dont just dealer test drive it. u need to really DRIVE one to appreciate it.

 

A Miata is more "fun" than S2000 although the S2000 is a better car in almost any objective measure you can make.


In terms of fun: miata>S2000>>>>STI

In terms of practicality as a daily driver: STI>>>>miata>S2000

In terms of stock class autoX abilities: S2000/Miata>STI

In terms of modified class AutoX potential: Miata>STI>>>S2000

In terms of use as a practical/cheap/reliable HPDE car: Miata>>>>>most every other car

In terms of theft target: S2000>STI>>>>Miata

In terms of straight line speed: STI>S2000>>>>Miata

In terms of handling: S2000/Miata>>>STI

In terms of bling factor: S2000>STI>>>>>>>Miata

In terms of reliability/durability: Miata>>>STI/S2000

In terms of insurance cost: STI>S2000>>>>Miata




Which do I like the best? It depends on what I am doing which is why I own them all.

 

Prediction: coming from more powerful cars, you will soon become discontent and will want back the torque curve. FI is the way to go.

ps - Miatas are nowhere near as fun as an S

 

i find the S2000 so fun to drive that i got it in late June and didn't drive it for a total of maybe a month and a half......yet, with all of this said I still managed to go from 14,xxx miles to 24,xxx miles .....it's November 27th lol

i love it

 

I'll bet $$$ you have not driven both on a track.

 

op is preachin to the choir over here

 

What MY Miata do you own? Do you think the new ones (MX-5) are still as good as the previous models?

 

My sales guy (great dude) told me to drive it the way you need to to take it home.

Needless to say, he took me on a great loop on some twisty back rural roads with a nice 10 miles highway stretch. afterwards, he admitted I gave him the fastest test drive ever (105mph)

 

99 NB track Mule.


The new ones (NC) are nicer (but have way too soft a suspension stock). There is also a problem since the newer NC model folding top makes it virtually impossible to install a NASA/SCCA approved rollbar without removing the softop if you plan on tracking it .


For a street only car, the NC Miata with coilovers would be super fun BUT you are looking at $$$ that is right about what it would cost for a lightly used AP2 S2000. I would go for the S2000 if you plan on running it on the street and provided you have a garage to prevent the seats from walking off. I have not priced used NC Miatas but they are probably not much cheaper than a S2000?

If you are in a budget, a good condition NB Miata will only run $6-10k. Right out of the box with some Hoosiers and a decent alignment it can easily be competitive in SCCA SOLO CS, $4k on top of that will make a very fun, cheap and reliable HPDE car.

 

The M coupe was a kickass car, but had some handling issues. It was a very challenging car to drive fast and at the limit it was down-right on the edge. It did have excellent torque down low, but kinda wimpered towards redline. Massive oversteer too. It was definetly an exciting drive, and I enjoyed the involvement.

All in all, I love a raw sports car with a little bit of roadster refinement. I can't wait to test drive an S. The STi did not do it for me at all, and some people call me crazy.