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engines aside whats better mx-5 or s2000

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Old Sep 30, 2007 | 07:57 PM
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Default engines aside whats better mx-5 or s2000

i like the look of the s2000 and mx5
i know the mx5 has very good handling how does the s2000 compare.
and thinking about day to day usability which would you go for?

iam just thinking s2000 is all engine where as the mx-5 is a better all round package what do yous think?
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Old Sep 30, 2007 | 11:16 PM
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S2000 is very good, I did a honda trackday and was very impressed with the handling, brakes, build quality and that 9K red line is more than icing on the cake.

Try to get a post - 2003 model as they had a major facelift solving the earlier tail-happy handling problems.
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Old Oct 1, 2007 | 08:09 AM
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Good write up on the S2000 here: -

Honda S2000 GT | Long Term Tests | Car Reviews | evo

MX5 every time for me; these high reving cars are not for me, they are too slow at low revs, and everyone thinks you are a looney if you drive round town at 5000+ rpm.
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Old Oct 1, 2007 | 08:43 AM
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I think the only answer with these two is you have to drive them to find out.

The MX5 is sort of a lazy man's sports car. I.e. it is a sports car, but is as easy to live with as any sports car ever could be. Easy to drive, cheapish to service, easy to get in and out of etc. but all the ingredients are there and much fun can be had when you push on.

The S2000 which is a more expensive car anyway is more focused and a bit more specialised. You have to rev the engine, live with a slightly cramped interior etc. but the rewards when pushing on are greater than those of the MX5 due to the more responsive powertrain, slightly sharper handling etc.

As a day to day car it all depends what compromises you are willing to make and until you sit in them and drive them you won't know. For my money good though the Honda is you can't beat the MX5 for it's superb all round performance, its simplicity is its key.
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Old Oct 1, 2007 | 03:45 PM
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Ditto the above. MX-5 = Best British sportscar attributes but built without the leaks, breakdowns and poor quality.

Wifey has a 1.8 Sport, 6 speed, LSD, Bilsteins, Leather heated seats, etc all standard. Most fun you can have with your top off. Parts a plenty and cheap. Very reliable. Fun to punt around, smiles for miles on a par with the Scoob in the twisties.

I forgot to put the roof up recently and yep it got very wet. 1 hr, a screwdriver and a few sockets later and all indoors drying out. Simple to mod, fix and maintain.

If you forget hairdresser image and get it as a car not a fashion accessory it is the one.

Last edited by The Trooper 1815; Oct 1, 2007 at 03:49 PM.
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Old Oct 1, 2007 | 05:57 PM
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*I've not driven a S2000*

However, If I had the money I'd have one. As I don't I'm looking at used MX-5 Sports!

Steve
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Old Oct 2, 2007 | 01:36 AM
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Never driven a S2000 but I have owned 2 Mx-5's. Amazing cars, lots of fun, although a little down on power.

Very cheap to run and never gave me any problems.
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Old Oct 2, 2007 | 10:33 AM
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I have a 2004 1.8 mx.Brilliant but after my Octavia vRS I do miss the poke.

You still have to work an MX5.Not a lot happens until 4k-7k revs so its still a 'thrash it to make it go' car,presumably a 'bit' similar to s2000 driving style?
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Old Oct 2, 2007 | 05:27 PM
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Originally Posted by ShyTot
Good write up on the S2000 here: -

Honda S2000 GT | Long Term Tests | Car Reviews | evo

MX5 every time for me; these high reving cars are not for me, they are too slow at low revs, and everyone thinks you are a looney if you drive round town at 5000+ rpm.
S2000 will be as quick as an MX5 below 5000rpm though
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Old Oct 2, 2007 | 09:48 PM
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I have a massive amount of respect for both of them. They both have excellent chassis but are quite different in nature.

The MX5 is a lot easier to drive day to day and has a sublime chassis- its also a lot easier to handle on or about the limit, whereas the S2000 can bit quite lairy on the limit due to the on / off nature of vtec and the way weight transfers when it come in.

Hope this helps.
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