Miata NC Driver - Please Instruct Me in S2000 Lore
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,865
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To the OP: Owning an AP1, and having driven every generation Miata (but never the Mazdaspeed variant) and every US S2k variant I will say the following:
I agree with your whole assessment except I will comment on 2 things:
the gauge cluster on the S2k does take some getting used to, I still prefer the aesthetics of the NC better, but I have fallen in love with the function of the S2k cluster. So give that some time
regarding power, I feel that the NC and AP1 feel about the same power wise below 6k, with a slight advantage to the NC at low RPMs. THe AP2 having about the same real low RPM as the NC with slight improvement in the 3-6k range. Top end, the S2k's are pretty close, close enough that weather conditions can easily account for any perceived differences I felt, but both are much more powerful on the top end than the NC.
I agree with your whole assessment except I will comment on 2 things:
the gauge cluster on the S2k does take some getting used to, I still prefer the aesthetics of the NC better, but I have fallen in love with the function of the S2k cluster. So give that some time
regarding power, I feel that the NC and AP1 feel about the same power wise below 6k, with a slight advantage to the NC at low RPMs. THe AP2 having about the same real low RPM as the NC with slight improvement in the 3-6k range. Top end, the S2k's are pretty close, close enough that weather conditions can easily account for any perceived differences I felt, but both are much more powerful on the top end than the NC.
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 609
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From: Indianapolis, IN
1. I wanted a Miata ever since I rented one 20 yrs. ago.
2. 3 times I have nearly bought one; three years ago I went 24/7 looking to buy one on a week's vacation 3 yrs. ago and had over a dozen lined up.
3. Tried to buy a new year old left over model, but got beat out by another. Almost bought a retractable hardtop but we were $1500 apart.
4. I talked to a guy who had sold an S that I wanted to buy, and we talked for an hour; he had owned everything, and he said he'd had both and what ever I do, get an S instead.
5. So, I did. 6 months later, drove a Miata, and realized the S had spoiled me.
6. the first time I drove an S I was very disappointed; it was at Carfax, and I couldn't even go over 45 mph; how I wish I could have gotten to the expressway.
7. Having had a Vtec del sol, I knew nothing happened until after 6k rpms.
8. The Miata was ok in gears 1-3; the S tears a new one in each gear, even though I usually can only use 1st and 2nd since you're going 75 in third gear, not much chance to use that unless you are "merging" onto the expressway ramp, ha! I do love being on the expressway, dropping down from 6th to 4th and engaging Vtec if it is clear!
9. I still love the Miata and always will, but, as I said, the S has spoiled me!
2. 3 times I have nearly bought one; three years ago I went 24/7 looking to buy one on a week's vacation 3 yrs. ago and had over a dozen lined up.
3. Tried to buy a new year old left over model, but got beat out by another. Almost bought a retractable hardtop but we were $1500 apart.
4. I talked to a guy who had sold an S that I wanted to buy, and we talked for an hour; he had owned everything, and he said he'd had both and what ever I do, get an S instead.
5. So, I did. 6 months later, drove a Miata, and realized the S had spoiled me.
6. the first time I drove an S I was very disappointed; it was at Carfax, and I couldn't even go over 45 mph; how I wish I could have gotten to the expressway.
7. Having had a Vtec del sol, I knew nothing happened until after 6k rpms.
8. The Miata was ok in gears 1-3; the S tears a new one in each gear, even though I usually can only use 1st and 2nd since you're going 75 in third gear, not much chance to use that unless you are "merging" onto the expressway ramp, ha! I do love being on the expressway, dropping down from 6th to 4th and engaging Vtec if it is clear!
9. I still love the Miata and always will, but, as I said, the S has spoiled me!
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,268
Likes: 3
From: San Diego
Hi, I currently drive a 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata NC... Basically, the more recent Miata with a little more power than the older ones. I like it. However, lately I've been curious about S2K's...
So, I drove one the other day... But being a test drive, with a 300 pound salesman in the passenger's seat, what I got back from the drive was quite limited... This is what I noticed:
1. The stock suspension in the S2K is better and stiffer. But that's something the MX5 can have with some aftermarket coilovers and sways.
2. The interior is better quality than the Miata and it looks really good inside. I really like the door cards. The steering wheel is nice, but I light the Miata's better. I don't like the gauge cluster in the S2K - At least not the first impression.
3. My MX5's engine sounds better I feel, smoother. However, the much prefer the feel and sound of the clutch, transmission and shifter in the S2K than the Miata.
4. The seats in the s2K are much better than those in the Miata, although I quite like the Miata's seats.
5. The S2k has more power than my NC, but it wasn't something of night and day. That said, the most I revved the S2K was 5,000 RPM... So I'm comparing 5,000RPM in the S2K to 5,000 RPM in the Miata.
6. While I like the S2K, I've heard a lot of people say the NC handles better in the corners than the S2K... I also like that a Miata NC is a bit more rare on the road than the S2K's.
While I like the car, I'm not sure it's worth the change from NC to S2K...
Now, what can you guys tell me? Please don't tell me about how Miatas are uncool and that they are girlie and what not. I'm well aware of the stigma... Please. talk to me about the facts and things I may not know when comparing the 2 cars.
Thanks.
So, I drove one the other day... But being a test drive, with a 300 pound salesman in the passenger's seat, what I got back from the drive was quite limited... This is what I noticed:
1. The stock suspension in the S2K is better and stiffer. But that's something the MX5 can have with some aftermarket coilovers and sways.
2. The interior is better quality than the Miata and it looks really good inside. I really like the door cards. The steering wheel is nice, but I light the Miata's better. I don't like the gauge cluster in the S2K - At least not the first impression.
3. My MX5's engine sounds better I feel, smoother. However, the much prefer the feel and sound of the clutch, transmission and shifter in the S2K than the Miata.
4. The seats in the s2K are much better than those in the Miata, although I quite like the Miata's seats.
5. The S2k has more power than my NC, but it wasn't something of night and day. That said, the most I revved the S2K was 5,000 RPM... So I'm comparing 5,000RPM in the S2K to 5,000 RPM in the Miata.
6. While I like the S2K, I've heard a lot of people say the NC handles better in the corners than the S2K... I also like that a Miata NC is a bit more rare on the road than the S2K's.
While I like the car, I'm not sure it's worth the change from NC to S2K...
Now, what can you guys tell me? Please don't tell me about how Miatas are uncool and that they are girlie and what not. I'm well aware of the stigma... Please. talk to me about the facts and things I may not know when comparing the 2 cars.
Thanks.
Hey Carlo(Carbon Blue), it's Danny with the red Miata from SDCE.
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
1. Yes, I'm a regular on the S2KCA, and don't get over here often b/c of time; I'm on vacation and an having fun checking out the threads; it's so big it's overwhelming, probably why I stay on S2kca, it's smaller and I can keep up with it.
2. I find that many are on both sites anyway.
2. I find that many are on both sites anyway.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 13
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Hey Carbon Blue and Rubn1out4GudLuk (Dude, that's a mouthful of a username). I'm super busy this weekend, but I'm going to try and get out soon and test drive another. You guys coming out tomorrow to C&C?
I have to tell you, I have also have a case of brand loyalty. I have soft spot for Mazda. I've always wanted a Mazda and this is my first one. Now that I have one It's hard to want to part ways. Hahaha. I did have a Prelude once, and my wife had an Accord at one point.
Cool thing though, I can always trade for an S and at some point I can buy a cheap0 NA just to thrash around and compare for giggles.
I have to tell you, I have also have a case of brand loyalty. I have soft spot for Mazda. I've always wanted a Mazda and this is my first one. Now that I have one It's hard to want to part ways. Hahaha. I did have a Prelude once, and my wife had an Accord at one point.
Cool thing though, I can always trade for an S and at some point I can buy a cheap0 NA just to thrash around and compare for giggles.
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,318
Likes: 28
From: CA, San Diego,
Hey Carbon Blue and Rubn1out4GudLuk (Dude, that's a mouthful of a username). I'm super busy this weekend, but I'm going to try and get out soon and test drive another. You guys coming out tomorrow to C&C?
I have to tell you, I have also have a case of brand loyalty. I have soft spot for Mazda. I've always wanted a Mazda and this is my first one. Now that I have one It's hard to want to part ways. Hahaha. I did have a Prelude once, and my wife had an Accord at one point./>/>/>/>/>/> Cool thing though, I can always trade for an S and at some point I can buy a cheap0 NA just to thrash around and compare for giggles.
I have to tell you, I have also have a case of brand loyalty. I have soft spot for Mazda. I've always wanted a Mazda and this is my first one. Now that I have one It's hard to want to part ways. Hahaha. I did have a Prelude once, and my wife had an Accord at one point.
/>/>/>/>/>/> Cool thing though, I can always trade for an S and at some point I can buy a cheap0 NA just to thrash around and compare for giggles.yea no C&C for me either, Ive got other duties set for the day. I know what you mean by being loyal to certain brands, I was a toyota die hard up until the s2k was first unveiled at a car show I went to back in 99/2000. I will definitely have an NA/NB miata one day, my cousin is a huge miata fanatic and has a pretty rare 94/95 laguna w/tan interior/5spd and its an absolute joy to drive. If you decide to buy one make sure to search all extensive threads on what to check/inspect. S2ks are known to burn oil and should be checked VERY regularly. once you crack it past 6k theres no other NA production 4 cylinder in the world that sounds as good as the F20/22 if you ask me, though the f20 does have a slightly more distinct pitch to it.
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 8,463
Likes: 25
We have owned 4 Miatas the most fun to drive was the early 1990 we had. We have owned 2 NC Miatas, a 2008 and a 2010 both had PRHT the 08 was automatic and the 10 was a 6 speed. The 10 had the LSD upgrade along with Bilstine shocks.
I have also owned/own 2 S2000 AP1 cars, a 2002 and now a 2000. The S2000 is just a better all round sports car than the NC Miata. The NC is a great daily driver fun little car but does not have the raw sports car feel of the AP1 S2000. The only Miata I have owned that had any kind of rawness to it was the 1990, the power of the car was not great but, it was just enough to give you a thrill. The car was easy to get sideways and cornerd well.
I have also owned/own 2 S2000 AP1 cars, a 2002 and now a 2000. The S2000 is just a better all round sports car than the NC Miata. The NC is a great daily driver fun little car but does not have the raw sports car feel of the AP1 S2000. The only Miata I have owned that had any kind of rawness to it was the 1990, the power of the car was not great but, it was just enough to give you a thrill. The car was easy to get sideways and cornerd well.