Originally Posted by HardHitter

I wanted to get both sides of the spectrum on this topic:

So I'm sure a lot of you who purchased a S2000 have also possibly taken a look at the Miata.

My question is, what made you choose the S2000?

I'm looking for a daily driver and a convertible to enjoy in the Cali sun. I'm trying to understand which would be best and if the extra cost is worth it.

Car Cost:

Just doing a quick Craigslist search, you can find S2000's in the $10-$12,000 range where you will find the Miata in the $5-$6,000 range. Based on the following criteria, if you could do it all over again, do you justify the extra $6,000 for an S2000.

Appearance:

I like the S2000 a lot more than the Miata, but with a few mods on the Miata and they really can be a good looking car. Stock for stock, I think the S2000 takes this.

Gas Mileage:

From what I've read, the Miata is better in gas than the S2000. The gas can take 87 octane, while the S2000 will likely need 91 octane (CA Car). Not only will the Miata get better mileage, but the gas would also be cheaper.

Power:

Stock for Stock, the Miata has a little over 100rwhp while the S2000 has around 200rwhp. The curb weight of the Miata is 2,350lbs while the S2000 is 2,850lbs. With a 500lbs and 100rwhp difference, does the S2000 still pull ahead of the Miata?

Cost of Maintenance:

This is easily won by the Miata from what I understand the parts are a lot cheaper than the S2000. This is probably going to be one of the important decision factors as it is just a daily driver that I don't want to spend thousands of dollars in case something goes wrong.

So with that said, what made you choose (or would make you choose) the S2000 over the Miata?

Originally Posted by Reckon

Ultimately, a test drive will have to be your deciding factor. I have an 05 S and my wife has an 11 Miata. The Miata is a fun car with good steering and decent pickup. However, the S is just more fun to drive, especially when comparing stock to stock vehicles. Try to test drive both and your answer will become obvious.

Originally Posted by HardHitter

Just test drove my first S2000 last night. It had a salvaged title, but I wanted to just see the S2000 in person and be able to sit in it. First thing I noticed was how easy it was to shift compared to my 2005 GTO. I didn't even know if I was in gear or not when I first started. Second thing was I felt like the S2000 was smaller than the Miata interior wise. I don't know if it is because it "hugged" me more or what, but I felt like I had no room which is what I'm looking for. I'm only 5'10 so I'm not a tall guy and I like small cars that conform to the driver. The suspension had tein springs and it was definitely a stiff rid compared to my GTO that also has tein springs and wheels. I was fairly surprised with how stiff the ride is on the S2000. I didn't redline the car, I was shifting at around 4k when just driving it around the street (no torque?) and then I did a quick pull but I think I only pulled it to 6K.

I think I would be good with either one but again, I don't know if the S2000 is worth the extra $5-$6000 over the Miata. I think I still need more seat time behind the Miata and the S2000 to really be able to decide.

Originally Posted by NFRAP2

I have owned many 2 seater sports cars and I agree that the s2k interior is the least spacious of them all. I'm 5'9" and it fits me like a glove. Just make sure you like the position of the steering wheel because it is non-adjustable. If you were shifting at 6k rpms, you were missing what the s2k is all about, vtec doesn't kick in until 6k rpms and from there to redline it is a whole different beast than below 6k. Below 6k the acceleration is similar to that of the Miata. If you are looking to pinch every penny you can, the Miata may be the better choice for you... but to me the s2k is more than worth the extra cost over the Miata.