I've been looking at Mazdaspeed Miatas lately thinking I might like to have one to play with. I had a '99 Miata that I tracked and autox'd until my doc said no more racing. I sold it to a cardiologist in the Netherlands back in '05 and let my SCCA membership expire. (My user name is the plate number from that car to give you an idea how I felt about the car.)

There's only a handful of cars that handle like a Miata, have that kind of balance. And, while my old car was just an absolute hoot to drive, I always wished it had a tad more balls. (What a liar I am...2x or 3x would have been just fine...)

The Mazdaspeed (turbo) Miata ('04 and '05) has 25% more power than the NA-engined version and with some readily available bolt-on intake and exhaust bits can put upwards of 200hp to the wheels compared to 178bhp of the stock mazdaspeed or the base 140bhp of my old car. From everything I've read, doing this does not mess up the dynamics of the car either.

I'd really like to hear y'all's input on this. I know there's a few folks around here that have Miatas and I'm still a member on a miata forum so I've read up on the mazdaspeed. I know there's a bunch of S2K guys around here as well.

Here's the old girl in her street clothes:






Here she is in her new home:

 

Do it. If you have the cash, space, and time I don't see why not?

I personally would buy an S2k but there's nothing wrong with a mazdaspeed mx5.

 

Why an S2k over the msm?

 

Do it.

'Nuff said.

 

From what I've seen, Miatas are more popular in autocross. But re: the "why S2k over Miata", here on AZ, the S2000 has a huge following. Hell, we have a huge thread just for them.

I prefer the S2k, but I considered the Mazdaspeed Miata too. During the latest MX-5 announcement, I was on the edge of my seat. Depending the powertrain options, specs, and styling, I could have jumped ship from my BRZ. The MSM is a great choice, but last I remembered they were really rare.

 

^^
Part of the appeal of MSM is there appears to be a bit of gap in the market,;the pricing of the msm is scarcely more than a base of similar year or mileage. Yeah, fairly rare. I think first year production was limited to 4000 and the factory burned down after less than 2000 more in the '05. But check ebay or carguru and you'll find quite a few.

 

I'd personally love to find an unmolested MSM, though an AP2 S2k would be acceptable to me as well.

I'm really looking forward to the release of the ND Miata.

 

Do it!

 

I think S2000 will be a better fit than your Miata if you liked your old Miata that much.

S2000 is very similar to the NA Miata except it is better in pretty much way you can imagine.

The big stuff:
Super high rev engine that makes 210 whp stock.
Probably the best 6mt in any car under 100k.
Mechanical and simple
Reliable with ridiculous resale value
perfect balance
Auto soft top
Shifting through 9 or 8.3k redline make you feel like you are driving an F1 car.
N/A with no torque means it is easier to manage on the track and no lag.

The small stuff:
one of the best HID headlights even by today's standard
cheap to fix
More cabin space than Miata
Better interior than Miata
More aftermarket and OEM support than MSM
very very good stock suspension


While the MSM is good, it will provide a totally different driving experience than your old Miata because Turbo and NA just drive differently.
I'd really prefer NA over Turbo for AutoX or mountain road. More predictable.

 

This.

With a proper tire & suspension setup, this car begs to be cornered.

10 months of ownership today, still can't wipe the smile off of my face.

 

NC for days. Better top design, faster than MS Miata, tiny bit bigger, more power options.

Just an all around better platform than the NA and NB, much better for tracking.

I love S2000s and I love Miata's for totally different reasons. Better this better that, 99% of everything people will say here are opinions. Drive both and pick your fav.

 

Finding a clean MSM or AP2 S2K for the right price is extremely HARD.

And I don't like used cars. That's why I got my BRZ.

Anyway, get a new toy car man. All men need one at all times.

 

Thanks for this insight. I added the s2k (and Boxster) to my list. Yes, I noticed S2k have ridiculous resale value!



NC is faster than msm? Really? I much prefer the look of NC but I don't see how it would be quicker than the turbo, giving up 10-15hp and being heavier. I need to research this further.

He-he, and I hate new cars! Absolute worst 'investment' you'll make, a new car, there's no upside potential there at all. Dealer demo is as close as I go to new these days.

I swear, if could make public transportation work in my household, that's where I'd be. I'd, of course, still need a toy but there's an honesty about that - I'm willingly, knowingly throwing away money for my entertainment much like having a boat or playing golf.

 

Sorry out of town for the weekend but basically this:

That's why I will be buying one in a few months. There's one on craigslist locally that's been up for sale the entire summer (grossly overpriced) so I'm hoping I can snag it later this winter. It's perfect, silver, red/black interior, 2005 AP2, no mods, 20k miles.

Boxster is awesome if you enjoy an engine out service for everything.

 

I spent a good portion of the weekend studying up on S2k. Sounds to me like the AP2 has a more refined suspension and interior than the AP1 but the AP1 is more modifiable.

 

Yes AP2 is more refined.... by S2000's standard only though

It has more torque than AP1 so it is easier to drive but you are giving up nearly 1k rev. So depends on your preference there.

Ap2 stock suspension is less hardcore and easier to control. Early Ap1 are WAYYY too tail happy.
Ap2's interior is more modern but still lacks of 90% of the features that a 2015 Corolla has.

The most modifiable ones are 06+ with tuneable ECU, however, it comes with traction control.

 

Not necessarily. The AP1 has a higher top end with less torque down low. The AP2 makes more torque down low but misses out on 1k rpm at the top end (though 8k rpm redline is really nothing to be disappointed about ).

I personally enjoyed the AP2 more because it has more torque down low and is easier to live with on a daily basis but your mileage may vary. Try them both out and see which one suits you better.

Neither of them are really tuneable and neither are easy to modify. You need to get the 06+ AP2 with the all in one ECU to load tunes on otherwise you have to swap computers and stuff. You won't get a whole lot more out of the engine without tossing in FI though. I'm personally not buying the car as a speed demon nor am I going to mod it so I plan on getting a clean 2005 or newer model without mods and low miles. They are worth SO much more that way than modded out.

lol yes. It's essentially a scalpel (AP1) or a scalpel with a handle (AP2). Both will kill you if you mishandle it, one is just easier to deal with. Neither are all that comfy for long trips, neither are quiet, neither have features, both are some of the most fun you'll have with your pants on.

 

Both are great options but if I were in the market for a new toy, I would check out Black market here
#fleshlight

 

my boss also races in the MX5 cup... he loves his NB... when I was in the market for a soft top 'vert under 10k, it was S2K, MX5, or MR2... S2K was out of my price range, MX5s seemed overpriced since everyone was using them as racecars...

is this going to be a weekend warrior since I assume you can't race anymore...