WarrenW

In 2001, I test drove a Miata but went w/ the S2K instead. The Miata is a nice car and the price was about $7k less than the S but it lacks power. If it had another 75-100HP I would have been interested. I have noticed that since I bought the S, the power in the Miata went up a few horses but they always find a way to tack on more weight, negating the HP improvements.

With the addition of the retractable hardtop, I can only imagine what the car weighs now. I made the right decision w/ the S2K.

Chris S

Actually, the NC (current gen) is slightly lighter than the last of the prior gen (NB) models. The retractable hardtop adds about 75 lbs., meaning it's still a few hundred lbs. or so lighter than an S2000. Creature comforts are nice, and I find it would make a much more livable daily driver.

As for hp, 190-195 crank hp (~167 rwhp) is easily achieved w/ I/H/E, putting the power to weight ratio pretty close to the S2000's. Add in the NC's handling/braking advantage, and it could go either way depending on the twistiness of the road or track.

As everyone here knows, I love my NC, though the retractable hardtop doesn't work for me since aftermarket rollbars won't fit, and I bought it w/ tracking in mind. The removable hardtop also looks better IMO. I have a hoist in the garage, and can remove or install it by myself.

s4play

thanks for the WEALTH of info on here guys!

Looks like I'm headed to the Mazda dealer for a test drive one of these days. I love the s2000 but the idea of removing the hardtop on a trip is just not too appealing for me.

Only driving it will give me a better understanding of the car in this case.

herrjr

yeah - retractable hardtops are awesome - I would be sold on it if it came with the engine in the mazdaspeed 3 - it really is a far more appealing car in more ways than simple driving pleasure

DaPhatty

I've always seen them as a sure fire way to emasculate yourself in public without saying a word.

tantheman

There aftermarket support has to be higher than the S2000 since they have been in production and around a lot longer right? Still holds the record for most volume sold roadster in the world?

When I had my Miata in white it was modified by Rhys Millen and his dad Rod Millen. 3 piece Tonneau hump cover, intake, exhaust, rims.

Tan

Chris S

The OEM suspension tuning is too soft IMO, though many feel that was fixed in the '09+ models. Fear not, it responds very well to minor suspension mods (springs, sways, and/or shocks).

IMO, just a good set of coilovers will make it handle in the same ballpark as just about any car on the market regardless of price.

Penforhire

Probably the only reason I bought my first S in 2001 instead of the Miata was I didn't fit the cockpit as well. The S has more room for wide shoulders.

Aftermarket support is higher not only for their longer run but also their 2-3x sales volume over the S2K (e.g. 21,000 Miatas sold some years in USA vs 7,500 S2K's).

Chris S

Not any more - I find the new Miata's cabin to be much more spacious and comfortable than the S2000's.

rockville

I prefer the looks of the soft top. The power hardtop looks a bit to short and stubby for my taste.