Anyone gone from a mk1 MX5 to an S2000?
Discussion
I absolutely LOVE my MX5! It is amazingly fun to drive, the handling is sublime and is so chuckable. I wasn't thinking of selling it for years but have recently come into some cash and I'm thinking of 'upgrading' to an S2K. I was just wondering if anyone has done the same and after a while of ownership do they regret it? I fear that I will miss the nimbleness of the '5 and no amount of straight line warrior VTEC action will make up for it!
Thoughts?
Ta.
Thoughts?
Ta.
Riknos said:
I absolutely LOVE my MX5! It is amazingly fun to drive, the handling is sublime and is so chuckable. I wasn't thinking of selling it for years but have recently come into some cash and I'm thinking of 'upgrading' to an S2K. I was just wondering if anyone has done the same and after a while of ownership do they regret it? I fear that I will miss the nimbleness of the '5 and no amount of straight line warrior VTEC action will make up for it!
Thoughts?
Ta.
Very astute of you.Thoughts?
Ta.
Easy to assume an S2000 is a step up but aside from the incredible engine (and it really is a brilliant engine) I think they're unresolved.
I went from MX5 to S2000.
The cabin is small and quite rubbish, the drivers seat is way too high (I'm 5'10) and is only partial (slippy) leather - the rest is vinyl. And the handling? Well it didn't exactly inspire confidence.
Chuckable? Erm, no.
Mine was fresh, sorted and ran top spec rubber but it scared me like a '5' never did.
I tracked it (and spun it quite a lot, as did every other S2000 driver) ran it hard on empty roads, played with the suspension (because the lovers say it'll transform it - it didn't) but it was always ready to bite.
They're serious, focused, angry and will punch you in the nuts if you're not on top of your game.
I loved mine (for the engine alone if I'm honest) but better all round than an MX5? I don't think so.
Will you miss the nimbleness? - I think you probably will.
Will you miss that everyday jump in, go for a blat, throw the roof back, get the tail out at every opportunity, the biddable 'up for it' nature, the grin like a kid fun? Yes, I'd say you will and instead you'll start to look all serious and vteccy.
I've run 5 MX5's and lots of other quicker stuff - keep the MX5 and buy something else too.
There had been a few updates to the interior and suspension throughout it's life so it really depends on the budget. The values are dropping so some nice low milage cars can be got at very decent prices.
Handling-wise they have a fantastic level of grip although on the limit it won't be as communicative as a 5. I have to be controversial here and say when they do bite it's mostly due to bad driving rather than an issue with the handling of the car.
Insurance can also be a bit steep.
The best way to find out would be to take one for a spirited drive, otherwise you might always wonder what they are like. As said, the engine is the best part of the car. You'll either love it or hate the rest of it.
If you enjoy biking I'd probably also recommend a 5 and a bike over an S2000.
Handling-wise they have a fantastic level of grip although on the limit it won't be as communicative as a 5. I have to be controversial here and say when they do bite it's mostly due to bad driving rather than an issue with the handling of the car.
Insurance can also be a bit steep.
The best way to find out would be to take one for a spirited drive, otherwise you might always wonder what they are like. As said, the engine is the best part of the car. You'll either love it or hate the rest of it.
If you enjoy biking I'd probably also recommend a 5 and a bike over an S2000.
with my wife having owned an MX5 for 4 years before the S2000 we have had for over 6 years ,
I just cant see how anyone can even think the 5 gets close to the S2000.
Maybe the boot is bigger but that's it from our findings
As a bike comparison, it is like comparing a bandit with a GSXR 1000
I just cant see how anyone can even think the 5 gets close to the S2000.
Maybe the boot is bigger but that's it from our findings
As a bike comparison, it is like comparing a bandit with a GSXR 1000
Yes.
Quoted from my project thread:
Quoted from my project thread:
JFReturns said:
So, back to MX5 vs S2000 (my experience is of a MK1, I believe they will be valid for a MK2). Firstly, the S2000 does not offer anywhere near the communication the '5 does in terms of steering and chassis feedback. To steal a cliche, I could run over a fifty pence piece in the '5, and tell if it was heads or tails 
Jokes aside, it was soooooo easy to feel what the front wheels were doing through the steering, and the rears through the seat. I KNEW when it was about to lose grip, even in the wet. The S2000 is not so transparent, and though the steering is weighty it has little feel. Well, actually, the steering is pretty good but I am comparing it to the '5, and not much else this side of an Elise/VX220 will be better.
I won't cover aesthetics as they are subjective and you can make your mind up, but I do miss my pop ups! Gear change is fantastic on both, the best I've experienced. The '5 has a stubby lever and shorty throw, but the S2000 is so mechanical and precise; there is no rubbery-ness, you slot the gear and is stops. Nice and clean, crisp and accurate. Heel and toeing in both is easy, fun and rewarding in terms of smooth gearchanges. None of this computer aided, perfect blip on downshift, wipe your butt nonsense - you don't match the revs, you get a jerky, crap change. Get it right, and
Engine. You will have read that the S2000 can be frustrating to drive, and has to be thrashed to make any progress whatsoever. This is b
ks, especially if you are coming from an MX5. I would describe the speed as being exactly like your '5, with the added advantage of going ballistic at 6,000rpm. It does not feel like turbo lag (of which I have experience), just a smooth transition into a rortier, meaner and harder engine. You will love it - the feeling of revving to the change up point in your '5 then realising you have another 3,000rpm to go does not get old.
I imagine you have also read that the S2000's handling is dangerous, and will chew you up and spit you out with no hesitation. Again, bks. The horror stories likely arise because they are cheap enough for young idiots who drive them like a FWD hatch, with predictable consequences. Give it the respect it deserves, especially in the wet, and you will be fine.
The insurance will be higher than your '5, can't hide that. For reference, I paid £300 ish for the '5, and £650 for the S2000. Servicing and maintenence will be more expensive, but overall reasonable (and less than the Boxster).
As previously mentioned, the S2000 does feel like a more grown up, faster version of the '5. It is (surprisingly) not much more refined though - lots of engine noise, tyre noise and overall high NVH. Something to consider if you do a lot of motorway miles (though I found it great, feeling fresh and ache free at the end of the journey). The stereo is pretty crap. In addition, you don't get any toys (trip computer, cruise control etc) and the steering wheel does not adjust. Nevertheless, I found it easy to get settled into a good position and I don't doubt you will too. One of the things I love is how the dash and layout is centred round the driver. All controls are a hands breadth away, from the gear stick to the heater controls.
Similar fuel economy, so long as you don't stray into the VTEC too often. Obviously the S2000 is safer than my old '5, with airbags etc.
I'm sure I've missed loads out, but don't want to waffle too much more (though I could!). Overall, I believe the S2000 is a much more natural progression from a MK1/2 MX5 than any other car, MK3 included. Whilst it does not handle or communicate as well as the '5, it trumps it in every other area and I recommend it in a heartbeat.
Jokes aside, it was soooooo easy to feel what the front wheels were doing through the steering, and the rears through the seat. I KNEW when it was about to lose grip, even in the wet. The S2000 is not so transparent, and though the steering is weighty it has little feel. Well, actually, the steering is pretty good but I am comparing it to the '5, and not much else this side of an Elise/VX220 will be better. I won't cover aesthetics as they are subjective and you can make your mind up, but I do miss my pop ups! Gear change is fantastic on both, the best I've experienced. The '5 has a stubby lever and shorty throw, but the S2000 is so mechanical and precise; there is no rubbery-ness, you slot the gear and is stops. Nice and clean, crisp and accurate. Heel and toeing in both is easy, fun and rewarding in terms of smooth gearchanges. None of this computer aided, perfect blip on downshift, wipe your butt nonsense - you don't match the revs, you get a jerky, crap change. Get it right, and
Engine. You will have read that the S2000 can be frustrating to drive, and has to be thrashed to make any progress whatsoever. This is b
ks, especially if you are coming from an MX5. I would describe the speed as being exactly like your '5, with the added advantage of going ballistic at 6,000rpm. It does not feel like turbo lag (of which I have experience), just a smooth transition into a rortier, meaner and harder engine. You will love it - the feeling of revving to the change up point in your '5 then realising you have another 3,000rpm to go does not get old.I imagine you have also read that the S2000's handling is dangerous, and will chew you up and spit you out with no hesitation. Again, b
ks. The horror stories likely arise because they are cheap enough for young idiots who drive them like a FWD hatch, with predictable consequences. Give it the respect it deserves, especially in the wet, and you will be fine.The insurance will be higher than your '5, can't hide that. For reference, I paid £300 ish for the '5, and £650 for the S2000. Servicing and maintenence will be more expensive, but overall reasonable (and less than the Boxster).
As previously mentioned, the S2000 does feel like a more grown up, faster version of the '5. It is (surprisingly) not much more refined though - lots of engine noise, tyre noise and overall high NVH. Something to consider if you do a lot of motorway miles (though I found it great, feeling fresh and ache free at the end of the journey). The stereo is pretty crap. In addition, you don't get any toys (trip computer, cruise control etc) and the steering wheel does not adjust. Nevertheless, I found it easy to get settled into a good position and I don't doubt you will too. One of the things I love is how the dash and layout is centred round the driver. All controls are a hands breadth away, from the gear stick to the heater controls.
Similar fuel economy, so long as you don't stray into the VTEC too often. Obviously the S2000 is safer than my old '5, with airbags etc.
I'm sure I've missed loads out, but don't want to waffle too much more (though I could!). Overall, I believe the S2000 is a much more natural progression from a MK1/2 MX5 than any other car, MK3 included. Whilst it does not handle or communicate as well as the '5, it trumps it in every other area and I recommend it in a heartbeat.
If your bias is sympathetic to the mx5 you can simply say the progressive and therefore lower grip/limit means the "fun" is more accessible. Fair enough
But there's also something to be said for driving something that requires more talent than you have to be able to play with it... exciting, challenging, high-risk/reward.
If that doesn't appeal to you then I guess it follows you'll find just about every other bigger more "grown up" more sticky car to be inferior the mx5.
I know my S has way way way more grip than I have balls to access on the public road, but I also know from track experience that if you drive it on the limit you can sure as hell feel what its doing!
And that if your Bridgestones RE50s are anywhere near the end they are absolute crap...
But there's also something to be said for driving something that requires more talent than you have to be able to play with it... exciting, challenging, high-risk/reward.
If that doesn't appeal to you then I guess it follows you'll find just about every other bigger more "grown up" more sticky car to be inferior the mx5.
I know my S has way way way more grip than I have balls to access on the public road, but I also know from track experience that if you drive it on the limit you can sure as hell feel what its doing!
And that if your Bridgestones RE50s are anywhere near the end they are absolute crap...
Edited by Serg2K on Tuesday 26th July 00:21
Edited by Serg2K on Tuesday 26th July 17:42
Serg2K said:
But there's also something to be said for driving something that requires more talent than you have to be able to play with it... exciting, challenging, high-risk/reward.
If that doesn't appeal to you then I guess it follows you'll find just about every other bigger more "grown up" more sticky car to be inferior the mx5.
That's a 911 you're talking about not a S2000. If that doesn't appeal to you then I guess it follows you'll find just about every other bigger more "grown up" more sticky car to be inferior the mx5.
The S is plain scary approaching its limits, not at all confidence inspiring and aside from the engine and fresh air it lacks driver involvement.
It doesn't reward with feel, adjustability and depth of understanding in the same way as a 911, it just has a sensational engine and a nice shape but the chassis is devoid of soul or feel. Repalce the engine with something mainstraem and it's just ordinary in a way that a MX5 never is.
cheddar said:
That's a 911 you're talking about not a S2000.
The S is plain scary approaching its limits, not at all confidence inspiring and aside from the engine and fresh air it lacks driver involvement.
It doesn't reward with feel, adjustability and depth of understanding in the same way as a 911, it just has a sensational engine and a nice shape but the chassis is devoid of soul or feel. Repalce the engine with something mainstraem and it's just ordinary in a way that a MX5 never is.
When you enter a corner in a balanced state near the limit you CAN feel exactly what the S is doing, and you can steer it on the throttle very effortlessly.The S is plain scary approaching its limits, not at all confidence inspiring and aside from the engine and fresh air it lacks driver involvement.
It doesn't reward with feel, adjustability and depth of understanding in the same way as a 911, it just has a sensational engine and a nice shape but the chassis is devoid of soul or feel. Repalce the engine with something mainstraem and it's just ordinary in a way that a MX5 never is.
It has passive rear wheel steering which assists you in pointing the car on the throttle. Some people hate this because of how it feels on your backside... basically feels as though the rear is already letting go, but really isnt. This is basically how it tells you the rear is going to start breaking loose. Takes some getting used to. I can see how this feature can quite easily scare people off.
Some users install anti-bump steer kits to negate RWS. I personally like that it has this characteristic to "learn". Because once learned it probably goes round bends faster than without.
The S is very sensitive to whacked geometry (some users reported receiving factory geo settings at the outer limits of margin for error) and its also very sensitive to tire pressure/condition. For example, if your front tires are near 5mm, forget it. At this depth the compound in the Bridgestone RE50's changes and it will understeer like a cat on a marble floor. I think this sensitivity has a lot to blame for the "mixed" reviews.
I like the fact that its so adjustable in terms of settings. I'm sure it can be tweaked to anyone personal tastes.
I keep mine in tip top condition and it handles fantastically. My Knockhill instructor commented on how very well balanced it feels.
cheers
S
Edited by Serg2K on Wednesday 27th July 17:24
I can only speak from my experience with 5mm thred left on front bridgestones. Could not make the car overersteer under any circunstances, even when trying to do donuts (I was at Crail Airfield)... which TG showed even grannies could do with an S2k.
Sometime after, someone on the s2k forum mentioned the change in compound near the end of life. Which rung true to me, and why Im repeating it here. When I finish this set I guess Ill be able to be more certain of it.
It could be that they were somehow damaged, I dont know what their history was before I bought the car. Apart from that they were probably the set it shipped with and were therefore two years old.
S
Sometime after, someone on the s2k forum mentioned the change in compound near the end of life. Which rung true to me, and why Im repeating it here. When I finish this set I guess Ill be able to be more certain of it.
It could be that they were somehow damaged, I dont know what their history was before I bought the car. Apart from that they were probably the set it shipped with and were therefore two years old.
S
Edited by Serg2K on Wednesday 27th July 20:53
[quote=Serg2K]I can only speak from my experience with 5mm thred left on front bridgestones. Could not make the car overersteer under any circunstances, even when trying to do donuts (I was at Crail Airfield)... which TG showed even grannies could do with an S2k.
That was a TreVoR
Nonsense about the tyres, it can understeer first, depending on how you drive it
Provoke it, it will oversteer
Chassis can be a bit snappy though, make sure you're awake
That was a TreVoR
Nonsense about the tyres, it can understeer first, depending on how you drive it
Provoke it, it will oversteer
Chassis can be a bit snappy though, make sure you're awake
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