Hey guys,

I currently have a C5 Corvette Convertible. I am looking for something smaller and different. I am thinking either NC Miata, S2000, or Cooper S. Could somebody please give me some pros and cons between the three?


Thanks!

 

depends on what you are looking for. performance, I'd go with the S2000.

 

I've had a Miata in the past, currently have an S2000 and waiting on an order for an 09 MCS. I've driven many different Miatas and S2000s - both on the street, on the track, different years, various setups. Ask away if you have a specific question.

It all depends what you want. Are you looking for a daily driver? Track car? Long distance hauler? Fun weekend car?

The S2000 and Miata will hold less than a C5 Z06, and maybe the same as the convertible. Ease of getting in and out is easiest in the Mini, then the Miata and then the S2000 in that order. (I'm an avarged sized guy too, just gets to be a pain in the butt at times)

S2000 Pros - feels the sportiest of the three, feels just right.
S2000 Cons - suspension setup on a few years (different rates/valving) alerted people to come up with 'snap-oversteer' as a term to describe the handling of this car. It can bite you, but you have to think ahead. You don't have the torque of the C5 which can power you through a corner. Aftermarket and replacment parts are not the cheapest and unless you build up a turbo or supercharged car, the power gains will be next to nothing, if not a loss with some combinations. Staggard wheel/tire sizes and offsets which make common wheels more expensive because of the rarity. Seats & wheels get stolen, along with antennaes (I gave up years ago and left off my third replacement), which end up on Celicas, Civics, etc.

Miata Pros - you tell it what to do and it does it. Aftermarket/replacement parts are easy to come by and are dirt cheap. Had a friend get a replacement 1.8l motor for 850 bucks. They aren't all that cheap but it isn't like spending 4K on a replacement S2000 motor (been there). Seating position is very natural and the most comfortable IMO. You can drive it anywhere, leave the top down and no one messes with it because they are quite common (at least where I live).
Miata Cons - lack of power.

MCS Pros - probably the most predictable of the three because of the FWD.
MCS Cons - it has a back seat, less power, and front wheel drive.

You can track any of these reliably.

For other references check out: miata.net, s2kca.com and s2ki.com

 

Thanks so much for the write up. Yea I love the C5 and was/am close to getting a c6. However, I just want something different. This vehicle will be my daily driver for the most part. My other vehicle is an Avalanche. I would occasionally autocross it, but that would not be it's main purpose. Every time I put the right foot down on the vette I smile. Hence, I want another vehicle that will make me smile. It should be noted that other things other than power can make me smile. So I am looking for fun and decent livability. I am 6'2" and have set in all three of the cars mentioned and fit fine.

In the back of my mind I keep hearing the faint words e-l-i-s-e, but I am trying my best to disregard them. I know that in acceleration between the two it should go from quickest to slowest: s2000, MC, miata. However, the vette kills them all and I want to get rid of it. So that isn't the deciding factor. I want a refined car that doesn't play about what it was made for. I want a drivers car that has the substance to form a deep relationship with it. I haven't been able to form this relationship with the vette, which is the reason I am wanting to move on.

As you can tell I am an enthusiast. One who checks all the car blogs daily. The cost of a vehicle isn't a problem, it's the experience they will provide. I have narrowed down to these three from a pool that contained other vehicles such as M3, Boxster S, Exige, and C6. So as you can see, I'm not looking for performance but the best vehicle for car/driver connection.

 

Exige and Elise - at 6'2", are you sure you fit? They are great cars, but unfortunately they appear to be more disposable cars. If you get in a wreck, they are most likely totaled out. Front clamshell repairs can be expensive if you were to hit a cone at speed (friend of mine did this in his).

The Exige... hmmm, been in an Exige S. There's really no point of a rear view mirror. I'd only get it if it was a track-only car.

 

MINI has a backseat. Clear winner.

 

my son used the back seat of my MCS once... in the last 5yrs of
ownership.

i donno, S2000 would be my choice if you're wanting a fun weekend-only
car. MCS is *slightly* more practical although i never use it other than
for fun.

my modded G35C can easily keep up with a S2000 (AP1 and AP2)
through the turns and straights.

 

Would the Mini also be a 'vert?

I would ask if you have driven all of your options, but if the MCS was going to be the new as yet to be released turbo version that would be tough

I see you have given it a lot of thought and narrowed it down already so I won't bother with any other mentions..

 

Disclaimer
I drive my supercharged MCS and I've only driven the turbo with am auto
I haven't come close to being behind to wheel of any of the other cars you listed.

All the cars you listed would make an extremely fun driver's car.

What sets the mini apart in my book...

1) It's a cult car. In my book it's worth buying one of the three major cult cars just for the experience VW, Mini, JEEP(Wrangler or Cherokee). Other cars have devoted followings but there aren't many with true Cults.

Missing the cult experience from when I was driving my 72 bug helped sell me on the Mini.

2) If you have C6 money... Try the mini it's got great resale. If it's not what you hoped turn around and trade it for something else.

3) no offense but if you have that kind of money to blow on a car you probably have a few gray hairs (I've never seen a corvette owner who doesn't) I think the Mini would get the least "he's having a mid-life crisis" smirks. It's got a practical side which puts it in a less ridiculous class. Your other choices often come off to me as very expensive comb-overs. BUT WHO CARES WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK AS LONG AS YOU HAVE FUN

 

Fwiw I just ran across this ad and it sounds like a nice car (do not know where you are located though):

http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/a...guna-blue.html

S2Ki online forums has a TON of info and resources too, huge board. My SO used to have one and thus I know about it a bit, really great transmission, handling, steering, etc - I'd say of your options the closes to a true sportscar of the bunch.

 

I have nothing to back this opinion up but if I imagined myself as you looking for a car/driver 'experience' I'd go for the S2000 (CR is it?).

 

CR is the Club Racer edition. Small tweaks, no convertible top (only aluminum hardtop, no drop top), a/c and stereo are options. It is a little lighter by 99lbs and has a bit stiffer suspension. If you go this route, just make sure you know what you are getting into.