What do you guys think about the differences and similarities between S2K & Miata?

Just want to hear about you AZ experts.

I love both of these cars and curious to hear what you guys have to say about these cars.

Also, why would you choose one over the other?

Note the thread title is S2K "&" Miata, not "vs". Please don't just say VTEC POWER.

 

Never driven either, but based solely on looks, I'd take the S2K any day.

 

I've driven both extensively. And both are excellent vehicles. Ask specific questions and I'll give you my thoughts on it.

The Miata is lighter and in my opinion has slightly better steering feel. The S2000 is faster, has more interior room and is more 'hard core' of the two.

I'd pick the S2000 but you can't go wrong with either. They're reliable and a lot of fun!

 

I've driven Miata but I'd love have S2000. Why? Only because S2000 looks little mature. Miata is too toy-ish IMO. I loved the shifter in Miata, short throws and right on money. After hearing all the raves about S2000 shifter I can only imagine how good it is.

 

The S2000 shifter is just as good. Short and precise throws. Almost like using a firearm.

 

How's the aftermarket support for the Miatas? I know there's just so much support for the S2Ks.

 

There's quite a bit. If I had to guess, it's just as extensive if not more so than the S2000 since there are so many Miatas sold each year and they've been for sale for over 20 years.

 

There's (relatively) more room in an 3rd gen Miata vs the S2k. Plenty of aftermarket support for both. The Miata's probably way more livable, but I'd take the S2k because I'm an early-2000s Honda fanboi.

 

i drove the MX-5 and the S2000 and i felt the Miata handled better and was a cushier package but the s2000 has way more sex appeal and emotion to it.

 

It's very good. There is even a Spec Miata racing series, and Mazda in general has a racing support initiative. (Check out http://www.mazdamotorsports.com ).

As for driving them, I've only had a brief amount of time in a Miata. In brief, I'm a little too tall for a Miata (6'2") as my head hits the top (when it's up) and the top of the windshield is almost at eye level. I'd like to try an S2000. One was for sale locally, but I didn't want to ask to see it, "mainly to see if I fit." Neither is very practical given the weather where I live, unfortunately.

 

lol reminds me of this Miata I saw with a vanity plate that says "IJUSTFIT"

The owner is approx. 6' 240-250ish.

 

if you are over 5'9" the miata will be a tight fight, there are tons of after market support for both but the miata has its only little niche with spec and what not, but honestly if it were up to me, I would take the s2k, its pure sex to me.

also not to mention if you do by chance by one for autocross or road racing EVERYONE will have one, you can buy an older one from anywhere from 1k-4k in decent condition and have you a race car in no time, cheapest used s2k I have seen start at about 8k+

The miata has more of a go kart feel while the s2k to me has somewhat a regular car feel to me, but it is personal preference

 

I've only driven an older Miata and it was definitely slower than an S2000 but handling wise it felt just as capable. Shifter and clutch takeup are great.

I'm more of an aural guy than most. The S2000 sounds better to me, and it looks better. It doesn't have as much steering feel as you'd expect but it still feels great tossing one around.

There's not much room for improvements on the S2000 especially, and on the Miata I don't think bolt-ons will account for much. F/I is the way to go if you want to make more power.

I'm 5'7" 155 and they both fit me like a glove.

 

I'm 6' 150.. Hope I fit alright since one of these cars is probably going to be my next car.

I don't like the fact that I have to get an used one, if I were to go with S2K though..

So, I guess both cars are about the same in terms of performance and size, correct? If you guys have $4-5k budget just for the mods, which one would you guys go for?

 

I haven't driven either, but would love to. At nearly 6'5" and 200 lbs., I have yet to find a way to contort myself into a driver's seat. I've ridden as a passenger in both, however, and they seem like great cars. People I've known that have driven both seem to prefer the MX-5 for handling, but love the S2K for it's engine. Personally, I like the looks of the S2K better.

I don't think you can go wrong with either.





Terry

 

S2k has longer legs but the MX-5 with it's go-kart handling is the autox king. Depends what you'll be doing with it.

 

I'm 6'3" 225lbs and I could fit in a Miata but not even close in a S2000.

I personally love the Miata, especially when it's modded and becomes a real sleeper. You know there's always the Monster Miata if the speed isn't enough with the 4 cylinder.

 

Weird. Are you tall in the torso or the legs?

 

Long legs.

I switched on and off driving from CT to FL in my buddy's Miata on spring break in college.

I attempted to sit in the drivers seat of a S2000 when I was car shopping in 2007 and I couldn't even swing my right leg under the steering wheel. The look on the sales guy face was priceless.

 

I have seen some awesome s2k's and some really cool looking Miata track cars for touring or Solo events. Both look really fun to drive and have a bunch of aftermarket support. Although I think it would be much cheaper to build a Mazda Miata Vs a S2K..

 

is insurance significantly more for an s2k/ new miata - as opposed to a similarly priced sedan? (not looking for $ amount difference, but %s increase in insurance premium)

no idea how insurance companies rate soft top verts.

Thanks

 

4-5k in mods? i'd go with the s2k because i have driven one and it literally does have a F1 feel to it...push button start...and with hondata it would be a bullit

 

First and foremost..im 6'2", 250 and fit perfectly fine in my daily driver, the 2008 MX5. The 2nd gen is a touch smaller, and the 1st gen is even smaller.

There are millions of pros and cons to each generation. The first has the most aftermarket support, the 2nd gen has a little less and the 3rd gen has the least. That being said, you can pretty much find anything and everything you could ever want for any year model.

I've driven both cars extensively on here is why I choose a Miata over an S2K.

1) When I saw my first 3rd Gen, I knew it would be my next car.

This really doesn't need much explanation. 2006 models and up look amazing with some rubber mounted underneath them. When I was looking to buy, the S2K was on its final leg, and although I love the car...the styling, to me, is to old. Its a timeless car, but Im just a bit tired of seeing them. They all look the same to me.

2) Price.

Theres no way to cut this. In the long run, the Miata will ALWAYS be cheaper to maintain, replace parts, fill-up on, buy aftermarket gear. Period. Theres no competition. Your insurance will be cheaper. Your gas will be cheaper (more mileage, doesnt have to be Premium). Its a bargain sports car. Its not trying to be something its not. There is no premium price. In stock form, the S2K will run circles around a stock MX5, but with a few aftermarket bits....well, go to ANY track or ANY auto-x and you'll have your answer.

My insurance quote for a used S2K was almost $250/month. My insurance for a BRAND NEW Mx5 was a little over $120.

3) Options

I wanted the whole package when I purchased a car. I knew I wanted a convertible, and I knew it was going to be an S2K or a +06 MX5. I realized im going to spend the most time inside the car. So I wanted leather, a bangin' stereo, heated seats, etc. Well, the S2K stereo not only blows, but there are limited options to what you can do aftermarket without dropping major coin. Heated seats weren't really a selling point, but I dont complain when the temp falls below 30 degrees. I wanted HIDs and an LSD, which came in the same GT package. For a daily, the MX5 is more friendly. Starter button is cool...but you still have to have a key. Its a pointless novelty.

4) Interior


I was never a fan of the digital gauges. I like the no non sense aspect of it, but it just isnt for me. The 3rd gen MX5 is leaps and bounds bigger on the inside than an S2K. If you disagree...well, you wont. The older models were considerably smaller. The top of the car is genius. My soft top can be dropped, from the drivers seat, in less than 2 seconds. It can be raised, seated, in less than 5. The power hardtop, that TAKES UP NO TRUNK ROOM, stows in less than 13 seconds. Plus there is a removable hardtop that looks hot, same goes with the S2000.

5) Aftermarket

For all the models the aftermarket support is endless. You can do anything and everything. Its all fairly well priced as well. Everything has been a lot cheaper than I expected it to be. I've got the best header, midpipe and muffler you can get...each was around $400. I've got the most expensive (Mazdaspeed) intake you can get...roughly $300. Turbo kits are under $4000 and SC kits will run anywhere from $3000-7000

6) Performance

The MX5 will make you a good driver. To me, the S2K is more of an advanced vehicle to master. Its got more power, its a lot more twitchy...just more going on. The Miata is so basic and so underpowered that you can literally go WOT into turns and not even think twice about it. I've been on dozens of S2K drives through twistys and not once, has an S2K ever pulled away from me. Trust me, im not the best driver either. I've got little to no track time in the grand scheme of things. Yes, an S2K will out run a Miata in a straight line, but really....no one buys either for that aspect. More power is nice, but not always key. The MX5 has a little more torque than the S2K so you don't have to rev it quite as high during normal operation, although I rev the balls off mine all the time. Anyone who says the shifter in the S2K is great, will find that the MX5 shifter is almost identical. Its a little bit more notchy, but its super short and snickity, just like the S2K.

Stock for stock...the S2K has a little under 200hp to the wheels and the MX5 has about 130. The weight difference makes up for the performance loss on the S2K. They are actually a pretty close matched set of cars.


You guys all know my opinion. I love them both, but the MX5 was a much better choice for me. I leased it initially thinking I would sell it back, but I just recently purchased it out of its lease and have no regrets. Both cars have everything you could possibly want as far as aftermarket...but if your looking to save some cash...Miata hands down.

It depends of course on what model year you go with, but If I had 5k to spend on a stock 3rd gen heres what I'd do.

Goodwin Header, Midpipe and RSQ muffler - $1300
AEM Intake - $250
Dynotronics Tune - $500
Coilovers - $2000~
Wheels/Tires - $1000
RX8 Yellow Dot Sways - $100~


Thats all brand new parts. Its very easy to find used parts as a lot of the MX5 guys change their setups every auto-x season, etc. You could spend 5 grand on bracing alone, which will aid mostly to ride comfort. Several different ways everyone does it.

The Miata is, and will aways be, the most practical track&daily driver there will ever be.

"Before you ask any questions, most of the answers will be Miata." -Grassroots Motorsports FAQ

Lastly, you cant go wrong with either. Like has been previously mentioned...they are both bulletproof and fun to drive. Its almost down to which you like the looks of better.

I like the Miata better, but not by much. I love them both. The Miata just fit me better.

 

The Miata gets the same deals as the Vettes...

The age demographic is way up and the accident rates are way down.

 

The button would be cool if you didn't have to put the key in and turn it first.

 

OMG Thank you so much for your opinion..... was waiting for you to chime in.....

I think I just made up my mind after reading your post.....

Any S2K owners?

 

Actually the maintenance on the s2k and miata would be about the same only thing that would really be more expensive would be the brake pads on the s2k, but both cars are pretty stout in stock form and changing the timing belt on both is actually not hard.'

Tires would be were the money difference would be due to the large wheel diameter on the s2k, but honestly I think with the miata too many people have them and I would like to be different and not the same. I honestly prefer the engine in the s2k as well just a pain to manage in regular autocross, but perfect for high speed autocross.

 

The new model for MX-5 is coming out pretty soon, yeah? Hope it's not too different from the current generation because I love the look of the current gen. When I tried to build one on Mazda website, they didn't have an option for me to get the white one. Is it discontinued? And what's the best forum for Miatas? (MX-5)

 

Vtec RAWR!

 

No timing belt on the S2K.

 

^ I was going to mention that. The F and K series engines use a timing chain.

Ive only driven the S2000 once, and while it wasnt a very spirited drive, I fell in love with the car. Im 6', 150lbs and fit it like a glove. I felt as though the steering and shifter were an extension of my arms. Of course, thats from driving a CL, so the difference to me was that much greater. I was about to buy an 09, but between having just picked up the CL and my friend telling me the S2000 was impractical I passed on it (why did I listen to him? I was 20 at the time, no need for a back seat ) .

I will own an S2000 though. I love Miatas/MX5s, but with what I want to do with it, the S2000 is the better starting point for me. Maybe someday both can grace my garage with their presence.

 

Hes looking into newer MX5s. Starting in 06, Mazda adopted timing chains, so no belts.

...and starting in 2009, all Mx5s have all forged internals and higher redlines. More torque and more usable HP.

As far as the new model coming out...no one knows. Looking back at the timeline, it would seem so but I havent seen anything.

 

Marble White, like mine, was available in 06-09. You could get it in all trim levels, the only difference being in the upper packages you could get saddle leather and a tan top. The lower trim levels had black cloth and a black vinyl top. In 2009, the NC2's with the facelift got Havana Brown interiors with Marble white, its a very dark brown. Also in 06 and 07 they had a "Club spec" model. Bottom of the barrel, no AC or power anything. Its the best platform for racing. At the top you've got the GT spec with HIDs, heated leather (07+), height adjustable seats(07+), the LSD and key card. With the key card, about the size of a credit card, there is no key. Theres buttons on the door handles to pop the locks and a stopper in the key slot. Simply keep the card in your wallet and GO.

Starting in 2009, Mazda offered Diamond White. It was bright white with lots of pearl. In 2010 it was cancelled in the US, like all of the best colors, and only sold in Canada and Overseas. It looks great on the hardtops.

The white is pretty rare, but even on MX5.net, it gets most of the compliments. Marble White is super easy to keep clean and since there is no pearl in it, its easy to match.

The best forums...theres several.

The biggest and most informative would be MX5.net. Tons of info over there and the biggest member base.

Good-Win-Racing.com is also an important one. Brian Goodwin is one of the most famous MX5 racers out there. Hes got a ton of Miatas in his arsenal and his store is top notch. His forums include awesome classifieds and very detailed installation instructions for most products. Goodwins aftermarket parts are the Comptech for the Mazdas. They have the most R&D, the best build quality and the most proven results. You can also visit his store on that site, which sells ANYTHING and EVERYTHING you could ever need.

Those are the main two.

Clubroadster.net, IMO, is fucking lame. I think to post over there you have to have an "illest" sticker on your car or a fake rusted hood, or a roof rack or say "epic" or "fail" in everything you post. Good pictures though, not much NC support over there. Its more for looks over there and seeing how much you can lower your car and how much camber you can get rather than....well, you get the point.

 

I think everyone prefers the engine of the S2000 over the Miata. The sound is typical Honda intoxicating and that redline is very addicting. The sound of the Miata in stock forum is...not to pleasant. Uncork it, like mine, and you get a ton of overrun and a nice deep throaty exhaust note. No rasp, just perfection.

http://www.youtube.com/user/bluemean...18/86ESW32ZnB8


Most people that are into tracking their Miatas will upgrade in tire width, not so much rim height. Another plus on the MX5 is you run all 4 corners the same size. Staggering rims on an MX5 is a BIG no no. It will kill your handling.

The thing about high speed Auto-X'ing, you get to play with the Porches and Corvettes...and at that point the S2000 is no longer fast.

Small cars are meant for tight turns and short straights. Both the MX5 and the S2000 are better suited for smaller and tighter courses.

 

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They look sexy on RPF1s. And I assume the Cosworth MX5 is supercharged?

 

Yes sir.

 

How much power does the Cossie blower add to it? Is it a full Cosworth package including built motor?

 

Just got back from test driving tge MX-5.... I think I'm gonna stock out my ms3.

 

The salesman was extremely knowledgeable about the miatas and let me try the thing that you normally aren't allowed to do for test driving. The car was so mich better than I had expexted and dreamed of. I do fit in the car perfectly.

The only thing is that.. it doesn't come in white...

O2cls can you find out what the new mx5 owners are paying for their cars? Do they get discounts at all? How big are the differences between softtop and hardtop convert in terms of performance? The weight is about 80 lbs more for the hardtop. I drove the hardtop and it was quite nice.