S2000 Takes On Toyota 86 and Mazda Miata
Can the S2000 still hang with today's modern sports cars?
New vs Old
The S2000 might not feature the latest and greatest tech, but it has certainly aged quite gracefully. That's why so many people still compare Honda's roadster to brand new vehicles - it's just that darn good. The latest such test comes to us from YouTuber Savage Geese, who recently pitted the S2000 against a pair of new competitors - the Toyota 86 and Mazda Miata.
Deep Dive
As if typically the case with Savage Geese's videos, this one takes an extremely deep dive into each car and what makes it tick. That includes a drag race, interior breakdown, technical overview, test drive, and final comparison to determine a winner. Right off the bat, it's pretty clear that the S2000 still has a lot to offer, years after it was discontinued.
High Praise
Savage Geese praises the S2000's simplicity, superior driving experience, driver-focused cabin, intuitive nature on the track, reliability, and the fact that it's an appreciating asset, unlike most new cars. The only real downside is, of course, the lack of torque, but that's something S2000 owners have learned to live with.
Toyota 86
Meanwhile, the 86 and its identical twin, the BRZ, is praised for its dual-purpose daily driver/track car suitability, the practicality of its rear seat and cargo area, and low cost. However, Savage Geese notes that it suffers from a general lack of power and camber adjustment, which takes away from its weekend warrior status a bit.
Mazda Miata
Finally, the newest Miata comes with a higher price tag but offers more in the way of sophisticated components, better suspension parts, and more power for the new model year. Savage Geese notes that the Miata is pretty close to the S2000 in terms of driving experience, yet is a bit lacking in interior space and suffers from excessive body roll in the corners.
Track Results
On the track, the S2000 somewhat surprisingly reigns supreme, as Savage Geese ranks it their personal favorite to drive. The numbers back that up as well, as the Honda records the fastest lap time of 1:44.2, which barely edges out the Miata's 1:44.9, while the 86 lagged further behind with a best lap time of 1:46.6.
Still the Winner
Ultimately, the S2000 leaves the biggest impression on Savage Geese, as they declare it the best of the bunch. The only downside is that they're getting more expensive and it requires a bit of patience to find the right one based on your budget. But at the end of the day, no modern opponent has taken its crown, and maybe never will at this point.