I came close to getting an 04 Mazdaspeed MX-5.

That's a fun car to drive.

 

I believe that is one of the main reasons ...

 

Hey guys - I'm new 'round these parts. Just picked up an 06 S2000, Silverstone with black/red interior. I actually came from a lightly modified 04 Mazdaspeed MX-5. I guess this makes me a bit of an ideal commentator here...

I loved my Miata - truely. It put out about 190WHP with very little work. The handling balance was sensational and extremely controllable and entertaining at and past the limit. Torque wasn't bad, with a couple tweeks - otherwise left stock it only got entertaining past 4500 RPMs, and when you hit the wall at 6500, it becomes tedious - particularly annoying with very short gearing.

Interior wasn't bad, if a bit small. Top design, although manual, was excellent. The new ones are even better.

I've spent quite a bit of time on the track with it and I manage to keep up with S2000s with less than stellar drivers (good drivers *will* spank me) - but I also have loads of fun sideways.

Now, I've only had my S2000 for a couple days, so I can't really comment on it's at-limit handling characteristics personally - but it does seem far less forgiving, but with far higher limits. The engine is absolutely a joy, if a bit down on torque. It's actually better than I had expected with all I had read on it. It's very driveable as my DD. The transmission is the only thing I've driven that trumps the Miata's. It's a pure joy to row the box... Handling is secure and sure footed. Interior fit and finish is really a huge step up, but the radio - meh... I have a few choice words about that. Steering feel doesn't seem at par with the Miata, but I'll reserve judgement until I really get her going in the curves...

I can't wait to learn more about this car. I definately believe it was a step up in every way, but don't let those little Miata's fool you - they're one hell of a roadster.

 

[QUOTE=JustinsanE,Aug 29 2008, 10:15 PM] this even happened to me in a military do it yourself auto-hobby shop by the workers.....I was insulted.

 

two of my co-workers have miatas. one day we happened to be parked next to each other and i could not see anything similar. the s2000 is taller, wider, and longer. the other miatas look awful in it's presence. maybe my eye is just a bit sharper 'cause i own an s2000 (before i couldn't tell the difference between ap1/ap2) but a miata (almost bought one in 2003) is distinctly different...