So to understand why the Miata has such a dedicated following, I decided to do some google-ing to gain some insight. I had to stop after reading this in a forum:

"I bought my first miata in 1994 and it was a great car. I have owned several of them. I currently have a 1994 miata R edition and I love the car. I also own a 2002 S2000 silver with red in. The S2000 has alot more power but I dont think it is as fun to drive. I find myself driving the miata alot more than the honda,but I do enjoy driving the honda. I think the interior is better and if you want people to look at you the honda is the way to go. I get 30mpg in the miata on the highway and 28mpg in the honda minor differance considering the honda has 100 more HP on the miata. I dont think I will ever be without a miata but I can see myself selling the S2000 someday but not soon."

:/

 

 

I'll bite...

The s2000 was my dream car but I ended up with a 94 Miata also.
I test drove two s2000s and really really wanted it (proof is my s2ki age + how much I know about a car I've never owned, lol)

The reasons were pretty simple...
1. Insurance 75 vs 125 per month for full coverage
2. Tires 200 vs 600+ (and tires go 50k+ miles instead of 20k rear/40k fronts on s2k)
3. The whole - lower hp and lighter is more involving day to day (same reason I like s2k over 350z)


And the other not so day to day items...
1. Soft top replacement (400 vs 800 - I think)
2. Turbo for half the price as s2k (or even less..)
3. Hardtop for 800 vs 2000
4. Engine replacement for 500 ish vs $$$$?

The only reason I never considered a Miata initially was because of the image associated with it - but then I grew up

EDIT: This really belongs in car talk
EDIT2: The s2000 is easily more fun to drive - not sure what the quoted person in the OP is smoking

 

The S2000 is so much more car.

The miata is great because it's fun and cheap. Most people you talk to about the miata will quote you part replacements or running costs. Few will touch crash ratings, hp/L, gear box, suspension or 9k red line.

I respect Mazda for building this car. They brought to the market a cheap and fun two seater than even the girls could enjoy. It's the best selling because of this, not because of it's race heritage, motor/gear box technology or handling characteristics; all things you'd sight about the S.

The S is a track ready car, throw on track pads and you're rolling, you'd not say the same about the miata.

 

Despite their similarities, I've never considered owning a Miata. But have driven with a few Miata owners who can really drive well in the hills.

 

 

Agreed

 

The only reason I don't own a miata is because I like that little bit of speed the S2000 has on track (chasing down Evo's and vette's is more fun than trying to chase down civics or dealing with FI).

While the S2000 is definitely faster and the cars are very similar, I can see why some people would like the miata more - even from a more fun to drive stand point. I happen to like high redline's, some people don't. The miata, and RX8 for that matter, have a much more progressive rear. While the S2000's "snap oversteer" is actually knife edge handling, the miata will let you kick the tail end out, drift a bit, and not turn you around as easily. But it still has the responsiveness of the S.

I know the S2000 is for me (I'm trying to sell my second so I can buy a third), but the miata is no joke when it comes to putting a smile on your face, a trophy on your shelf, or keeping cash in your pocket.

 

Having owned one I can definitely say the miata is a thrill to drive. Being as light as it is and with such a short wheel base it can be thrown around with an ease the S2000 can't touch. I have never driven a stock or near stock car that is as easy to throw in to corners, kick the tail out, get yourself in what seems like serious trouble, then recover the car with no issue at all. I love my S and it's a better daily driver and a hell of a fun car, but it is not the "toy" in the same way the Miata is.

 

It's easy to write anything on a forum...

This guy doesn't really own an S....

The only reason why you buy a Miata, is because you cannot afford an S.

Like the only reason to buy a Cayman, is because you cannot afford a 911