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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 2 of 7

#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.

#11 of 62 Miata is better for a new driver than S2k by gsolman6

Mar 12, 2007 (10:27 am)

The Miata is a much easier car to drive in a controlled manner especially for those new to driving or RWD. The Miata's insurance should be cheaper too. I would definitely make sure that the airbags were working if you bought an older Miata as my previous '94 had a airbag malfunction light constatly on.
 
Overall I think the Miata is the most underrated sports car from the perspective of the non-enthusiats general public.

#12 of 62 Re: Miata is better for a new driver than S2k [gsolman6] by aviboy97

Mar 12, 2007 (1:34 pm)

Replying to: gsolman6 (Mar 12, 2007 10:27 am)
Overall I think the Miata is the most underrated sports car from the perspective of the non-enthusiats general public.
 
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.

#13 of 62 miata may have less power, but is more fun to drive by haasamanizer

May 22, 2007 (10:28 pm)

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.

#14 of 62 Roadsters are great toys by ateixeira

Jun 15, 2007 (6:02 pm)

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.

#15 of 62 Used Mazda Miata by danjakubik

Jun 17, 2007 (11:49 am)

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!

#16 of 62 Re: Used Mazda Miata [danjakubik] by habitat1

Jun 18, 2007 (5:37 am)

Replying to: danjakubik (Jun 17, 2007 11:49 am)
A used Miata being driven daily 15,000+ miles per year in Chicago year round is asking a lot. Both of you, and the car.
 
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.

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

Jun 20, 2007 (12:15 pm)

Replying to: danjakubik (Jun 17, 2007 11:49 am)
Snow tires will work well, but the catch is it's a tiny car and I don't want to be out there playing bumper cars with all the huge SUVs on the road, especially now that many of them are in the hands of inexperienced teens.
 
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.

#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.

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