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I'm posing this question because while products are often improved when changed, sometimes they take a step back. Maybe the styling isn't as good as the original, or certain parts are perhaps cheapened to save money. (For example, I prefer the look of the original Jaguar XK-E to later versions.)
So… positive S2 revisions to engine lubrication aside, how else is the S2 better than the S1? And how is it worse – a step back, if you will? (Personally, I much prefer the original grille and side vents. But I like the S2 rear end and taillights.) Or perhaps you feel the S2 is better in every way.
Not considering any of the mechanical changes - I definitely like the tail lights better than the S1. I'm also a fan of the recaro seats (I just use my wife's BMW for trips longer than an hour). For an updated/mid-cycle refresh it has an asinine amount of squeaks and rattles from various interior trim bits.
While almost identical between S1 and S2, the dashboard layout is, in my humble opinion, perfect - big analog tach in the center with a digital speedometer.
Idk, the S2 is just more modern/refined in every way. Honestly, the S1 has some cool things that the S2 doesn't have - Like fender strakes and vents, rotary accent packages, etc. However, I think it looks a little more dated.
An indirect difference - not being able to fit a Sohn adaptor is a disadvantage of the S2 in my eyes. You can't really blame Mazda for that, but it means I prefer to update my S1 rather than change it for an R3.
Last edited by Phil Bate; 08-05-2015 at 07:40 PM.
Reason: Grammar correction
Idk, the S2 is just more modern/refined in every way. Honestly, the S1 has some cool things that the S2 doesn't have - Like fender strakes and vents, rotary accent packages, etc. However, I think it looks a little more dated.
A 240Z is unrefined and dated looking, but I'd love to have a yellow one to go with my '04 LY.
An indirect difference - not being able to fit a Sohn adaptor is a disadvantage of the S2 in my eyes. You can't really blame Mazda for that, but it means I prefer to update my S1 rather than change it for an R3.
Yea, that's a bummer. The minimal aftermarket options for the S2 (relative to the S1) is in general a bummer, but at least now tuning is possible.
The ONLY regrets I have about buying an S2 over an S1 is that the SOHN adapter does not fit, and many aftermarket suspension products do not fit Due to changes in the rear suspension, coilovers are really your only option. Koni makes shocks that fit, but aftermarket springs are still dubious. I wasted a lot of time and money finding this out the hard way.
Not necessarily a downgrade stock, but the new PCM put a huge roadblock up for S2 tuning. That's my biggest dislike.
I feel as tho the cooling system is a big more robust with the S2, and the front styling may (probably?) draws more air to the oil coolers.
When it comes down to styling, the elephant in the room is that everyone seems to hate on the mazda smiley face styling, but we completely ignore the fact that the s1 front bumper looks like a pudgy asian kid. If you think about it, one's nipples & belly button looks like a face, however no one chooses between two mates based on whose body looks less like a less desirable face.
If you manage to get over that stigma, you might realize both s1 and s2 styling look very good. You should choose what style appeals to you more, not to what appeals to others. I can tell you now that there is no way you bought a rotary powered vehicle to please other people.
Again, people keep saying the aftermarket doesn't support the S2 yet I can't think of anything significant that you can get for the S1 that you cannot get for the S2. And as RIWWP pointed out, tuning is no more of an issue on the S2 than it is on the S1.
I have to say i like the S1 over the S2...the one thing that attracted me to the S1 were that the wheels really compliment the body of the car, i do agree however that the taillights on later models are much more pleasing to the eye.
In addition the S1 looks smaller and sportier to me....just my .02.
In terms of the overall experience of driving, I get the sense that the S1 and S2 are pretty much identical. There are definitely minor differences but nothing huge, and certainly no big difference in the feeling of refinement as far as I can tell. If there’s one version that’s profoundly different, it’s the R3: sharpest handling, firmest ride, most supportive but least comfortable seats.
I wouldn't say the S2 is better in every way. What I would say is that the S2 is better in a few ways that really matter, especially for a car that will be kept stock. The S2 has comprehensively better oiling, better cooling, a newer PCM, a subtly but significantly revised suspension, and a stiffer body. It can also still be had with CPO powertrain warranty coverage. So, it should last longer and maintain its performance better. Plus, the dipstick location actually makes sense. That all pretty much speaks for itself.
I'd also say the S2's disadvantages are pretty insignificant in the grand scheme of things. It's heavier, but only slightly, and it gets the revised rear suspension and shorter final drive to compensate.
So, in sum: "better in every way" seems like an overstatement, though "better overall" feels accurate to me. Whether it's better by enough to justify the cost is a matter of personal values.
Where I might prefer an S1 is if I wanted a platform for heavy modding. I do get the impression that the aftermarket and the general knowledge base are much more extensive for the S1. Maybe a lot of the stuff can be ported over, but the fact that it’s all optimized primarily for the S1 is a big deal IMO. Maybe I’m wrong. Either way, cost alone goes a long way in this respect.
I've owned both an S1 and an R3 and the R3 trumps it in everyway. Exterior looks are a lot more modern with the updated LED tail-lights and the rear bumper. The new side-indicators again are a much needed improvement to the silly stick on strakes on the side and the front headlights now look a lot better. The R3 side-skirts also suit the car well. Front bumper may still not look great but it sure as heel looks a lot better than the standard S1 one...
I also found the drive to be a lot tighter and firmer and it gave me more confidence when going for it. I suppose being newer would contribute to that a bit but overall it felt like the better drive.
To the poster above saying the wheels on the S1 are better and suit the car, you are crazy! I have yet to find an aftermarket wheel that suits the R3 looks-wise better than the BBS ones it came with.
As for the downsides, I can name one easy. The SHI*TY GEARBOX. I have gone through two of these already, they are literally made of chocolate.
I'm another one who likes the S1 wheels.
I like the simple 5 spoke design, easy to clean also, and I find the multi-spoke wheels a bit fussy.
They are nice wheels, though.
But, I admit I'm an older guy, my first wheels were Keystone Klassics on my '69 Javelin.
I'm the OP, and though I prefer the S1 (I really dislike the front of the later 8 - enough that I would never buy one), I like the revised wheels that came with the 40AE way better than the OEM wheels that came on my S1. I've thought about replacing 'em with classic BBS 17's - the kind that have lots of spokes in them. Or, at least, a really light 17. (Used to do autocross in my Miata and learned to appreciate lightest wheels possible.)
I have yet to find an aftermarket wheel that suits the R3 looks-wise better than the BBS ones it came with.
I die a little bit every time I see an R3 with wheels that have either been plasti-dipped or swapped for something hideous/garish.
I own a black R3, and the stock forged gunmetal BBS wheels are the one thing that gets unanimous praise from virtually everyone who comments on the car.
08-03-2015, 12:00 PM
