By Evgeniya Lautt
Graphic by Maya Uribe
Japanese Roadsters Strengths
Reliability: Within history, Japanese cars have been known for their reliability and low cost. They tend to cost less over all with the low cost of maintenance and you are less likely to have a breakdown than their competitors British roadsters. This is due to the more expensive and innovative parts that British companies use. These innovative parts are new and have barely been tested as much as Toyota, Subaru and Mazda staying with the parts that work vs them making something new that could be a problem.
Performance: Modern Japanese roadsters often have excellent handling and performance mainly because their construction makes their weight so that the car is very light. For example I have a 2009 Mazda Miata and it handles very well. Mazda Miatas are known for their driving experience and handling. These cars are known for drifting and that can be good for racing. Japanese cars are known for their powerful engines.
Affordability: In terms of cost and what you will spend yearly, the Japanese roadsters offer a better value due to their affordability and low maintenance.
The Mazda Miata with a weight of 2,447 to 2,542 lb (1109.941 kg – 1153.032 kg), Gas engine which produces 167 horsepower at 7,000 rpm with a six speed manual transmission zero to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, this roadster is slower than others but still has a mighty punch to it. Driving around Los Angeles Laurel Canyon is a fun road to test a roadster. The Mazda Miata was a replacement to the British roadsters that were not that reliable.
Japanese Roadsters Weaknesses
Looks: Some people argue that Japanese cars have no emotions compared to British roadsters.
British Roadsters Strengths
History and Heritage: British roadsters being the founders of “roadsters” have the most experience making roadsters and that they have more years making cars. They are seen as a luxury rather than a fun sporty feeling to them. Most of them focus on the looks of the car rather than the performance of the car.
Driving Experience: Classic British roadsters have a different driving experience compared to Japanese cars for the classic cars. Since then with the technology updates that have happened over the years other car companies have achieved what the British cars have been ahead of for their time in the 1950s and 1960s.
British Roadsters Weaknesses
Reliability: British roadsters are known for their breakdowns and expensive repairs. The reliability of the British roadsters were not as reliable as Japanese roadsters. Such as there were having problems with misfires and cylinders issues that caused the car to not start.
Performance: Modern British roadsters may not be able to compete with their Japanese counterparts in terms of outright performance. They tend to be heavier and less powerful and tend to break down making you pay more and not enjoying the ride.
Cost: British roadsters are very expensive compared to the Japanese brands that are cheap such as the Austin Martin costing over $200,000 for a car, these expensive cost go both for classic and modern models. Pricing of the Miata in 1989 had a base price of $13,800 and the British Roadster 1989 Jaguar XJS had a base price of $19,000. Which the Miata was a better price while being reliable and better looking.
In the end I can say that Japanese cars are more reliable, cheaper, fun to drive, less maintenance and more areas for customization. In the end it is up to you to decide what car you choose but with all the results above it’s clear that Japanese cars have better looks, miles per gallon and reliability.
