Should the Miata stick around long enough we'll likely see a NE version at some point and it will be surely be measurably better than the ND (and therefore measurably better than the S2K). But none of that speaks to the desirability of these cars from my perspective. I simply find the S2000 far more desirable than any Miata. Conversely there are plenty of older cars out there that don't perform as well as the S2000 yet most would find them more desirable than the S2K and their prices on the used market reflect this.

Unlike some, I actually prefer the look of the older NA & NB Miata's. The sparse interior of the NA in particular appeals to me. That said, I do like the ND(2) for the most part. Realistically speaking, as far as current sports cars go it's likely the one I'd buy. But sadly it is a victim of the times as far as safety regulations and consumer preferences are concerned. To me the ND looks scrunched from front to back like it had been in some sort of a compactor incident. The overall silhouette really needs to set lower, but that won't pass regulations these days. In addition, I hate infotainment systems in cars and that screen jammed into the dash of the ND drives me nuts. While that wouldn't keep me from enjoying the car, it's not a car that I would particularly enjoy looking at or sitting in on a regular basis. The truth is, I liked the ND better when it first came out, but the more time I spend looking at the design, the less it appeals to me.

The S2000 is simply the car that I have the most desire to own out of those cars that I can afford and many that I can't. There are plenty of cars besides the ND2 Miata that outperform the S2000, but I just don't feel any desire for them. The new Supra is a great example. Even if they were to have made a soft-top version of that car you still couldn't get a manual transmission and that's a huge turnoff for me. I also find the design of the car to be a real letdown. (For many of the same reasons that the ND Miata is a turnoff — the designers had to work within the rules they are given.) There are plenty of other examples out there. At the end of the day, we all like what we like, and want what we want. For me that's my S2000. For others, that's a ND2 Miata. I've got no problem with that. I feel no envy for Miata owners and would rather see another Miata out there driving around than I would another CUV / SUV.

 

SavvyEngineer, nice to see another senior citizen join the ranks of ownership!

I've owned my 2008 since new, and for 4 yrs. was my daily driver. I loved driving it for my job. Now retired, it's relegated to running errands and back road blasts. It still puts the big smile on my ugly puss..

What you said about the ride of the '08 vs the '07 is similar to my experience. I had a new '05 for 3 yrs before I picked up the '08 and I noticed an improved ride (slightly stiffer suspension) over the '05. Mostly noticeable in quick sharp turns. Stays perfectly flat.

How 'bout a photo of your new ride!

 

Discussion of the article on miata.net

 

I just think it's funny how this forum seems to go all little red riding hood saying that every car that is not an s2000 is too heavy, not visceral, too expensive, doesn't handle well, etc. When a car is faster than the S2k, we say it's not about the numbers. Then Mazda makes the ND, which is objectively better in most categories and we complain that it's not the s2000. The S2000 motor is better, it's faster, more exciting, and "special." The Miata is lighter, affordable, has the new features but isn't ridiculous. The screen jammed in the middle of the dash is kinda ridiculous, but I digress. I love my s2000 but being unable to speak objectively about other cars is funny. When compared to faster cars, it's not about the numbers but when compared to a Miata, it's all about the numbers. The Miata's boring, etc.

To those that claim the s2k outruns it on track, that is quite debatable if you care to do any real research. I'd bet 9/10 people would be quicker in an ND on mountain/back roads than in an s2000. It's a far easier to drive chassis and has a drivetrain much more conducive to being used in that environment. Claiming an S2000 is out hunting M3's and M4's on the Nürburgring as an objective truth is just a misinformed opinion. The videos being referenced are not a stock S2000 and also show a massive difference in driver skill. Go watch the videos of the same driver driving an S2000 back-to-back with an ND on track with lap timers and come back here. If we want to talk about modded cars, s2000's have had 20 years to take that on. I don't expect the ND's drivetrain to take to mods the same way as an s2000 but comparing what is available now is not close to apples to apples. I'm almost positive that the ND also has a stiffer chassis than the S2k. It's hard to find direct numbers but I'm sure I read it and I believe the NC chassis was close to or stiffer than the S as well. The S2k is great but people buy into the X-Bone marketing wayyyy too much. Lay off the kool-aid folks...

 

I'm sure riding along as a passenger in the drivers seat of a self driving version of my S, that was programmed for lap times would be faster around a track than me driving it. But I would get no satisfaction from the experience (other than possibly a teaching moment).

So its about the experience, not the raw numbers. For some the Miata experience is more enjoyable. For others its the S.

For me, the intensity and extreme focus of the S is a huge part of what I enjoy. That its demanding and requires more skill as well.

I would find a car that is easier to drive fast less enjoyable (meanwhile I'd find a car that was a lot more of a handful to drive well fast too frustrating).

The formula for what is enjoyable varies greatly even among a driving enthusiast community such as ours and the Miata's. That should be celebrated, not debated.

 

That's just like your opinion, man.

 

Well said and I agree totally. People go on about the ND being too soft, easy to drive, not enough rawness, etc etc. This applies to a handful of people on here who constantly drive their cars on the track or on the street, to its potential. To the mere mortals, of which I am one, I would never ever notice the difference. I have driven a friends ND and frankly I would switch in a heart beat, if not for my own bias of driving a Miata. The S is just that much more unique which is the reason I bought in the first place. Couldn't give a hoot about shaving 2/10ths of a second off my last time like all the boy racers on here.

 

Always funny when people that do not compete like to throw around "boy racer" about those that do. Everyone likes to think what they do is cool and what everyone else does is stupid lol. Sorry, no "boy racer" here so to speak. I am a competitive autocrosser and since it is competition, those tenths count and matter. Some autox just for shits and giggles and do not care and that is cool too. But since I spend 10 - 12 local days per season, 2 weeks in Lincoln at spring nats and nationals autocrossing competitively, it would be absurd for me NOT to care which car is better at it. And the ND is a LOT better at it to be honest and thus I jumped on the chance to codrive one for that sport.

But the main point you are making is correct. It all comes down to what people want out of their car. I enjoy driving my S2000 on a track and on the street. I dont care as much about those tenths of a second on track because HPDE. I even run slower tires on track because they cost a ton less, last longer and again, HPDE so it is not a real race. On the street I dont race anyone and again, care more about the driving experience. Granted, my S2k is setup as an STR classed car so it is pretty stiff and rough on the street, but I still enjoy it there and care about the overall experience (not just how fast it is).

This is again why the comparisons are dumb. They are pointless as it is so subjective and dependent on what people use their car for. Some are just so purposely blind to this, blind to facts and just like to say "NOPE my car is better" lol. Or they are a fanboy and just cant imagine that another car can be good because "Honda" and nothing else can get in the way. Others seem to care about the actual performance numbers ... but then ignore them. The ND is similar 0-60, similar 1/4 mile, lighter, etc yet those folks will still argue till the end of time that the ND is not a sports car, sucks, etc but then just go on and on about their S2k. Most of this is just silly. I for one am happy there is another semi s2k like car in the modern day that is light, nimble, RWD and that you can actually defeat the nannies on. We should all, as enthusiasts, be happy about that! Otherwise, just keep on complaining about every car that is not a 20 year old S2k until you are forced to choose between the electric CUV or electric "car" that all look and feel the same This reminds me of music discussions. People bitch about how the old rock and roll died, then bash any modern band with that sound because "they are copying the old stuff", Some people just like to complain and never be happy I guess

 

Sorry, Didn't mean to step on you racing shoes, but you did get the gist of my post
Also, rock and roll died in the 70's. Techno Pop my ass!

 

Yea... I went away from the topic of SCCA autocross because it is not really what this thread is about. I do have to comment though that the machismo notion of all track driving being better than jorts wearing autocross nerds is pretty funny. I enjoy both and would like to do more track driving but I really enjoy driving a car at its limits. That is harder, more dangerous, and more costly on track. HPDE guys that are not really pushing their cars to the limit but have a high HP car that they cannot drive well and then talk down on autocross guys are pretty uninteresting. Usually the same person that you find refusing to give you a point by on the track. Granted, that's caricaturing some but is largely true about most people that just talk down on autocross.

If not for SCCA autocross, I think I like the s2k better but would love to drive an ND to confirm. I do believe the s2k is more "special", looks better, and has a more exciting drivetrain and demeanor. I just find it funny the way that we shoot down other cars and show a lot of hypocrisy in the stated criticisms. Calling a miata not a sports car and boring while liking the s2000 are just nonsensical arguments. Also, pushing the s2000's performance numbers as being significantly better than the ND is a clear indication of someone being totally unaware of their own bias. I completely agree that it's about experience, not just numbers, when direct competition/classing is not the use case. Numbers do contribute to the experience and cannot be completely denied. However, using numbers to justify your argument when convenient (comparison to older miatas) and then saying numbers aren't the point to faster cars is hypocritical.

I'm just happy that Mazda made a genuinely great product, in today's manufacturing climate, that is affordable to the masses. Is it better than the S2k? In some uses cases, definitely. The argument that the S2k is objectively better is a nonstarter so cue in subjective arguments. I like to offer praises to the offering but I don't really buy new cars or I'd consider putting in my vote and show support for this type of product. I hope that in electric car world, manufacturers are making something similar. The base that wants this type of product needs to show some level of demand for manufacturers to make it. I just hope we're still allowed to drive our own vehicles. Roller coasters aren't really that exciting to me...