Hello all. It has recently come to my attention that ND and S2000 prices are beginning to intersect. Which one do we think is better? Why? Is it too soon to compare SCCA results? Which should I plan to spend my money on? Will you lend me money? Will you give me money?
They seem fairly closely matched on paper, with the Miata's horsepower deficit mostly made up by weighing ~400 lbs less. The Honda seems more special, coming from a brand known for front-drive econoboxes, whereas Mazda's offering is a very good evolution of a delightful car.
STR is a total ND vs S2000 knife fight right now. 76 entries at Nationals. Top ten was split between ND and S2k, with the Mazda taking the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th spots. The first non-Miata, non-S2k was an M3 that came in 39th.
They're very different cars to drive. The Miata is light and torquey. The S2k lives for revs. On the street, the Miata is more accessible fun. On the track, it would be very entertaining to try them both. I can tell you that the ND seems to be quicker on track based on me chasing other cars around.
Duke
MegaDork
9/22/17 7:10 a.m.
thatsnowinnebago said:
Hello all. It has recently come to my attention that ND and S2000 prices are beginning to intersect.
Wait, whut? A nice but not rare car that was cancelled in 2009 costs as much as a new model that's only been around for a year or two?
In reply to Feedyurhed :
My sentiment exactly. Have the transmission problems been fixed in the ND now?
Duke said:
thatsnowinnebago said:
Hello all. It has recently come to my attention that ND and S2000 prices are beginning to intersect.
Wait, whut? A nice but not rare car that was cancelled in 2009 costs as much as a new model that's only been around for a year or two?
Haha yeah. They even cost more in a few cases.
Driven5
SuperDork
9/22/17 10:00 a.m.
In my opinion:
If you're going to only put a couple thousand miles a year on it, and plan to treat it as a 'special' toy/collectible, the S2k is the way to go.
But if you're going to drive the hell out of it, and plan to treat it as an extremely entertaining appliance, the ND is the way to go.
Now, if they put the Skyactiv-X engine in the ND at the mid-cycle refresh, it'll be game over...Owning one will become a need and not just a desire.
I've spent time in both an I much prefer the ND. (autocross not considered)
The S2000 is a great car, but peaky. I also much prefer the ND's styling as the S2000's looks never really did much for me. I don't think it's aged all that well either. The ND (for me) is a much more comfortable place to spend time, without weird ergonomics, or that strange dash. I believe there is more room in an ND as well. They are both a blast to drive fast---- stock for stock, the S2000 feels more planted and stiffer---- as the ND rolls a bit and actually rides pretty softly.
The S2000 may be slightly faster, but the ND is pretty quick in it's own right. For me the only reason to get an S2000 over an ND would be that you've just always wanted one. If that's the case, follow your dream----- but you may want to drive an ND first.
Driven5
SuperDork
9/22/17 11:09 a.m.
Joe Gearin said:
For me the only reason to get an S2000 over an ND would be that you've just always wanted one. If that's the case, follow your dream----- but you may not want to drive an ND first.
FTFY....Kind of like: If you really want a C5 Z06, don't test drive a C6 Z51. 
Driven5 said:
In my opinion:
If you're going to only put a couple thousand miles a year on it, and plan to treat it as a 'special' toy/collectible, the S2k is the way to go.
But if you're going to drive the hell out of it, and plan to treat it as an extremely entertaining appliance, the ND is the way to go.
Now, if they put the Skyactiv-X engine in the ND at the mid-cycle refresh, it'll be game over...Owning one will become a need and not just a desire.
Came here to post this.
S2K values have been on the uptick for years now, or at least not declining.
clutchsmoke said:
In reply to Feedyurhed :
My sentiment exactly. Have the transmission problems been fixed in the ND now?
There's been a change to the 2017 transmissions. The internet will not consider it "fixed" until every one comes with a T56 :)
I'm going to cop out and say drive both. I lived with a 2.2L S2000 for a year--loved it--and have driven plenty of other S2000s. Great engines, great gearboxes, great handling. I found them easy to drive on track--no weird habits or anything.
The S2000 interior can feel a bit cramped, although with the ND the MX-5 again features a small interior. Does trunk space matter? Neither has a lot, though.
I’m with David. We could swing dicks about these 2 cars all day, but in the end they’re both great and it’ll come down to personal preference.
