of 3 key spec categories. The Mazda MX-5 will save you roughly $1,767 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Aston Martin DB12 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Aston Martin DB12 and Mazda MX-5?
The Mazda MX-5 is the cheapest at $31,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda MX-5 uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda MX-5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Aston Martin DB12 has the largest boot at 200L.
Which is the most powerful?
The Aston Martin DB12 makes the most power at 500kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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