hammerhead300

I don't have any experience with current-gen Miatas, but I was very close to pulling the trigger on an '02 Miata SE - that is, until I found my S2000. I paid slightly more for the S2000 than I would've paid for a Miata two years newer and with fewer miles, and I've never regretted it one bit. That's not to say the Miata was a bad car at all, but I believe the S2000 is much better.

Elistan

The Miata is certainly a capable car. But it's missing a level of excitement when compared to the S2000, in my opinion.

rpg51

I think the new Miata is very similar to the S performance wise. My problem with it has to do with aesthetics. I like simple classic lines. The new Miata body lines are overdone.

S2KRAY

When I was looking at buying a S2000 in 99 nobody knew much about them. I only knew by reading some of the Eueopean car mags so I bought a 2000. The mags compared the S2000 to the Miata and commented that the S2000 could eat the Miata for lunch and not even bother spitting out the bones. That convinced me. Of course the Miata has come a long way but I would still put my bet on the S. Drag racing does nothing for me. I smoked a Mustang GT on some very technical back roads in my first S2000 and that is where the S shines the most. I also had an 04. I wonder how the Miata compares to the Fiata,

MrFunk

I think the S is still faster if that's all you care about - based on road tests... on paper they are about the same 0-60. Real world is a different thing... but who cares really - no one buys these cars for drag times.
The difference is one is brand new, one is based on a 15 year old design! The fact they are still comparing the two is a true testament to the S as someone mentioned previously.
To me the S is more exclusive, exotic, more special powerplant, more sought after, MUCH better looking etc. Emotionally I am drawn towards the S for all it is vs a new Miata.
Here's a great vid which basically sums is up.

S2KRAY

Amen, end of conversation. Great video.

Car Analogy

The Miata has always been the Jackie Chan of sportscars. Likable, safe, fun, capable. With broad appeal.

That would make S Bruce Lee.

Its less about who would win in a fight, and more about the kind of movie they star in...

WVCR-V

Just to stir the pot, he has a video soon after this one where he is back in his S2000 and says after getting back into the S he definitley prefers the S2000.

rokkerkory

Miata is nice. Hope mazda gives us a mazdaspeed version

importluva

Im sure the miata with a competent driver will be able to keep up in the curves, which to me is all that matters. Having said that, im not exactly running to the dealer to trade in.