MX-5 Miata

Make
Mazda
Segment
Compact

Neither of these budget-oriented Japanese two-doors is going to set any records for outright performance, but what they are is a bucket of fun. They both pack naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engines up front, driving the rear wheels through a six-speed. We're talking about the Scion FR-S and Mazda MX-5 Club, two sweet-handling and thoroughly enjoyable cars that will fit a more modest budget. For a lot of buyers, those factors represent all that's important.

Still, it's a tough choice to decide which one to buy. Having driven the MX-5 Club on its own, Motor Trend's Carlos Lago brings in the FR-S for a little comparison. So which generates the bigger smile? Check out the video below to find out.