hahaha, i see. seems like the s2000's are a fuller package
with more power overall and fun things like push-button start, etc.


but this is coming from a guy that's never own a vert so who knows.

 

IMO push button start is kind of goofy. Turning a key isn't very hard to do. Just another gimmick for what it's worth.

IMO the S2000 was designed for the video game generation. Nice car, but for some folks like myself it lacks a soul.

 

interesting... i'll keep that in mind.

i agree that 'newer' does not mean 'better.'

 

I looked at S2K's and that was the problem... lack of soul... and torque... lol. They have like, negative amounts of torque. I like them, I think they are very attractive cars but they feel too cold and mechanical to me.

 

funny you mentioned lack of torque when the miata's motor isn't
really known for power either?

 

Ken it is not all about power. If it was only that easy, we could just slap a supercharger or turbo on anything & have the best. It is about balance & that is much harder to achieve. Balance is one of the things a Miata has.

While the S2000 is a fine car, in order to enjoy it you have to ring the wee out of it. Fine on a race track, but not so much on the public roads. I'd rather drive a slow car fast than a fast one slow.

 

I tested an S2k before I bought the "disappointing MX5" the S2k was too high strung to enjoy on the street.. I tested an NA years ago while I owned a VW GTI and thought the NA felt like a toy. btw the GTI was a 1983 and was as light as a NA. It would be much easier to make an NC handle like a NA than to make a NA run like a NC. The NC also has the best brakes I have seen on a non exotic car.
One real positive I will say about a MINI compared to any Miata you will get in much less trouble driving a MINI like you stole it than a Miata.

 

interesting interesting.

so mimini1- why is that? just because MINI's are FF and not FR? or
MINI's just more easier to drive in general?

 

If you push a MINI too hard it is going to want to leave the road front first and if you push the Miata too hard it will leave the road rear first. It is much easier to save a car pushing than a car oversteering . However I think that that makes a miata more fun to autox .It actually does a nice 4 wheel drift. I am talking about STOCK suspensions.

 

Mine has plenty

 

wat's that 'turbo' doing on your miata?

 

I bet it is making Jenn smile.

 

so you're saying your car is slow crashton?

 

While not exactly slow it is no match for an S2000 or Mazdaspeed Miata, but it is an absolute hoot to drive. On a twisty road it will hold its own & even pull away from a MINI. As long as the straights aren't too long. The great balance that it has is what makes it so much fun to drive. I'm smiling just like Jenn only slower.

 

well, that's the important part. the fun experience getting there.

 

You've got that right Ken. If it wasn't fun I wouldn't have it, even if it had a load of horses under the hood.

 

Just an update. I went back and looked in the price range of the JCW and did some soul searching. I looked at certified used cars in that price range, but the next level up in "sports car" performance. I found a very tempting Boxster S, but realized the cost of ownership was more than I wanted. The BMW Z just didn't feel right for me, even though it's a fine car (Z3 or Z4)

I ended up with an S2000 after some more comparisons. The car is simply amazing, and I have no regrets. I guess I just came the conclusion that I didn't want a back seat. I wanted a sports car. After that, the choice was easy.

I still love the Mini for what it is, and the new MX5 is impressive for the money, but I made the best choice for me (and yes, driving it as a DD is a complete joy!!)

 

Although I found the S2K too high strung for my taste. I am sure you will enjoy the heck out of it. Take it to a autox. They are great at it. They sure sound great when the vtec shifts