FI'D 5 to S2000
Discussion
Been considering a change, mostly as my car is in bits on the driveway! But i really want a quicker "slightly" more refined roadster and the S2k seems like an obvious step up.
I have an integra as well as my 5 at the moment so i know exactly what to expect engine wise but everything i have read about the s2000 seems to focus on poor feed back and steering feel.
Anyone had experience of both? ..perhaps i should stop dreaming and actually sort my megasquirt out!
I have an integra as well as my 5 at the moment so i know exactly what to expect engine wise but everything i have read about the s2000 seems to focus on poor feed back and steering feel.
Anyone had experience of both? ..perhaps i should stop dreaming and actually sort my megasquirt out!
- raises hand*
The 5 is quicker (I've yet to "compare" against an s2k, but it feels MUCH quicker), handles better and is much more progressive and playful on the limit.
The s2k has a much classier feel, nicer interior, better gearchange and the electric hood is ace.
Anything specific you'd like to know?
Thanks for the reply!
well both the 5 and the integra give me alot of confidence and you can have a bit of fun with them. The S2000 seems to be criticized for being twitchy on the limit and not having much of a connection to the road. Was really wondering if it will be a bit disappointing in that respect.
Ultimately i would rather something fun to drive rather than being faster outright i guess.
well both the 5 and the integra give me alot of confidence and you can have a bit of fun with them. The S2000 seems to be criticized for being twitchy on the limit and not having much of a connection to the road. Was really wondering if it will be a bit disappointing in that respect.
Ultimately i would rather something fun to drive rather than being faster outright i guess.
I have owned my S2000 nearly 3 years and I owned a TT 225 coupe before.
The s2000 is defo more fun but you can not push it like you can a Quattro TT. There’s nothing in it in terms of power. I felt safer in the TT but I feel so much happier driving the S2000.
The steering is so much more communicative than the TT, it’s precise and light. You feel everything that is going on under the tyres. It’s a real petrol heads car.
The s2000 is defo more fun but you can not push it like you can a Quattro TT. There’s nothing in it in terms of power. I felt safer in the TT but I feel so much happier driving the S2000.
The steering is so much more communicative than the TT, it’s precise and light. You feel everything that is going on under the tyres. It’s a real petrol heads car.
Have owned both, assuming your talking about a mk1 mx5. the lack of steering feel on the s2000 is very noticeable after the mx5 but its not a deal breaker just something you get used to. But does make it harder to really push the car on the road (as little warning before it looses grip) where as the mx5 with lower power your feel safe exploring all the available grip. But the s2000 is great on track and you realise despite the lack of feel it’s far more capable than a mk1 mx5 generally.
My bro's got an S2000 and I've driven it on track a couple of times (although over a year ago now) - They're fun and definitely more comfy and faster than a non-FI 5, but as others have said, you don't get get the same feedback as you do with a 5. I went out in the wet at Bedford and the back came out a few times and although I didn't end up spinning into a wall it wasn't as controllable as my Roadster.
Edited by Mellow Matt on Wednesday 8th December 11:32
Had the MX5 for 8 years now and after two thought i'd swap for something faster. Tested an S2000 and whilst blindingly quick, the steering and feel just weren't there. Plus, I reckon the Honda is a licence loser on roads, the Mazda is more fun at slower speeds. I kept the Mazda, Turbo'd it and spent the S2k money on an EType instead. Have them both still - no regrets there. A Turbo'd MX5 is a wonderful thing.
I had my Mk1 for 7 years and loved it but I eventually came to the conclusion that I needed more power, comfort and toys so I started looking around. S2K and Boxster were the obvious choices. Problem was I just wasn't really taken with either of them so I talked to Phil at Performance 5 to see what my options were. BRP had just brought out the 6-rib MP62 kits and the "R2" intercooled version looked ideal for me so I searched for and found the highest spec Mk2.5 I could find. With the SC fitted it filled all my requirements - I now have all the toys I want, the improved comfort & refinement and it's a shape I love and the driving experience is as good as I could hope for 
There really is no competition imo. I had a Greddy Turbo'd 5 running cams and a standlone ECU - trick suspenion, 9lb wheels, R888's etc etc. Now I run a MY00 Honda S2000 with trick suspension, exhaust, intake and a shorter final drive. The S2000 is a better overall car when compared to a car designed in the mid 1980's.
15 psi or circa 250bhp was very fast and the MX5 perhaps handles better. But my car is as fast as the Fi'd 5 and, with 255/40 section rear tyres, has a much higher grip threshold than the 5 even with R888's.
The 5 wins hands down when it comes to running costs and smile/£. They are super reliable (S2000's are just as reliable) and are cheap to mod.
In my experience the 5 starts to get complex once you start modding them. The basic design is just too old. The S has bigger brakes, stronger clutch, Torsen diff, bigger wheels, comfortable leather seats, better bracing, A/c, electric hood/mirrors all as standard.
Best to try one before you make up your mind.
15 psi or circa 250bhp was very fast and the MX5 perhaps handles better. But my car is as fast as the Fi'd 5 and, with 255/40 section rear tyres, has a much higher grip threshold than the 5 even with R888's.
The 5 wins hands down when it comes to running costs and smile/£. They are super reliable (S2000's are just as reliable) and are cheap to mod.
In my experience the 5 starts to get complex once you start modding them. The basic design is just too old. The S has bigger brakes, stronger clutch, Torsen diff, bigger wheels, comfortable leather seats, better bracing, A/c, electric hood/mirrors all as standard.
Best to try one before you make up your mind.
maz8062 said:
The S has bigger brakes, stronger clutch, Torsen diff, bigger wheels, comfortable leather seats, better bracing, A/c, electric hood/mirrors all as standard.
Compared to a Mk1 mine has all those too except the electric hood (which I don't want anyway). I could fit wider tyres too if I wanted but I prefer the balance on 195/50/50 (though I use 205/40/17 on the road).MX-5 Lazza said:
maz8062 said:
The S has bigger brakes, stronger clutch, Torsen diff, bigger wheels, comfortable leather seats, better bracing, A/c, electric hood/mirrors all as standard.
Compared to a Mk1 mine has all those too except the electric hood (which I don't want anyway). I could fit wider tyres too if I wanted but I prefer the balance on 195/50/50 (though I use 205/40/17 on the road).
I've driven an S2000 (as well as a Cayman S, Evo VIII, VX-220 and a non-FI MX-5) on a sprint course and am about to FI my MX5.
I'd take the S2000 any day over the MX5 as a town car, for commuting, work, when it's peeing down with rain or for driving the Mrs around in.
For anything else I'd take an FI MX-5.
I'd take the S2000 any day over the MX5 as a town car, for commuting, work, when it's peeing down with rain or for driving the Mrs around in.
For anything else I'd take an FI MX-5.
Edited by youngsyr on Friday 10th December 12:10
maz8062 said:
There really is no competition imo. I had a Greddy Turbo'd 5 running cams and a standlone ECU - trick suspenion, 9lb wheels, R888's etc etc. Now I run a MY00 Honda S2000 with trick suspension, exhaust, intake and a shorter final drive. The S2000 is a better overall car when compared to a car designed in the mid 1980's.
15 psi or circa 250bhp was very fast and the MX5 perhaps handles better. But my car is as fast as the Fi'd 5 and, with 255/40 section rear tyres, has a much higher grip threshold than the 5 even with R888's.
Wait ... your s2k was as fast as your 250bhp MX5? So either the s2k had some serious mods, or your MX5 never had anywhere near 250bhp...15 psi or circa 250bhp was very fast and the MX5 perhaps handles better. But my car is as fast as the Fi'd 5 and, with 255/40 section rear tyres, has a much higher grip threshold than the 5 even with R888's.
Edited by mk1salami on Friday 10th December 15:57
mk1salami said:
maz8062 said:
There really is no competition imo. I had a Greddy Turbo'd 5 running cams and a standlone ECU - trick suspenion, 9lb wheels, R888's etc etc. Now I run a MY00 Honda S2000 with trick suspension, exhaust, intake and a shorter final drive. The S2000 is a better overall car when compared to a car designed in the mid 1980's.
15 psi or circa 250bhp was very fast and the MX5 perhaps handles better. But my car is as fast as the Fi'd 5 and, with 255/40 section rear tyres, has a much higher grip threshold than the 5 even with R888's.
Wait ... your s2k was as fast as your 250bhp MX5? So either the s2k had some serious mods, or your MX5 never had anywhere near 250bhp...15 psi or circa 250bhp was very fast and the MX5 perhaps handles better. But my car is as fast as the Fi'd 5 and, with 255/40 section rear tyres, has a much higher grip threshold than the 5 even with R888's.
Edited by mk1salami on Friday 10th December 15:57
k all over my S2000.I was thinking about going to a 986S or a 987 Umair, given relative running costs I don't think it's worth it.
Ok, I'd love a Porsche but I just wouldn't be able to drive it like I do my '5 and that's why at the moment the '5 won't be going anywhere!
If you want more toys in your car, go for a Mk2.5 (you're more than welcome to come out in mine!) and if you want more pace supercharge it.
The latter is becoming a quite nagging thought on my mind!
Ok, I'd love a Porsche but I just wouldn't be able to drive it like I do my '5 and that's why at the moment the '5 won't be going anywhere!
If you want more toys in your car, go for a Mk2.5 (you're more than welcome to come out in mine!) and if you want more pace supercharge it.
The latter is becoming a quite nagging thought on my mind!
LukeBird said:
I was thinking about going to a 986S or a 987 Umair, given relative running costs I don't think it's worth it.
Ok, I'd love a Porsche but I just wouldn't be able to drive it like I do my '5 and that's why at the moment the '5 won't be going anywhere!
If you want more toys in your car, go for a Mk2.5 (you're more than welcome to come out in mine!) and if you want more pace supercharge it.
The latter is becoming a quite nagging thought on my mind!
Less thought, more action Ok, I'd love a Porsche but I just wouldn't be able to drive it like I do my '5 and that's why at the moment the '5 won't be going anywhere!
If you want more toys in your car, go for a Mk2.5 (you're more than welcome to come out in mine!) and if you want more pace supercharge it.
The latter is becoming a quite nagging thought on my mind!
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