miata compared to s2000
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 594
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From: Rochester
For the S2K'ers here who don't read miata.net, the "which Miata is best" is probably akin to a debate on religion. Might seem a little trivial to the non-Miataphile. Dunno. I've driven a few old ones, but never back-to-back. I bought an '01 'cause I prefered the open headlights, slightly stouter engine, and improved rigidity (though not up to S2000 standards). It also has bigger brakes, decent weight 16'ers, electronic brake force dist'n (and a torsen LSD, but that's available on a lot of them). But yes, at a listed 2447 lbs, it isn't as light as it used to be, nor does it compare well to the MR2-Spyder in that regard.
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 758
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From: stone mountain
another beauty is that all you need to do anything to the Miata is a Full metric socket set, a torque wrench and ramps. 
I just changed my radiator out to a dual core all alluminium, alternator belt, PS/AC belt, oil and filter in one afternoon and it was stupidly simple. the labor saved amounted to $375.
I just changed my radiator out to a dual core all alluminium, alternator belt, PS/AC belt, oil and filter in one afternoon and it was stupidly simple. the labor saved amounted to $375.
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,987
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From: Hawaii
On the streets, the S2k is more lively thanks to it's ultra crisp steering, stickier tires, F20C and ultra powerful brakes. The price ranges are different so it's not completely fair to compare the two although the fundemental principles of both cars are so different considering some of it's visual similarities.
On the autocross track, the Miata is no slouch and neither is the S2000. They're both great cars for this purpose but I've noticed that novices with S2000's (like myself) have to learn how to control the S at the limits which means learning how to control mild oversteer. The back end comes loose from time to time but it can be controlled given enough time and experience (assuming the momentum of the oversteering condition and speed isn't excessive).
Bottom line, the Miata and S2000 are completely different cars thanks to differing approaches to their engineering. Personally, I like the S2000 as my daily driver and occasional autocrosser, and I'm sure Miata owners would say the same.
On the autocross track, the Miata is no slouch and neither is the S2000. They're both great cars for this purpose but I've noticed that novices with S2000's (like myself) have to learn how to control the S at the limits which means learning how to control mild oversteer. The back end comes loose from time to time but it can be controlled given enough time and experience (assuming the momentum of the oversteering condition and speed isn't excessive).
Bottom line, the Miata and S2000 are completely different cars thanks to differing approaches to their engineering. Personally, I like the S2000 as my daily driver and occasional autocrosser, and I'm sure Miata owners would say the same.
