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Coupes & Convertibles Mazda Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata vs Honda S2000
62 messages, Last post on May 22, 2009 at 5:52 AM
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Replying to: gsolman6 (Mar 12, 2007 9:27 am) I would agree with you. The MX-5 is has a lot of respect in the tuning and racing world. Heck, it has it's own racing circuit (MX-5 Cup). It also has the perception of a "chick" car, when in fact, the majority of the buyers are male. It may not be as fast as a S2000, but it's way less expensive, loads of fun to drive(CR's most fun to drive pick of 2007), economical and cheap to insure. |
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I own a 2000 Miata LS, and my roommate recently purchased a '00 S2000. I drive his on occasion, as he does mine. We both agree that although the S2000 is much quicker, the Miata is much more fun to drive. When driving the miata, you get a better feel of the road. Everything you do is instantly felt, be it turning, braking, accelerating, or shifting. My roommate agrees that you feel more in control of the mazda as opposed to the honda. The issue of having less power is easily solved. I paid 5 grand less for my MX-5 than he did for his S2K. For less than $3000, I will soon be installing a Jackson Racing supercharger kit on my stock 1.8L, in addition to a cat-back exhaust. This will boost my bhp to almost 200. Although still less than the S2K, the Miata weighs considerably less and will be able to keep up with the honda. That being said, the S2000 is definitely a higher class vehicle. From the better cupholders to the power top to having more legroom and cargo space, the Honda is by far classier and more practical than the Miata. If you want a car that feels like a roadster, with quick precise response in the gas and brake pedals, as well as handling, i highly advise the MX-5. However, if you are looking for something a bit quicker with a few more standard options, fancy buttons, and a higher class feel, the S2K is by far the way to go.
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But let's face it, they are toys. As practical vehicles they're pretty useless. I've been out on a date with my wife and many times we have struggled to fit even small items we bought while shopping. Why does that matter? Because either of these will have a happier owner if you have 2 vehicles, a practical one being the other. A winter beater, at least. Something with different strengths to take when you need more space. Now, having said that, the S2000 is a pretty expensive toy. $35 grand or so would tie most people up in a very long-term loan, and few can afford to keep a 2nd car. Get a used Miata instead, good ones are abundant and can be had for $3000 to $16000 depending on how old, and you get the perfect 2nd car. In fact, keep the other car you drive now. I guess an older (higher mile) S2000 would also do the trick, but good luck finding one that hasn't spent half its life at redline. |
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I'm considering buying a used Mazda Miata (1997-2000). I test drove a 2000 Miata and liked the ride. How much are the typical maintenance and repair costs for this car? Also, I live in Chicago, so I would need to be driving this car during the three months of the year when there is snow on the roads. With snow tires, will the Miata be safe to drive or be losing traction on snowy roads? I know that all roadsters are rear wheel drive and are relatively light in weight compared to other cars. I plan to use the car for weekday commuting to work (50 miles round trip) and spring, summer and fall weekend drives into the suburbs. I appreciate any advice! |
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Replying to: danjakubik (Jun 17, 2007 10:49 am) My experience is with the S2000 and, even equiped with snow tires, it would make a challenging winter drive. The Miata has an advantge in that you should be able to get a relatively inexpensive set of winter rims and tires, compared to the S2000. But, if you haven't already done so, you should test drive a Miata for some lengthy commuter type runs with the top up. The S2000 was fairly noisy inside and would have been tough to live with commuting long distances in the winter months. Much more so than my current 911 Cab, which is a more comfortable daily driver. Bottom line is that I think you can make the car work in light snow (<3-4"), assuming YOU are up for it. Forget heavier (4-5+ inches) of unplowed snow, you'll be bottomed out. And only you can decide if having a top up 50%+ of the time is tolerable on a daily driver as small and noisy as the Miata. |
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Replying to: danjakubik (Jun 17, 2007 10:49 am) Get a winter beater, trust me. Also, 1990-1997 was the NA. There was no 1998 model. 1999-2005 was the NB. So you probably want a '99 or a '00. 2006 the latest ones came out.
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If you're considering these vehicles but unsure which one you want, you need to determine what you want it for. Both cars offer their own respective benefits and one must determine what those are before deciding. The best way to decide is to drive both and see which fits you (or your husband). The S can be a tight fit, but there's tons of headroom. The Miata is roomier, but the seat doesn't support your legs properly. I own an '01 S2K and my best friend just bought an '06 Mazdaspeed Miata. We agree that my S is the better all around car (I must disclaim, my S is supercharged, but nonetheless...). Fit'n'finish, power, convienence, styling, and resale are all in favor of the S. We both found his Miata to have poor build quality (the interior was surprisingly plastic, even the door panels). The thing is, the S will scare you at limit at first. Where the Miata is a tossable car, the S is much harder to master. Day-to-day though, they're both quite dossile. |
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Replying to: estreka (Jun 24, 2007 9:24 am) |
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Replying to: ateixeira (Jun 20, 2007 11:15 am)
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Replying to: danjakubik (Jun 24, 2007 9:35 am) While any Jeep is rather expensive, it's still a good buy. Jeep owners are a very niche market which keeps resale values high. You might buy a used Wrangler for $17K and sell it in 4 years for $12K. They hold their value remarkably well as long as they're well maintained. |
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