DonG35Miata

Funny you mention the S2000, Herc... I have been thinking about it myself lately. It may be the answer to my car lust, as I can have a second car as a toy. Makes more sense to replace the Miata with another reliable Japanese roadster than add a third vehicle. However, since the Miata is something of a pet and I have nice memories, maybe I will keep it and get an S2200 next spring. In Pittsburgh, the extra torque is really necessary. Still, I may go test an S2000 myself this week.

I am going to cast the first vote and say you will buy an S2000. I think the driving dynamics will prove so superior to the RX-8 (it has absolutely no compromises) that you will not be able to forget about it. As great as the RX-8 is, it is heavier and has that back seat. The magazines mention a bit too much body roll in the RX-8, too. The Honda is about as close to a race car as you can get. Not to mention limited production... probably better resale value... better body structure and workmanship (handmade)... and a roadster to boot.

pelucidor

I think you will get the Stook as well. You will probably have 3-4 test drives in the RX-8 and the S2000 back to back and decide you can live with 2 seats and a very minimilist interior for the single minded purpose the S provides. You are young - a practical 'family car' like the RX-8 can wait a few years...

Hercules

We will see tomorrow, IF MY CAR COMES IN!!@#$!$

revhappy

Don, I always thought the S2K would be a pretty good match for you based on your previous posts. Given that you have a practical car in the G35, it might be a pretty good addition (or replacement) in your stable.

revhappy

Herc, will you be keeping either the Millenia or the Maxima? If so, I think your choice might become easier. Though, I still have a tough time buying a roadster (even though I have a second car with a backseat), those years of education made me too damn practical!

DonG35Miata

The fly (flies) in the ointment with me and the S2000 are #1 the styling- I don't think it is all that attractive and #2 the reputed cacophany of the engine over 6,000 rpm. I'll have to try it myself, but from what I have read it isn't all that pleasant above 6,000 rpm. I can live with the styling, but combined with a racous engine it is enough to keep me from lusting after one. Maybe a test drive will change my mind... I just hope they do not soften it up much with the S2200 iteration. If the S2000 1) looked a little better to my eyes and 2) had strong, refined power throughout the rev range, I would probably have one right now.

revhappy

From your post, it really doesn't sound like the S2K fits your tastes. The looks and the adrenaline rush over 6,000 RPM are the two of the main attractions for admirers of the car. I think you should go back to your decision a few months back and opt for the Z4, if you want a roadster.

blizz81

I don't know how strong and refined it's going to get, even with a 2.2L...the nature of the vtec beast is peaky power. I'm guessing think prelude pull midrange but with the power to the rear, and some more HP up top. Not G35 refined and strong, even w/weight advantage.

It's an attractive car, but would be a little harsh to have a peaky roadster as a daily driver. As long as Herc isn't vacating the whole garage for it, it gets my vote.

DonG35Miata

I don't mind peaky- I have just heard that it sounds like the cylinders are trying to leave the engine when you take it over 6,000 rpm! I like peaky engines. I just want it to be a bit refined.

Hercules

S2000 does have that against it in my book.. it's LOUD, specially when you rev harder it really gets loud. I had the top up (ie, not open), and the car was obscenely loud. That's a huge factor because I love to listen to the stereo and this would spoil it.

DonG35Miata

Have you driven it with the top down? If I could not drive it with the top down, I would take the G35.

Maybe I should have voted youwould by the RX-8...

javahut

I say Herc will be getting the RX-8. Once you drive the rotary, there's no going back. It's like the whole engine is a turbo. And the handling and power rush will all be there, with added benefit (in my opinion) of the hardtop and the nice interior.

Definitely the 8, if he can hold off long enough to test drive it.

m477

Well, if I still lived at home and I didn't really need 4 seats, I would probably go with the s2000, and just get some snow tires and a hardtop for the winter. You'll have plenty of time to have more practical cars the older you get...

...although having said that, I still predict that Herc will buy the 8.

Jimmylove

Yup the engine is pretty loud with the top UP. There's lots of mechanical racket from the engine and tranny. All the more reason to flip that switch.

Doesn't seem like there are roadster fanatics on this board, otherwise the decision would be pretty easy. For me, the ability to make the roof go away instantly makes the car 2834839X more fun. IMO 80% of the S2000's charm is lost with the top UP. There are many people on s2ki.com who have the top down for weeks, even months at a time.

DonG35Miata

I think the same applies to the Miata, as well. With the top down, it is pure joy. With the top up, it's a cramped and noisy box.

I just got in from lunch and I was driving my Miata, and reflected on how Mazda really nailed it with my car. Mine is a 1997, last of the first generation, and I think the best, too. It has the stiffest structure, most powerful engine, and best interior trrim of all the M1 Miatas. The driving experience is so perfect. The way the car feels in your hands... the shifter, the steering, the clutch, the throttle response, the engine note, the way your arm rests on the windowsill... the nimble handling and turn-in... even rides half decent... I could go on. And it is all so uncomplicated, and bulletproof reliable. Not so much as a hiccup in five years.

I certainly don't consider it a high performance car, but as a sports car, the Miata has few equals at any price when it comes to being pure fun-to-drive. A few years ago, even C&D said in a supercar test (Porsche 911, 360 Modena, Aston Martin) that a Miata will give you the same grin for 1/10 of the price. I have always wanted a high-line sports car, and I almost bought a Boxster a few years back. But when you got right down to it, my Miata made me smile more.

The feeling I have is that if I sold or traded my Miata, I would regret it later. Even if I spent the money on an S2000 I would probably keep it. The mechanical simplicity, inherent reliability and inexpensive maintenance and repair costs make it a sports car you can keep forever. Conversely, I would not want to own a ten year-old Boxster or BMW.

DonG35Miata

My favorite Honda dealer (from day one, they sold S2000s for MSRP + tax and tag, no add-ons) has not one, but two used S2000s in stock. I will not feel bad about invoking VTEC on a test drive, so I will be testing one this evening. By tomorrow I will know what the S2000 actually drives like!

I hope it is not so great that I do something stupid...

pelucidor

The noise is definitely louder with the top up and it's pretty claustrophobic, so drive with it down whenever possible. Also the sound is not unpleasant at 9000rpm, much like a motorbike engine at full chat, but it sure attracts attention...

Jimmylove

Don, your opinions on the miata are dead on. My '95 gives NOTHING away to the S2000 in terms of fun-to-drive. There's an incredible simplicity about the MX5 which makes we wonder why more car companies simply don't "get it".

That being said the driving experience with the S2000 is completely different. Feels lifeless around town until you start to push harder and harder. But dive deep into a corner, rev match at 7000rpm(!) and rocket out with the engine screaming at 9000rpm and the little hairs behind your neck start to raise.

Yes its loud, and the ride sure is bumpy. Definately not for everyone.

My advice to you during your test drive: drive it like you stole the damn thing.

pelucidor

Let's have another poll - who thinks Don will buy an S2000 within 48 hours? I do!

DonG35Miata

Bite your tongue!

At $26,900 for a 2001 in Silverstone (my color) and 10k miles, it is in the budget- the thought just passed my mind. But I would have to trade in the Miata. Better to wait and get one next year.

Your comments about my Miata comments being dead-on, and that the Miata gives up nothing in terms of absolute fun-to-drive, tell me the Miata will be staying for now.

I guess one reason I am thinking of trading imy Miata is unrelated to FTD: the reason of safety. I am a safe driver, but a lot of those idiots out there are not... and we live in an SUV world. Since I have had the Miata, I have been hit 3x (all minor damage) because someone did not see my car. Once it was a Cadillac Sedan De Ville, the second time, a school bus! I can't believe the damage was so minor. The school bus was backing up very slowly when he hit me, and the Caddy was a glancing blow. The third time I was not in the car and a neighbor backed into it with her Tempo and dinged the door.

I've seen some young people pass away lately unexpectedly and realize that could be me if someone T-bones my Miata. I'm not as religious as I once was and am living my life like this is my last one. As of late I've just been thinking I would like a bit more metal around me. If my Miata had not been so reliable, if it was not still so nice and tight, and since I have only put 28,000 miles on it and have sentimental feelings, it is hard to imagine parting with it. Still, if that Silverstone S2000 has a red interior... gulp...

zoom44

herc will by the RX-8. no doubt!

Jimmylove

Any updates Herc?

DonG35Miata

Just got back from my S2000 test drive...

...and I'll take my Miata any day. It's not as fast, but the Miata feels better all around. It provides more pure, simple fun that makes you happy inside. The S2000 is fast and has high limits, but there was something about it that feltkind of artificial compared to the Miata. With the stiff ride and the weak low-end on top of that, it just wasn't my car.

Different strokes for different folks. Guess that's why there are so many cars on the market. As for me, if both cars were $25,000 I'd still take a Miata. I'd rather have a Mini Cooper S than an S2000, too. Just seemed more fun to me.

When I was out driving the S2000, about halfway into the drive I felt two things that did not make me feel good... for one, I was wishing I was in my Miata on the curvy back road, and two was guilt for even half thinking about parting with my sweet baby! Maybe it is a little less safe because of its size, but if I am in a wreck and I end up cashing in my chips, at least i will have had heaven here on Earth!

Herc, if Mazda has succeeded in instilling even 25% of the Miata's feel-good in the RX-8, you will be driving an RX-8 for sure, and forgetting the S2000.

The used 2001 S2000 (11k miles) is off to auction now- the Honda dealer could not sell it in quite a while, so off it goes. They could not find it when I got there, because they pulled it from inventory because they could not sell it- right in the middle of summer! They were asking $27,000 on line, trade-in KBB is $21,000... bet I could have had it for $24,000. Two years ago a lot of dealerships wanted $5,000 over sticker; now they ship them to auctions because no one wants them. My, how things change...

akrx8

hopefully hes out enjoying his 8,or honda

TwiBlueG35

Neither. I think Hercules would buy a American muscle car or a huge truck like a Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab with 5.7 Hemi V8 engine. For a sports car, at least he would buy a Nissan 350Z or a Dodge Viper SRT-10.