Are you 'avin a 'Steffy Graff'? It's a no brainer! as we say in England (rough translation "are you having a laugh - there isn't a choice"). S2000 everytime! The Elise is a 'Noddy' car - good fun for the youngsters!
The Elise manual top and Meccano kit roof bars to keep it in place are a very poor design - when it rains you'll need your umbrella!
And no matter what age you are getting in and out requires the dexterity of Houdini!!
But hey! If you want to throw your money away that's your decision.
Whatever you get enjoy yourself.
Greetings from England.

 

I grew up driving British roadsters, and have many fond memories, but the Miata and then the S2000 have spoiled me. We Americans use to excuse things like water running down on our knee by saying that the cars had "character," but such things do nothing to enhance the driving experience. Every Lotus I've ever driven has been an absolute blast, but so is the S2000.

I keep looking at Super 7's, but NOT as a possible replacement for the S2000. The Honda is here to stay.

 

A very interesting (and fair) comparison. The Elise, Z4, and Boxster S are really the only true competitors. Of them, I find the Elise most fascinating. I'd like to drive one.

Good luck in your hunt.

 

yea man.
i guess i will buy a 06' s2000 for street and some track/autox & save $$ for caterham 7 or elan

 

way to aggressive as a DD. and if give somebody a right, i hope you are very close friends as you will be about 2inchs apart sholder to sholder. i am 6,2 w/ a football player type frame ( inside linebacker to be exact) and that was THE hardest car i've yet to be in. almost makes me like viper ACR more for its room

 

I', 5'8 and 145 soaking wet. I consider myself pretty flexible and i had a heck of a time getting into the Elise. I can squeeze into the S2k no problem even with the door open less and 2 feet. The Elise requires the door to be wide open to cross the foot wide door sills. I dont think it makes much sense as a DD. The soft top that comes standard is an absolute joke as well.

Off the topic but i heard the Manual window regulators are actually HEAVIER than the power operated top. How is that possible?

 

I've driven and owned both cars and can tell you you already own one of the best mixes of those 2 cars.

In reality there are only 4 cars in in this category: Miata, S2000, BoxsterS, and Elise.

here is how I would rank them in terms of practicality / fun:

1) Elise: Most fun but like many have said, there are lotsa compromises such as tiny space, lousy soft top, noise, and some safety since I don't think this car has been crash tested? correct me if I'm wrong...

2) S2000: Best mix of comfort, fun and overall driving experience with the power top, great Honda shifter and beautiful engine sound at WOT!

3) BoxsterS: This is the car I'd take if I have to do long cross country driving with ample space, mid engine sound and great performance to boot plus looks. Only downfall is price and maitenance. Definitely a good handler but not as in touch with the road as the above 2.

4) Miata: Great chassis and road car but lacks the power in my opinion to be a true fun contender. Best buy and lowest price helps though.

Rick

 

I played football at MS State, strong safety, and I fit in my Elise fine.I am 6'0 210lbs. If you haven't driven one, don't judge it. I have an '01 S2000 and a '00 Boxster S both of which are super daily drivers, but if you want a toy, buy the Elise. Don't let the whole entering and exiting the car scare you. Its not that big of deal once you figure it out. Even that becomes easier with the top off. Once you are in the driver seat, I find it to have more room than my AP1. If you are worried about the rain, use the hardtop, it doesn't leak. It is bar none, the best driving experience I have ever had.

Alot of people get lost in the whole Toyota vs Honda thing, but if you can over look that, you will love the car. When I bought the car I didn't worry about the engine being a Toyota, I was just happy it wasn't the old POS Rover engine. It is the essence of the S2000, only taken to the next level. Of course, this is just my .02 worth.