Can You Really Compare a S2000 to a Miata? Really?
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 24
From: Chicago
Call me nuts but I'll put in my two cents
I won't even talk about the Evo (though I owned an 04 VIII myself) sti's, etc.. it's apples to oranges.
But to go off of your title, S2k vs Miata. I've driven a few of them, both the older model and the newer ones, it's completely different in both auto and manual (for the miata/mx-5 obviously). The s2k is purely a driver's car, not much for comfort (though I personally find if pretty comfy at being 5 ft 7 140 pounds), not huge into luxuries, and it makes you one with the road.
I used to ride motorcycles for years, and when I put up my leathers and my race helmets for the time being, this car is the closest to dragging knee as I could get.. and boy does it put a smile on my face every single time when I go through those corners, it isn't quite the same, but the feeling of nostalgia is definitely there..
When I drove the miatas and mx-5's it felt.. less connected, more body roll, a tad quieter, softer suspension, and a hair lighter, it was nice in its own right, but it just didn't feel as much as a "driver's car". I know I bash miata's here and there for fun, but they still decent cars in their own right. But like someone stated earlier, you're comparing a car built mass production vs a car that was celebrating heritage and ceased production. I'm more than sure people would've bought more s2000s if they could, if they were still being made.
S2K: Miata steroid'd up.
Miata: S2K's step sister.
I didn't factor in mods into this because I never drove a modded s2k or been in one or a miata/mx-5 modded for that matter, purely stock to stock.
I won't even talk about the Evo (though I owned an 04 VIII myself) sti's, etc.. it's apples to oranges.
But to go off of your title, S2k vs Miata. I've driven a few of them, both the older model and the newer ones, it's completely different in both auto and manual (for the miata/mx-5 obviously). The s2k is purely a driver's car, not much for comfort (though I personally find if pretty comfy at being 5 ft 7 140 pounds), not huge into luxuries, and it makes you one with the road.
I used to ride motorcycles for years, and when I put up my leathers and my race helmets for the time being, this car is the closest to dragging knee as I could get.. and boy does it put a smile on my face every single time when I go through those corners, it isn't quite the same, but the feeling of nostalgia is definitely there..
When I drove the miatas and mx-5's it felt.. less connected, more body roll, a tad quieter, softer suspension, and a hair lighter, it was nice in its own right, but it just didn't feel as much as a "driver's car". I know I bash miata's here and there for fun, but they still decent cars in their own right. But like someone stated earlier, you're comparing a car built mass production vs a car that was celebrating heritage and ceased production. I'm more than sure people would've bought more s2000s if they could, if they were still being made.
S2K: Miata steroid'd up.
Miata: S2K's step sister.
I didn't factor in mods into this because I never drove a modded s2k or been in one or a miata/mx-5 modded for that matter, purely stock to stock.
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,953
Likes: 19
From: Knoxville, TN
It's plainly obvious that few people discussing this thread have driven a Miata. Yes the S is a better car, and you pay the extra dough for that. But for the price of a nice stock S, you can have a fully built Miata that will run circles around it. Who cares if it has to be modded to do that, when you still have the same or less money in it than a stock S. And consider the fact that you would then have to invest substantially in the S to get it to keep up at that point. The major auto publications don't rant and rave about Miatas for no reason. People on this board make no sense sometimes. If its really that big of a deal to choose between one then buy BOTH. This way you can fully appreciate the pros and cons of each, instead of bench discussing about a car you know nothing about...
I do love a miata's handling for how predictable and easy is it to drive. Mod/repair costs are easily half the price and in my experience the drivetrain seems to hold up much better when some power is put through it.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 697
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I used to own an '02 NB Miata and I loved it while I owned it. I daily drove it everywhere and probably put over 40,000 miles on it during the time I owned it.
That being said, I think it's a bit frustrating to bring forced induction into the argument when it comes to the Miata. I live in CA where FI is not as easy as an option as it is for some of you who live in other states that aren't subject to CARB. At the time, there were no turbo kits that passed CARB emissions so the "well, if I stuck a turbo on my Miata, it's faster than a S2000" argument was moot. Plus, the S2000 makes it's HP numbers reliably where I knew plenty of people who had FM2 / Bell kits that often ran into issues with their turbo kits.
A car also should have to be modified to get what you want out of the car.
That being said, I think it's a bit frustrating to bring forced induction into the argument when it comes to the Miata. I live in CA where FI is not as easy as an option as it is for some of you who live in other states that aren't subject to CARB. At the time, there were no turbo kits that passed CARB emissions so the "well, if I stuck a turbo on my Miata, it's faster than a S2000" argument was moot. Plus, the S2000 makes it's HP numbers reliably where I knew plenty of people who had FM2 / Bell kits that often ran into issues with their turbo kits.
A car also should have to be modified to get what you want out of the car.
Registered User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 474
Likes: 0
IMO I think the Miata is a cool car and im sure it's fun. But I just feel like the S2000 is much more versatile in what it's owner chooses it's purpose to be. Whether it be show, garage queen, weekend warrior, daily, autox track, highway king. I don't see very many Miata's (with the exception of the minivette) blowing doors off cars on highway runs or at the strip. At least not as well as the S can. I guess it's sort of like everything the miata can do the s can do better.
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 420
Likes: 2
From: Livermore
I'm Just looking for some good input. I have my thoughts on this. Just want to ask Other members on the Forums what they think. All And Any info.
Here's what some people are saying about Our cars.
Quote
I don't think that's true at all. The S2000 motor is pretty well maxed from the factory. It's not like an Evo where an ECU flash will net you 30+ whp for free. Try getting 30 rwhp out of an S2000 without adding a turbo/super.
There are upgrade paths to 400 rwhp, but I wouldn't call them "relatively easy", since it is one of the hardest engines to get more power out of (short of a supercharger/turbo). Modding an S2000 reliably to this level also isn't even close to what I'd call 'cheap' even with the aftermarket support it has.
A Miata will be better in almost all respects across the board - after market support, modability, reliability with mods, and cheap to mod.
S2000 does look better, I'll give you that. If I owned an S2000 I would just appreciate the motor in it's stock form. It's very much a Formula 1 inspired engine and honestly the S2000 is decently fast stock. Having no torque is just part of the fun
Quote
This^^^.
1. It takes a lot more money to make 400whp with an S2000 than an Evo, or 5.0
2. After you make the power, you don't have traction
3. S2000 power curves, even under boost, are sooo weak compared to, let's say, an evo.
$ for $, an S2000's are actually pretty weak. And with enough money, you can make anything fast. Sure they can make high hp numbers with a stock block, but it's only because the tq is so damn low...... So yeah, imo, the people on those forums have no clue what they're talking about. Boost a new 5.0 and watch it destroy you.
Here's what some people are saying about Our cars.
Quote
I don't think that's true at all. The S2000 motor is pretty well maxed from the factory. It's not like an Evo where an ECU flash will net you 30+ whp for free. Try getting 30 rwhp out of an S2000 without adding a turbo/super.
There are upgrade paths to 400 rwhp, but I wouldn't call them "relatively easy", since it is one of the hardest engines to get more power out of (short of a supercharger/turbo). Modding an S2000 reliably to this level also isn't even close to what I'd call 'cheap' even with the aftermarket support it has.
A Miata will be better in almost all respects across the board - after market support, modability, reliability with mods, and cheap to mod.
S2000 does look better, I'll give you that. If I owned an S2000 I would just appreciate the motor in it's stock form. It's very much a Formula 1 inspired engine and honestly the S2000 is decently fast stock. Having no torque is just part of the fun
Quote
This^^^.
1. It takes a lot more money to make 400whp with an S2000 than an Evo, or 5.0
2. After you make the power, you don't have traction
3. S2000 power curves, even under boost, are sooo weak compared to, let's say, an evo.
$ for $, an S2000's are actually pretty weak. And with enough money, you can make anything fast. Sure they can make high hp numbers with a stock block, but it's only because the tq is so damn low...... So yeah, imo, the people on those forums have no clue what they're talking about. Boost a new 5.0 and watch it destroy you.
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