S2000 vs Miata: driving at "the limit"
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From: 727 ,Florida
Originally Posted by Hawkstrike,Feb 12 2008, 03:42 PM
I'm surprised so many here are talking down about the Miata. It's a fantastic car, and probably one of the main reasons we have the S2000 today.
The beauty of owning an S2000 is that it's two cars in one -- it can be a docile, fun-loving sun car, then turn into a snarling track beast.
But I predict you'll never approach it's limits on city streets (and if you do, shame on you). And within safe street driving, the S2000 and Miata are much closer together in performance. Miatas are quite tossable and fun to drive fast even if they lack the S2000's acceleration. Both cars are great on the track.
The NC has the best convertable top design on the market in a soft top, and probably the best retractable hard top design on the market as well if you prefer that convenience.
Both cars should be equally reliable. Total operating costs, especially insurance, should be lower for the Miata. IMO, the S2000 has better interior design, fit and finish, and interior materials ... but you do pay more for it.
In the end it comes down to ... (1) what fits you better, and (2) what's another 70hp worth to you? Don't let the S2000's reputation scare you -- that will never be an issue if you learn to respect the car and drive it responsibly.
<------------- Guess what I chose when faced with the same decision.
The beauty of owning an S2000 is that it's two cars in one -- it can be a docile, fun-loving sun car, then turn into a snarling track beast.
But I predict you'll never approach it's limits on city streets (and if you do, shame on you). And within safe street driving, the S2000 and Miata are much closer together in performance. Miatas are quite tossable and fun to drive fast even if they lack the S2000's acceleration. Both cars are great on the track.
The NC has the best convertable top design on the market in a soft top, and probably the best retractable hard top design on the market as well if you prefer that convenience.
Both cars should be equally reliable. Total operating costs, especially insurance, should be lower for the Miata. IMO, the S2000 has better interior design, fit and finish, and interior materials ... but you do pay more for it.
In the end it comes down to ... (1) what fits you better, and (2) what's another 70hp worth to you? Don't let the S2000's reputation scare you -- that will never be an issue if you learn to respect the car and drive it responsibly.
<------------- Guess what I chose when faced with the same decision.
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Orange County, CA
I finally got around to taking my car to the track a few days ago.
It wasn't unperdictable at all. After I got a feel for it, I was able to feel when the tires were letting loose and when the car was about to slide.
Once it did slide, it wasnt abrupt or anything, it was pretty easy to control.
On my first run out the back end actually kicked out on me but I managed to save it pretty easily.
but... I'm not sure how much of this is relevant to a stock 08.
It wasn't unperdictable at all. After I got a feel for it, I was able to feel when the tires were letting loose and when the car was about to slide.
Once it did slide, it wasnt abrupt or anything, it was pretty easy to control.
On my first run out the back end actually kicked out on me but I managed to save it pretty easily.
but... I'm not sure how much of this is relevant to a stock 08.
Thread Starter
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Oh...forgot to mention. I prefer the layout of the S2K shift pattern to the other 6-speeds out there. There is something unnerving about having R next to 1st gear. that drove me nuts when I tested the Miata and Boxster. Just didn't feel right. Clearly not a BMW owner. Honda got it correct.
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From: Dry Branch
MX5 body roll during hard cornering vvv.
I do not find this to be excessive. On rougher racing surfaces, the MX5 suspension eats up bumps far better than the S2000, and the anti-sway bars are stiff enough to keep the car acceptably flat during hard cornering, in spite of the softer springs (and greater suspension travel). I've autocrossed both (and that ugly dude in the picture above is me), and it's a wash. The S2000 is more fun, but the MX5 is easier to take to the limit.
I do not find this to be excessive. On rougher racing surfaces, the MX5 suspension eats up bumps far better than the S2000, and the anti-sway bars are stiff enough to keep the car acceptably flat during hard cornering, in spite of the softer springs (and greater suspension travel). I've autocrossed both (and that ugly dude in the picture above is me), and it's a wash. The S2000 is more fun, but the MX5 is easier to take to the limit.
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From: Dry Branch
Originally Posted by SoMe0nE2tAlK2,Feb 12 2008, 07:19 PM
I finally got around to taking my car to the track a few days ago.
It wasn't unperdictable at all. After I got a feel for it, I was able to feel when the tires were letting loose and when the car was about to slide.
Once it did slide, it wasnt abrupt or anything, it was pretty easy to control.
On my first run out the back end actually kicked out on me but I managed to save it pretty easily.
but... I'm not sure how much of this is relevant to a stock 08.
It wasn't unperdictable at all. After I got a feel for it, I was able to feel when the tires were letting loose and when the car was about to slide.
Once it did slide, it wasnt abrupt or anything, it was pretty easy to control.
On my first run out the back end actually kicked out on me but I managed to save it pretty easily.
but... I'm not sure how much of this is relevant to a stock 08.
The S2000 is not well suited for "average drivers," unless they want to learn, or will be content to drive the car well below it's limits at all times. Those who find it unpredictable should get something else to drive, because not being able to predict what your car is going to do is downright dangerous.
And, a base MY08 car will be even more stable than your car.
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From: Dry Branch
Originally Posted by rcman100,Feb 12 2008, 07:31 PM
Oh...forgot to mention. I prefer the layout of the S2K shift pattern to the other 6-speeds out there. There is something unnerving about having R next to 1st gear. that drove me nuts when I tested the Miata and Boxster. Just didn't feel right. Clearly not a BMW owner. Honda got it correct.
And I am on the bottom part of the totem pole for hp.