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I almost bought an MR2 Spyder but I wanted more power and better handling plus the S2000 has more space both in the interior and trunk space. I can guarantee you that the S2000 handles much better than the MR2.
I have MY00 and wouldn't mind having MY02 and up but I love my "s"!
1. I have never driven a Spyder, but the car must turn in *Right Now*, that being said my frame of reference is Miatas and the differences in handling between a short wheelbase tossable car is quite a change. The biggest adjustment is tossing the car vs. smoothly turning the car. I'm sure the S2000 in capable hands (more capable than mine) is a better handling car, but the Spyder should be easier to drive at 9/10ths than the S2000. So if you can drive the Spyder at 9/10ths, it should be better handling than the S2000 at 7/10ths.
2. No problems in just 2 months of ownership (01 w/40k)
3. I would buy again and agin and agin.
4. Top operation is a no-brainer, just wished it was manual. Motors add weight.
Good luck in your decision.
Chris
1. I had an MR2 Spyder follow me through the Dragon during the spring drive. I did not pull over and wait at the end of the 11 mile run to ask him ;-).
2. No problems to speak of.
3. Yes, I'd buy it again (I did, in fact - I had an 01 sold it to do home improvements, bought an 03 Cobra and drove it long enough to realize I wanted the S2k back so, I bought an 04 S2k and absolutely love it).
4. Top is easy, as everyone has been saying. It is quick enough that I am able to put it up or down at stop lights.
I own a 2002 MR2 and a 2001 S. I would have to say I prefer the S for several reasons:
1) The MR2's manual top is a pita to lower compared to the S's because the latch that locks the top down is difficult to engage without getting out of the car, at least in mine.
2) The MR2 has no convenient storage space. Having to flip the seats forward every time you want to store something gets old quickly.
3) The engine noise from the MR2 is louder than the S.
4) Both are exceptional through the curves, but the S in vtec is more fun than the MR2 in its version of vtec.
BTW, the MR2 is being discontinued.
*EDITED TO ADD: To answer your question, the S outhandles the MR2 and has a stiffer ride. The MR2 shifts with less effort than the S, though. If you have the money, you will not regret trading in an MR2 for an S.
I want to thank everyone for their responses. I guess it's time to go visit the Honda dealer and see what they have to say. Being in Middle GA, Trucks, SUVs, and surprisingly corvettes are all over the place. I hope I can get a good deal!
I disagree. I traded in a sport package 2001 Miata for my 04 and although the Stook is an all around better car the Miata is a better handling one. Also, although I have never driven them I can think of at least 2 other cars under 100k I am confident outhandle an S easily: Caterham Super Seven & Lotus Elise.
The Stook's major weakness IMO: it's too heavy. However I for one won't give up the a\c and other creature comforts to save a few pounds, nor will I spend thousands to replace all the sheetmetal with c/f.
All that being said, I love my 04 and would buy it all over again.
I don't really consider the super seven a street car. As far as the Lotus Elise, give me the price difference in suspension modifications for my 20k 01, and we'll see which one handles better.
07-26-2004 | 07:51 AM
