It also depend on whether you are willing to 'work' the car. Because of the lack of torque in the s2000, you have to shift quite a bit in order to go fast. There is a lot of driver involvement with this car. A lot of people don't like this aspect.

With the Audi TT, you can just mash the throttle and the car will go(due to the higher torque). It will give you the impression that the car is faster and more powerful than the s2000 but in reality the s2000 is faster. It is also easier to live with because of this aspect as you don't have to keep shifting in order to 'feel' that you have the power on hand.

Just go test drive both cars, different strokes for different people.

 

That latest review by Michael La Fave is the most accurate and best I've ever read -- and I've read hundreds. Thanks for the link.

 

PS - While I was waiting for the Spark Plug TSB to be done today I was in the Audi TT (a lot more elbow room and fancy interior), Porshe Boxster (with the new glass window), and a year old Porsche 911 (only $69,000). I can honestly say I was thrilled to get back into the S2000. It must be love.

 

i just sold my miata this week, and next week will start to seriously evaluate the replacement contenders (new s2000 / new TT / used boxster / used M3 / new 350Z). my primary criteria is what the miata had: fun to drive, even when going in a straight line at the speed limit. there are some other factors, however.

the article by la fave is a good one. however, this part concerns me:

>Even in slow corners you can feel the (s2000) nose tuck in when backing out of the throttle. Is all this dangerous? Well I guess it depends on your driving experience and skill. To the able sport driver it is one of the most responsive and entertaining chassis in production. The Audi is benign and numb by comparison but far less demanding. If you aren't the type of driver that wants to, or can, steer a car with the throttle I would recommend driving school or staying away. <

i don't know if i qualify as an "able sport driver" or not. and for sure, my wife doesn't. she drives sedately, but i don't want her getting in over her head. if i ever find a honda dealer who allows some test driving time in an s2k, maybe i can get a better handle on this. neither of us ever had a problem with the miata.

as far as the s2K comp with the TT here are some of my observations:

the TT seems more luxo, the s2k more performance oriented with less "creature comfort." both have appeal in this regard.

the TT has been more extensively crash tested, has done very well, and has side air bags.

while the s2K has better numbers in handling and acceleration testing, it is questionable (to me, at least) how much this comes into play in everyday driving. the TT may actually feel quicker in average driving due to more torque and different power curve.

MSRP of the s2k is substantially lower than MSRP of the TT. however, some dealers are substantially "packing" the s2k. one local owner paid just under $40k for an s2k. i'm told that the TT quattro roadster can be had for around invoice, which for a fully loaded car is about $39k. so the price differential out the door may be close, $0-5000.

reliability of the TT is poor. s2k should be excellent.

s2k forum is set up better. ;-)

both cars have loyal/fanatical owners and fans, which is good. maybe a click behind miata owners, i'm not sure. boxster folks may be at the top.

spa yellow vs. baseball optic leather? a toss-up.

all things considered, i'm leaning towards the s2k. if some honda dealer doesn't get his head out of where the sun don't shine and let me spend some time behind the wheel, however, it will drop off my list.

good luck in your pick!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by tm3
[B]

the article by la fave is a good one.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by tm3
[B]i just sold my miata this week, and next week will start to seriously evaluate the replacement contenders (new s2000 / new TT / used boxster / used M3 / new 350Z). my primary criteria is what the miata had: fun to drive, even when going in a straight line at the speed limit. there are some other factors, however.

Don't get me wrong--I love my S. But in terms of driving pleasuire at the speed limit, nothing beats a Miata. MY ex had a Miata, and I was continually amazed when driving it by the sensation that I was doing something illegal, even though I was really just keeping up with traffic. The Miata amplified the sensation of speed, so you don't have to speed to get a thrill.

On the other hand, if you drive an S with any amount of spirit, and you will quicklly find yourself in triple digits. Instead of feeling like you're doing something illegal, you are.


>Even in slow corners you can feel the (s2000) nose tuck in when backing out of the throttle. Is all this dangerous? Well I guess it depends on your driving experience and skill. To the able sport driver it is one of the most responsive and entertaining chassis in production. The Audi is benign and numb by comparison but far less demanding. If you aren't the type of driver that wants to, or can, steer a car with the throttle I would recommend driving school or staying away. <

While this characteristic is present is all S2ks it's been tamed a bit by the 2002's suspension adjustments. The tail definitely feels planted more in the '02.

 

thanks for helping to clarify the comment from the article.

my routine is "in slow, out slow." so i should be OK! ;-)

suppose you find that you have entered a curve too fast -- what is the correct procedure to slow it down while avoiding a spinout?

the miata was a great car. i'm really disappointed that mazda has neglected safety features (no integrated roll bars, inadequate windshield pillar bracing, poor head rests). sure it would add to the cost, but not much on a mass-produced car. this is the main factor that has moved me out of the miata and towards something else (that, and the desire for a little more horsepower).

i definitely agree, the miata gives a feeling of going fast without going fast at all. you can have a lot of fun and still be within the speed limit.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by tm3
[B]thanks for helping to clarify the comment from the article.

my routine is "in slow, out slow."

 

bieg thanks that is helpful.

"widening the arc" sounds basically like the winter driving skid recovery adage of "steer in the direction the rear end is going." is that a good analogy? if so, i understand the feeling you are talking about.

 

It's a good analogy, and it's fun on a track where you've got room to get sideways. In the real world (On the road) there's barriers bollards and other hazards, not the least of which is oncoming traffic if you get it wrong!! Beig summed it up when he said don't get in that situation if you can help it. If you do his advice as usual is sound.... don't suddenly lift off and don't brake or the weight transfers forwrads and the back end comes round on you. I reckon from what you've said about your approach to driving and your RWD experience you'll be fine. You'll get in trouble in the S if you exceed it's abilities which are considerable, or your own... and I guess you know where the limit is there!