the Miata looks like a toy beside the S2000, I always thought the S2000 was small and tight but the Miata looks much smaller, despite what the dimensions indicate. The S2000 chasis probably accounts for most of the difference, very rigid and lots of bracing, the Miata looks like a sardine can. Most of the ancillary parts of the Miata look to be less substantial, it all adds up from the axles, tranny, seats, etc...

 

just get a titanium exhaust, header, CF intake and lose the spare tire and you'll be almost equal...

 

The MX-5 is a newer design than the S.
I think a better question is why does a 2005-2008 Boxster weigh the same as the same model year S2000, but is larger, has a more powerful 6 cyl and gets better gas mileage?

 

Those are just predicted weights based on ball size of the drivers. The cars actually weigh the same.

 

"In the third-generation MX-5's development, Mazda engineers pursued the 'gram' strategy (a programme of weight minimizationon a component-by-component basis), used cutting-edge technologies to make the body light and rigid, and adopted materials that were stronger and lighter than those used in the second-generation MX-5. As a result, they were able to limit the overall weight increase to just 10 kg (22 lb) and enhance performance at the same time. With the latest facelift, the development team adopted new mechanicals and equipment throughout the MX-5 but again kept the overall weight increase to an absolute minimum. The MX-5's ideal 50:50 front/rear weight distribution and the reduced yaw-inertia moment achieved by Mazda with the third-generation MX-5 are totally uncompromised"

Oh, it has an Aluminium engine block also which could be 100lbs differance in the motor alone.

 

Because theres no roof, duhz

 

Bwahahaha, great post.

 

Allow me to answer your question with a picture or two....

S2000 frame:
Miata frame:

 

(You may need to explain to the OP that those photos are not to scale...)