NGR

I can only go by exprience since I owned a NB model, it was more agile in traffic, better turning circle and you dont get that twitch on the rear end cornering. Its a much user friendly and more confidence inspiring on a run like Great Ocean rd, just lacks a little VROOM, but on the twisties where you're just swapping 2nd and 3rd its ok.

This seems to also be the case (NB Model) when tested on Best Motoring by Keiichi Tsuchiya and he loves the S2k.

On Best Motoring Vol 18

AusS2000

Any car with low power will be confidence inspiring.

The NB had 105Kw (140hp). The S has 176kw (240hp). That's a difference of 100hp.

What is the point of confidently taking a corner in an MX5 when there is an S2000 passing you like you are standing still, occasionally twitching it's tail.

NGR

Passing while standing still might be the case in a straight but not around a corner with the Tasman sea on the left

Your statement can be applied to a R34 GTR vs a S2000. All Im trying to say is the MX5 has a better handling and better braking due to its weight advantage.

wilch

The only person qualified to make such statements is someone that has tracked both, and has the times from both cars on the same track to prove it.

NGR

Im no expert but try:

Keiichi Tsuchiya on Best Motoring Vol 18, I think he might have some sort of exprience in these race car things

Doesnt the exprience of me driving/ owning both "qualifies" me to make a statement?

The simply equation of lighter weight = more agile and lower stopping distance

tak_one_77

The MX-5 may out handle and out brake the S2. The question is which completes the lap quickest.

The "Best Motoring" magazine however may not be the best article given it's a drifting test and Tzukuba.

fisting dwarves

So they had good tyres, but weren't very reliable?

NGR

"The MX-5 may out handle and out brake the S2" is all Im saying. I know the S2k will do a quicker lap.. thats obvious.

Thats kinda the reason I got a s2k instead of the NC MX5, more KWs and in my opinion a more agressive looking car.

But we all know its not about sheer KWs, if that was the case we would be on a skyline forum

The S2k is a purist roadster as is the MX5. Just in my "humble" opinion, the MX5 is a better handling car and the S2000 is a more powerful, better looking car. Every car has its pros and cons. Im not saying the MX5 is a superior car all round, if that was the case I would be in a Miata forum. People who think the MX5 is a "chics" car should actually drive one so they can appreciate another pure roadster.

A chic roadster would be a MR2 Spyder (FWD and Auto)

Blackie

The MR2 spyder is RWD and would hold its own against the NB MX-5. If it came with a manual box like it did overseas, it would also outrun an NB MX-5.

Having tracked and owned both an NB MX-5 and S2K (albeit on different tracks) I can confidently say the MX-5 is a better "handler" if feedback and controllability are what determines a better handling car, but part of that is due to the lower limits and engine power. In all other measurements of braking, mid corner speed, power down ability, etc. the S2K is better hands down. The S2K will enter a corner quicker, maintain better corner speed and better power down than the MX-5, as well as brake just as well (can't comment on exact difference in braking distances but it's splitting hairs) and for longer without fade. Also I've spun the MX-5 a few times in the wet on publc roads, I've never spun the S2K on public roads, might be partly due to more experience however.

As for it being a "chick" car, sure it has an affeminate image but it only takes a drive in one to dispel any negative feelings about it. Bang for buck it doesn't get any better for driving thrills.

Blackie

Oh and the S2K CR is a crock. Far too little, far too late.