NC MX-5 or FR-S?

RodneyWright · **Posted:** Fri Mar 14, 2014 3:31 pm

Brice will have the same problem I have on a S2000, you can't see the gauge pod because the top of the non-adjustable steering wheel obscures the gauges. Otherwise this is a great car and I wish I could fit in one....

BriceJohnson · **Joined:** Thu Apr 13, 2006 7:33 am **Posts:** 2230

Scott Johnson wrote:

I've got to ask, why not an S2000?

For a convertible, I fail to see what a Miata has to offer that isn't done better by an S2000.

Newer, and actually has a roomier interior that fits my long legged frame better. I actually DO fit decently in both of these cars as I don't have a tall torso like Rodney, just long legs. I can fit in an S2K enough to drive at autocross (and really enjoy doing so), but not for a 35 mile commute.

Edit: Rodney's point about the non-adjustable steering wheel comes into play. The steering wheel is in my knees in an s2k.

Les Davis · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 2:04 pm **Posts:** 2059

Scott Johnson wrote:

I've got to ask, why not an S2000?

For a convertible, I fail to see what a Miata has to offer that isn't done better by an S2000.

Lack of Honda tax. The same amount of money will buy a newer Miata over an S2000. An NC Miata actually has a more comfortable interior to an S2000 IMO and stock for stock a much more comfortable ride. When not spun to 9000 rpms, say below 5000, "normal driving" the engine makes similar torque and the car is several hundred pounds lighter so it actually feels quicker when not revving the piss out of it. This lightness, for most enthusiasts, and the less hard edged factory suspension tuning, leads most people to think it is more "fun" when driven at 6-7/10s on the street. I'm also pretty sure that the S2K never offered side airbags, which the NC does have. The NC actually has a pretty decent side crash safety rating for a convertible if that matters to you.

Pete Guthrie · **Posted:** Sat Mar 15, 2014 5:08 pm

get a STI, they are thirsty that is true. but 300 hp and awd means rally cross.or get a older golf, for commuting they are hard to beat. roomy, economical and nimble. then come rally cross with us in our golf.veedub militia

Andrew Jonell · **Joined:** Mon Mar 23, 2009 6:43 pm **Posts:** 1350

JamesShort wrote:

I don't agree. S2000s are probably the most robust cars I've ever experienced. What breaks on them?

Miatas have a semi-short list of relatively cheap parts that have 'issues' but honestly nothing ever breaks on the S2000.

Not necessarily breaking, just consumables; however, both cars are on 17"s and choosing a Miata over an S2K because some ceramic pads are $10 cheaper is ridiculous. About the only real thing I could think of is adjusting the valve lash on the F-motor, but once again, it's kind of ridiculous to hinge a purchase on that.

Modern cars reliable as hell, news at 11.

BriceJohnson · **Joined:** Thu Apr 13, 2006 7:33 am **Posts:** 2230

Want to sit in both cars yesterday. The FR-S is definitely roomier, although I didn't get to sit in a soft top mx-5, just the power retractable hardtop. I would have problems getting a helmet to clear in the PRHT, anyone know if the soft top has a bit more headroom?

Matt McGrain · **Posted:** Sun Mar 16, 2014 1:45 pm

The Southern States used inventory lot on Wake Forest Road just got in white Club Edition, which looks really badass.

Cool comparo that ironically popped up when I searched MX-5 Club.
http://m.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupe ... omparison/

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Sun Mar 16, 2014 2:21 pm

BriceJohnson wrote:

Want to sit in both cars yesterday. The FR-S is definitely roomier, although I didn't get to sit in a soft top mx-5, just the power retractable hardtop. I would have problems getting a helmet to clear in the PRHT, anyone know if the soft top has a bit more headroom?

Hmmm...is this really for a daily driver? First post mentions wider wheels, antiroll bars and CAI, then he talks about a helmet not fitting....

Sounds like a muffled cry to join STR, but maybe that's just me. :thumbsup:

come on in, the water's fine!

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Sun Mar 16, 2014 4:26 pm

BriceJohnson wrote:

Want to sit in both cars yesterday. The FR-S is definitely roomier, although I didn't get to sit in a soft top mx-5, just the power retractable hardtop. I would have problems getting a helmet to clear in the PRHT, anyone know if the soft top has a bit more headroom?

Very hard to find on the website but it looks like the hardtop has 37 inches and the convertible has 37.4 inches of headroom. Or you could just run with the tops down . . . :lol:

Pete Guthrie · **Posted:** Sun Mar 16, 2014 8:04 pm

BRZ, then come join my subaru freinds on cruises and road trips.

BriceJohnson · **Joined:** Thu Apr 13, 2006 7:33 am **Posts:** 2230

Steven Carter wrote:

BriceJohnson wrote:

Want to sit in both cars yesterday. The FR-S is definitely roomier, although I didn't get to sit in a soft top mx-5, just the power retractable hardtop. I would have problems getting a helmet to clear in the PRHT, anyone know if the soft top has a bit more headroom?

Hmmm...is this really for a daily driver? First post mentions wider wheels, antiroll bars and CAI, then he talks about a helmet not fitting....

Sounds like a muffled cry to join STR, but maybe that's just me. :thumbsup:

come on in, the water's fine!

My current daily driver has all those mods. . .

I won't say that I will never autocross it, far from it. But for events where my wife and I both come, I will drive the mini. I don't want to bring two cars to events.

JasonWatts · **Posted:** Tue Mar 18, 2014 7:55 pm

JamesShort wrote:

Andrew Jonell wrote:

Smiles per hour~~

Serious: lower running cost, access to Mazdaspeed, direct competition against Mike Miller and Shawn Whipple, can actually get hardtops for them, warranty

I don't agree. S2000s are probably the most robust cars I've ever experienced. What breaks on them?

Miatas have a semi-short list of relatively cheap parts that have 'issues' but honestly nothing ever breaks on the S2000.

I disagree with this. I have been on the same miata with the same Diff ball joints axles engine tranny and everything else except brakes and an alternate since I have owned it... and I am not that nice to the car. My wheels and suspension (only upgrades I have done) are both cheaper then what I have heard s2k guys paying. The wheels I have are not considered top shelf but get the job done. only wearable Item I have compared between the two is tires and they are a lot cheaper.

I see the Miata as significantly cheaper then an s2k to run. yet probably not as fun as something with a bit more power. (would be nice if someone would let me run a semi prepped s2k). anyways I think brice is is talking about the mx-5 and not the miata.

JamesMilko · **Posted:** Tue Mar 18, 2014 9:13 pm

Also I'd imagine Bryce is looking for a new, or recently new car. Not a 5 year old ragged out sports car.

JamesShort · **Posted:** Tue Mar 18, 2014 9:30 pm

JasonWatts wrote:

JamesShort wrote:

Andrew Jonell wrote:

Smiles per hour~~

Serious: lower running cost, access to Mazdaspeed, direct competition against Mike Miller and Shawn Whipple, can actually get hardtops for them, warranty

I don't agree. S2000s are probably the most robust cars I've ever experienced. What breaks on them?

Miatas have a semi-short list of relatively cheap parts that have 'issues' but honestly nothing ever breaks on the S2000.

I disagree with this. I have been on the same miata with the same Diff ball joints axles engine tranny and everything else except brakes and an alternate since I have owned it... and I am not that nice to the car. My wheels and suspension (only upgrades I have done) are both cheaper then what I have heard STI guys paying. The wheels I have are not considered top shelf but get the job done. only wearable Item I have compared between the two is tires and they are a lot cheaper.

I see the Miata as significantly cheaper then an s2k to run. yet probably not as fun as something with a bit more power. (would be nice if someone would let me run a semi prepped s2k). anyways I think brice is is talking about the mx-5 and not the miata.

Jason, did you say anything relevant in that post?

JasonWatts · **Posted:** Tue Mar 18, 2014 9:51 pm

JamesShort wrote:

JasonWatts wrote:

JamesShort wrote:

I don't agree. S2000s are probably the most robust cars I've ever experienced. What breaks on them?

Miatas have a semi-short list of relatively cheap parts that have 'issues' but honestly nothing ever breaks on the S2000.

I disagree with this. I have been on the same miata with the same Diff ball joints axles engine tranny and everything else except brakes and an alternate since I have owned it... and I am not that nice to the car. My wheels and suspension (only upgrades I have done) are both cheaper then what I have heard STI guys paying. The wheels I have are not considered top shelf but get the job done. only wearable Item I have compared between the two is tires and they are a lot cheaper.

I see the Miata as significantly cheaper then an s2k to run. yet probably not as fun as something with a bit more power. (would be nice if someone would let me run a semi prepped s2k). anyways I think brice is is talking about the mx-5 and not the miata.

Jason, did you say anything relevant in that post?

was trying to point out I think the miata's are just as reliable as the s2k's from what I have seen. probably doesn't help that I have sti stuck in my brain and was saying sti instead of s2k in my first paragraph (fixed in original post). But since your calling me out on not being on topic, what does your discussing of an s2k have to do with mx5 vs fr-s? :thumbsup:

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