I drive an 01 Miata. I recently saw a thread like this over on Miata.net on the Mazdaspeed Miata versus the S2000. Essentially exactly the same arguments made here that were made over there except the MSM has about the same straight line speed as the S2000.

Why does this debate even happen? Instead of bashing a Miata or an S2000 why not exalt the fact that in a time marked by overweight cars with electrical nannies there is still a car like a Miata and that there was a car like an S2000?

 

in Germany MX-5's where pretty much everwhere. (well at least it rivaled vw's n bmw's in terms of the really only Asian car I've seen in the Munich area.

 

i've considered a miata, and i've test drove a 92 model. it was definitely fun and characteristics wise, was very similar to the s2k. It was fun cause you could go balls out WOT and you'd be fine, almost like handling an actual go kart. Researched parts and they were definitely a lot cheaper compared to the S2K. As Calamari said, the S is way more expensive in terms of parts, don't think i can afford it if i was to wreck the S2. N plus, i don't think im even brave enough to go balls out on the S2, im just not that skilled yet.

I think it all comes down to how much you can spend on the car and what you are looking to do with it. DD, i think it can go one way or another, both cars are very similar in terms of size, practicality, etc. Power wise, maybe it'll be a little better commuting in the S2k. As a weekender/track car, thats where it really depends on how big your pockets are.

Thats just what i think though

 

I was very lucky to buy a brand new 1990 miata, had it for 6 years, never gave me a moments grief, it was fun and cheap to drive and own and it was my second car, always started and ran just fine, easy to mod.
years later I bought a 2001 miata, it was a pos, new engine(#4 bearing), gas tank, several sets or brakes and clutchs(shudder city) all withn the warranty period.

Durring my ownership I had a chance to drive a 2001 S2000....i was instantly hooked...all the fun of a miata with more power and features...and it was honda quality....i waited, used the mazda warranty to continue to fix the miata till 2004....the AP2 and the beggining of the time the dealer could not demand $5,000 over sticker on the S2000....I got one...I have never regreted that choice.

Both great cars....both excellent roadsters....both tons of fun....both rather inexpensive to maintain....The Mazda appeals to a broader audience and Honda appeals to mostly carnuts like me...I would not trade my S2000 for a miata unless they came out with one that had more power...the miata abides as it endurs the test of time and continue to evolve, so till then I continue to enjoy my purchase with no regrets.

The S2000 I drive is by far the best roadster I have every owned....I have kept it longer than any other sports car that I have owned (mustang GT convertibles(2),1974 914, 2.0, 2 miatas,1980 911sc)....For me the Honda is the better choice.

 

haha, there's quite a bit of ignorance and "bench racing" in this thread. Bottom line is you need to go test drive both of them yourself and see which one you like. You need to define what you want to do with the car be it daily driving, autocross, or track. The Miata is a great budget race car for either autocross or track. I used to own a 2002 S2000 and I now own a 2006 S2000. I also own a 2000 Miata. The Miata used to be supercharged pushing 10psi until these past 2 months where I've ripped it out and fixed the motor. Both cars are really easy to work on and do maintenance yourself. Both also have an awesome aftermarket scene as well.

Bloodred in post #65 @ https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/848...t__p__20316896 nailed all of the points dead on.

Just be weary of putting forced induction on a Miata to bring it up to par with the S2000 as the motors tend to have overheating issues when you restrict airflow to the radiator with a front mount intercooler (my Miata was a prime example of that when exposed to the Texas summers). Do your research, figure out what you want based on your current needs and your goals, and have fun. Test drive them yourself despite what you hear on these forums (or any other for a matter of fact).