Mazda MX-5 vs MG 5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
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
MG 5
From $30,990
Sedan
Petrol
1.5L Turbo Petrol
119kW
6.4 L/100km
3★ ANCAP
401L
Mazda MX-5: we're still completing seat count, 0-100km/h and braked towing.
MG 5: we're still completing 0-100km/h, ground clearance, turning circle 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
The Mazda MX-5 starts from $31,990 before on-road costs, while the MG 5 opens at $30,990. That makes the MG 5 the more affordable entry point by $1,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $35,189 and $34,089 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
The Mazda MX-5 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 3 stars for the MG 5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 4 of 10 key ADAS systems on the MG 5, against 0 on the Mazda MX-5.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 4 in the Mazda MX-5 and 6 in the MG 5.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The MG 5 counters with Apple CarPlay that the Mazda MX-5 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda MX-5 uses a 1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (SKYACTIV-G) producing 96kW and 150Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual (skyactiv-mt) to a RWD layout.
The MG 5 responds with a 1.5L Turbo Petrol making 119kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.
The MG 5 has the clear power advantage at 119kW vs 96kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda MX-5 measures 3,915mm long on a 2,310mm wheelbase, 760mm shorter than the MG 5 at 4,675mm (2,680mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 130L in the Mazda MX-5 and 401L in the MG 5, giving the MG 5 a 271L 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 $1,739/year for the Mazda MX-5 and $1,824/year for the MG 5. That is a $85 annual difference in favour of the Mazda MX-5.
Estimated annual total: $1,739 (Mazda MX-5) vs $1,824 (MG 5). The Mazda MX-5 saves you roughly $85 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years (Mazda MX-5) vs 10 years / 250,000km (MG 5). The MG 5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda MX-5 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG 5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG 5 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda MX-5 will save you roughly $85 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the MG 5 has a clear edge. The MG 5 adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda MX-5 and MG 5?
The MG 5 is the cheapest at $30,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda MX-5 by $1,000.
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?
The Mazda MX-5 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The MG 5 has the largest boot at 401L.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG 5 has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The MG 5 makes the most power at 119kW.
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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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