mikemcd

Been driving a 2000 Miata for the last 3 years. Test drove a 2003 S2000 today and was impressed - overall a more refined car (as it should be for +$10k). Just about ready to trade up. Anyone moved up from a Miata who would like to share their thoughts/experience?

BlackBear

Well I first drove a Miata in College.. Then a Z3 when I graduated... and now the S2000...... After the s2000... I will not compromise...

VinceD

Hey Mike- as you know, the Miata is a great little car. I've grown more and more to respect it as the years have gone on. Although I've never owned one, I have driven my niece's 2000 Miata quite a few times. It's one of the reasons I decided to purchase my S. Her Miata sparked my interest again. There is a saying that goes "if you want a real sporty car get a Miata, but if you want a real sports car, get an S2000." I think you will enjoy the S2000 much more than what you have now. You've felt that feeling, right? How about that handling? It only gets better in VTEC land.

webmaecker

hey there.

i started a similar thread here on s2ki and it died out pretty fast.

check out my thread on the miataforum...
http://www.miataforum.com/ubb/ultimatebb.p...p?ubb=get_topic;f=11;t=012175

here is how i started the link above:

anyone notice the recent increase in used s2k's? or the recent DROP in used pricing? i own a 01 miata (bought new) and have been sitting on the sidelines, waiting for the influx of s2k 3 year lease returns.

well, it appears my waiting is nearing it's end.

while i strongly considered modifying the miata instead, i would be looking at paying hundreds to thousands in cash or credit cards. that's when i have to consider the s2k - it is like getting a turbo or supercharged miata - for the same payment (now for 2000 model). i think that doing relatively small mods (air intake, headers, exhaust, coilovers) would leave me still craving more.
don't get me wrong, i love the miata, there is just something so much better out there. and trust me, i have been obsessed with miata's for years - owning 3 of them. what's lacking for me is the engine.

i always thought that if i could only drop the 8100 redline vtec engine of an acura integra into the miata... then i was absolutely blown away by the s2k. that can't be overstated. it was the most engaging, visceral experience (with a machine) i have had. visceral - yet with extreme precision. no slop in the tranny or throttle. none. but what stands out to me is the pitch - a sound i have heard nowhere else - 9k rpm. unreal. unreal.

to me, the s2k is the perfect fusion of the ultimate miata, integra type r. and for those beyond my years, dare i say tr6?

sure, it might be a bit upscale, but to get that grassroots feel, i plan to sell those gaudy leather seats (some civic punk will grab 'em for sure) and drop in something a bit more raw.

in the bay area we are seeing s2k's going under $20k - which will keep my humble payment right at the level of my 01 miata.
anyone else agree with this line of thought?

what do you think?

webmaecker

oops. link not working... its miataforum.com then car talk then "s2k for the masses?" thread title

mikemcd

webmaecker,

Thanks. The miataforum post certainly gererated a more lively discusion.

This link should work:

http://www.miataforum.com/ubb/ultimatebb.p...p?ubb=get_topic;f=11;t=012175

mikemcd

Thanks for the feedback. Bought a new 2003 Berlina on Monday. Couldn't be happier. Miata is a great car, but the S2000 outstanding. Handling is substantially better, and then the VTECH - wow! Honda should consider a campaign to target Miata owners. They have already committed to a 2-seater, so they're over that hump. Looks like a ready audience.

Now, about selling that Miata......might be harder with a S2000 sitting in the garage.