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Honda S2000 vs MX-5 Miata

62 messages,  Last post on May 22, 2009 at 6:52 AM

You are in the Honda S2000 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mazda MX-5 Miata

Messages Page 1 of 7

#1 of 62 MX-5 Miata vs Honda S2000 by sjde

Jan 30, 2006 (9:22 am)

I'm looking at both of these cars. Tell me why I should buy the Miata instead of the S2000? I know it's less expensive and I really don't need the extra horsepower of the S2000, but I wonder if my husband would be happier with the Honda. (He says he doesn't care.) Thanks.
 
Joan

#2 of 62 Re: MX-5 Miata vs Honda S2000 [sjde] by logic1

Jan 30, 2006 (9:41 am)

Replying to: sjde (Jan 30, 2006 9:22 am)
How will your husband use the car?
 
If the idea is to get him a commuter with zip, I would go with the MX-5. If he is looking for something to drive all out on weekends, the S2000 is the better choice.
 
I've owned Miatas in the past. They are well made and fun to drive. Miatas are little nervous, but not so much. They make great commuters and above average driver's cars.
 
I have driven the S2000 twice. It has a rev happy engine and great connection to the road. These qualities make it perfect for the person who wants to take their car to the limit on empty roads or at the track. On the other hand, for commuting, especially stop and go variety, these qualities can almost become annoying, even to the most passionate driver.

#3 of 62 Re: MX-5 Miata vs Honda S2000 [logic1] by habitat1

Feb 01, 2006 (5:03 pm)

Replying to: logic1 (Jan 30, 2006 9:41 am)
"On the other hand, for commuting, especially stop and go variety, these qualities can almost become annoying, even to the most passionate driver."
 
I have to disagree. If you are comparing the S2000 to the Boxster S, perhaps. The Boxster S can achieve similar performance as the S2000 at a quieter 7,000 rpm. And it's got a lot more sound insulation and cabin amenities. But the S2000 can be casually driven and still significantly exceed the performance of a Miata. The 6,500 to 9,000 range in the rev band is a "bonus". You don't have to use it if you don't want to on your daily commute.

#4 of 62 Re: MX-5 Miata vs Honda S2000 [habitat1] by logic1

Feb 02, 2006 (2:39 pm)

Replying to: habitat1 (Feb 01, 2006 5:03 pm)
Well, like I said, I've only driven the Honda twice. Both times was all out on a closed track.
 
The Honda definitely left my Miata in the dust. But I did not come out of it with the feeling I wanted to drive it stop and go.
 
Possibly if I actually drove one stop and go, I would change my mind.

#5 of 62 Re: MX-5 Miata vs Honda S2000 [sjde] by v8miata

May 20, 2006 (7:11 pm)

Replying to: sjde (Jan 30, 2006 9:22 am)
I bought my first miata in 1994 and it was a great car. I have owned several of them. I currently have a 1994 miata R edition and I love the car. I also own a 2002 S2000 silver with red in. The S2000 has alot more power but I dont think it is as fun to drive. I find myself driving the miata alot more than the honda,but I do enjoy driving the honda. I think the interior is better and if you want people to look at you the honda is the way to go. I get 30mpg in the miata on the highway and 28mpg in the honda minor differance considering the honda has 100 more HP on the miata. I dont think I will ever be without a miata but I can see myself selling the S2000 someday but not soon.

#7 of 62 Re: MX-5 Miata vs Honda S2000 [sjde] by iancar

Oct 26, 2006 (8:56 pm)

Replying to: sjde (Jan 30, 2006 9:22 am)
If you are looking for a true sport car, wait for MazdaSpeed or next generation S2000 in 2008. I believe that Mazda is great, if you install proper spring rate and stabilized bars, but then it will be getting ridiculously expensive and it will not make much sense. S2000 on the other hand is very capable, but at almost 7 years running, it desperately need modern strengthening and new braking technologies. Both are not bad cars; but when both of them can be outrun by their more useful MOD up entry, MPS 3 and Si, it may be better that you can shop later.

#8 of 62 Re: MX-5 Miata vs Honda S2000 [sjde] by jickybob

Oct 27, 2006 (3:34 pm)

Replying to: sjde (Jan 30, 2006 9:22 am)
Replying to: sjde (Jan 30, 2006 9:22 am)
We have a 2006 Mazda MX-5 (Miata to the uninformed or to the naked eye seeing
one drive by) and I have a guy whom lives right behind me who just sold a S2000
not long ago and is thinking about getting a MX-5. Anyways, the one thing that
he loves most about the MX-5 compared to the S2000 is that you are not so cooped
up in it, as in you can just put your arm on the window sills and drive and
truly feel the convertible aspect of the car as he puts it. He says that he
wanted to hang his arm out the window or down the side of the car when he drove
(his left arm obviously) but he was unable to do it in the S2000 because of the
doors came way too high as compared the where he was sitting, and he explained
how it just wasn't how he wanted it to be. Now one thing I do know is that Honda
traditionally makes a better automobile than does Mazda and with much higher
quality! If it were me, although I am truly satisfied with the MX-5, I would
probably go with a new S2000 if I had the money and didn't care about the price
difference... The only thing I can say I dislike about the MX-5 is the standard
sound system has absolutely no bass as I came from a 2003 Ford Mustang GT with a
Mach 460 Sound system in it with 2 stock subwoofers in it (not the best for subs
but upped the bass a bit). Anyways, do whatcha please but that's what I know and
how I feel! With whatever your decision finally ends up being, enjoy the ride
and drive safe!
  
Michael Hunter

#9 of 62 Re: MX-5 Miata vs Honda S2000 [iancar] by habitat1

Oct 30, 2006 (10:43 am)

Replying to: iancar (Oct 26, 2006 8:56 pm)
"S2000 on the other hand is very capable, but at almost 7 years running, it desperately need modern strengthening and new braking technologies".
 
You are more than a little off, in my opinion. The 7-year old S2000 still holds it's own very well against the current Porsche Boxster and even Boxster S. The braking on the S2000 was second (barely) to my current 911S. The steering and gearbox are second to none. The structural rigidity of the S2000 is similarly as good as the best of the current crop of $40,000-$50,000+ roadsters.
 
On another forum, one can see the S2000 consistently beats 400 horsepower Corvettes on the track circuit.
 
I find it refreshing that Honda was able to design a ground up roadster in 1999 that, thanks to a lot of Formula One experience and engineering, is still at the top of its category in 2006. If and when they redesign the S2000, they have a damn tough act to follow and, hopefully, won't take two steps forward and one back. And a riced up FWD Si is hopefully NOT the target they will take aim at.

#10 of 62 having had both... by dcrisler

Feb 26, 2007 (11:50 pm)

I had a 00 S2000 for 4 years and almost 50k miles... I now have a 07 PRHT MX-5. Several comments have been dead on... I still think the s2000 is a classic design that much like the NSX will stand the test of time. That being said when I got ready to buy another little red sports car... I had to consider the fact that my 12 year old will be getting close to driving age and what ever I bought would have to be a vehicle I would feel safe with him driving ... if only with me in the car with him. the S2000 is not that car. the reason it can hold it's own with boxsters and many more expensive cars is because it is a very high performing sports car that was intended to be used by experienced drivers. the MX-5 is my commuter and is about 7/10th the car the S was... it is great fun, safe yet it is still a proper sports car. the retractible hard top is a work of art and a joy to use. the 6 speed snick snicks... not quite up to s2000 or boxster standards... but if you have not driven either of those cars... you would think it is the greatest tranny ever!! Also I actually think the S was better in traffic... 3rd gear was good from 15mph to 90mph!! the MX-5 does well tho' and given a nice road ... will make you forget most other cars.

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