RE: Mazda MX-5: Market Watch
Discussion
em177 said:
freeform said:
(Genuinely) I can’t help wondering if I am missing something.
Should I switch to a NA Mx5?
I’ve been lucky enough to race and track Mx5 all over Europe whist having serval as daily drivers. Should I switch to a NA Mx5?
Do it. You won’t regret it.
TameRacingDriver said:
Surely though an S2000 is just a slightly more modern version with a MUCH better engine. I'm honestly not sure I would swap from an S2000 to an MX5, I'm struggling to see what the MX5 could possibly do better other than perhaps steering feel, which on the MX5, still for me isn't quite up there with the very best anyway.
I don't think the S2000 is that similar in terms of driving experience, at least compared to a MK1. They share the same layout and both have great gear change but in handling terms they feel totally different. MX5's feel chuckable immediately, feel maybe lighter than they actually are in that regard. They never feel like they have much grip on standard tyres and have considerable body roll. But they do inspire confidence straight away that nothing unexpected is going to happen. S2000's always feel far more serious to me and feel quite a bit heavier. In so many ways, they're a much better car but I don't think they're playing the same game. Gad-Westy said:
I don't think the S2000 is that similar in terms of driving experience, at least compared to a MK1. They share the same layout and both have great gear change but in handling terms they feel totally different. MX5's feel chuckable immediately, feel maybe lighter than they actually are in that regard. They never feel like they have much grip on standard tyres and have considerable body roll. But they do inspire confidence straight away that nothing unexpected is going to happen. S2000's always feel far more serious to me and feel quite a bit heavier. In so many ways, they're a much better car but I don't think they're playing the same game.
Sounds like a fair assessment, guess it depends what you want out of the car I suppose. Those who want the better engine, more speed and more 'focus' would probably go for the S2000 I suppose. You would just have to be certain that is what you wanted out of a car. I enjoyed my MX5s, don't get me wrong, and there was a certain reward to hanging onto the coat-tails of quicker cars in something universally regarded as slow and floppy... 
TameRacingDriver said:
Gad-Westy said:
I don't think the S2000 is that similar in terms of driving experience, at least compared to a MK1. They share the same layout and both have great gear change but in handling terms they feel totally different. MX5's feel chuckable immediately, feel maybe lighter than they actually are in that regard. They never feel like they have much grip on standard tyres and have considerable body roll. But they do inspire confidence straight away that nothing unexpected is going to happen. S2000's always feel far more serious to me and feel quite a bit heavier. In so many ways, they're a much better car but I don't think they're playing the same game.
Sounds like a fair assessment, guess it depends what you want out of the car I suppose. Those who want the better engine, more speed and more 'focus' would probably go for the S2000 I suppose. You would just have to be certain that is what you wanted out of a car. I enjoyed my MX5s, don't get me wrong, and there was a certain reward to hanging onto the coat-tails of quicker cars in something universally regarded as slow and floppy... agree with GW's assessment too.
CABC said:
TameRacingDriver said:
Gad-Westy said:
I don't think the S2000 is that similar in terms of driving experience, at least compared to a MK1. They share the same layout and both have great gear change but in handling terms they feel totally different. MX5's feel chuckable immediately, feel maybe lighter than they actually are in that regard. They never feel like they have much grip on standard tyres and have considerable body roll. But they do inspire confidence straight away that nothing unexpected is going to happen. S2000's always feel far more serious to me and feel quite a bit heavier. In so many ways, they're a much better car but I don't think they're playing the same game.
Sounds like a fair assessment, guess it depends what you want out of the car I suppose. Those who want the better engine, more speed and more 'focus' would probably go for the S2000 I suppose. You would just have to be certain that is what you wanted out of a car. I enjoyed my MX5s, don't get me wrong, and there was a certain reward to hanging onto the coat-tails of quicker cars in something universally regarded as slow and floppy... agree with GW's assessment too.
To my question, "Should I switch (S2000) to a NA Mx5?"
Still, I struggle to understand my ambivalence to the Honda: Perhaps by the time I am enjoying 8000 rpm or get near the limit of grip one is already travelling too fast. It could be that because it is not a DD, I don’t give it enough time bond with it… I am getting close to hi-jacking the thread.
Enough thread hijacking (by me).
Thanks!
em177 said:
I’ve been lucky enough to race and track Mx5 all over Europe whist having serveral as daily drivers.
People do have fun with them! GibsonSG said:
the appeal for me is that it bridges the gap between classic and modern cars
I see what you mean; a trade friend lent me his - then slightly tired - NB whilst he worked on my DD. I hoped for something to replace my much missed AE86 but it felt much less focused and more like an MGB (Perhaps that was part of the appeal but I didn’t see it that way at the time). It wasn’t a great driving day as there was always someone in front.TameRacingDriver said:
Surely though an S2000 is just a slightly more modern version with a MUCH better engine.
…I'm struggling to see what the MX5 could possibly do better…
That’s why I went for the S2000. It looked the same but more.…I'm struggling to see what the MX5 could possibly do better…
Still, I struggle to understand my ambivalence to the Honda: Perhaps by the time I am enjoying 8000 rpm or get near the limit of grip one is already travelling too fast. It could be that because it is not a DD, I don’t give it enough time bond with it… I am getting close to hi-jacking the thread.
Gad-Westy said:
S2000's always feel far more serious
That may be the problem.CABC said:
i'd enjoy both.
VladD said:
The good think about a Mk1s is that they are very cheap. Buy one, try it and see how you get on
I suppose I could get the Mx5 before deciding and selling the S2000. Not as if one would break the bank.Enough thread hijacking (by me).
Thanks!
Edited by freeform on Tuesday 26th September 14:48
Market seems a bit quiet at the moment. My MK1 has been for sale for a while now, only had a couple bites at £1500, but nothing has come of it.
I will miss it. It's been replaced by a 350Z, which is a much better car in pretty much every respect, but it lacks the rawness and fun factor of the Mazda.
The joy of the Mazda for me is being able to use all of the power and not be doing silly speeds! It also a very rewarding car to drive smoothly and quickly.
I've been on a few PH runs and it held its own with much more powerful machines in the bends. Absolutely slaughtered on straights though and gets out dragged by diesel hatches!
I will miss it. It's been replaced by a 350Z, which is a much better car in pretty much every respect, but it lacks the rawness and fun factor of the Mazda.
The joy of the Mazda for me is being able to use all of the power and not be doing silly speeds! It also a very rewarding car to drive smoothly and quickly.
I've been on a few PH runs and it held its own with much more powerful machines in the bends. Absolutely slaughtered on straights though and gets out dragged by diesel hatches!
cheddar said:
The difference between the S2000 and MX5 is Mazda pulled off jinba ittai perfectly (horse and rider as one) and Honda didn't.
incomparable mx5 vs S2000Rickyy said:
It's been replaced by a 350Z...
A friend has just gone from 350Z gt back to Mx5 (NC) and is much happier. I was surprised how raw was the Z.Edited by freeform on Wednesday 27th September 14:45
p4cks said:
Potentially the most overrated car in Britain, just behind the 205 GTI.
Would love to hear your thoughts, a lot of people say good things about them, I know they're little tin boxes but they're supposed to be fun?I was looking at a 2.0 Turbo 205 Gti the other day which looks pretty wicked, would like to hear your opinion?
It was a friend buying an S2000 that got me looking at MX5s. Problem for me is at well over 6ft tall I just don't fit in an S2000 and likewise the MX5 from Mk2 right up to date is a bit tight - knee bangs steering wheel when using clutch.
Beauty of the Mk1 is no airbag so changing to a smaller steering wheel is easy and there is also a well documented way of removing seat foam to improve fit. After a bit of experimentation I can use the clutch properly, rest my foot at the side and it's super comfortable on long journeys. Reducing the seat height also means I don't look like Noddy driving it.
Beauty of the Mk1 is no airbag so changing to a smaller steering wheel is easy and there is also a well documented way of removing seat foam to improve fit. After a bit of experimentation I can use the clutch properly, rest my foot at the side and it's super comfortable on long journeys. Reducing the seat height also means I don't look like Noddy driving it.
Edited by DippedHeadlights on Wednesday 27th September 11:00
freeform said:
cheddar said:
The difference between the S2000 and MX5 is Mazda pulled off jinba ittai perfectly (horse and rider as one) and Honda didn't.
https://www.topmiata.com/161006-incomparable-mx5-v...Rickyy said:
It's been replaced by a 350Z...
A friend has just gone from 350Z gt back to Mx5 (NC) and is much happier. I was surprised how raw was the Z.I'll definitely own an MX5 again one day, just at the moment I need the money to work on my house and its breaking my heart seeing it sitting on the drive.
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