There probably is not a better car than the Miata if you are looking for a man.
I kid!
I have had a lot of small sports cars: 73 Jensen Healey, 71 240Z, 85 RX7 13B, 86 MR2, 79 MG Midget, 75 914 1.8, 76 911S w/ 3.0. I test drove a new 90 Miata at the dealer.
IMHO:
If it's going to be your only car, you don't or can't wrench, or you
really need to drive it every day, buy the Miata (AC, reliable, traffic freindly).
If it's going to be a 2nd, weekend, track, hobby, or a collector car, and you like to/can wrench, buy the 914 (a blast to drive, very cool, always attracts attention, retains/gains value).
This is an interesting comparison, modern vs vintage sportscars.
They are both great sports cars for different reasons.