indeed a proper channel.. that description fits the most...i love it when people drive their cars and not just like "pretended" they drive them but actually they baby them around town, and tell you afterwards how awesome of a machine this is, without getting even close to what is called the limit of a car where you start to experience real characteristics of a car
I've owned 6 Miatas. Great cars. But I recently picked up an AP2V2 S2000. It's next level compared to the Miata. So much fun to drive and that F22C engine sounds glorious at full boil.
What I love about the s2k is it's potential to become a supercar killer. It was clearly designed with modifications and bodykits in mind. They're one of the best cars for going all out on aggressive styling like leuvered hoods, knards, front lip, sideskirts, diffuser, giant wings, and etc imo. Plus you add a supercharger to it and you get really good linear power.
That was almost Top Gear class presentation........balanced useful review That s2000 rocks, I don't think anybody makes a better giant killer car better than Honda. My ported RX8 here in the UK Will match one though, have done a few runs against them..if not slightly quicker on the pull but I expect alot will disagree with me...however, I prefer the S2000 power delivery and sound, just a shame they don't seat the kids. Keep up the good work...I'd like to see your RX8 compared to a GT86
My stock S2000 dilemma: I watch your s2k content and it makes me want to go for a sweet NA build on the f20c. Then I watch an LHT video and I'm left with a Kraftwerks build on my mind. I guess the only solution is buy another s2000 lol
Having had a few Miata’s, and an S2k currently... The S2k is effectively a factory K swapped Miata. Plus a supercharged F20 will likely be a less pain in the ass than some custom swapped setup (even if the K has a kit for the Miata).
Definitely don't buy a kraftwerks kit. Go with science of speed or turbo it lol I sold my kw kit and went with a turbo . Best decision I made! But kw kits have alot of issues there's better ways to go for the money .
I love my s2000 it was my dream car in high school when they came out I own a ap1 back in 08 sold it and I missed it so much I bought a super clean 05 with 30k miles about 4yrs ago. I won’t get rid off this one
I love my S2K but after driving the RX8, I sometimes wish the S2K had better manners near the limit like the RX8. RX8 handling is the golden retriever of dogs.
@@endlesstwisties Well my golden is super sweet and always gentle! S2000 is a bit more like a super hyper teenaged golden that can't wait to go outside as soon as the door is opened.
@@JBaek24 the golden i have here is the most agresive from 3 dogs. But they were raised kind of wild. Basically they are guarding dogs . I think it's unusual for these dogs to be so angry like mine
One thing nobody can argue theres mx5 everywhere you go there mass produced on a huge scale, how often do you s2000 And appreciation, peoole moan there getting expensive then get one quick and your money it will go up in value
great comparison! i agree with your assessment - the motor transmission clutch on the s2k is really something else. the first time i ever i drove one, i felt as if i've been driving it all my life - very intuitive, and smooth transitions (almost feel no rpm drops shifting normally around 4.5-5k redline). i dare say that once u get familiar with one, it almost ruins every other manual car setup haha
That’s exactly how I feel. I have an 2007 Ap1 (yes in Australia we kept the AP1 engine for years 2005-2009). I just can’t abide any other manual car I don’t ever feel as connected to them.
The question I want answered is: If your garage was burning and you can only save one car out of your collection which one would you drive out? Love your garage👍
Good video. I have an S2000 and am considering racing an MX5. Good to hear a comparison from someone who knows what they're talking about and uses them 'properly'.
Love the video! I started looking at S2000 (as a noob enthusiast driver), and fell back to an NB (10th Anniversary Edition). I have not regret the decision, however S2000 is still a dream car for me (though its fading away due to its skyrocketing price). Now doing some basic, bolt on N/A tuning on my NB.
susu I did the same thing 4 years ago and finally got an S2000 this year below $10k! Now I get to have both and I wouldn’t get rid of either one. Just be patient and you’ll get your chance but enjoy modding the NB because I enjoyed every bit of it!
I’ve had two s2000’s and an nb and honestly they’re both great cars and you couldn’t go wrong if you’re looking for a fun to drive light sports car. Both make you feel at one with the machine, one is just a fair bit faster out of the box.
Love watching your very technical videos SlipAngle, always learning something new every time! Very knowledgable and passionate about your cars Quinn. Would be cool to see you guys build a NC2/3 and ND2 with similar 'ultimate naturally aspirated' treatment 👌Many people have fitted a 2.3 or 2.5 litre Mazda6 engine into a NC and the ND2 stacks up pretty well to the S2000!
Very detailed videos as always guys! There's a youtuber called 'DannyDC2' from UK who has done many Nurburgring battle videos in his E46 M3, K20a powered MR-2, DC2 Integra and his friend's K24 powered S2000, and he's been a long advocate for K20a over F20c. But I gotta say, I always preferred the way the F series engine sounded over the K's.
@@TheSlipAngle Sure it is, but parts are getting more and more rare + expensive. If you swap your car, you are most likely going to modify it, and i feel like in that department, k wins over F. You can push more NA out of k and it handles boost better. But as you said, out of the box, F takes the cake :)
Quinn, the NB2 looks more aggressive than the NB1 & close to S2K aggressiveness IMO... I think naturally aspirated the S2K is probably the answer as you said but with forced induction the Miata is probably the way to go as they become a lot more competitive power to weight wise. I'm still waiting for you to do a vid on an LS swapped Miata... Great content as usual.
@@gigi9467 Its more avaliable, therefore it should be easier to get. Short answer is: You got the money? buy the S2K, don't really have the money? buy the miata, don't have the money but still want the S2K? well, either you look hard for a cheap one, make a stretch on how much you can spend, or just give up and go with the Miata, its not like you aren't going to get a good car anyway
Nice comparison, Quinn. For me, the biggest question in deciding on a car is the acquisition cost and maintenance costs. I currently have an RX-8 because I could get one of the best handling cars available at ANY price for CHEAP! I love the handling, but I really wish it had more torque at the starting line. It revs out nicely, but I might have to get a C5 for just a little more money to get that feel of raw power I hoped the RX-8 would deliver. My fuel economy would be about the same! I'd like to see some comparisons of cars you have vs a V8 powered car on that little track.
Quinn I would like to see Mazda's KLZE V6 in Miata. Perfect swap in my opinion. It's basically race engine in disguise. Swap kits are readily available. Some head work, cams, itbs you are looking at almost 280-300 hp and a lot of torque and 8000rpm redline
I guess for someone with your experience the snappiness of the S2K is manageable, but the forgiving nature of the Miata platform has saved my buttocks on a couple of occasions. S2K is an amazing looking car, no doubt, but I really enjoy the happy/fun non-aggressive look of my NA. The expense of owning an NA is a big part of why I do, if I don't want to spend money on it I don't have to. Keep up the great work, look forward to every new one.
Absolutely fantastic unbiased and informative video. Was on the line between the two, but you have made the decision very easy taking into consideration the driver perspective rather than the "street-cred" that is often top of the pile. A car is only as good as you can drive it, and therefore you must pick the car - never let the car pick you. Thank you so much - my first video from you guys and sub'd already. Look forward to going through your previous videos in due course. All the best from a UK petrolhead.
I've owned an AP1 and an NB2. You pretty much nailed this comparison except for one very important point. You can pick up a really nice low mileage unmolested NB2 Miata for $10,000. Good luck finding a decent low mileage S2000 for less than $30,000. You mention this difference near the end but I don't think most people realize that the S is three times the money. Of course there is a reason for this
There is not even remotely a debate here. Such a waste of a topic lol. Here’s a rundown of what happens at every autoX event. Flock of like 10 Miata boys are parked together talking about setups, then they hear it. Without seeing anything they all let out a sigh of displeasure because here comes Mr Vtec to ruin the autoX event. I have no problem with miatas but I swear when I go to autoX events instantly all the Miata guys get mad when they see an s2000. The only thing that would be more dominant is a Miata with a f20 swap
The S2000 just can't be compared to a Miata now, unless it's a nearly new ND. The price point is completely different. S2K is now competing with Z4M, Elise, even 996 911 in price point now and all with at least hold their value, if not appreciate. Miata/Mx5 is brilliant, buts, it's a basic lightweight budget alternative, just like it was designed.
Brilliant video, the presentation has just the right delivery speed and a consistent, logical flow of information. As an S2000 owner I think you made a fair case for it also.
I had a NSX, sold it, then got a NA Miata for $1500 bucks. Wow! . Rather than mod it, I got a S2000. I didn't like it at all as I used it more for the street and could barely keep up with mini vans without winding it up past 5000 rpm which was tiring. . Then got a NB Mazdaspeed. Loved that car. I wanted more power so I sold it for a 370Z. After the 370, wanted more power still, so bought a SLS. Still have the SLS, but damn... I still miss the Miata. So I am buying an old Miata again tomorrow. Lesson learned.. not selling the Miata! I love these things!
Nice review. A thought: The platform is considerably more crude than either the S2k or even an NA, but the first Gen RX7 is a blast to drive. Ever considered one? Entire engine behind front axle centerline, 50/50 weight distribution. Fairly rigid @ 6600ft-lbs/degree (vs ~3600 for an NA MX5 or ~5500ft-lbs for S2000) and light (
Hey Quinn, thanks for the great comparison! You've mentioned a couple of times that you might be K-swapping the Miata in the future as you've reached the end of development of the BP motor. Could you give us an insight into what that next revision of the Miata will look like?
I think one major point that was missed “street legality”. For those of us in more emissions regulated regions, the S2000 is a winner just because the power plant is excellent stock. No need to hunt for legal mods or do engine swaps that always have issues to be legal. It’s why I swapped from an NA to an NB then to an S2000. As have a large chunk of other Miata owners.
Always enjoy the content here, cz it's actual thought out content and not "fluff" or regurgitated lines that just about every other channel loves to repeat, especially with comparison vids.
bro, your Miata is BALLIN. did u choose to stay N/A so that it lasts longer, less repairs along the way and not having the usual forced induction issues?
The Mazda 4 cyls are tractor engines compared to Honda's, and I'm a Mazda guy. It may have been a different story if Mazda gave us their FE3N back in the day.
The miata engine originally came from a turbo car (323 gtx), which is why I hear a turbo upgrade is so popular on these cars and can handle 300hp reliably on stock internals minus injectors and ecu. So it definitely has turbo-potential if an owner wanted to go that route in the future.
before i got my miata, i test drove an s2000 but it was just too sporty, and the seats were too narrow for my back, so i passed and found my miata. I love my 2003 shinsen miata and all the things i’ve put it in, but i will agree that the s2000 was and is still one of my dream cars.
50/50 weight distribution mid engined, loads better build quality, perfect gear box 9000rpm much nicer interior, I love mx5 had 3 but my ap1 is a proper
the s2k has a longer engine compartment. when people swapped a viper v10 in the s2k, 8 of the 10 cylinders actually sat behind the front axle. this should allow the s2k to have a lot more mod options.
I'd love to build a proper S2000 competitor out of a NC Miata using a mildly built MZR 2.5 swap, in a sense it would be the ultimate drivers car for me, and scratch the few itches with that Goal I can't quite reach with my RX-8, though despite my love for the Rotary, I'd love to see what a 2.5L swapped RX8 with some tasteful weight reduction would be like compared to my friends AP2 S2000. The cars (with my and his extremely similar driving skill) are so closely matched in a street setting as it is already.
There are several Hotversion videos on youtube of a 2.3litre Mazda6 engine powered NC built by Japanese tuner called 'Integral Kobe'. Around 210hp and at least 180 lbs/ft torque available from a broad rev range, its a healthy OEM performance upgrade to be made, so i'm sure the 2.5 litre engine would be just as good!
First! I like both cars, but I think I'd take Vader's car behind the S2k. It has the power to match it's weight, and has the ability to drain the beefiest bank account in lap-shredding time! :)
Very informational video, it’s put me a little closer to my decision for my first roadster. I’m bias forwards Honda since that’s what I’ve always had but I think I need a little Miata in my life. I prefer the look of the Miata over the s2000. The s2000 looks like a pregnant Miata if that makes any since, that’s just my opinion.
Ahh man I love my supwrcharged NB MX5 and have just got her pulling beautifully after a new ECU, exhaust and remap but I've got to sell her to meet London emissions... looks like I've got to get an s2k as they comply!
whats with the throttle stabbing at 3:11. the s2k will serve you for doing that. i guess you were doing it on purpose.. Love the NA growl! what are you running for driveline components in your car? what a gorgeous simple engine bay.
Real great review! And one question, if you were a tall guy, which car gives the driver more leg room? I think head room is fine in each car. Can you modify the Mazda pedals to give you a better heel/toe placement? Last question, what happens if a S2000's engine finds it's way into the Miata? Who's done that transplant? hmmm 240 HP in a 2350 lb car w/ a 8000 rpm rev range might just be awesome! Stay healthy!
S2000 probably has a little more room to work with. S2000 swap has been done the problem with any of these swaps is that exhaust runs on the opposite side so you have to route it over to the driver's side and that usually means compromise.
Hey guys. Great video! I have a lightly tuned Mazdaspeed Miata (195whp/205wtq) and going back to back with a stock S2000, the MSM is the true S2000 killer! I do wonder how much better the aero is on the MSM than a normal NB (if at all). Quick question: What mounting solution are you using for your lotus seats in the miata?
@@TheSlipAngle Ah yes the unicorn brackets. Wish I had some. Using flipside for now. Solid brackets for retaining the sliders, but would be nice to get lower. Cheers.
If you’re keeping track of the pluses and minuses that he attributes to each vehicle, it isn’t even close. The Honda wins hands-down. I have owned each and I agree they’re both great little roadsters, but stock, the S 2000 is so much better! If anyone is considering buying one or the other and you can afford either, buy the Honda. Period. The proof is in the pudding… Drive both of them.
Never driven a Miata but I found the steering in my old ap1 to be lacking in feel and made it difficult to push the car. I wish it had hydraulic steering instead of an electronic one. The lack of connected to the road feel and snap oversteer caused quite a few spins in my days. Do you feel more connected with the NB?
Boxster S? I have narrowed it down to these three. Miata is half the price and all are becoming rarer. Track and mountain road dreams must meet with endless red lights, traffic and errands. Speed bumps become a detour and you haven't used top gear for days. Automatic? Not yet. Self driving? That's the slippery slope. Electric is getting better every day,soon they'll take gasoline away. Get your motor running....
