Yeah...im a tool...i care more about looks. haha, dont get me wrong...i love fast, but im not a fan of something that doesnt look good, but is fast. Id like a moderation of both!

 

As a RX8 owner, I think your making a good choice. I actually would have gotten a S2000 if I could fit in it (6'4") but I love my RX8. I'm a driver like you. I have a favorite back road that I use to drive all out in my Probe and the RX8 can go the same speed down that road without even trying. Here's what i found while looking for a new car a while ago.

RX8
-decent power
-great interior
-great styling (w/ appearance package)
-outstanding handling
-rotary engine

S2000
-decent power
-small interior
-basic styling (looks alot better w/ a basic lip kit)
-great handling (better than RX8)
-F20 engine (only real S2000 engine)

The rotary engine is smoother throughout the rev range. Both have smooth gearboxes. The two cars actually have the exact same transmission. The S2000's suspension is stiffer which is why it handles better. Brakes are about the same. The RX8 can fit 10.5" wide rims at all four corners. (More tire=more traction) I still think you made the better choice though just because of the Honda aftermarket. If you ever want to change anything, it is very easy to find.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

I take it you'll be financing whatever you're paying for? If so...you should almost rule out getting a modded s-chassis. I personally would never buy a car that has been modded by other people unless I trusted the owner. Doing that, you're going to inherit all the problems that come with buying a tuned car with used parts. Who knows how they treated the car?

But if you're somehow going to straight up pay for it...then get a clean S14 and use the spare cash to make it go fast and handle. Even so, 240s aren't for everyone. It's a niche car. They have no class, unlike the RX8. If you're mainly thinking about looks, and want decent out of the box power and handling, then definitely go with the rex or the s2k. I can, however, attest to the reliability of s-chassis cars. My car still has the stock KA, but its got 175k miles on it, 20k of those I've put on it, and I have had no problems at all except for regular maintenance (clutch, water pump). None. I know SR20s are reliable too, when the swap is done right. My two friends have been daily driving theirs for a year now with no issues, and there are plenty others out there who do the same.

Have you considered other options? What about a 350Z? Or a BMW? Or an MKIV Supra?

 

350Zs seem to be over done...plus, that arent all that fast for how exspensive they are. Basically, Ive considered an S2k, RX8, 240, and WRX.

 

minus the RX8 that was my pool to decide from. The S2000 is simply an incredible car.

 

^^ I agree with the S2K being an incredible sports car. . . . I love roadsters, they're my thing. I've had 2 miatas, and i compared my 2nd gen to an S2K parked next to eachother, on a lift, and compared chassi's and it was incredibly similar, IDK how the S2K is like 650 lbs heavier. .. . i guess all that comfty stuff they put in it. I love my miata, it's very nimble and easy to drive HARD.

 

What year miata do you have?

 

2000. . . . But all miatas have sometthing interesting about them. Example,

90-93 are the lightest of ALL, but they're 1.6L. They net a total of prob 90 HP (depends what cond they are) to the rear wheels. They're a BLAST to drive.

Then, you have a 94-97.. Which is pretty much the same with a 1.8L which nets about 100 HP on a good day (still quicker than a Honda), better suspension; BUT, slightly heavier. (these are ~2200) These are my Fav miatas.

NO miata in 98

then you have 99-00
Diff body style/int

the car is like ~2300. It's basically the same chassis, reinforced, handles 20 times better (stock vs. stock) and the funnest part is that you get the same 1.8L with slightly higher compression and WAY BETTER flowing head. Which will net ~115 maybe a bit more. .... A blast to drive.

Then you have 01-05 non-turbo
It's kinda the same but with VVT <<< which kinda blows because it makes NO diff in power. Just a smoother ride. 6 speed tranny (i personally like the 5spd) the base model does come with a 5spd, but then you get no LSD . Also cooler looking projector headlights)

THEeeeeeeeen the 04-05 MS (Mazda Speed)
Its a 99-00 engine + turbo. . . The 99-00 engines are very happy with turbos. . . . IMO, they are happier with IRTBs :evil: ..... that's the REAL dark side.. Anywyas, this car nets like 175 HP (not to the wheel)



What i consider the ULTIMATE miata??
a 94-97 + 99-00 susp upgrades and 99-00 head. And dont forget the IRTBs. . . . Plus 550lbs springs F and 380R ... YEAh!! and Rollbar. . . Just with that, that car will take YOU or anybody you and i know "there"....... hahahaha

 

nice, lol. lots of info and acronyms i dont know...haha