s2000 "fun" factor - driver's car?
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From: Tampa
Originally Posted by FF2Skip,Nov 29 2007, 10:53 AM
We were there in June for the Audi/BMW/MB event. 
Actually stayed at the Lodge for that event instead of in my trailer.
Actually stayed at the Lodge for that event instead of in my trailer.We stayed at the Suites, that way close to the drunken campers and to the garages
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Gods Speed #57 Lemons #77
Originally Posted by GinoGT,Nov 29 2007, 09:57 AM
I'd say that both the S2k and Miata are some of the most fun you'll have on four wheels. Sure an S2k could beat up the Miata pretty well, but that takes nothing away from the Mazda.
My friend has an '99 NB (that he just put a cloth, zipperless glass window Robbins top on......really beautiful top) and that thing is an absolute BLAST! It easily gave me the nudge to turn me into a roadster freak. He's got the 14" wheels (uber cheap tires FTMFW!) and no ABS. There are few words for how the car feels and handles. Half the time I'm tempted to throw the door open in a turn, hang out and drag a knee Moto GP style.
What the S2k loses in the feel that you're in a metal bubble just big enough for you and a buddy and that whole sensory experience, it makes up in a very communicative and responsive chassis, and probably one of the best feeling transmissions that you'll drive off a dealer lot. Can't forget to mention probably one of, if not the best production 4 cylinder engine ever. Basically, the S2k is better than a lot of drivers out there.
As for the durability/overrev thing posted above, I can see the Miata's better tolerance of that. Especially with the F20's redline, an overrev takes you into 5 digit RPM's far more easily than the Miata. Honda really has that engine running on the edge, therefore excursions beyond that can become expensive.
My friend has an '99 NB (that he just put a cloth, zipperless glass window Robbins top on......really beautiful top) and that thing is an absolute BLAST! It easily gave me the nudge to turn me into a roadster freak. He's got the 14" wheels (uber cheap tires FTMFW!) and no ABS. There are few words for how the car feels and handles. Half the time I'm tempted to throw the door open in a turn, hang out and drag a knee Moto GP style.
What the S2k loses in the feel that you're in a metal bubble just big enough for you and a buddy and that whole sensory experience, it makes up in a very communicative and responsive chassis, and probably one of the best feeling transmissions that you'll drive off a dealer lot. Can't forget to mention probably one of, if not the best production 4 cylinder engine ever. Basically, the S2k is better than a lot of drivers out there.
As for the durability/overrev thing posted above, I can see the Miata's better tolerance of that. Especially with the F20's redline, an overrev takes you into 5 digit RPM's far more easily than the Miata. Honda really has that engine running on the edge, therefore excursions beyond that can become expensive.
That describes exactly how I feel about the two cars. The S2000 is the superior car in every measurable way (except overall weight) but the Miata is just a little bit more fun. You can pick up a used Miata for so cheap (about the cost of a S2000 hardtop) it really does not have to be a matter of choosing one or the other, just get both.
My Miata is primarily a track car (-3 degrees camber, stiff coilovers, 6 pt harness, track seats, roll bar, partially stripped etc) and wifey's CSP autoX car while my s2000 is a the garage queen that is mostly used for autoX and weekend drives.
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From: Gods Speed #57 Lemons #77
Originally Posted by S2Kart,Nov 29 2007, 12:59 PM
I forgot more than you will ever know 
Miatas are more fun than say a Camry but they are pitifully anemic. Relax now, no need to throw insults towards someone you know nothing about . . .
Back on topic - there is NO CHANCE the OP would ever be content with an underpowered jelly bean!
Miatas are more fun than say a Camry but they are pitifully anemic. Relax now, no need to throw insults towards someone you know nothing about . . .
Back on topic - there is NO CHANCE the OP would ever be content with an underpowered jelly bean!
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Tampa
Originally Posted by S2Kart,Nov 29 2007, 01:59 PM
Miatas are more fun than say a Camry but they are pitifully anemic. You lose major fun points when every sporty car blows you away on the street. That is NOT fun. Relax now, no need to throw insults towards someone you know nothing about . . .
Back on topic - there is NO CHANCE the OP would ever be content with an underpowered jelly bean!
Back on topic - there is NO CHANCE the OP would ever be content with an underpowered jelly bean!
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From: SLC, UT
Originally Posted by Carson07S2K,Nov 27 2007, 12:59 PM
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)
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)
56 in a 30... oww! I was laughing when the cop walked up to the car 'cause I couldn't believe it "Smiling is the last thing you are supposed to be doing when you see me walk up to your car" ...luckily the cop let me off