Honda S2000 AP2 / Mazda Miata MX-5 NA

The Honda S2000 AP2 makes 240 horsepower. The Mazda Miata NA makes 115 horsepower. That's 125hp more—109% more power—from an engine that also weighs 739 pounds more. Yet across 94 shared tracks with 54 unique comparison scenarios in LapMeta's database, these cars are separated by 7.49 seconds, and when you filter the comparison data on this page for matched modifications and matched tire treadwear, the S2000 wins 89.1% of battles with a 9.05-second gap.

This seems like it should be a mismatch. It isn't. The Miata's 2,120-pound weight and $15,000 price create a completely different value proposition than the S2000's $37,500 asking price and 2,859-pound curb weight. More critically, the comparison page's filtering reveals something fascinating: when the Miata runs at higher modification levels or grippier tires, the lap time gap collapses entirely.

The 739-Pound Weight Difference: Physics vs Power

The S2000 AP2 weighs 2,859 lbs with 240hp, creating a power-to-weight ratio of 11.91 lbs/hp. The Miata NA weighs just 2,120 lbs with 115hp, producing a ratio of 18.43 lbs/hp—a 54% disadvantage in power-to-weight despite being 739 pounds lighter.

Yet the Miata's 50/50 weight distribution (actually 52.4/47.6 F/R, slightly front-biased) and 2,265mm wheelbase (135mm shorter than the S2000's 2,400mm) make it rotate through corners with less inertia. The S2000 needs more force to change direction because there's more mass to redirect. The Miata darts into apexes; the S2000 flows through them.

On tight technical tracks with autocross-style transitions, the Miata's weight advantage shows up in the comparison data's relative speed metrics. When both cars are driven expertly (negative relative speeds), the gap shrinks. When the S2000 driver is intermediate-level (positive relative speed above 1.0), the Miata's easier handling characteristics make it more forgiving.

What the Filtered Data on This Page Reveals

The comparison tables break down performance by modification level and tire treadwear, exposing critical truths:

• Matched mod + matched tire (274 laps): S2000 wins 89.1%, Miata wins 10.9%, 9.05s average gap. Relative speeds at -0.34 (S2000) and 0.22 (Miata) show the S2000 driver extracting more performance than predicted while the Miata runs slightly slower than expected.
• Medium/medium, TW200/200 (108 laps): S2000 wins 97.2% with 9.41s gap. This is the most common matched scenario—bolt-on cars on street tires. The power advantage dominates when everything is equal.
• Medium S2000 vs race Miata, TW200/100 (135 laps): Miata wins 64.4% with 3.91s gap. The race-prepped Miata on stickier tires (TW100 slicks vs TW200 street rubber) closes the power gap through grip and likely engine mods that push the 1.8L to 150-180hp.
• Medium S2000 vs race Miata, TW200/40 (65 laps): Miata wins 89.2% with 7.27s gap. The Miata running R-compound slicks (TW40) versus the S2000 on street tires flips the script entirely—grip beats power when the gap is this extreme.

Use the comparison filters on this page to see this dynamic: when tire treadwear mismatches heavily or the Miata runs race-level modifications, the S2000's power advantage evaporates. The 115hp motor becomes 180hp, the 2,120-pound chassis drops to 1,900 lbs with weight reduction, and suddenly the power-to-weight ratio is 10.56 lbs/hp—competitive with the stock S2000.

The $22,500 Price Gap: Modification Math

S2000 AP2 purchase: $37,500. That's the entry price for 240hp and Honda's legendary F22C1 reliability.

Miata NA purchase: $15,000. That's $22,500 remaining to modify the platform into something entirely different.

Here's what $22,500 buys for a Miata NA:

• K24 engine swap ($7,000-10,000): Honda K24A2 naturally aspirated swap produces 220whp and 180 lb-ft wheel torque, matching S2000 power in a 2,120-pound chassis. Power-to-weight becomes 9.64 lbs/hp—better than the stock S2000.
• Flyin' Miata turbo kit ($5,000-7,000): CARB-legal turbo system taking the 1.8L to 200-250hp depending on boost level. Maintains stock engine reliability with proper tuning.
• Full race prep ($10,000-15,000): Engine build (180hp NA), suspension ($3,000), weight reduction ($2,000), R-compound tires ($1,500), aero ($2,000), safety equipment ($3,000). Creates a 1,900-pound, 180hp race car with 10.56 lbs/hp.

The comparison data proves this math: when the Miata runs race-level mods against medium S2000, it wins 64-89% of battles depending on tire compound. The $22,500 price difference buys modifications that erase the 125hp power gap entirely.

Wheelbase and Handling Philosophy

The Miata's 2,265mm wheelbase is 135mm shorter than the S2000's 2,400mm. That's 5.3 inches less distance between axles, creating a more responsive turn-in but also a more nervous character at high speeds. The S2000's longer wheelbase provides stability through fast sweepers; the Miata excels in tight hairpins and technical sections.

Track layout matters: on circuits like Laguna Seca with long straights and fast corners, the S2000's power and stability dominate. On autocross courses or tight club circuits, the Miata's nimble character closes the gap. The comparison data's 7.49-second average reflects a mix of both track types.

Both cars achieve near-50/50 weight distribution (S2000: 49/51 F/R, Miata: 52.4/47.6 F/R), but the S2000's mid-ship engine placement—mounted behind the front axle line—creates better rotational balance despite being heavier. The Miata's lighter mass compensates through lower inertia.

Ownership Economics: The Enthusiast's Dilemma

S2000 AP2: $37,500 purchase + $404 annual maintenance = $39,520 over five years (assuming minimal mods). The F22C1 engine is bulletproof, requiring only oil changes and valve adjustments. The car appreciates 5-10% annually, meaning your $37,500 investment becomes $41,000-43,000 by 2030.

Miata NA: $15,000 purchase + $350 annual maintenance + $10,000 in modifications (K-swap or turbo) = $26,750 over five years. The modified Miata matches S2000 power at 60% the total cost. But resale value suffers—modified cars sell for 20-30% less than stock examples.

If you keep the Miata stock, it appreciates modestly (3-5% annually) and remains a $16,000-17,000 car by 2030. But stock, it loses 89.1% of battles against the S2000 when everything else is equal.

The math favors modification: spend $25,000 total (purchase + mods) to compete nearly evenly with a $37,500 car, or spend $37,500 and win 89% of battles without lifting a wrench.

The Modification Ceiling: Where 115hp Goes

The Miata's 1.8L BP engine responds dramatically to modifications because it's over-built from the factory. Forged internals handle boost pressure reliably. Flyin' Miata's turbo kit is CARB-legal and maintains street drivability while adding 85-135hp depending on boost level.

K-series swaps bypass the stock engine entirely: drop in Honda's K24A2 (the same architecture as the S2000's F-series) for 220whp naturally aspirated. Add boost and you're at 350-400whp—entering a completely different performance category.

The S2000's F22C1 already makes 240hp naturally aspirated from 2.2L. There's no "easy" power to extract. Medium mods (exhaust, intake, tune) add 15-25hp for $3,000-5,000. To match a K-swapped Miata's 280hp crank output requires forced induction ($8,000-12,000) or a full race build.

This is why the comparison data shows Miatas winning when modification levels favor them: the platform's tuning ceiling is higher and cheaper to reach.

The Verdict

Choose the Honda S2000 AP2 if you value naturally aspirated perfection, minimal maintenance, and winning 89.1% of matched battles without modifications. You're paying $22,500 more than the Miata for 125hp more power, a longer wheelbase that provides high-speed stability, and a car that appreciates 5-10% annually. The S2000 is the choice for enthusiasts who want peak performance out of the box and don't want to wrench.

Choose the Mazda Miata NA if you value lightweight agility, modification potential, and $15,000 entry price that leaves $22,500 for a K-swap, turbo kit, or full race prep. When the Miata runs race-level mods with R-compound tires, it wins 64-89% of battles against medium-modified S2000s. The data proves that weight and grip can overcome power—if you're willing to build the car yourself.

Use the comparison filters on this page to see how modification levels and tire compound transform the battle. The S2000 wins when everything is equal. But Miata owners don't keep things equal—they K-swap, turbocharge, strip weight, and run slicks. At that point, the 125hp power gap disappears, and you're comparing a $25,000 modified Miata to a $37,500 stock S2000.

LapMeta's 7.49-second overall gap and 9.05-second matched-condition gap show the S2000's dominance when both cars are stock-ish. But the Miata's tuning ceiling and price advantage mean that gap is optional—just add boost, swap engines, or improve tires, and the battle resets entirely.

For the driver who wants the best stock roadster, the S2000 wins 89% of the time. For the driver who wants the best platform to build upon, the Miata costs $22,500 less and offers modification paths that make the power gap irrelevant.