Can You Really Compare a S2000 to a Miata? Really?
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From: Indiana
I don't think this thread serves a purpose. I am guessing based on the original post that those comments regarding the S2000 were made on a Miata forum. In that case, you've become a victim of the most common thing seen on any car forums anywhere: biased owners talking down another platform for no good reason, often based on incomplete or outright incorrect information. You have to ignore those types. The true enthusiasts are easy to spot based on their comments and how they frame their comparisons--those are the people whose opinions and thoughts are valid.
So, if you want to truly debate Miata vs. S2000, any real enthusiast will tell you both cars serve their purpose well. Both cars have strengths/weaknesses that can change depending on several variables such as intended use of the vehicle or even owner income when it comes to tracking. Example: it's hard to argue that an S2000 is a better choice than a Miata if you're going for a pure track car and you aren't made of money. Putting a $12-15k S2000 into a wall hurts the average Joe a hell of a lot more than doing the same with a $3500 early 90s Miata. Consumables are also cheaper across the board for the smaller car, so for a track junkie the decision could be to either race every weekend in a Miata or once a month in an S2000 when factoring total cost of each session and considering how much discretionary income is available to burn on track entertainment. There is no "one size fits all" between these two cars.
If you're going to compare both cars stock for stock, the S2000 is clearly "more" in just about every aspect: price, power, weight, looks (subjective, but come on). I listed price first because it's the key here. The S2000 was designed and sold at a higher level in the market than the Miata and there's nothing wrong with that. It just goes to show that comparing the two doesn't really get you anywhere.
And talking about modded vs. modded, again one of the oldest and in my opinion most futile things to come about on car forums everywhere. There are way too many variables at play when you deviate from the stock vs. stock argument and then you get into the back-and-forth realm of "But if you spend $X on the Miata it runs low 13s and handles great!" or "The S2000's stock block can hold 400whp while the Miata's motor can't!" which leads to "Oh but if you spend $2k on a built motor for the Miata then it can hold 500whp and still costs less than buying the S2000 in the first place!" Blah, blah, blah. Pointless.
Don't forget, the Miata is probably the #1 reason that the S2000, Boxster, Z3/Z4, etc. even exist. It literally proved to all manufacturers that a niche was there for lower-priced RWD roadsters when none were being produced.
So, if you want to truly debate Miata vs. S2000, any real enthusiast will tell you both cars serve their purpose well. Both cars have strengths/weaknesses that can change depending on several variables such as intended use of the vehicle or even owner income when it comes to tracking. Example: it's hard to argue that an S2000 is a better choice than a Miata if you're going for a pure track car and you aren't made of money. Putting a $12-15k S2000 into a wall hurts the average Joe a hell of a lot more than doing the same with a $3500 early 90s Miata. Consumables are also cheaper across the board for the smaller car, so for a track junkie the decision could be to either race every weekend in a Miata or once a month in an S2000 when factoring total cost of each session and considering how much discretionary income is available to burn on track entertainment. There is no "one size fits all" between these two cars.
If you're going to compare both cars stock for stock, the S2000 is clearly "more" in just about every aspect: price, power, weight, looks (subjective, but come on). I listed price first because it's the key here. The S2000 was designed and sold at a higher level in the market than the Miata and there's nothing wrong with that. It just goes to show that comparing the two doesn't really get you anywhere.
And talking about modded vs. modded, again one of the oldest and in my opinion most futile things to come about on car forums everywhere. There are way too many variables at play when you deviate from the stock vs. stock argument and then you get into the back-and-forth realm of "But if you spend $X on the Miata it runs low 13s and handles great!" or "The S2000's stock block can hold 400whp while the Miata's motor can't!" which leads to "Oh but if you spend $2k on a built motor for the Miata then it can hold 500whp and still costs less than buying the S2000 in the first place!" Blah, blah, blah. Pointless.
Don't forget, the Miata is probably the #1 reason that the S2000, Boxster, Z3/Z4, etc. even exist. It literally proved to all manufacturers that a niche was there for lower-priced RWD roadsters when none were being produced.
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From: Mukilteo,Seattle
Originally Posted by lnTheWorks' timestamp='1366647364' post='22490335
An S2000 is already on the verge of too small & girly for me. A Miata would go overboard twice in that regard. Plus, it's just damn ugly. & to top it off, getting a Miata when you can afford an S2000 is like living in a studio apartment when you can afford a modest house.
Well said bro. Just different strokes for different folks. If you have the Money to buy an New Miata instead of a New S2000, Then well i guess it's just your preference.
I might want to own a miata one day with a crazy swap just for fun. But as my DD or nice day cruiser. NO!
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From: Mukilteo,Seattle
i can personally put in the input of the miata and s2000 as i had one before. I LOVED MY MIATA! to this date i still miss it, BUT the power band...s2000 has it written all over. Like another person stated, the s2000 is a miata on steroid and also more modern updated! (im comparing from a NA miata to a s2000 not a NB or NC). The miata support side is also alot greater as that car has been around for more then 20 years old. I would instantly give up my s2000 right now for a ls1 swap miata....driving those are like a monster that no one knows. As for practicallity i love the s2000, its something i dont mind taking the lady out for a dinner instead of my miata. It is also more comfortable compared to the miata. Handleing wise as i just got my s2000 about a month ago i still love how the miata handles compared to the s2000. The miata felt so much more agile and way forgiving...then again it only has 100 hp to work with.
In retrospect it is hard to compare the miata to the s2000 as they are both in differnt price bracket as of today, Miata can go for 800 salvage (my buddy got a clean one for $500 0-0) compare to a s2k where it is 6k salvage. or 2k clean title compare to 9k clean title. I would not conside the NC miata comparable to the s2000 as it feels way bulkier to the miata. Reason why i got the s2000 instead of the NC Miata after a test drive.
Part are also especially cheap, slap on a kraftwork supercharger and u will be at 200whp and it cost 2.5k. Blow the motor and there goes 400 for one or spend 1000 installled for a replacement motor. Messed up arms, tranny etc....they are CHEAP! there also ALOT more miata on the road to make up for the price. i paid 600for my driveshaft, torsen lsd, and axle with install!
In retrospect it is hard to compare the miata to the s2000 as they are both in differnt price bracket as of today, Miata can go for 800 salvage (my buddy got a clean one for $500 0-0) compare to a s2k where it is 6k salvage. or 2k clean title compare to 9k clean title. I would not conside the NC miata comparable to the s2000 as it feels way bulkier to the miata. Reason why i got the s2000 instead of the NC Miata after a test drive.
Part are also especially cheap, slap on a kraftwork supercharger and u will be at 200whp and it cost 2.5k. Blow the motor and there goes 400 for one or spend 1000 installled for a replacement motor. Messed up arms, tranny etc....they are CHEAP! there also ALOT more miata on the road to make up for the price. i paid 600for my driveshaft, torsen lsd, and axle with install!
Thanks for the info. I figured they're are people on the Forums who have owned or own both Cars. I haven't driven a Miata Yet. But will be This week. I know if i drive the car thinking it's going to be like the S2k, WELL I'VE ALREADY MADE A MISTAKE. I just need to drive it for what it is. And Let the Feel of the car Give me answer.
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Ya this thread is kinda pointless.. Miatas can be made fast like anything else. Once you start modding anything can happen. I think Miatas are great cars, just not for me. You can make a miata a whole lot faster than a porsche but does that mean the porsche is junk? Of course not. Do what you want and enjoy what you have.. No sense in doing bench racing all the time or we'd all be driving modded miatas or swapped civics w/ large turbos because "they can beat X car."
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From: Mukilteo,Seattle
I don't think this thread serves a purpose. I am guessing based on the original post that those comments regarding the S2000 were made on a Miata forum. In that case, you've become a victim of the most common thing seen on any car forums anywhere: biased owners talking down another platform for no good reason, often based on incomplete or outright incorrect information. You have to ignore those types. The true enthusiasts are easy to spot based on their comments and how they frame their comparisons--those are the people whose opinions and thoughts are valid.
So, if you want to truly debate Miata vs. S2000, any real enthusiast will tell you both cars serve their purpose well. Both cars have strengths/weaknesses that can change depending on several variables such as intended use of the vehicle or even owner income when it comes to tracking. Example: it's hard to argue that an S2000 is a better choice than a Miata if you're going for a pure track car and you aren't made of money. Putting a $12-15k S2000 into a wall hurts the average Joe a hell of a lot more than doing the same with a $3500 early 90s Miata. Consumables are also cheaper across the board for the smaller car, so for a track junkie the decision could be to either race every weekend in a Miata or once a month in an S2000 when factoring total cost of each session and considering how much discretionary income is available to burn on track entertainment. There is no "one size fits all" between these two cars.
If you're going to compare both cars stock for stock, the S2000 is clearly "more" in just about every aspect: price, power, weight, looks (subjective, but come on). I listed price first because it's the key here. The S2000 was designed and sold at a higher level in the market than the Miata and there's nothing wrong with that. It just goes to show that comparing the two doesn't really get you anywhere.
Nope it Came from the Evo Forums.. And why does everyone think people are talking down? If someone came up to you (Provided your a S2k ownwer) And said your Car is a Miata in everyway. And The Miata is a better car. LOL. You would not start your post like that. For the last time. I"M NOT BASHING. I J
And talking about modded vs. modded, again one of the oldest and in my opinion most futile things to come about on car forums everywhere. There are way too many variables at play when you deviate from the stock vs. stock argument and then you get into the back-and-forth realm of "But if you spend $X on the Miata it runs low 13s and handles great!" or "The S2000's stock block can hold 400whp while the Miata's motor can't!" which leads to "Oh but if you spend $2k on a built motor for the Miata then it can hold 500whp and still costs less than buying the S2000 in the first place!" Blah, blah, blah. Pointless.
Don't forget, the Miata is probably the #1 reason that the S2000, Boxster, Z3/Z4, etc. even exist. It literally proved to all manufacturers that a niche was there for lower-priced RWD roadsters when none were being produced.
So, if you want to truly debate Miata vs. S2000, any real enthusiast will tell you both cars serve their purpose well. Both cars have strengths/weaknesses that can change depending on several variables such as intended use of the vehicle or even owner income when it comes to tracking. Example: it's hard to argue that an S2000 is a better choice than a Miata if you're going for a pure track car and you aren't made of money. Putting a $12-15k S2000 into a wall hurts the average Joe a hell of a lot more than doing the same with a $3500 early 90s Miata. Consumables are also cheaper across the board for the smaller car, so for a track junkie the decision could be to either race every weekend in a Miata or once a month in an S2000 when factoring total cost of each session and considering how much discretionary income is available to burn on track entertainment. There is no "one size fits all" between these two cars.
If you're going to compare both cars stock for stock, the S2000 is clearly "more" in just about every aspect: price, power, weight, looks (subjective, but come on). I listed price first because it's the key here. The S2000 was designed and sold at a higher level in the market than the Miata and there's nothing wrong with that. It just goes to show that comparing the two doesn't really get you anywhere.
Nope it Came from the Evo Forums.. And why does everyone think people are talking down? If someone came up to you (Provided your a S2k ownwer) And said your Car is a Miata in everyway. And The Miata is a better car. LOL. You would not start your post like that. For the last time. I"M NOT BASHING. I J
And talking about modded vs. modded, again one of the oldest and in my opinion most futile things to come about on car forums everywhere. There are way too many variables at play when you deviate from the stock vs. stock argument and then you get into the back-and-forth realm of "But if you spend $X on the Miata it runs low 13s and handles great!" or "The S2000's stock block can hold 400whp while the Miata's motor can't!" which leads to "Oh but if you spend $2k on a built motor for the Miata then it can hold 500whp and still costs less than buying the S2000 in the first place!" Blah, blah, blah. Pointless.
Don't forget, the Miata is probably the #1 reason that the S2000, Boxster, Z3/Z4, etc. even exist. It literally proved to all manufacturers that a niche was there for lower-priced RWD roadsters when none were being produced.
Nope it Came from the Evo Forums.. And why does everyone think people are talking down? If someone came up to you (Provided your a S2k ownwer) And said your Car is a Miata in everyway. And The Miata is a better car. LOL. You would not start your post like that. But i do understand that you can't even compare them because of the difference in these car are night and day. And Yes i also agree that Because of the Miata (Being 20 yrs old) it's the reason we have these lower priced RWD drop top cars. Stock for Stock I want the S2k. But would'nt mind later down the road building a Miata for track use.
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From: Mukilteo,Seattle
Ya this thread is kinda pointless.. Miatas can be made fast like anything else. Once you start modding anything can happen. I think Miatas are great cars, just not for me. You can make a miata a whole lot faster than a porsche but does that mean the porsche is junk? Of course not. Do what you want and enjoy what you have.. No sense in doing bench racing all the time or we'd all be driving modded miatas or swapped civics w/ large turbos because "they can beat X car."
If it's pointless why add 2 cents. Just don't say anything. And it's not pointless!!! Will help futre buyer making a choice!!! Thanks for Looking.
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From: Virginia (2 up 2 down)
I think the Miata is an incredible car and great value. If you take a stock Miata to the track you'll have a great time, if you take a stock s2000 to the track you'll have a great time. I believe the the S2000 to be a better looking car but I could never bash a Miata. I am generally more focused on what a car can do once you have made you mods and let me tell you....drive a turbo S2000 and than drive an LS Miata (the v8 changes the balance a little but not nearly as much as people assume) at the track and you will love both cars. S2000's and Miata's both get down at the track and are fun to drive. I would love to have a S2000 & Miata meet just to bring our community's together because I think we have a ton in common.
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From: Mukilteo,Seattle
I think the Miata is an incredible car and great value. If you take a stock Miata to the track you'll have a great time, if you take a stock s2000 to the track you'll have a great time. I believe the the S2000 to be a better looking car but I could never bash a Miata. I am generally more focused on what a car can do once you have made you mods and let me tell you....drive a turbo S2000 and than drive an LS Miata (the v8 changes the balance a little but not nearly as much as people assume) at the track and you will love both cars. S2000's and Miata's both get down at the track and are fun to drive. I would love to have a S2000 & Miata meet just to bring our community's together because I think we have a ton in common.
I like the way you think. This is true. I just care about how the car performs. And i do think Miata owner and s2000 owners have a lot in common also. Would like to see a Huge S2000 And Miata Meet one day!!
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Originally Posted by Ken1997tl' timestamp='1366596781' post='22489365
My uncle owns a 2005 Miata. We've driven each others cars over many miles in the canyons north of Boise, Idaho.
Under 5000 rpms, the Miata feels similar to the S2000. As mentioned, it is more forgiving. There is less bump-steer, the road impacts are less jarring and the hydraulic steering is more precise with better feel. Above 5,000 rpms the S2000 shines.
It depends on the course/road you take the two cars on for a comparison, but I feel the Miata can hold its own just fine against an S2000.
Under 5000 rpms, the Miata feels similar to the S2000. As mentioned, it is more forgiving. There is less bump-steer, the road impacts are less jarring and the hydraulic steering is more precise with better feel. Above 5,000 rpms the S2000 shines.
It depends on the course/road you take the two cars on for a comparison, but I feel the Miata can hold its own just fine against an S2000.
The Miata was built for mass production at a low price and they sold a ton of them. Flimsy chassis, econo-car engine, mushy suspension, automatic transmissions in a lot of them.
The S2000 was a celebration of everything Honda learned about cars and racing. Stiff chassis, great brakes, award winning engine, handling on par with the NSX.
They're both fun rwd sports cars, but if you've driven both you know the S2000 does everything at a much higher level.
It doesn't do EVERYTHING at a higher level. It's faster, cool. But the Miata is one of the most fun cars I've ever driven. It's honestly more fun than my S2000.
