s2000 "fun" factor - driver's car?
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by TubeDriver,Nov 27 2007, 01:00 PM
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 $$$ that is right about what it would cost for a lightly used AP2 S2000. I would go for the S2000 if you plan on running it on the street and provided you have a garage to prevent the seats from walking off. I have not priced used NC Miatas but they are probably not much cheaper than a S2000?
If you are in a budget, a good condition NB Miata will only run $6-10k. Right out of the box with some Hoosiers and a decent alignment it can easily be competitive in SCCA SOLO CS, $4k on top of that will make a very fun, cheap and reliable HPDE car.
The new ones (NC) are nicer (but have way too soft a suspension stock). There is also a problem since the newer NC model folding top makes it virtually impossible to install a NASA/SCCA approved rollbar without removing the softop if you plan on tracking it .
For a street only car, the NC Miata with coilovers would be super fun BUT you are looking at $$$ 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.
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,337
Likes: 1
From: Gods Speed #57 Lemons #77
Originally Posted by Jacky Treehorn,Nov 27 2007, 03:08 PM
I will be using the car for mostly street use, and maybe the occasional auto-x (stock). I have around $21,000 to spend so a nice S2000 should be easy to find.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
I had a Miata (91 NA), a Super Seven and a Porsche 928.
Never driven an STI, but I agree with TubeDriver's relative rating except for the practicality - the bigger boot on the S2000 makes it more practical to me.
For me, S2000 driving satisfaction is very high, with the only two negatives being steering feel and a certain trickyness at the limit, at least when compared to my previous cars (I have a MY00). These factors combined make me drive a bit more carefully, especially in less than perfect conditions.
What I really really like about the car is the steering response (i.e. the turn-in), the gearbox and the _awesome_ engine. I'm not missing the 320 lb ft of the 928 at all, rev rev rev it is.
Oh, and Honda has 6 cars in the top ten (!) of the most reliable cars.
I'd say it's a very _rewarding_ car to drive, but maybe not for everyone. Make sure you get a thorough test drive.
HTH,
Marin
Never driven an STI, but I agree with TubeDriver's relative rating except for the practicality - the bigger boot on the S2000 makes it more practical to me.
For me, S2000 driving satisfaction is very high, with the only two negatives being steering feel and a certain trickyness at the limit, at least when compared to my previous cars (I have a MY00). These factors combined make me drive a bit more carefully, especially in less than perfect conditions.
What I really really like about the car is the steering response (i.e. the turn-in), the gearbox and the _awesome_ engine. I'm not missing the 320 lb ft of the 928 at all, rev rev rev it is.
Oh, and Honda has 6 cars in the top ten (!) of the most reliable cars.
I'd say it's a very _rewarding_ car to drive, but maybe not for everyone. Make sure you get a thorough test drive.
HTH,
Marin
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 975
Likes: 0
For the S to be come a DD, there has to be compromises.
-noisier drive
-potential leaks in soft top
-must have hardtop/snows for winter if there's a hint of snow
-total lack of space
-lack of torque (that feeling you're being pushed back into your seat is gone)
-things are easily stolen in the cabin because anyone with a box cutter can cut the cloth and get inside
Still it's a great car, and I don't mind compromising at all - it carries more bag than my CBR929 sportsbike. Good enuf.
-noisier drive
-potential leaks in soft top
-must have hardtop/snows for winter if there's a hint of snow
-total lack of space
-lack of torque (that feeling you're being pushed back into your seat is gone)
-things are easily stolen in the cabin because anyone with a box cutter can cut the cloth and get inside
Still it's a great car, and I don't mind compromising at all - it carries more bag than my CBR929 sportsbike. Good enuf.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
I never took my Miata on the track, but I drove it through the Alps for quite a bit. As long as you don't have to do lots of overtakes, the Miata is _at least_ as much fun as the S2000.
Part of the fun in the Mazda comes from being a bit slower and from the chassis being 100% predictable and benign, so sliding the Miata at every opportunity isn't a white-knuckle affair. The feedback the car gives you is second to none. All you need is proper tires (e.g. Proxes), 2 subframe braces and a "Lanny" alignment.
In the S2000, you are a lot faster, and you can't take as many liberties, so you need to be very precise.
The Grin Factor is similar though.
Part of the fun in the Mazda comes from being a bit slower and from the chassis being 100% predictable and benign, so sliding the Miata at every opportunity isn't a white-knuckle affair. The feedback the car gives you is second to none. All you need is proper tires (e.g. Proxes), 2 subframe braces and a "Lanny" alignment.
In the S2000, you are a lot faster, and you can't take as many liberties, so you need to be very precise.
The Grin Factor is similar though.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
I suggest that you go for a test drive to see for yourself if this is the car for you.
After I test drove the S2000, I immediately knew that this was the car for me. The fun factor is definetely there and it's a driver's car. This car wasn't originally on my potential car list, but a week after I test drove it, I bought my AP1.
I was looking to buy the Evo IX at first. I test drove one and also a Sti and a 350z. Even though all of these cars had more power than the S, none of these cars gave me the same experience as the S2000 did.
I am very happy with my purchase.
After I test drove the S2000, I immediately knew that this was the car for me. The fun factor is definetely there and it's a driver's car. This car wasn't originally on my potential car list, but a week after I test drove it, I bought my AP1.
I was looking to buy the Evo IX at first. I test drove one and also a Sti and a 350z. Even though all of these cars had more power than the S, none of these cars gave me the same experience as the S2000 did.
I am very happy with my purchase.
Registered User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 5,252
Likes: 1
From: Hong Kong
Originally Posted by rioja,Nov 27 2007, 11:57 AM
For the price it can't be beat. It's hard to move on to another car after owning the S2000. The only other car I've driven that provided the fun factor of the S was the Elise.
Definitely take on a long test drive with some twisty roads
Same here. I sold my S recently and was thinking about what to get. I ended up getting another S
Really couldn't find anything I wanted under the price range of say 80USD (putting my flame suit on ... I know someone's gonna scout me for that ... hehe)
