I had been shopping for a sports car in my price range and had just about settled on the 06 Miata. It seemed very balanced, had an excellent gear box and a very good reputation for reliability. I really enjoyed the long test drive even though the looks don't knock me out. On a lark, I went into a Honda dealer to check on the S2K. Last time I had shopped it was much more money than I wanted to go. Well this time the lease deal is just about the same as the Miata. I was very surprised.
I drove the car and here's my viewpoint. I love the looks. It seems like a much more expensive car than it is. It's more noisy than the miata and you feel the road more.
I'm not a speed demon and will use it as a weeked fun car and since I live in the Northeast, not much past October. So a few questions.

Is it fun to drive this car at or under the speed limit and in a relaxed fashion?
Does the road, engine, noise wear on you for highway crusing of about 2 hours?
Is it safe to operate within the normal driving limits (not pushing or racing).? I like the fact that the 06 has the stability controls and want to feel "secure".
Is the blind spot an issue or do you get used to it and/or can you adjust the mirrors so that it isn't a factor?

The most fun I've had in a car so far was my 01 BMW 330i, just to give you a sense of my values. But now I want a sports car.
I think the S2K is fantastic to look at and I love the engine note and gearbox. I just want to know if anyone out there (OK, I'm middle aged) drives it like I would.
Thank you for any and all input.

 

if you drop the top, you can enjoy the car at any speed.. if i'm just relaxing in the sun, i just post it in the second to slow lane at 60 -

 

buy used and never look back.

 

I want the stability control so used won't cut it for me.

 

Is the blind spot an issue or do you get used to it and/or can you adjust the mirrors so that it isn't a factor?

not an issue unless your half asleep and not paying attention, there are mirrors you can buy to fix the blind spot issue.


i think s2k would be good for you. but if you just want to cruise with drop top id say go for miata. wait nvm since its the same price just get the s2k

 

Had a Miata...fun car but wore me out more than the Honda on long drives. Though the Honda is louder, the extra power and quality make it more relaxing drive for me. And when you do feel like exploring the upper end of the speed limit, no comparison imo. It would take lots of $'s and hours to get the Miata power in the same league as the Honda, and doubt you're into that kind of tinkering.
And if you're really talking same dollars for either car, no contest.

Mark

 

If you can lease the s2k for the same price, DO IT!!!

 

miata vs. s2k

well i've driven my friend's Mazdaspeed Miata (the turbocharged one) and i must say, it is a very fun car. that said, the s2k interior was a lot roomier for me, plus more headroom in the s2k. the miata is lighter, so it feels slightly more tossable, but the s2k feels quite a lot more stable in the corners; iirc the s2k feels more "planted" on the road when u're cutting corners hard.

straightline is no contest. even the mazdaspeed miata gets pulled by the s2k like crazy.

about ur comment on not being a speed demon....99.9% of us were once like that too i believe. i used to be the type of guy who couldn't tell the difference btwn an s2k and miata if i saw both on the road. however, a car like the s2k will probably change ur perspective about speed. i know i got hooked ever since i first drove my friend's s2k for the first time almost a year and a half ago....

just like any debate btwn 2 cars....test drive both until u make up ur mind. good luck

 

just do it

 

S2000 or Miata for the same lease price... that's like trying to decide between a 3 bedroom house overlooking the lake vs a 2 bedroom condo in the same town for the same price.

No wonder I've been seeing alot of S2000s recently...