I've decided to put my practical self behind me and purchase a roadster. I'm keeping my Grand Cherokee for towing, inclement weather, long trips, grocery trips, etc. I have looked at all the available roadsters and have narrowed it to two: the S2000 and the Miata. The S2000 for it's power, handling and good looks (especially compared to similarly priced Z3) and the Miata for being a capable, fun roadster with much less brawn, but also 50% less cost (OK...I can't put my practical self COMPLETELY behind me!).

Any of you S2000 owners care to nudge me in the right direction?

How comfortable is the S2000 on long road-trips?

Is there much "wind buffeting" with the top down? (I didn't notice much in test drives)?

Thanks in advance!

 

1. It's very comfortable, for what it is. I drove mine 900 miles home from where I bought it (New Orleans). I was solo, and had no significant stiffness when I got home.

With the aeroscreen and windows up, wind buffeting in the cockpit is minimal. You can easily hear the stereo or talk to your passenger at 80 mph.

I was also on the fence between the S2000 and Miata. If the S2000's extra performance is worth the extra $10K to you, there is no down side. It certainly was worth it to me.

 

I was on the same fence as you but my wife cleared it up for me. She said "If you buy a Miata and drop a bunch of mods into it to make it faster and cooler you will spend just as much money as buying the S2000 to begin with."

Also, as you said, buying a roadster is not a rational decision. In my heart I really wanted the Stook all along anyways, I was just being a cheapass!

 

Another thing to consider other then the performance benefits is the extra attention. Most of the time the attention is good but in some very rare instances it is a pain (cops, and vandals).

You don't get this kind of attention in a Miata. I don't think I have been able to fill up the gas tank without someone around asking me about it.

 

Unless you are female, get the s2000

 

ha, I agree. The miata is a girl car.

 

I would suggest driving both if you haven't already done so, as they are very different cars. Once you drive the S2000, your mind will be made up one way or the other. Either you will love the car and your decision will be made or you'll have doubts as to whether or not it's worth the extra money, in which case your decision will be made. Good luck.

 

I guess being at the S2000 site we are all biased and will recommend the S2000. And I would imagine if you go to the Miata site they will recommend the Miata.
For me it was the Z3. I drove one and hated it. I drove the S2000 and was doing the paperwork 20 minutes later.

 

In a 2001 Miata, with the top up, my hair just touches the cross member. This is annoying. In the S2000, I have a couple of inches of clearance. With the driver's seat all of the way back, I have a little more room in the S2000. If you plan to put a roll bar in the Miata, there is even less room. I am 5' 11" tall.

I wanted a car that would accelerate better than my daily driver (a V6 Camry) and the 2001 Miata did not do that. I was not interested in investing time and money to achieve more power than what was delivered by the manufacturer. After one test drive in the S2000, I was sold.

I have not regretted the purchase.

 

repeat after me ..... mi-a-ta