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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 3 of 7

#18 of 62 Miata v S2K by estreka

Jun 24, 2007 (10:24 am)

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.

#19 of 62 Re: Miata v S2K [estreka] by danjakubik

Jun 24, 2007 (10:31 am)

Replying to: estreka (Jun 24, 2007 10:24 am)
Thanks for your reply!

#20 of 62 Re: Used Mazda Miata [ateixeira] by danjakubik

Jun 24, 2007 (10:35 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jun 20, 2007 12:15 pm)
Thanks for your reply. I have since reconsidered getting a roadster, as I live in Chicago. There is at least 3 months of snow here each year. And a roadster is small and light with rear wheel drive, so it will be skidding around, not be safe for winter driving. I am now considering a Jeep Wrangler. Something sporty and fun to drive, but also has 4WD for winter driving. Do you know about this vehicle? The jeep is the original SUV.

#21 of 62 Re: Used Mazda Miata [danjakubik] by estreka

Jun 24, 2007 (11:33 am)

Replying to: danjakubik (Jun 24, 2007 10:35 am)
A Wrangler is a great buy for its intended purpose. Few vehicles can match it offroad. Onroad is a different story. It's not very economical.
 
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.

#22 of 62 Jeep Wrangler by danjakubik

Jun 25, 2007 (1:38 am)

Thanks for the information. I was told there is a 2.5L engine version of the Wrangler, instead of the usual 4.0L. Fuel economy should be better with the smaller engine. Any feedback about the smaller 2.5L engine?

#23 of 62 Re: Jeep Wrangler [danjakubik] by ateixeira

Jun 25, 2007 (6:45 am)

Replying to: danjakubik (Jun 25, 2007 1:38 am)
That's quite a different vehicle. I considered one, but it takes too long to get the top up/down for my tastes.
 
It will be more practical if you can only keep one car, however.
 
I'd head over to a Jeep thread to ask your question.

#24 of 62 Re: Miata v S2K [estreka] by aviboy97

Jun 25, 2007 (8:33 am)

Replying to: estreka (Jun 24, 2007 10:24 am)
I would not say the Miata has "poor built quality". Just because there is plastic used in the interior, does not mean it has poor build quality. Even Lexus, BMW, Audi use plenty of plastic, as does the S2000.
 
Build quality is how well the parts fit, and are put together as well as how long they stay that way. Not the material used. The Miata has really good build quality. It is possible that the Miata uses more plastic then the S2000. Keep in mind, buying an S2000, you also pay for the use of better materials. Brand new fully loaded Mazdaspeed MX-5's went for $27,000. An S2000 started over $3000 more then that. In a sense, comparing materials in these two vehicles is like comparing the materials used in a loaded Honda Accord vs. Acura TL. Big difference....

#25 of 62 Re: Miata v S2K [aviboy97] by estreka

Jun 25, 2007 (1:14 pm)

Replying to: aviboy97 (Jun 25, 2007 8:33 am)
Keep in mind, I'm talking about a Mazdaspeed Miata. I haven't been inside a loaded Miata. I say the build quality is poor because every panel seemed to either rattle or move when touched. I felt as it I were in a PlaySkool S2000. The seats and the dash were nice. And I liked the feel of the steering wheel.
 
Don't get me wrong, I love the Miata (I refuse to call it the MX-5). If I couldn't afford the S, I definately would have considered a Miata.

#26 of 62 Re: Miata v S2K [estreka] by aviboy97

Jun 26, 2007 (7:55 am)

Replying to: estreka (Jun 25, 2007 1:14 pm)
Don't get me wrong, I love the Miata (I refuse to call it the MX-5). If I couldn't afford the S, I definitely would have considered a Miata.
 
If I could afford the S2000, I would buy on over the Miata as well. And I am a Mazda enthusiast and owner...

#27 of 62 Re: Miata v S2K [estreka] by erics6

Jun 29, 2007 (9:15 am)

Replying to: estreka (Jun 24, 2007 10:24 am)
I'm a little suprised by the poor build quality comment, and the claim that the S2k is a better all-around car. I'm assuming you mean the 05 MSM with the turbo.
 
The MSM is basically the same interior as any other Miata. A few sporty touches. Big difference is the turbo and suspension. Plastics aren't Lexus quality, but everyone I've seen has been well put together. Plastics in the S2k are about the same to me. Also, very well put together.
 
S2K is a better true sports car, but I find the MSM to be a much easier day to day car. S2K is better on the track. To me, you've got two different cars at different price points. Both are great cars. I'm somebody who looks at the dollar/fun value, so my choice would be the MSM.

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