S2000 Vs. Miata
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S2000 Vs. Miata
Hey guys, I'm new here and I'm trying to decide between buying an 00-03 S2000 or a 99-02 Miata. I've just sold my 99 Camaro SS, 6 speed with heads/cam (@400hp), I was tired of it's boat like handling and generally shoddy build quality.
I know the Miata and S2000 are in different classes and the S2000 has 100hp over the Miata, but they both fit my criteria of being extremely fun to drive roadsters that are reliable and affordable. I'll also admit to being a Honda fan
, my wife has an 03 Odyssey and I've got 2 honda motorcycles.
I test drove a 05 S2000 and an 04 Miata today and really liked both of them. The Miata handled great but had lackluster power. The S2000 felt extremely well built, handled like the miata, just a little bigger and had the nice VTEC kick at 6K.
The Miata is going to run me about $6-7K less than the S2000, but I want to know from any of you guys who have owned Miata's before, which one you liked best? My only real grip with the Miata is its lack of power, which a $2500 supercharger should solve. The S2000 is a beauty, do you think its worth the extra $$$ and will it be more fun than the Miata?
I know the Miata and S2000 are in different classes and the S2000 has 100hp over the Miata, but they both fit my criteria of being extremely fun to drive roadsters that are reliable and affordable. I'll also admit to being a Honda fan
, my wife has an 03 Odyssey and I've got 2 honda motorcycles.I test drove a 05 S2000 and an 04 Miata today and really liked both of them. The Miata handled great but had lackluster power. The S2000 felt extremely well built, handled like the miata, just a little bigger and had the nice VTEC kick at 6K.
The Miata is going to run me about $6-7K less than the S2000, but I want to know from any of you guys who have owned Miata's before, which one you liked best? My only real grip with the Miata is its lack of power, which a $2500 supercharger should solve. The S2000 is a beauty, do you think its worth the extra $$$ and will it be more fun than the Miata?
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From: Fort Worth Tx
I actually was just in your situation.
I chose the S. Yes the miata is cheaper but I in the short time I have owned my S(1 day) feel that it responds better, sounds better and overall I just liked it better
Not to say the miata isn't nice. It probably the best overall vert in its price range.
I think you should decide whats more important. Saving 5-6K which you could then spend on making the miata as fast as the S or getting performance, quality and sweetness right out of the box.
I will say that I had never driven a stick before and I've already grasp everything save for making a smooth take off. The S's gearbox has always been said to be the best in the business
I chose the S. Yes the miata is cheaper but I in the short time I have owned my S(1 day) feel that it responds better, sounds better and overall I just liked it better
Not to say the miata isn't nice. It probably the best overall vert in its price range.
I think you should decide whats more important. Saving 5-6K which you could then spend on making the miata as fast as the S or getting performance, quality and sweetness right out of the box.
I will say that I had never driven a stick before and I've already grasp everything save for making a smooth take off. The S's gearbox has always been said to be the best in the business
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From: Houston, TX
I was just in the same situation, as well. I was considering a new PRHT NC Miata or a used S2000. I went with the S for the better power and the fact that it was slightly roomier for me (I'm 6'0)
I must say the new Miata was a gorgeous car that is very well designed, and I felt like it was even more well balanced than my S2000. However that extra 70hp kick more than made up for it.
I must say the new Miata was a gorgeous car that is very well designed, and I felt like it was even more well balanced than my S2000. However that extra 70hp kick more than made up for it.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Columbus, GA
IMO if you're coming out of a 400 hp muscle car you'll not be happy with the miata, supercharger or not.
Even the s2k may be a stretch.
I chose the S2k over the Miata because of the extra room both interior and trunk. It's a comfortable car for two.
My wife and I love to go riding in the S even on long trips. We wouldn't have enjoyed or used the Miata as much.
I think if you factor in the resale value the overall cost of owning the S is less expensive than the Miata. Factor in the Vtec and it's no contest.
Willinathen
Even the s2k may be a stretch.
I chose the S2k over the Miata because of the extra room both interior and trunk. It's a comfortable car for two.
My wife and I love to go riding in the S even on long trips. We wouldn't have enjoyed or used the Miata as much.
I think if you factor in the resale value the overall cost of owning the S is less expensive than the Miata. Factor in the Vtec and it's no contest.
Willinathen
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Central Massachusetts
I was a first-gen Miata owner for 12 years. I think the S2000 is a huge step forward from the original Miata, but I haven't driven the latest ones.
That said, you'll save a lot of money on the Miata direction, and that may be an important factor for you.
Just drive both and decide.
Oh, from what I've seen of crash test footage, the S2000 seems a lot sturdier (it has a neat 3-dimensional frame) in a head on, not that I hope anyone has to ever experience that.
That said, you'll save a lot of money on the Miata direction, and that may be an important factor for you.
Just drive both and decide.
Oh, from what I've seen of crash test footage, the S2000 seems a lot sturdier (it has a neat 3-dimensional frame) in a head on, not that I hope anyone has to ever experience that.
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Central Massachusetts
oh, I see you already did your homework -- seatwork, I should say...
Will the S2000 be more fun? Probably not. The Miata's a great car too, and with the extra money you could afford aftermarket turbos or something to boost performance...
Looks-wise, I still think the S wins hands-down.
Will the S2000 be more fun? Probably not. The Miata's a great car too, and with the extra money you could afford aftermarket turbos or something to boost performance...
Looks-wise, I still think the S wins hands-down.
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From: Atlanta, GA
Red MX-5 has some good points, but I think we all are a tad biased. I am slightly qualified to speak on this subject. My mom has a Miata on the side, and it was a light and tossable car. Very fun to drive. Before I got my S, I thought about buying one. Once I drove my S2000, I wouldn't consider the Miata anymore. The Miata is an awesome handler, but lacks sufficient power. The S2000 is quite balanced because it has handling+power. Coming out of a muscle car like yours, this would be less of a shock. Only slightly though- both cars are torqueless wonders with a fraction of the displacement, cylinders, and power of your Camaro.
I will put it like this; if one were not able to afford all of the expenses of an S2000 (insurance, parts, upgrades, initial cost), one would look at the Miata as a viable alternative. But if you can shell out the extra dough- you will never look back. S2000 baby!
I will put it like this; if one were not able to afford all of the expenses of an S2000 (insurance, parts, upgrades, initial cost), one would look at the Miata as a viable alternative. But if you can shell out the extra dough- you will never look back. S2000 baby!