Racecar this, racecar that. Look...it's a matter of symantics. I do apologize for ruffling feathers by using a term that truly only belongs to descriptions of Indy cars, Ferrarris, Saleens, etc.

My point was that the S2000 should NOT be considered along with a Miata. Would you consider an M-roadster or Z4 in the same class as a Miata? No. The car that compares most to the S2000 is the BMW Z4 3.0 (they are extremely similar/equal performers, just a little bit of a price difference).

Just because the S2000 is badged a Honda, doesn't mean it's in the same class as a Civic. Were it badged as an Acura (like the NSX), would you look at it differently? It was originally going to be badged an Acura, but AHM decided it needed a sportier image (especially since they new the Prelude was dying).

Yeah, the racecar comment was a bit much...but try taking one for a spin around an oval. My GOD!!! It's a blast! Autocrossing an S2000 is also much more enjoyable and faster than any Miata I've ever seen (modded or not).

 

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My point was that the S2000 should NOT be considered along with a Miata. Would you consider an M-roadster or Z4 in the same class as a Miata? No.

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No, because the Z4 is a 3000 pound cow. Especially the 178hp 2.5l Z4.

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The car that compares most to the S2000 is the BMW Z4 3.0 (they are extremely similar/equal performers, just a little bit of a price difference)

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The S2000 should consistently beat the Z4, even the 3.0l one, except in autocross where it has only a small edge depending on the conditions.

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Autocrossing an S2000 is also much more enjoyable and faster than any Miata I've ever seen (modded or not).

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No, that's exactly the thing, in Autocross it's not. Here are the times from the Autocross National Championships, stock classes:

S2000, Z4, Boxster and 350Z times.
Miata and MR2 Spyder times

Now, even keeping in mind that there are more elite Miata drivers out there than S2000 drivers, it's still nowhere near "not comparable" on an Autocross course. This is why so many of us race Miatas. It was made for that type of event, and is easier and less expensive to maintain.

You need to have a mix of turns and straights on a larger track for the S2000 to shine. If I had access to such a track (and a bit more time and money), the S2000 would be my solid second choice after the Elise. It's an extremely well-balanced performance car, stock, at a reasonable price. I have almost nothing negative to say about it. But I'm not going to hear S2000 drivers prop themselves up atop Miatas like they're in a different stratosphere, because stock they don't own the twisties and modded they don't own the straights. Unless you're talking about stoplight races without mods (i.e., the lowest form of racing possible), the two cars are utterly competitive.

-Jack
Obsidian '03 G35 Sports Coupe
Titanium '03 MX-5 Shinsen #532

 

AHHHHHHHHHHH !!!!!!! it was a beautiful day today. Drove the G-coupe to the market today, got all this week's grocery done and then drove my girlfriend to the beach in the S2000. God, I love these two cars. My big bro called me all day because he wanted to take the S2000 for the day, oh well, maybe next week.

Sorry, I brough up this tread, but "NO" to the miata, it is much much smaller than the S2000,

Comparing S2000 to the Miata is like comparing our G-coupe to a Accord coupe, sorry no comparo, not in the same class, IMO.

G-coupe + S2000 = "BIG BIG SMILE"

Peace and happy motoring

 

Miata v. S2000?

From Car and Driver:
“...what cars could compete with Honda’s new hot rod? ... Mazada MX-5 creeps close to S2000 price territory, but the Honda would eat it for lunch and not even bother to spit out the bones. Similarly, .. BMW Z3.. and more potent 2.8..– don’t have the snort to tangle with this new tiger from Tochig.” The S2000 goes on to beat the Mercedes-Benz SLK, BMW M Roadster, and Porsche Boxster in this comparison article of much higher priced sports cars.

From Road & Track Road Test Annual 2001:
“No question, Honda has bragging rights, having produced the first 2.0-liter production-car capable of 9000 RPM-and producing an astonishing 120 bhp/liter in the process, with piston speeds that exceed those in Formula 1 racing.” “The S2000 was able to dance through corners the fastest and with the least amount of effort,..” (beating the lap times of the Boxster S ($54,300), BMW M ($43,700), and Audi TT ($43,000).

and...

From Detroit Free Press:
“You could observe that the Mazda Miata still offers satisfying performance for a lot less money -- about $10,000 less. Which is true, as far as it goes. But from a performance point of view, it's the equivalent of comparing an Olympic sprinter with the hero of the high school track team.”



I too love the Miata, but its not even a comparison. If all you wanted was to win an autocross event (which I've done in an S2000 against 5 Miatas), according to SCCA, a Corvette is sub-par to a Miata. But there are other types of driving other than cone races. All of which the S2000 soars WAY above (and past) the Miata.

The Miata is a great little car. I have driven 3 of them. At that time, I couldn't afford them. Since then...Honda has up'ed the anty and my income has up'ed to match. Try driving an S...it's a sheer blast.

Regarding the Z4...come on...you've gotta at least be on the right page to talk badly about it. I'll grant you the looks are polarizing, but thinking I was talking about the 184 (not 178, as you misquoted) HP 2.5i is nonsensical. The real Z4 is the 3.0i (producing 225 HP).

Regarding the Lotus, I agree it might be a better car than the S2000. However, I don't comment on cars I haven't driven.

With that, say what you will. I've no more interest in arguing. I don't mean to say "hush now...no more out of you." Just, I'm not going to do so.

Anyways, Logical, I envy you. I wish I could have both a G and an S. I truly do recommend checking www.s2ki.com for faqs and info about the car. Congrats (and be wary of this d*mn arguement possibility with the S2000).

 

Thanks, I wish I could take the S2000 to an autocross. I will definetely check out the web site which you have recommended. I, too envy you for having the opportunity to have autocross in a S2000. Our G-coupe and the S2000 are truely beasts in it's own class. Peace and happy motoring.