Once upon a time, Americans wanting a compact roadster could choose something other than a Mazda Miata. Case in point, the Honda S2000, which was available for the first decade of this century. With this pairing in mind, let’s explore two Cars & Bids auctions: a 2005 Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata and a 2007 Honda S2000.
2005 Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata
Miatas deserve a lot of credit for their fun and zippy handling, but chances are an ordinary MX-5 won’t win any stoplight battles. But things are a bit different with the Mazdaspeed version like this Black Mica 2005 example. Think of it as a Miata on a light dose of steroids. Enough to make an impression, but without exaggerated muscles or side effects. With 110,000 miles and a two-accident history, this Mazda doesn’t pretend to be a show car; it’s got a few scars. People are bidding for cheap performance, not perfection.
Speaking of performance, that’s what a Mazdaspeed variant is all about. Thanks to Mazda’s turbocharged wizardry, these Miatas get a 25% boost in engine output over stock to 178 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque. The Flyin’ Miata aftermarket upgrade on this car promises a 33% power upgrade on top of that, but there’s no dyno report to back up the claim. Regardless, this Miata can hold its own against the more powerful S2000. A six-speed manual manages the rear wheels.
Underneath the black soft top are black fabric seats (with imperfections), air conditioning, and a Bose audio system.
2007 Honda S2000
Whether it’s due to a relatively short production run (2000-2009) or crisp handling characteristics, or both, the Honda S2000 continues to be a highly sought-after roadster. Just look at the action on this Laguna Blue Pearl 2007 S2000. It already has a high bid that’s approaching the original $35,000 MSRP. The modest 58,000 miles on the clock and mostly clean condition don’t hurt either.
Under normal circumstances, the S2000’s 2.2-liter engine and its 237 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque would have no problem outpacing a stock Miata from the same era. But, this Honda’s Auction Dilemma counterpart is a Mazdaspeed with aftermarket upgrades. The new owner of this S2000 might want to look for a regular Miata if the need for a real-life match-up happens. Similar to the Mazda, this Honda has a six-speed manual controlling the rear wheels.
However, this convertible’s black soft top relies on a power mechanism for opening and closing. Other cabin features include leather upholstery, air conditioning, and a sound system with a CD player.
Are These Compact Roadsters Bid-Worthy?
While both cars offer similar formulas, there’s clearly a divide in what people are willing to pay. With one day of bidding left, the Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata has a current best offer of $6,500. The Honda S2000’s auction, which ends in three days, has already hit $30,000.
Sources: carsandbids.com
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About The Author
Dave Goldberg
(224 Articles Published)
Dave Goldberg is a lifelong auto enthusiast and holds a BA in Journalism from The George Washington University. While he leans towards European wheels for his personal driving, Dave gets excited about everything from Acura to Zagato.
