So this past year I owned both a 2003 S2000 AP1 with 50k miles (sold) and recently purchased a 2018 MX-5 Miata ND (MT, 7500 miles), both used as my daily. I thought people might be interested in my impressions. No haters, these are my impressions only. Peace.
Design: The S2000 has withstood the test of time. The MX-5 ND has to grow on you. Winner - S2000
Interior: The S2000 is a driver's car, nothing wasted, but space is tight. The MX-5 ND has all the creature comforts (except a rear view camera in 2018) and is a little easier to get in and out of. Winner - slight edge to the MX-5
Handling: The S2000 is a tighter car, even for a 2003. Winner - S2000
Push you back in the seat: The S2000 has the horses and is better off the line. Winner - S2000
Functionality: Granted the 2018 has more "stuff" than a 2003. Winner - edge to the MX-5 ND
Noise: Neither is a quiet car. Winner - this is a tie
Top down: The S2000 is a quick drop with an electric motor, very easy but I've seen a lot of tears taped up. The MX-5 is one-handed manual drop. Winner - edge to the MX-5
Wow factor: Both will get looks driving around town. Winner - slight edge to the S2000, people will stop you and ask what is that car.
Bottom line: If both cars were side by side in the garage and I wanted to take one for a joy ride, it would be the 2003 S2000. However, for driving one every day to work, it is the 2018 MX-5. It's been a fun 12 months. I would love the 2003 S2000 back as a 2nd car but it was not in the cards. Enjoy.

 

Thanks for that comparison. Everyone's got opinions, but yours seem pretty reasonable.

 

Thanks for your review. I have been considering replacing my subie as my daily and getting a miata. I can not daily my s because it is just too uncomfortable for my ling commute.

 

My wife has a 2019 MX-5 RF (Fastback) with the new engine (181hp) and the GT-S option package (LSD, FTSB, Bilstein shocks). She also ordered the GT option which gives the 6speed transmission and leather seats. Its a great car---the added horsepower is very apparent on a car this light.

I have to disagree with your comments re: the interior - the S2K is cavernous compared to the MX-5. I'm 5'10" and am cramped. Even she noticed the difference.

The RF also has a Wow factor just as comparable to the S2K.

The Mazda does have an adjustable steering column - something both cars have always needed. The new gadgets and doodads are nice on the modern car, too.

Still, I will not be selling my MY'00 anytime soon.

 

My commute is short (6 mi each way). I did not want to add the miles and also drive in winter (here in NC we sometimes get snow or ice). With the low miles I was able to get my number and it all worked out. Best of luck.

 

Miata really does seem to be the answer for a fun rwd light sports ragtop. Two of my friends have the new ND wherase me and my other friend are rocking S2ks. The big reason why my friends with Miatas didnt get S2000s was because they wanted something newer. Cant beat the ND.

 

shift comparison. win to the ND. while the s2000 shifter is also excellent, the new ND is like butter.

darcy

 

I drove my sister's ND for 30 minutes in the canyons and when I got back on my S2000, I thought my clutch was broken cuz my leg had a hard time pressing it and it took several minutes to get used to it again, agree the clutch is butter smooth on the ND. With stiffer suspension and better wheels the ND would be just as fun to drive as the s2000. The infotainment in the ND is just super awesome, wish I had it on my S2000.

 

I will agree with you. In the cold months getting the S2000 into first or reverse was like moving a mountain. The ND is a pleasure to shift. They increased the HP on the 2019 ND to 181, my guess is this is a big improvement. The infotainment is nice, but Honda makes a better one with Apple Car Play. Mazda is slightly behind. Peace.

 

Ironically while I like the ND Miata and am glad that it exists, Mazda's inclusion of the infotainment system is probably my biggest dislike about the car. Not only does the implementation appear as an afterthought but infotainment systems in general will age about as well as any electronic interface in this day and age, which is to say not well at all. However, Mazda only needs to concern themselves with the average new car buyer that doesn't tend to hang on to a vehicle for more than a few years anyway. So this essentially goes in the non-issue category as far as Mazda is concerned.

I'm surprised to see Miata sales at their lowest yearly total since the ND was released. With the ND2 offering a nice bump in performance (at a lower price). I would have expected the sales figures to follow suit. Given that the Miata is even more car for the money than before, what more do people want (besides SUV's)? The ND will likely be around for at least a couple more years. Maybe they should release the orange paint featured on the 30th anniversary models into regular production.