S2000 vs ND2 MX5 vs TRD 86
 

Mr geese compare the S2K, ND2 MX5 and the TRD 86 with the handling package.

https://youtu.be/riH3E8Ic8XE

When it comes to these three... it’s more of a “what kind of party am I going to?” That will decide my attire for the evening. Ideally I’d have all 3 for the different occasions but generally the average age of this type of audience only have a stable for one so naturally will choose which one suits them the best for the majority of the time. A party’s a party, don’t matter which kind you favor.

It will be interesting to see where the Gen2 86 slots in here.

I love Goose of the Savage!

I think, as PorscheUnlimited said, it's more of a situational thing. If I had another pile of a daily driver, I'd probably go with the Miata. But the 86/BRZ suits my lifestyle currently where it's all I need.

IMO even now, the S2000 feels like the much more premium car than the other two. I love the BRZ just as much, but the S2000 feels like a much higher end car. The BRZ is more fun to fling about. It’s like the S2000 is a scalpel with a pearl handle, and the BRZ is a sharp Buck knife with a rubber grip. Love em both though and am very grateful to own both.

Im actually looking to finally stop talking and make the plunge

Actually helped me out, I mean I like verts, but as I want a toy Alt Daily, little Breeze fits the bill better, especially as for my plans, need the trunk and rear seats

The only problem with the s2000 is they’re asking 987 Boxster money (in Oz) for them now and the 987 is a lot newer. Still very cool, but a lot of coin for an old car.

Kind of like that worldwide. The price is justified in the driving experience!

S2000 is a MUCH better-designed, better-engineered car and more fun car to drive than a 987 Boxster. No contest. Better-lookin too... Boxster wins on cabin noise. God I wish they'd made an S2000 coupe!

Yeah I guess I haven’t driven one, they do look impressive in any reviews I’ve seen.


Do you wish you had of kept it?

It was time to let it go, with 240k on the clock and needing a lot of attention. And I was done with the wind noise. Really, a fixed-roof S2000 would be the perfect car for me! BRZ provides the same every-day and on-track fun-to-driveness while being a lot more liveable and practical.

I guess if I got one, I’d want one with low kms, “mint” condition. Those are $50K to $60K here. The BRZ hits the spot for now.

Can you elaborate on this please? What have you observed that made you conclude that the S2000 was better engineered?

What MY was your S2000? If AP1, did you ever replaced the oil banjo bolts or the valve spring retainers?

I am rating 987 design and engineering based on both 987.1 and 987.2... 987.1 for SURE had inherent engine deficiencies, despite "improved" IMS bearing it is still a failure point, albeit at greatly reduced failure rate. And it had oiling and bore-scoring issues, and D-chunk. And my 987.2 had transmission issues :( And honestly the ergonomics and feel of the switchgear (windows and climate controls) I thought were pretty crap compared to my AP1 and to my BRZ.

I did replace the oil squirters on my AP1. Ultimately I also had the valvespring retainers replaced but from what I understand they're only an issue of the engine is ever mechanically over-revved, not a problem if engine never exceeds 9000rpm. Both of these were fixed with the AP2, but no more 9000rpm :(