fixed!
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It’s not a matter of hall passes, it’s a matter of economics. I’m a firm believer that if you can’t afford to wad it up and walk away from it, you shouldn’t take it to the track. Right now it would be financially uncomfortable to wad the S2k up and walk away from it, so until that situation changes I am not going to track it.
That's my point Iain. The Stook is a more clinical and digital approach. (Typical Honda) I'm sure it a fine car, handles well and everything but it's that approach to perfection that makes it lose it's soul or character. I agree, the Miata, specifically the NA has imperfections but it's those imperfections that give it character. It's kind of like the British car guys with their cars that have TONS of character. The original recipe Miata (read NA) was about a simple light weight RWD convertible sports car. It was inspired by the even more simple European roadsters from the 50s-70s. Mazda took the old roadster spirit and added Japanese reliability with a real easy to use top that didn't leak and electronics that didn't catch fire. This recipe was an absolute success.
I contend the Miata over the years has lost a bit of that character as it has become more refined. Still a fun car but the simplicity is gone.
I've owned all 3 Miata generations. If 'character' equates to noise, shudder and shake you're correct that the NA wins. My NC can do anything my NA/NB could and more (with comfort and confidence).
It may be a bit more complicated, but there's nothing that I haven't taken care of myself.
PS
Cue Rogue with the Ford comment! ;)
Sorry... came late to this thread ... as the other S2000 owner here....
William, I find it interesting that the flaws and imperfections on the Miata give it "character" while any flaws and imperfections on the S2000 make it soul-less... As Iain has said (way better than I could have), it's a pretty fun car to take out and flog around while still being a good daily driver. I just think the "soul-less" comment is a bit weak.
At the prices these things are going for my 94 R is becoming to valuable to sit in the parking lot at work. My dad's pos 92 with duct tape top sold for $3000 lately, sheesh.