Mazda MX-5 RF: PH Trade-Off!
What can you get for half the price of Matt's MX-5 that'll offer all the thrills - and just as much usability? Hmm...
In those brief moments over the Christmas period when you took a break from stuffing your face to look at your favourite motoring website, you'll doubtless have spotted our comparo of MX-5s old and new. All good fun, and of course, an opportunity for Mr Bird's long-termer to show itself in its best light.
But the thing is, while the MX-5 is still a (relatively speaking) cheap sports car, Matt's is quite an expensive version, costing a not-inconsiderable £27,795. So once again, we've been roving through the classifieds to see if we can't find a used option that does everything Matt's MX-5 can for half the price. "And don't just find something fun," said the editor. "That's too easy. You've got to find something that's can match the RF's everyday usability, too." Eep.
That proviso rather scuppered what was going to be our first choice, tempting though this Vauxhall VX220 Turbo may have been. Gloriously yellow with reasonable miles and, by the sounds of things, with lots of attentive work done by people who know what they're doing under its belt, it's about as good as they come and should plaster a stupid grin across your face for hours on end. But let's face it, while the braver souls would doubtless give it a try, as an everyday proposition the VX220 is quite a way from what the MX-5 offers. We'll have to let it go, then - this time.
Perhaps instead we should be looking for something with a retractable hard-top roof, like the RF's? That cuts your choices down drastically, admittedly, but the BMW Z4 might be worth a look. The outright power of this sDrive 30i blows even the uprated ND into the weeds. What's more, there's a rather lovely interior, more room inside and a roof that folds away fully - rather than leaving a the rear window and buttresses behind.
Trouble is, while the Z4 might look the part, it's never been anywhere near as sharp or involving to drive as an MX-5. That's a problem the six-speed auto on this example certainly won't help with. So while this Z4 might have everyday viability sewn up, it falls down somewhat on matching the MX-5 where it matters most - fun.
What we need, therefore, is something that falls mid-way between the VX220 and the Z4. Something that'll give you the fizz, but also get you to work in reasonable comfort every day - and be quick and easy to make watertight. Enter this week's half-price hero: the Honda S2000. This one, to be precise.
Granted, there are some compromises to be had. Chief among those being that this S2000 is - prepare to be made to feel old - almost 15 years of age now, rendering almost any comparison with a brand-new MX-5 utterly spurious. But stick with us for a sec, because there are some very good reasons why it's here.
Firstly, its age is mitigated somewhat by its reliability. S2000s are famed for the way they keep going, needing little in the way of repairs other than regular perishable bits, regardless of how much abuse you give them. And with its low mileage, it's hard to imagine this one giving you any grief for the foreseeable future.
What's more, the S2000's layout matches the MX-5's exactly: front-mid-engined, rear-wheel drive, two seats, manual gearbox. A recipe for entertainment, in other words. And as this example's a post-facelift, it'll be a darn sight less twitchy and more accessible than an early car would be. And all of this goes without mentioning the S2000's centrepiece: that glorious 2.0-litre engine with its famously stratospheric redline, potent enough that it'll show even a 2019 MX-5 a clean pair of heels.
This example is perhaps a touch on the pricey side, but the advert makes all the right noises. There's a full history, a clear HPI certificate, both keys, two new rear tyres and a recent service. And it's a GT, so while you'll have to put up with a fabric roof, you do at least get a hardtop with which you can add security and warmth during the winter months, should you so choose.
Consider this, too: buy the MX-5 and its value will plummet. S2000 prices, by contrast, have been rising in recent years. So while it'd be overstating things to think of this as an investment purchase, you certainly won't lose anywhere near as much as you will on a brand-new RF. So not only is the S2000 half the price, more powerful, just as entertaining and every bit as usable - well, almost - it also makes even makes more financial sense. We're sold.
SPECIFICATION - MAZDA MX-5 SKYACTIV-G 2.0 (ND)
Engine: 1,998cc, 4-cyl
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 184@ 7,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 151@4,000rpm
0-62mph: 6.8sec
Top speed: 137mph
Weight: 1,148kg (with 75kg driver)
MPG: 40.9
CO2: 156g/km
Price: £27,795
SPECIFICATION - HONDA S2000
Engine: 1,997cc 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 240@8,300rpm
Torque (lb ft): 162@6,500rpm
0-62mph: 6.2 sec
Top speed: 150mph
Weight: 1,285kg
MPG: 28.2
CO2: 237
Price: £13,250
Got to say though, as a fan of the first and second gen mx5's and having owned several of them, the PH summary of the s2000 as an alternative makes a strong case as well. Depreciation proof, far more involving, atmospheric, raw... 240 N/A horsepowers available. Why wouldn't you get one if you've a budget up to 20k for one of the latest '5s?
Awesome cars.
What about a Boxster? Loads about for 13k ish; practical and sporty; very easy to drive in the wet despite being mid engined.
In my opinion, the only real alternative to an MX5 is another MX5, its in a zone all of its own where its power is matched to its capabilities and its handling is very adjustable on the limit - assuming the suspension and all the bushes are good.
The Z, S2000, Boxster, MR2 etc. Are all quite different, depends what you are looking for.
The Honda was cumbersome in comparison, nudging 6' tall ( or whatever that height is in foreign metric ) the drivers seat set too high even at its lowest setting, no steering wheel adjustment, lack of relaxing cruise control & in 6th having to always want a higher gear was an utter pain. In fact the gear ratios were rubbish forever having to stir the box to make it go quickly. Dam dangerous in the wet unless I was happy to just bumble along.
Many are now in the hands of the lower orders, happy to pay excessive road tax & Chav them with stupid modifications to hoon round local estates.
But good unmolested ones are about, look nice & at least are a change from endless Boxsters, MX-5's.
My gut feeling is that whilst as cumbersome as a Honda S200 & maybe not a pure sports car the BMW Z4 is underrated, good value & much better equipped for real world driving.
The S2000 was bought new, had awful build quality, and rattled & flexed like crazy. They replaced it with a Z4 in 2006 and they loved it.
The VX220 was bought by non-car people; it looked nice, which was their main reason for buying it. I was in work about 3 years ago when a new colleague showed me his phone, specifically a picture of a VX220, and said 'guess what that is?'. When I not only told him the make & model, but the name & address of the only previous owner he was a bit freaked. He had bought it from my old next door neighbour. He loved & appreciated the car more than they did, did track days, shows etc.
If it were my money, I'd buy as much Boxster as my budget allowed, or possibly a newer Z4 with a decent engine (the newer ones being a bit heavy though). Boxster it is.
Cannot understand WJNB comments about gear ratios on the S2000- the ratios are perfect for the car and engine. Having to stir the gearbox is the whole point.
So much so that I am in the process of having a Honda K20 fitted to my Elise, not quite same engine and gearbox of course but the same delivery and pretty much the same ratios.
Still it is good that we are all different. However I am probably one of the aforementioned lower orders that have got my hands on an S2000 but I have managed to avoid modifying it (other than removing the air box) and try not to rag around my local estate!
The Honda was cumbersome in comparison, nudging 6' tall ( or whatever that height is in foreign metric ) the drivers seat set too high even at its lowest setting, no steering wheel adjustment, lack of relaxing cruise control & in 6th having to always want a higher gear was an utter pain. In fact the gear ratios were rubbish forever having to stir the box to make it go quickly. Dam dangerous in the wet unless I was happy to just bumble along.
Many are now in the hands of the lower orders, happy to pay excessive road tax & Chav them with stupid modifications to hoon round local estates.
But good unmolested ones are about, look nice & at least are a change from endless Boxsters, MX-5's.
My gut feeling is that whilst as cumbersome as a Honda S200 & maybe not a pure sports car the BMW Z4 is underrated, good value & much better equipped for real world driving.
Comments like this are what puts people off of Pistonheads...unnecessary class based comments relating to cars and anything else that is discussed on this website,l. The S2000 is hardly the best value car either with reasonable ones starting at the £8k mark so hardly the car of the peasant underclass.
Whilst I appreciate your comments and opinion on the car I disagree and enjoy driving mine and having to work the gearbox. Some people do modify theirs but in my experience it tends to be to a fairly high standard although mine is standard bar an induction kit.
The S2000 is utterly superb, the engine is truly special (who can't love 9k rpm?), the gear change is one of the best out there, alongside Honda reliability and build quality.
Whilst the Eunos handling is more accessible, the S2000 is a step above in pretty much every respect, the engine alone is so much more of an event than the Mazda 1.8.
Having said that I loved my Eunos, and will no doubt have another at some stage (but it would have to be a Mk.1).
But a nice S2000 is an absolute joy, they have aged exceptionally well styling wise, and even now, in an increasing market, I believe they represent decent value for a brilliantly engineered convertible.
My solution - fully restored TVR Chimaera....
A good Supercharged MK1 MX5 available £5-7k mine has an intercooled MP62 with approx 240bhp and being supercharged that means it's power is available in the revs you use everyday rather than just at the top like the S2000
It's also lighter and far more fun than the S2000 - unless you supercharge that but then you're budget is a lot higher
I will admit that the only driver aids are steering wheel, clutch, brake and accelerator so with 195 tyres you have to be wary but that's the fun part !
MR2 Turbo wouldn't be a bad idea either - preferably modified to circa 350bhp
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