Another vote here for analog gauges; something like a good set of Smiths, VDOs, or Veglias. I love "clocks". There's always something about mature technologies ...

I always compared the performance of the S2k to the Miata because they've made a bazillion of the Miatas and so few of the S2ks. When someone wants to know about the "torque issue" or overall feel of the car, the best way of explaining is to compare it to something tangible. In my limited experience the two cars are very similar in feel below 6000rpm. The S2k will leave the Miata in the dust if you rev it out, but in traffic the drivability is very similar. I think living with either of the two cars on a day to day basis would be very much the same. The Miata is a great car; the S2k is just more of a good thing.

Sure, I didn't buy an S2k, but a large part of this is related to the fact that, in my wife's eyes, I already have a 'hobby' (motorcycles) and only a 2.5 car garage. We also needed a big practical vehicle for 'gardening' and my wife refuses to part with her I30t. So, ... an L. I will still buy a fun convertible some day. I may have to sell the bikes to do so... Since the Miata is too small for me (5'11' 32' inseam), the S2k is front-runner. But then again, there is always the Alfa Giulietta Spyder I've always wanted ... <sigh>

 

It's like comparing the S to the Corvette. It takes a lot of work on the S to stay near to a Corvette.

 

I've had only one or two Miata comparisons. But I've had more comparisons to other higher end cars; i.e. "is it a Jaguar?", "is that a Ferrari?", or more recently the new Maserati convertible which has a Suzuka Blue-type color. Those kinds of comparisons make up for Miata comments. BTW, nothing against Miata's. I've driven them and it is a fun drive.

 

HotRodSoul, you are the excellent guy to consult...you have access to both whenever. You have to admit that your 91 felt more sewing machine than the new one though

 

on 8-11-02 there was an open house for a "Miata Haven" in marrietta georgia where about 200 Miatae strolled in......There was some ridiculous power handled by some of the most humble owners. the entire day was a lesson in the 13 year old values of the Miata.

I never felt more proud to be an owner of the Miata. that evening I had the pleasure of parking next to a black S. For once, I did not feel envious. I think that alot of the arrogance and rhetoric about being compared to the Miata is simply misplaced values about what makes a car fun. I can understand the need for anyone to feel that they are in a "superior" sportscar. I really can. but I can say this with confidence: An S2K owner may not always be able to fit like a glove in a Miata, but they will always feel at home in one.

 

Yeah My FM2(250hp@ wheel) will blow the door my S anyday..
I love my S don't get me wrong.Yeah i been told "hey it that new Miata" yeah it is.Thanks Mazda,i wouldn't have my S.










91FM2(Miata fan for life) stolen
S2000 blk on blk

 

I have nothing against the Miata; the two cars are just in different classes. The people who have wondered what I'm driving can't believe it's a Honda. Their impression is always of exotic, expensive speed(which doesn't make me too proud!). One thing I feel should be brought out in this discussion is this; the S2000 weighs 500 lb. more than the Miata because of its super-strong, super-safe frame. I'm glad BOTH cars are available!

 

i think my biggest problem with we'll call them "outsiders" is that they have no idea it's a honda.. i mean i understand it's a new model, and fairly uncommon, but i mean does it look like something porsche would make, as many people ask me... "is that a porsche.. "
i mean come on.. did the big H on the front give you any clue as to it's make?
and then my other biggest find is the number of people who will not believe me when i tell them it's a 4..
they insist to get that power it's a 6.. no matter what even when i show them..
when are people gonna wake up and realize that honda is a major player... i mean they have the civic, the best selling car of all time, and a flock of other great cars..
i'm not downing any other make or model.. i just don't get why some people hold honda so low on their charts.. i mean i've onwed nothing but hondas.. i don't so it on purpose they just happen to make the cars i like and want, i mean i want a lambo too, but i am realistic..
perhaps we could have an s2k awareness day sometime..
we could roll around to diff places, just showing off the cars, and getting the info and excitement out on the street, i know it's there i just want more people to know about this amazing machine... i mean if everyone knew about it, who would want a z3?
oh right the people who buy a car cause it had a blue and white airplane prop on it.. right... i forgot how much that means..
k guyz i'm out c ya ...

 

Absolutely. I feel the new generation Miata (M2) was aesthetically "domesticated" a bit to appeal to a larger crowd. When it comes to personality, I think the both the S2000 and 2nd generation Miata fall short of the first generation Miata.

To offer another perspective on the S being misidentified: I think it pays high compliment to Honda's styling of the car. I've owned two Civics and two Accords, and while Hondas are arguably the most reliable cars on the planet, they were plain vanilla, both to drive and to look at. The S2000 suffers neither problem, and has honest-to-Pete styling. You might love it or hate it, but you'll have an opinion on it. THAT is progress.

Chris

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by HotRodSoul
[B]Howdy.

I've owned a '91 Miata, and currently own a '02 Vivid Yellow Miata, and...

My compliment to your '02 Vivid Yellow Miata. That is one nice car. There is an individual at work who owns the same model car as yours. The first time I saw it, couldn't take my eyes off of it I suppose I'm biased towards Yellow I've always wanted to get my hands on a Miata until the S came out that is. Money notwithstanding (not that the wife would approve ) I would get me a Miata (Yellow please) in addition to my Yellow Pearl MY2001