Interesting thread on Miata.net

http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?p...367#post2750367

I love the Miata. I had two (now only one...an NA) and I think they are great little cars. However, as an average (maybe below average ) autocrosser, there is no comparison between the S2000 and the MX-5. None at all. I had a 2004 for 3 years and autocrossed it every one of those years. The S is a far superior performer...in EVERY category.

Anyway, I love Miata.Net. It's a great site, but like all forums, sometimes the enthusiasm for "your car" gets in the way of objective reasoning.

 

But if the Miata had the same power to weight ratio as the S2k, somehow I think the Miata would win on an average autox course.

 

Agreed. The MS miata was one of the cars I cross shopped when inbought the s2k. Actual chassis stiffness was the main area it fell short handling wise. A bit softer, and not as much body control.

 

I find the stock MX-5 rolls way too much. I had installed a full MS suspension on mine before I sold it and it turned it into a different car.

 

I went to a track day (my 2nd one) and there was also a Miata on the track. It was nut hugging me at the beginning of the session, so I let it pass. Still warming up tires. We were in beginner's group so mandatory point pass. So after I let it pass, thinking his skill was above mines, I found that our skill was more or less equal. Because now I was nut hugging it throughout the track, lap after lap. The Miata was the 1st gen. I just thought this was a good story. Bastid wouldn't let me pass after that tho, he was holding me up in the corners and straights.

 

the driver is a large reason a miata can out handle a honda..i have owned two miatas, a 1990 and a 2001 ls and i found them to be just a cut below the honda in every aspect other than price and fun...both cars are fun and the miata is allot of fun given the price point....so i give it the nod for being the best bang for the buck roadster..that being said i would not go back, the honda is just so much better than a miata, and i would have paid thousands more for it if need be,many did.

 

Ive got a 97 miata as well. Its a great little car for what it is and truly a blast to drive.

As is, the s2k blows away the miata (IMO) in every corner of performance. however, I think that if mazda were to take the extra step in engineering like honda did for the S(for the extra 10kusd), it would be an even match. That being said tho....

the new MazdaSpeed Mx-5 turbo for the same price as the s2k will be VERY competitive it in almost every sector. The upgraded suspension puts it on par with the stock s2k, the turbo puts its power over that of the S2k. Its a lighter car (Although its put on some weight over the years) so corner entry speed can be just that much faster.

Current S2k shoppers looking at performance can quickly rule out the miata over the S, but when this hits the market its going to be a style/brand loyalty, or FI/NA preference.

 

No comparison.

 

with Diablo99v.

I've owned both machines (02 AP1 and 95 NA) and both are fun in different ways. The AP1 was like a jet fighter with 4 wheels. Super fast and hugged the corners with the best of them. The miata however, was a blast to drive as long as i wasn't going anywhere faster than 70mph. The miata for me was a much more entertaining car on the street since i could never take full advantage of the AP1's power.

in a nutshell, AP1 is stupid fun going fast while the miata is a blast going slow.

Also, the miata is easier to toss around and won't bite you even if you mess up. On the other hand, AP1 balance is at a knife's edge. go over the balance and you'll have to use all your skills to recover.

 

I believe they were also comparing the 07 Miata & not any other year. S2000 its a better car hands down. The interior is fine with me, its a performance roadster not a luxury car. I bet if you took the Mazdaspeed Miata and a stock AP1 around the road course AP1 would still eat up the Miata. Even if they up the boost on the Miata.