Owned,lived with, & tracked all 3. While all are amazing vehicles & more fun than 95% of the cars on the road today, the ND wins hands down. The 86 is a great “do everything” car but if space isn’t an issue the ND does everything better. And the only thing the s2000 has it beat on is that amazing redline & phenomenal induction noise in Vtec.
S2000 is the best car in this bunch. The other two are just much newer cars. For me, even though new, the ND only has one good angle when it comes to looks - it's a pretty ugly car.
I've driven all 3 (although technically only driven the ND1 and ND2 Miata), and while they're all great choices in their own right, the Miata wins hands down. I do appreciate the charm of the S2K for being the eldest of the group yet still being widely considered a benchmark after so many years. But the Miata has gotten many things right, especially jumping from ND1 to ND2 and the apparently more improved ND3. Minus some body roll, the Miata seems like the most complete package from the driving perspective.
I have owned the same year S2K for a decade now. Even back then, it was because the S2K has that "X Factor". These days, just get a ND3 with the LSD because you can actually get it, and you can fix its stock body roll issues. It's impossible to get an S2K like mine now, I'd just learn to be happy in the ND3 if I was shopping today.
Miata 👋 Superior lightweight, great power, and easy to mod with lots of aftermarket parts if it needs more specs or styles. Interior is top-notch with a luxury touch. Plus, a overall great economy vehicle that isn't going to break the bank.
For the steering feedback in the S2000, max caster and subframe rigid collars helps the steering feel tighter and loads up reallllyy nice in the corners. On center is still pretty dead, but ive learned to get over it. The rest of the car communicates everything else so well so its easy to overlook for me imo
yea my thought too, especially with some bucket seats the car communicates so well because the chassis is so stiff for a open roadster. Also on track, i remove the power steering fuse (hehe) and the steering feels awesome =D
The miata nd2 wins every comparison against the s2k, way more steering feel, less twitchy, way lighter, way smaller, more fun, way sexier, n better interior, n it sounds better with a exhaust, n the nd3 is even better.
@@patrickbateman7122 you Brits want everything to be firmly sprung with ridiculously tight damping without considering some of the twisty roads in other parts of the world have much larger road undulations that need softer and longer travel suspension to deal with. Many of the most highly rated hot hatchbacks in the UK tend to ride like crap, like the Fiesta ST, Focus RS and those stupid fwd Nurburgring lap record chasers.
@@patrickbateman7122 theres no point of even replying to u, ur clearly a fanboy n uve already decided that w.e u own is the best thing in the world. The gr86 is just a compromised miata, its if u need the extra space but its less fun. Theres a reason why journalists whove driven every car out there n can afford edpensive cars have miatas. Even the mclaren f1 creator and koenigsegg creator both said there favorite car to drive of all time is the miata in the top gear podcast. Even jason cammisa from hagerty said the miata nd is the most fun car to drive u can buy today at ANY PRICE including supercars and 911 gt3s. N wth is ecoty? Economy car of the year? Why would a roadster win economy car of the year, its a drivers car. I been to the u.k n seen em all around the world people of all ages own them, there the number 1 selling 2 seater convertibke of all time. The reason u see some old people owning them is because they drove the early na miata first gens n just became huge miata fans n have miata clubs n drives they do ever since the first one in 1989. Theres also alot of younger people who own em. Look at miata gatherings they are the biggest ever of any car n majority of the people are young.
I owned a s2000 in 2001 brand new and it’s the only car I wish I kept. If they sold it today it would be a no brainer for me but I can’t bring myself to buy a clapped out version when I had nothing of good memories of one, so I’d have to go Miata.
Shunbun is one of my aspirational watches! Beautiful. If I can manage to swing another GS, it will be that one . I am certain it will become an all-time classic. I myself picked up a Kuoe at their Kyoto workshop during my last trip to Japan .
I've driven all four GR86, BRZ, ND Roadster (Miata in Japanese name) RF and AP1 S2000. I find the S2000 the most engaging and the most fun esp with the top down and coming at second it was the ND RF because of how light weight and great shifter feeling after the S2000. GR86 and BRZ was great car too especially if its an only car and want more storage. Ultimately I've kinda settled to go with the S2000 since I don't need a daily driver and wanted a true fun weekender.
That's kind of the general consensus I've heard. The GR86 and BRZ make the most sense as daily drivers and road trip cars, but the Miata and S2K are better options if you already have a reliable daily.
That, after 25 years since its introduction, the S2000 is still being considered, and is largely still the champion of this segment is all that needs to be said. Which alludes to why the prices continue (and will continue) to increase as time goes on. Fewer and fewer clean examples will only send those prices higher, at that. I consider myself one of the lucky few; I have driven an ND2, and LOVED it, but it didn't have that emotional "special" feeling that the S2000 did. The steering, however, was vastly better. If there is one gripe of my AP2, its that the EPS system is very lacking in feel.
Dude! You're convincing me not to sell my Laguna Blue Ap2....totally agree on your assessment of ND2 vs S2K. In many ways the ND2 is more fun in 'real world' driving.
Great comparison video, thanks. I own for almost four years, an NC-2 Miata (2012) GT. 6 speed manual. I bought it with only 30k miles, one owner. I looked for S2000, not many to be found in my area and the ones that I did find had high mileage or very expensive low mileage. I love my NC Miata, I'm glad I bought it when I did.
Personally I really like the old-school sort of climate control. If anything, I'd be even happier if the vent location dial was mechanically connected to the settings like it was in the 3rd gen Honda Fit. For a modern car, it's a very simple and barebones sort of cockpit.
do you think the GR86 steering is weird because of the steel knuckles vs. BRZ aluminum ones? the increased unsprung mass could be causing the "stickiness" or reluctance to re-center
I went from the GR86 to 3.0 Supra recently. Obviously, in most areas, the supra is superior. But I actually think the chassis dynamics and the overall architecture of the GR86 is considerably better. There is something to be said about how you feel the four wheels around you at all times and the overall connectedness of the twins. Too bad the twins sound like ass out of the box. Subaru's engine ultimately is what lets these cars down for me.
Interesting! I looked at both and wanted very much to love the GR86 because it ticks so many boxes... but the car lacked emotion at slow speeds (among traffic, where you can't go sideways!), and the engine sounds so unappealing when pushing on. Now looking at the MX-5.
@UTubeSL I think you can make the GR86 sound better by adding an intake and a good exhaust. MX-5 isn't that much better in the sound department as it sounds like nothing out of the box. But the engine and transmission combo in the miata is miles better in terms of smoothness. The other thing about the GR86 is that you can't really get sideways easily with the stock tires on the street. I remember switching to Michelin x snow tires for winter, though, and it was slides on demand. Don't think I've ever had more fun in a car. Rainy days were basically my happy time.
I'm glad that we have some reasonably priced sports cars that has it's own dedicated chassis. I wish Honda makes rwd sports cars again and Hyundai too, But... yeah.
I owned a 2003 s2000 and I love the car, it’s a great drivers car, always fun to wring out, steering transmission is top notch, best I felt in any car. The downsides was it wasn’t a great car to daily, top rattles a lot, small trunk, and it’s a hard suspension (mine was modified), definitely more of a weekend car.
I bought mine in 2022. I specifically skipped on S2K due to it being old, I wanted something long term. Miata then wasn't as good as 2024 model year, so passed on that and got BRZ. Now I am waiting for prices of used 2023 BRZ and 2024 Miata to be same then even swap, might be few years of wait. We have 2nd car and planning to get a 3rd car as well, so practicality is really not necessary.
@@jubbalandcars thanks, yep, not Miata is definitely more attractive to me. I am still going to wait a little, my car is 1.5 year old, I would swap to used 2024 Miata in few years if they depreciate faster than BRZ, right now swapping would mean spending 5-10k.
Wanted to support manufactures to keep making new fun lightweight manual cars. Voted with my wallet on a new 2020 Miata GT Manual Softtop for $4k under MRSP, out the door $31k 0% interest 72 months. Thanks to CardinaleWay Mazda Corona, CA. Hope Honda, Mazda, Toyota, and rest see there's still people who want fun cars.
Nice comparison. I was listening to the engines- GR 3:47-3:56; Miata 11:53-11:59 and; S2000 25:01-25:17. The Miata and S2000 sound similar, Miata quieter of course.
The S2000 is unbeatable, power to weight, 50/50 weight distribution, the horsepower in this case of the three is the most you can get compared to the other two, driving experience overall go S2K. You want a car that’s “easy to drive” get a Miata or the new GR86, which both were refined in the image of the S2000. Not knocking either of the two because they’re like the unspoken brothers of the S2K, and the Miata along with the 86 historically have their own accolades that their fans should be proud of but there’s also a reason why years later the S2K is still revered and loved as much as it is. Like what you like people 🙌🏼 it’s all love here anyway
I luv the red paint on the interior of the door of the Mazda. Has an old school vibe. Looks slick but might be hot in the summer time here in Texas. Don't put your arm on the door. Honda S2000 for me.
Did you mess with the throttle tuning on your GR86 at all? The throttle mapping is so aggressive; and while I'm trying to, I'm not sure if I'll grow to appreciate it.
I actually used a Tactrix cable to go in and edit the drive by wire throttle tables on my 2017 86. Not for everyone, but I feel the throttle is much more linear now.
Very nice vidéo, the analyse and way to present your feeling, very accurate, congratulation. Over all this 3 light sport cars are RVDM (Real Visceral Driving Machine) and I love the 3. From Europe I have a S2000 AP1 Série 2 (2006) , an AP1 with AP2 body/design, with the 9000 rpm/min, no ESP and still the direct throttle cable. For me the best of the 2 words (AP1 vs AP2) To answer your question, for a toy car, for the emotion and considering the roads in France (I have already daily and modern cars + vintage from the '70 cars) the S2000 is my current choice, nevertheless with the area restriction/pollution contraintes I am checking the opportunity for a ND3 with the 2 l. engine /184 cv and the LSD.
The STI Short Shifter really does improve the shifter on the 86/BRZ. I have not noticed that steering issue on my '23 BRZ, will have to pay closer attention to see if I notice it. The Miata was not an option really for me due to my height. I just can't get comfortable in it.
The Miata was always supposed to be a fun simple car to daily or hoon around if you wanted to. It was the inexpensive British Roadster that truly worked. It was always the answer. It's also amazing to take on cross-country road trips. The S2K was a track focused street car that had an awesome power curve and superb handling, but it was more expensive and hard to buy at first. It can be a daily, but it also isn't as comfortable for long road trips as a Miata.
I wish the miata had the looks and mod options of the gr86. I want one of the 2 as a second car someday and mods would get the gr86 aesthetically to what I want but the interior is lacking so much that I have in my current car. The GR86 desperately needs a tech package especially for those who want more features in a car they might use daily.
This may be a bit of an odd opinion, the OG BRZ is the best of these 3. While the engine isn't as great as the others here and is a stepdown from the new gen GT86. The steering, chassis, throttle response, even the stock brakes are really top notch on the OG BRZ. The engine is still plenty passable but much like the new one, its painful to rev out. IMO the first gen BRZ was their best, they oddly took the fun out of the new gen.
I disagree. The engine is very much lacking, the transmission isn't as good as any of these (even 2nd gen better than first for trans), brakes are largely the same between the two. It does have good throttle response. Chassis limited
I owned a first gen BRZ for 40k miles and currently have an ND2 Club BBS pack The only thing better about the BRZ from a driving perspective was the steering/steering feel and less body roll. Absolutely everything else is worse and by a significant margin. It’s one of the most overhyped cars IMO… Shifter is worse, the throttle tuning is awful, the clutch feel is terrible and the catch point is odd. Even with the helper spring removed. The pedal spacing isn’t great, it’s harder to heel toe. (Super easy on the ND) The engine is an absolute dog, has no character, and feels awful to rev out. I cooked the stock brakes on a canyon drive without pushing all that hard with 245 PSS tires. The stock pads are terrible. There’s also a ton of drivetrain slop, the diff and engine mounts are too soft and you get a lot of rocking back and forth at low speeds in 1st & 2nd. The BRZ doesn’t have enough suspension travel, it gets easily upset over bumps in stock form. Lowering springs, some bumpstops, and an alignment solve most of the body roll and drastically improve the handling and feel on the ND2. It’s an easy cheap fix without any real consequences. The ride quality is basically the same if not better as the shocks are over damped a bit. The only real glaring issue with the NDs is the transmission can be fragile and it still hasn’t been solved. Otherwise it’s nearly a perfect car. Especially with a few mods. Exhaust, sound tube mod, lowering springs, bumpstops, subframe braces, and an alignment and it’s about as good as a street car can get.
Cool comparison! Had a first gen. FR-S now I’m on my second ND2 Miata had a 2019 sport for 3 years . Regretted selling it so I found a leftover 2023 Grand touring for about the price of that 86. Definitely a smoother engine at higher RPM’s my FR-S sounded like you were killing it. A UEL header and Borla exhaust did help a lot. I know the new 86 performs better but I like the looks of the first gen. more. FR-S was flatter in the turns , Miata felt a little squirrelly at first in comparison but you get used to it. May add sway bars eventually but right now I’m really enjoying the smoother ride compared to the lowered Fiesta ST I traded in for it! Practical, no! But pure classic 2 seat convertible sports car. Perfect car for me, everything I need , nothing I don’t. Had to get one more new one before they ruin it by going hybrid or something.
I have been behind the wheel of my 2024 GR86 Trueno edition MT for a month now, and my initial impressions are mixed. The steering feels somewhat numb (could be due to the soft tire wall of the ps4 tires?) and the suspension are too soft for spirited canyon driving. When it comes to driving enjoyment, my ranking for cars in stock form are: 1)981 GT4 MT, 2)991 GTS 3)991.2 GTS, 4)981 GTS, 5)2001 S2000, 6)2011 ISF(LSD), 7)2013 M3 E92, 8) 2013 BRZ 9)2024 GR86 Trueno MT, and 10) Miata NC MT.
Just the fact that the s2000 is in this modern comparison just tells you a lot about how good it was and still is. No one is comparing these to a 2004 Miata 😂
You forgot the s2k cost way more than a miata for the fun reason lol in today's market had they still continued the s2k prices of it will be be around 50-60k maybe around the new Toyota supra price range
"The brakes have never been a strength of the S2000." They're incredible. Bleed them and throw some different pads on. I can activate ABS at any speed with RE71Rs and they only fade after some intense track use.
Any brakes can overwhelm the tires, even in a non enthusiast vehicle. Good brakes have the capacity not only for great feel but for continued lapping and heat. Once you’re fast enough on track you’re tossing rotors every 2-3 track days on stock setup
I also moved my apartment in the BRZ, fitted TWO bicycles into it, went on a 5000km roadtrip for 2 weeks...no problem at all. But to be honest, it was a bit of a compromis moving an apartment...going on and on like 5 times just to move a bedroom is bad😂
@@dielaughing73Good point. With slightly sub-optimal seat-back position, I just fit comfortably with a helmet in my GR86. I don’t fit at all in an RF, sans helmet.
Love the S2000s, I didn't detect any bias from you at all! (hehehehe) (fun-packed exhilarating drives), the short-gear shift is incomparable. The steering on these are typically tight, direct and precise - the vehicle that you are testing probably needs servicing. AP2 in my opinion is defo better in handling, performance, acceleration and 'roar'!
I wish I could like any of these more, but I keep buying other things. I bought a RX8 over the S2000 and FT86. I bought an old Z4 over the Miata. And I bought a RX8 again over the S2000 and GR86. At the end of the day, there's reasons to buy any one of these. I'd also toss in the Solstice GXP/Sky Redline as they're around the same price point and can very readily be much higher power than any of these. Every car has a reason to buy. For me, I found the Z4 to be a mature Miata, a Miata for grown ups, with more room, more elegance, more power, smoother, more refined, etc. And I found the RX8 a more interesting package overall with more character and soul. Both of these are also less compromised than any of the others. The FT86 is getting pretty cheap and is a great tuning platform. The GR86 is a great refinement of the platform and a good step up. It's just new and expensive right now. The S2000 feels like a purpose built tool for sport driving, but it's a much less pleasant place to be for everything else. If you were only racing it, the S2000 is a great package. The S2000 and Miata are more serious cars for racing applications than the FT86 and GR86. They are both more prepped stock to deal with actually racing them. The Solstice/Sky in their turbo versions are powerful cars. All they really need is a tune to have real punchy midrange and good total power. You're not going to get a faster straight line package among the group. The Miata is a great evolution of the platform and is a wonderful total package. It's finally less a toy of the NA and NB and far more premium than the NC. It's a lovely car. But I still bought a RX8. It's the Miata suspension with the S2000 engine in a more livable GT car that seats 4 actual full size adults and has a good size truck too. And I bought a Z4 (E85 in my case) because it's a wonderful summer cruiser, smooth, premium, and for its diminutive size, is quite roomy inside, remarkably so. It's just a nicer Miata in many ways and one where most people will actually fit. I do autocross and rallycross, so I get to go back and drive various other car through the years. I've driven the GR86 back to back with my RX8. I've driven the FT86, S2000, Solstice, and on that day a moderately built Evo running ethanol, along with driving my RX8 (it was an open testing event). The more stuff I drive and more I drive many things back to back, I find I keep liking the same stuff over most other things. Personal preference? Yeah, of course. But there are certain things that stand out that feel special. And there are certain things that feel special that are also enjoyable every day, every drive, for years. Some are mutually inclusive.
As they say in the s2000 you don’t drive with your hands but with your butt. Steering and brakes are the big letdown on the Ski (I own an 04 AP2), but the engine, chassis, suspension and shifter makes up for it. I would love to drive an ND2 and a GR86 back to back to compare. If anyone is in the SF bay and wants to get seat time to compare across all three msg me!
Ehh.. it would absolutely dust these cars off. Plus it being German AND a higher performance car, it might feel more muted or less thrilling simply because the limits are higher.
The S2K has superior suspension setup with double wishbone all around. That alone puts it above the other 2 cars on steering feel and body roll reduction. Macpherson struts are used as a cost savings method to keep the car affordable and cheaper to repair/replace. I would say the ND3 is a better daily driver. The clutch activates really early, and it has more power on the low RPM range. I am 5'4 so the ND3 fits me like a glove where the S2000 feels too roomy for me.
In my honest opinion, these reviews should include a similarly priced boxter. You can get a 2010 and still have 10k in the bank for repairs. Never driven one, but it's honestly a comparable here.
Regarding the ND3 Miata, thank God it doesn’t have digital climate control. Real knobs and buttons all the way, so when the screen glitches, or if it eventually dies, you can still adjust everything!
It's unfair to judge the Toyota and Mazda against the Honda. You can't buy a new Honda s2000. Don't you think that Honda would build a new s2000, if they could compete with the other two? I don't believe Honda can build the car that has the same quality and performance for a price that would compete.Toyota competes because it just builds a 2 door car with minimal signifance. Mazda however a genuine sports car that handles and cruises like a sport car should. I have an ND1 and am tickled pink with the car. I have family that lives in the back hills of NPa and getting there these dayes seems like there are no cops policing the roads I take. I can travel the straight streaches at 100mph and the Miata is rock solid.
Which platform is best for beginner dedicated track car? To learn driving dynamics and develop as a driver. I have a s2000, but I think it’s gonna cost a lot more to track a lot than a Miata.
I have a Miata and I love it especially after a test drive a Mustang ecoboost and I realized Mustang is a stupid car. But man this 180hp on Miata is not enough. This car can handle 350hp easily
I’ve always loved S2000s, but the reality is they’re just too old now. I wanted new car reliability and that’s why there’s a Miata in my garage. The 86 is a great car but compared with the Mazda and Honda it’s not a true sports car. It’s the choice for people who need a daily driver. Also how can you argue with the phenomenal Soul Red paint? This is the first car I’ve ever owned where people literally stop me to comment about the paint job.
S2000 isnt as fun for me. Back in the day I ended up with an E46M3 vs new S2000 CR. I never liked the S2000 steering and snappy handling. The GR86 performance pack would be my second choice. I love the 86, a modern day 944. Very fun and easy to oversteer and supple suspension. Jubbal, you said it well with chassis dynamics and agreed the steering has poor return to center and I was surprised by lack of road feel. ND3 with some MCS or B16 coilovers and race exhaust would be my jam
I remember my AP2 S2000. I had to turn off the air conditioning every time I wanted to GO in hot muggy Houston. And always having HP Envy of domestic cars. Now I drive Corvette Z06s and have none of those issues. Maybe only Envy the Flame shooting out of Lambos and McLaurens. Which a C8 ZR1 will fix.
After watching this video and hearing the audio for the conclusion area I then realized that talking about the conclusion in the S2000 was a mistake due to the sound LOL
I've driven all 3 even though my Miata 2.0 ND Sport that I've had for 2 years is an ND1, the Miata 2.0 ND wins hands down, by the way, this one being tested is not the Sport which has blistein shock absorbers and a larger anti-roll bar mechanical self-locking differential Recaro sports seats, do one thing put the cars on the bridge and look at them from below, the Miata ND is all aluminum seen from below it is more like a Porsche, while the other 2 above the bridge and seen from below are very normal cars, the Honda S2000 is dead up to 5000 rpm, it doesn't pull on the track, you can ignore this defect by keeping the car revved but in the city it's a big problem, plus keeping the car always revved isn't good the car puts too much stress on the various components as well as significantly increasing consumption, the Gr 86 with the increase in displacement has solved the chronic problems that the BRZ and the GT86 had, I had a BRZ for 2 years and I can easily say that the The Miata is superior in everything, I have only tried the GR 86 once so I don't have the expertise to say whether it is better or worse but hearing that you have driven both everyone prefers the Miata 2.0 ND starting from the engine always ready from 0 to 7600 RPM consumption is excellent as it is naturally aspirated, it doesn't take much to give it a really nice sound, Miata is always the answer
@@binskee677 I drove two S2000s but always short laps, a completely original one I drove on the road and a modified track one that I tried on the track, excellent gearbox, nice line, nice sound, engine that pulls like a beast but up to 5000 rpm it is too subdued, in on the track you can ignore this flaw but on the road it's a completely different matter given that you can hardly walk at high revs, in my opinion it's a great car but the 20-odd years of difference compared to the Miata 2.0 ND you can all hear them, plus the Miata is better made just look at them from underneath the Miata is all aluminum it has fantastic suspensions high quadrilateral and multilink the S2000 doesn't, one thing is for sure we need more cars like the Miata the S2000 BRZ GR 86 etc
S2k hands down, I just got back from driving 75 miles running errands in my 10th anniversary GR86. I should have brought out my S2k from the garage. I've never driven a Miata, I can't bring myself to invest in one after all the jokes I've heard and made over my 15 years of being in the car game. Like you've said in a previous video with an S2k.. it's visceral and raw. These new cars are a joke, they are too smooth and refined. Every time I take out the 86, I like it less and love the S2K even more.
@@jubbalandcars I'd drive one no doubt, but I wouldn't own one. I know there are better cars on paper but man after driving a s2k years ago, nothing compares lol I've been Honda all my life
@@abcwarrior91hey man, it's just an opinion. Of course I've driven other cars besides Honda but I just don't feel like any other car is better for the money.
@abcwarrior91 well, the 100k miles s2000 is still being compared to brand new cars 20 years later. So yeah, s2000 is the greatest and if it was new without wear and tear like the others, it would be even better.
You didn’t mention anything about looks. I know it’s subjective but can we all agree the S2000 kills the other two in that category? It’s not even close.
Missing the biggest gripe of s2000 ownership for street driving and its long gearing. If f20/22 had Miata gearing it would be superior. Miata has gearing and more steering feel.
Why get a s2k ( my favorite car of them all) but why get a 20 years old car if you can get the newest nd3 with warranty and almost s2k price , peoples never owned cars will never knows of headaches dealing with older cars with mechanic working on it unless you know a very well one. If s2k comes out right with same style and newer features will out sold all of them.
The S2000 loses on the 'used car" criteria like you mentioned. And those in good condition are starting to get really pricey as well. On top of that, there are rumors, from Honda itself, of an S2000 successor by the end of the decade. Given that the Honda's current enthusiast car is the Type R, a lot of the tech will be borrowed from that car. So, in essence, a mini Type R. Yeah baby! Sticking with the Miata for now.
you bring up everything but styling here! sure the gr86/brz may be most people’s least favorite in driving mechanics, but it is by far the best looking of the three. that miata just looks so ugly and the s2000 is sleek “for its time” gr86/brz clears in aesthetics for me
Owned,lived with, & tracked all 3. While all are amazing vehicles & more fun than 95% of the cars on the road today, the ND wins hands down. The 86 is a great “do everything” car but if space isn’t an issue the ND does everything better. And the only thing the s2000 has it beat on is that amazing redline & phenomenal induction noise in Vtec.
S2K is the easy winner.
S2000 is the best car in this bunch. The other two are just much newer cars. For me, even though new, the ND only has one good angle when it comes to looks - it's a pretty ugly car.
@@damuhongmaldita I agree. The rear end is hideous.
I've driven all 3 (although technically only driven the ND1 and ND2 Miata), and while they're all great choices in their own right, the Miata wins hands down. I do appreciate the charm of the S2K for being the eldest of the group yet still being widely considered a benchmark after so many years. But the Miata has gotten many things right, especially jumping from ND1 to ND2 and the apparently more improved ND3. Minus some body roll, the Miata seems like the most complete package from the driving perspective.
Def the most well rounded vehicle of the 3. No doubt
Nah the Miata sucks
S2K is the easy winner.
I have owned the same year S2K for a decade now. Even back then, it was because the S2K has that "X Factor". These days, just get a ND3 with the LSD because you can actually get it, and you can fix its stock body roll issues. It's impossible to get an S2K like mine now, I'd just learn to be happy in the ND3 if I was shopping today.
Miata 👋 Superior lightweight, great power, and easy to mod with lots of aftermarket parts if it needs more specs or styles. Interior is top-notch with a luxury touch. Plus, a overall great economy vehicle that isn't going to break the bank.
Super light, excellent modern interior, and welll rounded. Hard not to love
Lacks rigidity
@@65hi863dhyu nd3 says otherwise
@@le0redd104 nope. Lacks rigidity. Coupe/rigidity/precision > vanity drop top and body flex.
@@65hi863dhyu This is also why the S2000 is special. it's a convertible but rigid as well. Quite an accomplishment when it was first released.
For the steering feedback in the S2000, max caster and subframe rigid collars helps the steering feel tighter and loads up reallllyy nice in the corners.
On center is still pretty dead, but ive learned to get over it. The rest of the car communicates everything else so well so its easy to overlook for me imo
yea my thought too, especially with some bucket seats the car communicates so well because the chassis is so stiff for a open roadster. Also on track, i remove the power steering fuse (hehe) and the steering feels awesome =D
Let me guess before watching that s2k wins 🤣
The miata nd2 wins every comparison against the s2k, way more steering feel, less twitchy, way lighter, way smaller, more fun, way sexier, n better interior, n it sounds better with a exhaust, n the nd3 is even better.
@@Sideways_Singh GR86 got 2nd place in ECOTY, funny no mention of NDs as drivers cars. Here in the uk they're driven by old people..
@@patrickbateman7122 you Brits want everything to be firmly sprung with ridiculously tight damping without considering some of the twisty roads in other parts of the world have much larger road undulations that need softer and longer travel suspension to deal with. Many of the most highly rated hot hatchbacks in the UK tend to ride like crap, like the Fiesta ST, Focus RS and those stupid fwd Nurburgring lap record chasers.
@@Sideways_Singhthey're some great exhaust for the s2000 but must be picky
@@patrickbateman7122 theres no point of even replying to u, ur clearly a fanboy n uve already decided that w.e u own is the best thing in the world. The gr86 is just a compromised miata, its if u need the extra space but its less fun. Theres a reason why journalists whove driven every car out there n can afford edpensive cars have miatas. Even the mclaren f1 creator and koenigsegg creator both said there favorite car to drive of all time is the miata in the top gear podcast. Even jason cammisa from hagerty said the miata nd is the most fun car to drive u can buy today at ANY PRICE including supercars and 911 gt3s. N wth is ecoty? Economy car of the year? Why would a roadster win economy car of the year, its a drivers car. I been to the u.k n seen em all around the world people of all ages own them, there the number 1 selling 2 seater convertibke of all time. The reason u see some old people owning them is because they drove the early na miata first gens n just became huge miata fans n have miata clubs n drives they do ever since the first one in 1989. Theres also alot of younger people who own em. Look at miata gatherings they are the biggest ever of any car n majority of the people are young.
I owned a s2000 in 2001 brand new and it’s the only car I wish I kept. If they sold it today it would be a no brainer for me but I can’t bring myself to buy a clapped out version when I had nothing of good memories of one, so I’d have to go Miata.
Totally makes sense 👍🏼
You can easily find nice examples.
@@z32luvrfor $35k
Shunbun is one of my aspirational watches! Beautiful. If I can manage to swing another GS, it will be that one . I am certain it will become an all-time classic.
I myself picked up a Kuoe at their Kyoto workshop during my last trip to Japan .
I’m looking at getting a Kuoe later this year when I go back. Kyoto is my fav city and want a watch made there
@@jubbalandcars
Fantastic. considering how well priced those watches are , it’s a pretty cool and special experience to visit them.
I've driven all four GR86, BRZ, ND Roadster (Miata in Japanese name) RF and AP1 S2000. I find the S2000 the most engaging and the most fun esp with the top down and coming at second it was the ND RF because of how light weight and great shifter feeling after the S2000. GR86 and BRZ was great car too especially if its an only car and want more storage. Ultimately I've kinda settled to go with the S2000 since I don't need a daily driver and wanted a true fun weekender.
That's kind of the general consensus I've heard. The GR86 and BRZ make the most sense as daily drivers and road trip cars, but the Miata and S2K are better options if you already have a reliable daily.
Agreed
What a great conclusion!
That, after 25 years since its introduction, the S2000 is still being considered, and is largely still the champion of this segment is all that needs to be said. Which alludes to why the prices continue (and will continue) to increase as time goes on. Fewer and fewer clean examples will only send those prices higher, at that. I consider myself one of the lucky few; I have driven an ND2, and LOVED it, but it didn't have that emotional "special" feeling that the S2000 did. The steering, however, was vastly better. If there is one gripe of my AP2, its that the EPS system is very lacking in feel.
Dude! You're convincing me not to sell my Laguna Blue Ap2....totally agree on your assessment of ND2 vs S2K. In many ways the ND2 is more fun in 'real world' driving.
Great comparison video, thanks. I own for almost four years, an NC-2 Miata (2012) GT. 6 speed manual. I bought it with only 30k miles, one owner. I looked for S2000, not many to be found in my area and the ones that I did find had high mileage or very expensive low mileage. I love my NC Miata, I'm glad I bought it when I did.
I’ve driven 1 NC and I loved it. Need to get behind the wheel again. Hydraulic steering 🤤
Tophers and Tedwards keep cloning themselves and I'm here for it!
I would love all three but my heart is set on saving up for an Alfa 4C.
Subbed!
Daddy toph was ahead of his time 🫡
I look for videos everyday from all 3!
Love the gorgeous legendary Honda S2000
😍
I'll take the one with the motorsports inspired engine. The one that needed Ferrari to dethrone it's per liter na output record.
Which car would that be?
Just ricer math
@@emmanuelgutierrez8725 S2K
Own a ND2 and honestly have never even thought about a digital climate display. Such a random thing to point out lmao
What he meant was automatic climate control
Personally I really like the old-school sort of climate control. If anything, I'd be even happier if the vent location dial was mechanically connected to the settings like it was in the 3rd gen Honda Fit. For a modern car, it's a very simple and barebones sort of cockpit.
🥲
@@TT92348the grand touring Miata does have auto climate control - just no digital temp setting or little screen.
do you think the GR86 steering is weird because of the steel knuckles vs. BRZ aluminum ones? the increased unsprung mass could be causing the "stickiness" or reluctance to re-center
Both GR86 and BRZ exhibit it. I think it’s a some combination of low caster, friction, and EPAS tuning
@@jubbalandcarshow adjustable is the geo on those cars from stock?
I went from the GR86 to 3.0 Supra recently. Obviously, in most areas, the supra is superior. But I actually think the chassis dynamics and the overall architecture of the GR86 is considerably better. There is something to be said about how you feel the four wheels around you at all times and the overall connectedness of the twins. Too bad the twins sound like ass out of the box. Subaru's engine ultimately is what lets these cars down for me.
Interesting! I looked at both and wanted very much to love the GR86 because it ticks so many boxes... but the car lacked emotion at slow speeds (among traffic, where you can't go sideways!), and the engine sounds so unappealing when pushing on. Now looking at the MX-5.
@UTubeSL I think you can make the GR86 sound better by adding an intake and a good exhaust. MX-5 isn't that much better in the sound department as it sounds like nothing out of the box. But the engine and transmission combo in the miata is miles better in terms of smoothness. The other thing about the GR86 is that you can't really get sideways easily with the stock tires on the street. I remember switching to Michelin x snow tires for winter, though, and it was slides on demand. Don't think I've ever had more fun in a car. Rainy days were basically my happy time.
@@milesfathii just bought a 2024 GR86 and yes rainy days are the best. Regardless I love the car even with the subbie engine
I'm glad that we have some reasonably priced sports cars that has it's own dedicated chassis.
I wish Honda makes rwd sports cars again and Hyundai too, But... yeah.
Absolutely
I owned a 2003 s2000 and I love the car, it’s a great drivers car, always fun to wring out, steering transmission is top notch, best I felt in any car. The downsides was it wasn’t a great car to daily, top rattles a lot, small trunk, and it’s a hard suspension (mine was modified), definitely more of a weekend car.
I have a Laguna Blue AP2 parked out front right now, Im debating selling it...this video may have convinced me to keep it.
Love the GR86! I can get an amp and guitar in the trunk and still have a buddy up front. Killer fun car. Shifts like butter. Flawless victory
Any chance that road gets refreshed in my lifetime?? Sure needs it.
Fr
I bought mine in 2022. I specifically skipped on S2K due to it being old, I wanted something long term. Miata then wasn't as good as 2024 model year, so passed on that and got BRZ. Now I am waiting for prices of used 2023 BRZ and 2024 Miata to be same then even swap, might be few years of wait. We have 2nd car and planning to get a 3rd car as well, so practicality is really not necessary.
BRZ/86 is a great platform but if you have other vehicles in the garage I would also go for something that’s a more focused sports car like the Miata
@@jubbalandcars thanks, yep, not Miata is definitely more attractive to me. I am still going to wait a little, my car is 1.5 year old, I would swap to used 2024 Miata in few years if they depreciate faster than BRZ, right now swapping would mean spending 5-10k.
Miata 100%, and I have a 2024 BRZ tS in the garage
Wanted to support manufactures to keep making new fun lightweight manual cars. Voted with my wallet on a new 2020 Miata GT Manual Softtop for $4k under MRSP, out the door $31k 0% interest 72 months. Thanks to CardinaleWay Mazda Corona, CA.
Hope Honda, Mazda, Toyota, and rest see there's still people who want fun cars.
I miss those low interest days
s2000 for me.
You and me both
Nice comparison. I was listening to the engines- GR 3:47-3:56; Miata 11:53-11:59 and; S2000 25:01-25:17. The Miata and S2000 sound similar, Miata quieter of course.
I love the rawness of S2k
The S2000 is unbeatable, power to weight, 50/50 weight distribution, the horsepower in this case of the three is the most you can get compared to the other two, driving experience overall go S2K. You want a car that’s “easy to drive” get a Miata or the new GR86, which both were refined in the image of the S2000. Not knocking either of the two because they’re like the unspoken brothers of the S2K, and the Miata along with the 86 historically have their own accolades that their fans should be proud of but there’s also a reason why years later the S2K is still revered and loved as much as it is. Like what you like people 🙌🏼 it’s all love here anyway
I luv the red paint on the interior of the door of the Mazda. Has an old school vibe. Looks slick but might be hot in the summer time here in Texas. Don't put your arm on the door. Honda S2000 for me.
Did you mess with the throttle tuning on your GR86 at all? The throttle mapping is so aggressive; and while I'm trying to, I'm not sure if I'll grow to appreciate it.
I didn’t I just got used to it. Some recommend pedal commander. I think BRZ tip in is even more on off if I recall correctly
I actually used a Tactrix cable to go in and edit the drive by wire throttle tables on my 2017 86. Not for everyone, but I feel the throttle is much more linear now.
@@jubbalandcars The BRZ throttle mapping is more linear. IIRC, the GR86 is 100% throttle demand at 40% pedal position. For the BRZ it's closer to 100.
Sick watch
The GS Shunbun 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 freaking beautiful.
Just picked up my GR86 in white
Congrats!
Very nice vidéo, the analyse and way to present your feeling, very accurate, congratulation. Over all this 3 light sport cars are RVDM (Real Visceral Driving Machine) and I love the 3.
From Europe I have a S2000 AP1 Série 2 (2006) , an AP1 with AP2 body/design, with the 9000 rpm/min, no ESP and still the direct throttle cable. For me the best of the 2 words (AP1 vs AP2)
To answer your question, for a toy car, for the emotion and considering the roads in France (I have already daily and modern cars + vintage from the '70 cars) the S2000 is my current choice, nevertheless with the area restriction/pollution contraintes I am checking the opportunity for a ND3 with the 2 l. engine /184 cv and the LSD.
Is the soft top or hard top the preferred model for the nd3?
soft top
The STI Short Shifter really does improve the shifter on the 86/BRZ. I have not noticed that steering issue on my '23 BRZ, will have to pay closer attention to see if I notice it. The Miata was not an option really for me due to my height. I just can't get comfortable in it.
Crazy how it took the Miata so much years of being manufactured to finally be above the s2000 as a car.
The Miata was always supposed to be a fun simple car to daily or hoon around if you wanted to. It was the inexpensive British Roadster that truly worked. It was always the answer. It's also amazing to take on cross-country road trips.
The S2K was a track focused street car that had an awesome power curve and superb handling, but it was more expensive and hard to buy at first. It can be a daily, but it also isn't as comfortable for long road trips as a Miata.
I wish the miata had the looks and mod options of the gr86. I want one of the 2 as a second car someday and mods would get the gr86 aesthetically to what I want but the interior is lacking so much that I have in my current car. The GR86 desperately needs a tech package especially for those who want more features in a car they might use daily.
It's because of the "torque vectoring" makes it so you have effectively more toe in without compromized geometry at the expense of feel.
Which had better steering feel between the ND3 and your FRS? I’m also big on steering feel.
I haven’t driven a FRS in a long time. It has much heavier steering than the Miata
This may be a bit of an odd opinion, the OG BRZ is the best of these 3. While the engine isn't as great as the others here and is a stepdown from the new gen GT86. The steering, chassis, throttle response, even the stock brakes are really top notch on the OG BRZ. The engine is still plenty passable but much like the new one, its painful to rev out. IMO the first gen BRZ was their best, they oddly took the fun out of the new gen.
I disagree. The engine is very much lacking, the transmission isn't as good as any of these (even 2nd gen better than first for trans), brakes are largely the same between the two. It does have good throttle response. Chassis limited
I owned a first gen BRZ for 40k miles and currently have an ND2 Club BBS pack
The only thing better about the BRZ from a driving perspective was the steering/steering feel and less body roll.
Absolutely everything else is worse and by a significant margin. It’s one of the most overhyped cars IMO…
Shifter is worse, the throttle tuning is awful, the clutch feel is terrible and the catch point is odd. Even with the helper spring removed. The pedal spacing isn’t great, it’s harder to heel toe. (Super easy on the ND) The engine is an absolute dog, has no character, and feels awful to rev out. I cooked the stock brakes on a canyon drive without pushing all that hard with 245 PSS tires. The stock pads are terrible. There’s also a ton of drivetrain slop, the diff and engine mounts are too soft and you get a lot of rocking back and forth at low speeds in 1st & 2nd. The BRZ doesn’t have enough suspension travel, it gets easily upset over bumps in stock form.
Lowering springs, some bumpstops, and an alignment solve most of the body roll and drastically improve the handling and feel on the ND2. It’s an easy cheap fix without any real consequences. The ride quality is basically the same if not better as the shocks are over damped a bit.
The only real glaring issue with the NDs is the transmission can be fragile and it still hasn’t been solved. Otherwise it’s nearly a perfect car. Especially with a few mods. Exhaust, sound tube mod, lowering springs, bumpstops, subframe braces, and an alignment and it’s about as good as a street car can get.
Cool comparison!
Had a first gen. FR-S now I’m on my second ND2 Miata had a 2019 sport for 3 years . Regretted selling it so I found a leftover 2023 Grand touring for about the price of that 86. Definitely a smoother engine at higher RPM’s my FR-S sounded like you were killing it. A UEL header and Borla exhaust did help a lot. I know the new 86 performs better but I like the looks of the first gen. more.
FR-S was flatter in the turns , Miata felt a little squirrelly at first in comparison but you get used to it. May add sway bars eventually but right now I’m really enjoying the smoother ride compared to the lowered Fiesta ST I traded in for it!
Practical, no! But pure classic 2 seat convertible sports car. Perfect car for me, everything I need , nothing I don’t.
Had to get one more new one before they ruin it by going hybrid or something.
Nice enjoy the Miata! I think swaybars would do a lot of good
I have been behind the wheel of my 2024 GR86 Trueno edition MT for a month now, and my initial impressions are mixed. The steering feels somewhat numb (could be due to the soft tire wall of the ps4 tires?) and the suspension are too soft for spirited canyon driving. When it comes to driving enjoyment, my ranking for cars in stock form are: 1)981 GT4 MT, 2)991 GTS 3)991.2 GTS, 4)981 GTS, 5)2001 S2000, 6)2011 ISF(LSD), 7)2013 M3 E92, 8) 2013 BRZ 9)2024 GR86 Trueno MT, and 10) Miata NC MT.
Check out my JCDI linked in description. I rank many of those cars as well, but a but differently
@@jubbalandcars I will check that out. Thanks for all the great videos!
Just the fact that the s2000 is in this modern comparison just tells you a lot about how good it was and still is. No one is comparing these to a 2004 Miata 😂
You forgot the s2k cost way more than a miata for the fun reason lol in today's market had they still continued the s2k prices of it will be be around 50-60k maybe around the new Toyota supra price range
"The brakes have never been a strength of the S2000." They're incredible. Bleed them and throw some different pads on. I can activate ABS at any speed with RE71Rs and they only fade after some intense track use.
Any brakes can overwhelm the tires, even in a non enthusiast vehicle. Good brakes have the capacity not only for great feel but for continued lapping and heat. Once you’re fast enough on track you’re tossing rotors every 2-3 track days on stock setup
I also moved my apartment in the BRZ, fitted TWO bicycles into it, went on a 5000km roadtrip for 2 weeks...no problem at all. But to be honest, it was a bit of a compromis moving an apartment...going on and on like 5 times just to move a bedroom is bad😂
May I ask how long you are? I’m 6’ foot with pretty long legs so I’m worried I won’t fit properly in that miata 😬
The aftermarket has you covered with lower seat brackets now. -a 6’4” guy.
6’1” with 34 inseam so also longer legs
If your torso is short you'll fit OK. Make sure you test with a helmet before buying if that's important to you
@@dielaughing73Good point. With slightly sub-optimal seat-back position, I just fit comfortably with a helmet in my GR86. I don’t fit at all in an RF, sans helmet.
Love the S2000s, I didn't detect any bias from you at all! (hehehehe)
(fun-packed exhilarating drives), the short-gear shift is incomparable. The steering on these are typically tight, direct and precise - the vehicle that you are testing probably needs servicing. AP2 in my opinion is defo better in handling, performance, acceleration and 'roar'!
I wish I could like any of these more, but I keep buying other things. I bought a RX8 over the S2000 and FT86. I bought an old Z4 over the Miata. And I bought a RX8 again over the S2000 and GR86. At the end of the day, there's reasons to buy any one of these. I'd also toss in the Solstice GXP/Sky Redline as they're around the same price point and can very readily be much higher power than any of these. Every car has a reason to buy. For me, I found the Z4 to be a mature Miata, a Miata for grown ups, with more room, more elegance, more power, smoother, more refined, etc. And I found the RX8 a more interesting package overall with more character and soul. Both of these are also less compromised than any of the others. The FT86 is getting pretty cheap and is a great tuning platform. The GR86 is a great refinement of the platform and a good step up. It's just new and expensive right now. The S2000 feels like a purpose built tool for sport driving, but it's a much less pleasant place to be for everything else. If you were only racing it, the S2000 is a great package. The S2000 and Miata are more serious cars for racing applications than the FT86 and GR86. They are both more prepped stock to deal with actually racing them. The Solstice/Sky in their turbo versions are powerful cars. All they really need is a tune to have real punchy midrange and good total power. You're not going to get a faster straight line package among the group. The Miata is a great evolution of the platform and is a wonderful total package. It's finally less a toy of the NA and NB and far more premium than the NC. It's a lovely car. But I still bought a RX8. It's the Miata suspension with the S2000 engine in a more livable GT car that seats 4 actual full size adults and has a good size truck too. And I bought a Z4 (E85 in my case) because it's a wonderful summer cruiser, smooth, premium, and for its diminutive size, is quite roomy inside, remarkably so. It's just a nicer Miata in many ways and one where most people will actually fit. I do autocross and rallycross, so I get to go back and drive various other car through the years. I've driven the GR86 back to back with my RX8. I've driven the FT86, S2000, Solstice, and on that day a moderately built Evo running ethanol, along with driving my RX8 (it was an open testing event). The more stuff I drive and more I drive many things back to back, I find I keep liking the same stuff over most other things. Personal preference? Yeah, of course. But there are certain things that stand out that feel special. And there are certain things that feel special that are also enjoyable every day, every drive, for years. Some are mutually inclusive.
As they say in the s2000 you don’t drive with your hands but with your butt. Steering and brakes are the big letdown on the Ski (I own an 04 AP2), but the engine, chassis, suspension and shifter makes up for it. I would love to drive an ND2 and a GR86 back to back to compare. If anyone is in the SF bay and wants to get seat time to compare across all three msg me!
A 987 / 987.2 Boxster S would be a good car to throw in as a comparison point to these
Ehh.. it would absolutely dust these cars off. Plus it being German AND a higher performance car, it might feel more muted or less thrilling simply because the limits are higher.
@@iluvcakes19 $$$$$$$$$++++++
The S2K has superior suspension setup with double wishbone all around. That alone puts it above the other 2 cars on steering feel and body roll reduction. Macpherson struts are used as a cost savings method to keep the car affordable and cheaper to repair/replace.
I would say the ND3 is a better daily driver. The clutch activates really early, and it has more power on the low RPM range. I am 5'4 so the ND3 fits me like a glove where the S2000 feels too roomy for me.
In my honest opinion, these reviews should include a similarly priced boxter. You can get a 2010 and still have 10k in the bank for repairs. Never driven one, but it's honestly a comparable here.
valid for a separate comparison. this is japanese light weight FR
Regarding the ND3 Miata, thank God it doesn’t have digital climate control. Real knobs and buttons all the way, so when the screen glitches, or if it eventually dies, you can still adjust everything!
🤔
Yep 86 wins best all rounder ❤
It's unfair to judge the Toyota and Mazda against the Honda. You can't buy a new Honda s2000. Don't you think that Honda would build a new s2000, if they could compete with the other two? I don't believe Honda can build the car that has the same quality and performance for a price that would compete.Toyota competes because it just builds a 2 door car with minimal signifance. Mazda however a genuine sports car that handles and cruises like a sport car should. I have an ND1 and am tickled pink with the car. I have family that lives in the back hills of NPa and getting there these dayes seems like there are no cops policing the roads I take. I can travel the straight streaches at 100mph and the Miata is rock solid.
Which platform is best for beginner dedicated track car? To learn driving dynamics and develop as a driver. I have a s2000, but I think it’s gonna cost a lot more to track a lot than a Miata.
GR86/BRZ because easiest to teach limit handling
@@jubbalandcars an older MX5 is an excellent choice too (NB or NC). Cheap for consumables and fuel too, which adds up if you're tracking regularly
I wonder if thats the same highway that Sarah n Tuned uses in her reviews
Im so jealous of these roads
these are ok, california has roads much better
@@jubbalandcarsI got some driving to do. Missouri is boring
wish they still produced s2k
Shootingbrake Miata would be perfect for me since I don't care for convertible top.
Your speedometer gets cowardly blurry
I have a Miata and I love it especially after a test drive a Mustang ecoboost and I realized Mustang is a stupid car. But man this 180hp on Miata is not enough. This car can handle 350hp easily
Tell the 86 owner to unplug that ASC(fake engine noise). He got a catback for a reason
Ha I don’t disagree
I’ve always loved S2000s, but the reality is they’re just too old now. I wanted new car reliability and that’s why there’s a Miata in my garage. The 86 is a great car but compared with the Mazda and Honda it’s not a true sports car. It’s the choice for people who need a daily driver. Also how can you argue with the phenomenal Soul Red paint? This is the first car I’ve ever owned where people literally stop me to comment about the paint job.
I would argue the older cars are more reliable. Less restrictive EPA and MPG ratings. back then This means the car has less computers as well.
The Honda S2000 ROCKS
Nice review but the Honda shouldn't be in the mix as it's not a new car and actually almost 20 years old .
You want a Japanese lightweight? Should try my MR2 Spyder/MR-S.
Fill out the form on jubbalandcars.com and I’ll see if I can review it
Miata Is Always The Answer.
S2000 best. Over engineered
most fun and emotional for sure
Gr86 is so noisy I got the corolla Gr and love it
Who says we don’t care? Drives exact same
S2000 isnt as fun for me. Back in the day I ended up with an E46M3 vs new S2000 CR. I never liked the S2000 steering and snappy handling.
The GR86 performance pack would be my second choice. I love the 86, a modern day 944. Very fun and easy to oversteer and supple suspension. Jubbal, you said it well with chassis dynamics and agreed the steering has poor return to center and I was surprised by lack of road feel.
ND3 with some MCS or B16 coilovers and race exhaust would be my jam
I remember my AP2 S2000. I had to turn off the air conditioning every time I wanted to GO in hot muggy Houston. And always having HP Envy of domestic cars. Now I drive Corvette Z06s and have none of those issues. Maybe only Envy the Flame shooting out of Lambos and McLaurens. Which a C8 ZR1 will fix.
The GR86 is not a 20k car lol. Try closer to 30k..
Gr86 whoops all their candy asses, don't care what anyone says.
ehhh
youtubers saying miata is more agile grippy than 86. possible by less weight even though weight isnt a low in location
After watching this video and hearing the audio for the conclusion area I then realized that talking about the conclusion in the S2000 was a mistake due to the sound LOL
S2000 used prices are a joke. Miata all the way.
I've driven all 3 even though my Miata 2.0 ND Sport that I've had for 2 years is an ND1, the Miata 2.0 ND wins hands down, by the way, this one being tested is not the Sport which has blistein shock absorbers and a larger anti-roll bar mechanical self-locking differential Recaro sports seats, do one thing put the cars on the bridge and look at them from below, the Miata ND is all aluminum seen from below it is more like a Porsche, while the other 2 above the bridge and seen from below are very normal cars, the Honda S2000 is dead up to 5000 rpm, it doesn't pull on the track, you can ignore this defect by keeping the car revved but in the city it's a big problem, plus keeping the car always revved isn't good the car puts too much stress on the various components as well as significantly increasing consumption, the Gr 86 with the increase in displacement has solved the chronic problems that the BRZ and the GT86 had, I had a BRZ for 2 years and I can easily say that the The Miata is superior in everything, I have only tried the GR 86 once so I don't have the expertise to say whether it is better or worse but hearing that you have driven both everyone prefers the Miata 2.0 ND starting from the engine always ready from 0 to 7600 RPM consumption is excellent as it is naturally aspirated, it doesn't take much to give it a really nice sound, Miata is always the answer
you've never driven an S2000 right? xD
@@binskee677 I drove two S2000s but always short laps, a completely original one I drove on the road and a modified track one that I tried on the track, excellent gearbox, nice line, nice sound, engine that pulls like a beast but up to 5000 rpm it is too subdued, in on the track you can ignore this flaw but on the road it's a completely different matter given that you can hardly walk at high revs, in my opinion it's a great car but the 20-odd years of difference compared to the
Miata 2.0 ND you can all hear them, plus the Miata is better made just look at them from underneath the Miata is all aluminum it has fantastic suspensions high quadrilateral and multilink the S2000 doesn't, one thing is for sure we need more cars like the Miata the S2000 BRZ GR 86 etc
@@framad3446you sound like a fool. Clearly you don’t know anything about the S2000 suspension.
I own an S, and I fully agree. Its hard to really enjoy the car in real world driving, because its dead until you drive it like you stole it.
@@fhowland exactly, thats the whole point of the car.
ALWAYS an altima driver 😂
S2000 will always win.
For me its a toss up between the GR86 or the ND3 Miata. My cousin has the GR86 and I love it but Idk if we should twins it out haha
S2k hands down, I just got back from driving 75 miles running errands in my 10th anniversary GR86. I should have brought out my S2k from the garage. I've never driven a Miata, I can't bring myself to invest in one after all the jokes I've heard and made over my 15 years of being in the car game. Like you've said in a previous video with an S2k.. it's visceral and raw. These new cars are a joke, they are too smooth and refined. Every time I take out the 86, I like it less and love the S2K even more.
i do agree the s2k is the most fun and raw/visceral, but come on dude letting jokes about a car influence your opinion about it?
@@jubbalandcars I'd drive one no doubt, but I wouldn't own one. I know there are better cars on paper but man after driving a s2k years ago, nothing compares lol I've been Honda all my life
@@sidneymisenheimer510 exactly your a Honda fanboy that's why Ur biase
@@abcwarrior91hey man, it's just an opinion. Of course I've driven other cars besides Honda but I just don't feel like any other car is better for the money.
@abcwarrior91 well, the 100k miles s2000 is still being compared to brand new cars 20 years later. So yeah, s2000 is the greatest and if it was new without wear and tear like the others, it would be even better.
I'll stick with my Nissan 370z.
Miata please
You didn’t mention anything about looks. I know it’s subjective but can we all agree the S2000 kills the other two in that category? It’s not even close.
Missing the biggest gripe of s2000 ownership for street driving and its long gearing. If f20/22 had Miata gearing it would be superior. Miata has gearing and more steering feel.
The AP2 has shorter gearing and more torque.
Get the ND3 all my s2000 were sub $10k owned so many
Why get a s2k ( my favorite car of them all) but why get a 20 years old car if you can get the newest nd3 with warranty and almost s2k price , peoples never owned cars will never knows of headaches dealing with older cars with mechanic working on it unless you know a very well one. If s2k comes out right with same style and newer features will out sold all of them.
The S2k is a pretty solid car, especially the engine is very reliable, ofc if maintained accordingly
The S2000 loses on the 'used car" criteria like you mentioned. And those in good condition are starting to get really pricey as well. On top of that, there are rumors, from Honda itself, of an S2000 successor by the end of the decade. Given that the Honda's current enthusiast car is the Type R, a lot of the tech will be borrowed from that car. So, in essence, a mini Type R. Yeah baby!
Sticking with the Miata for now.
You dont need anything digital in the mx5 that would ruin its purity. You dont understand what this car is
It’s climate control buddy, chill
The last MR2 is the best out of the 3
you bring up everything but styling here! sure the gr86/brz may be most people’s least favorite in driving mechanics, but it is by far the best looking of the three. that miata just looks so ugly and the s2000 is sleek “for its time” gr86/brz clears in aesthetics for me
981 boxster s wins hands down.
Eh pros and cons
@@jubbalandcars Pros: Better manual gearbox. Mid engine. More power. Best sounding.
Cons: maintenance cost if you can’t work on them
THE GR86 IS BETTER THAN THE MIATA. HANDS DOWN. TURN OFF THE FAKE ENGINE NOISE. GR PERFORMANCE EXHAUST. SACH DAMPERS. TRUENO EDITION. 🙌🏽
*laughs in topless*
Gr86 is better than all 3 but s2k close second. The Miata is just gay
Mazda 🎉