S2000 Owner Raves About Mazda Miata
The new Miata proves to be rather irresistible for this S2000 owner.
Two of a Kind
For many years, the S2000 and Miata have been compared endlessly. Each model has its own fans, and each is a small, fun roadster perfect for cruising around curvy roads or hitting the track on the weekends. So it's really no surprise to hear from people who appreciate both, and that includes Road & Track's Mack Hogan.
Photos: Mack Hogan for Road & Track
Better Sports Car?
Hogan kicks off his review by once again talking about how great the S2000 is, and how it was his attainable dream car. But he also makes the bold proclamation that the ND2 Miata is a better sports car, which is interesting given the fact that it makes less power, has a lower redline, and just doesn't seem as special on the surface.
Photos: Mack Hogan for Road & Track
Change of Heart
This change of heart happened at the track for a R&T gathering of eight of the best cars ever built. The only new car in this group was the ND2 Miata, interestingly enough. Hogan's co-worker had been raving about them all day, saying the Miata was more fun because it's more accessible, cheaper, and easier to replace, and offers more torque throughout the rpm range.
Photos: Syd Cummings for Road & Track
Winds of Change
Hogan defended his position on the S2000, until he got behind the wheel of the Mazda the next morning. "I realized I was wrong. The Miata is down 60 hp and 1,500 revs compared to the S2000 I had flogged on the way to the track, but it's also 400 pounds lighter. You can feel that and the torque, which both contributed to the eagerness with which it goes about its business."
Photos: Mack Hogan for Road & Track
Doesn't Match Up
Hogan does note that the Miata can't quite match the S2000's peaky power, however. "The experience becomes religious as you crest 6,000 rpm; Some buzzy, exhilarating blur that reaches higher than Miata driving's most prominent peaks," he says. But that isn't quite enough to make up for the Miata's many other positive traits.
Photos: Syd Cummings for Road & Track
List of Praise
The list of praise for the Miata is long. It includes "perfect" suspension tuning, a softer ride, predictable and sure-footed handling, communicative steering and body roll, and plenty of low-end torque. However, Hogan notes that this is only true of 2019+ models, which have far better drivetrains than older Miatas.
Photos: Mack Hogan for Road & Track
Ultimate Compliment
"Make no mistake, though, I still contend that the heights of S2000 driving surpass the Miata," Hogan concludes. "It's just in so many other scenarios—at a race track, around tight corners, in daily driving—the Miata feels better. In the ND2, Mazda has unquestionably built a better two-seat sports car than the S2000. Only took 'em 19 years." And if that isn't the ultimate S2000 compliment, we don't know what is.
Photos: Mack Hogan for Road & Track