The Most Power-Dense NA Roadster Is Still A Worthy Adversary To A New Mazda Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the best roadsters available in 2025, and it sits at the top of the pecking order in this particular segment. That's not without merit. The Miata has been a fun-to-drive, affordable, and attractive option for 35 years.
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2009 Honda S2000
However, as impressive and appealing as the Mazda MX-5 Miata is, another option exists. Remembered as the most power-dense naturally aspirated roadster, the Honda S2000 is a worthy used alternative to the brand-new Mazda MX-5 Miata.
For the specs table, we've used the specifications of the final model year of the Honda S2000 to compare it to the current model year of the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
A Brief Recap Of The Honda S2000
2004-2009 Honda S2000 Front Angle View
The Honda S2000 was a front-engine two-seater roadster that followed the sports car recipe perfectly. It debuted in 1999 to celebrate the automaker's 50th anniversary and is remembered as one of the most exciting driver-focused cars ever created. The Honda S2000's roots can be traced back to 1995 when the Sports Study Model was displayed at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show. It was designed by the famed Italian design company Pininfarina.
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"This was a deliberate move, as we wanted to create something to please us as an engineering team, rather than try and please everyone. If you listen to everyone, included everything they ask for, all cars end up the same. We wanted a vehicle that was more focused - more Honda." - Shigeru Uehara, former Honda Chief Engineer.
Interestingly, the numbers in the S200 moniker are derived from the engine displacement, while the "S" stands for "Sport." Given the reaction to the concept, the engineering and design team wanted to stick as close to the Sports Study Model as possible. This resulted in the teams focusing on producing a low-weight, compact car. After its development, the Honda S2000's first generation was in production from 1999 to 20003, which was distinguished by its "AP1" chassis designation.
The second generation, "AP2", debuted in 2004 and production ran until 2009. For the 2004 model year, the Honda S200 was significantly overhauled, most notably by adding the F22C1 engine for the North American market. While the Honda S2000's production ended in 2009, the Mazda MX-5 Miata remained in production and is one of the forefront options for consumers looking for a fun and affordable convertible. However, we'd argue that the Honda S2000 is still a worthy alternative despite being more than two decades old.
How It Compares To The Mazda MX-5
2004-2009 Honda S2000 Front View
Model | 2009 Honda S2000 | 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport |
|---|---|---|
Engine | 2.2-liter, naturally aspirated, inline-four | 2.0-liter, naturally aspirated, inline-four |
Horsepower | 237 hp @ 7,800 rpm | 181 hp @ 7,000 rpm |
Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 6,800 rpm | 151 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
0-60 | 5.5 seconds | 5.5-6.0 seconds |
Top speed | 150 mph | 130 mph |
The Honda S2000 and the Mazda Miata are front-engine, two-seater, convertible sports cars. The MX-5 has been around longer than the Honda S2000, and when the S2000 was laid to rest, the Miata became the face of the roadster segment and now is America's cheapest sports car.
In 2024, more than 8,000 examples of the Mazda were sold in the United States, and the reasons for its success were its commendable road manners, a comprehensive list of amenities, and compact design. However, the Honda S2000 might be a better option for consumers seeking a more exciting driving experience at a lower cost when focusing on the base model and not a hardcore limited-edition model like the Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster 12R.
If we compare powertrains, the Honda S2000 trumps the Mazda in terms of power by a considerable margin, although torque output is close. Peak power was also delivered much later, and its engine was capable of reaching 9,000 rpm. Both models have commendable manual transmissions paired to their engines. The Mazda MX-5 features a six-speed transmission, praised for its smooth short throws. But the manual gearbox in the S2K is on another level, and one of the most satisfying we've ever had the pleasure of operating.
Both are rear-wheel-drive and feature a limited-slip differential. A significant difference between the two is the chassis and suspension. The Mazda Miata has a unibody chassis characterized by its lightweight and nimble design. Supporting its 2,366-pound frame is a double-wishbone front suspension system paired with a multi-link system at the rear. Tipping the scales at 2,864 lbs, the Honda S2000 is founded on what Honda called the "X-Bone frame," which was lighter and stronger than that of conventional roadsters and sports cars.
The longitudinally mounted F22C1 engine sat further back in the engine bay, behind the front axle line, which helped achieve a 50/50 weight distribution. However, whereas the Mazda relied on a double wishbone suspension exclusively for its front axle, the Honda S2000 has an independent double wishbone suspension system at both ends, which is the reason for the S2000's impressive handling characteristics. However, the Mazda has a shorter wheelbase, measuring 90.9 inches, compared to the Honda S2000's 94.5-inch wheelbase.
Ultimately, the Mazda Miata is newer, has better technology, and, most importantly, a warranty. However, where the Honda S2000 makes its claim as a worthy contender, beyond its higher performance ability, is its price and the availability of more hardcore derivatives for the same or slightly less than a base spec 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport.
The Used Market
2004-2009 Honda S2000 Front Angle View
According to previous auction figures and sales, the average price for a first-generation Honda S2000 is $33,225, whereas the average selling price of a second-generation Honda S2000 on the used market is roughly $32,915. The starting price of the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport is $30,515 for the base model, whereas a fully loaded Mazda MX-5 Miata can cost a little over $10,000 more. It's important to remember that these are averages. Some examples closer to the final model year can be sold at auction for close to $60,000, double the price of the base MX-5 Miata. However, these are typically extremely low-mileage examples of earlier model years owned by a single person.
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Listen To A Supercharged Honda S2000 Sing The 9,000-RPM Song Of Its People
How can one of the best-sounding NA engines sound even better with boost?
What we're looking at is what can be found on the used market for the same price as a brand-new Miata, and that's where things start to look up for the Honda S2000's proposition as an alternative. Earlier this year, a version of the 2006 model year with the factory removable hardtop and 77K miles was sold for $28,750. Another example of the 2005 model year, the Honda S2000, sold for $30,750, slightly more than the Mazda, but this example was completely stock with only 52,000 miles.
The Mazda MX-5 wins in a comparison revolving around practicality, daily drivability, and features because it's still around and can be had with all the latest features. However, if we're talking about driver excitement and performance, the Honda S2000 wins and can be found on the used market, in good condition, for less than a new Miata and definitely less than one of the many limited-edition Miatas that have been made over its long lifecycle.
