Honda S2000 AP2 S2000 AP2 VS Mazda MX-5 Miata NB MX-5 Miata NB

Honda S2000 AP2 vs Mazda MX-5 Miata NB: Track Day Rivals, Two Roads to Pure Driving Joy

In the world of grassroots motorsports and spirited track days, few rivalries are as enduring or as debated as the one between the Honda S2000 AP2 and the Mazda MX-5 Miata NB. Both are rear-wheel-drive, lightweight Japanese icons, but their approaches to the “driver’s car” ethos diverge in fascinating ways. Thanks to extensive LapMeta data, we can move beyond internet folklore and evaluate these cars by the stopwatch, lap after lap, across dozens of tracks.

Performance at the Track: The Stopwatch Doesn’t Lie

On raw lap time, the S2000 AP2 consistently outpaces the MX-5 NB by margins ranging from fractions of a second to full minutes, depending on the circuit and level of modification. For example, at the demanding Nürburgring - BTG, a heavily modified S2000 posted a 7:32, a staggering 60 seconds quicker than the MX-5 NB’s 8:32 (albeit the Miata was on a medium build). This pattern holds at high-speed venues: at Sonoma Raceway - Long, the S2000’s 1:40.075 is nearly 16 seconds faster than the Miata’s 1:55.947.

Even when comparing cars at similar levels of prep and tire, the Honda dominates: at Motorsport Ranch-MSR Cresson - 3.1, both cars on medium mods, the S2000 laps in 2:25.178 to the Miata’s 2:36 — about 11 seconds quicker.

But the Miata is far from a pushover. On shorter, twistier tracks or with more aggressive prep, it can flip the script. At Willow Springs Raceway - Streets - CCW, two lightly prepped cars see the MX-5 NB post a 1:19.4—beating the S2000’s 1:29.5 by 10.1 seconds. The Miata also edges out the S2000 by tenths or less at tracks like GingerMan Raceway - Extended Course 10B CW (1:33.06 vs 1:33.09), showing its ability to punch above its weight in the right configuration.

Engineering & Value: Different Philosophies, Same Smiles per Mile

On paper, the S2000 AP2’s advantage is clear: 240 PS from a 2.2L naturally aspirated four, nearly 220 Nm of torque, and a chassis that’s a scalpel at high speed. At 2859 lbs, it’s not as feathery as the NB Miata, but its power-to-weight ratio and legendary F22C1 engine reward committed drivers with ferocious pace, especially as speeds climb. It’s a car that’s quick out of the box and scales beautifully with modifications—many of the fastest laps are from S2000s with only moderate prep.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata NB, with just 140 PS and 132.87 Nm, is built on a philosophy of “adding lightness.” At 2348 lbs, it’s over 500 lbs lighter than its Honda rival. Its 1.8L BP-4W isn’t a powerhouse, but the Miata’s balance, feedback, and forgiving handling let drivers extract every ounce of performance. It’s no surprise that the NB is a favorite among budget-minded enthusiasts—its low barrier to entry and reliability make it a staple in club racing and HPDE paddocks.

Neither the S2000 nor the Miata NB are “set it and forget it” drag racers; both reward skill and commitment, but the S2000’s higher ceiling makes it the pick for those chasing lap records. The Miata NB, meanwhile, is the ultimate momentum car, and with the right mods (and driver), can humble much faster machinery.

Which to Choose?

If your goals are outright lap times and you crave the thrill of high-revving, high-grip heroics, the Honda S2000 AP2 is the clear choice. But if you want to maximize fun per dollar and learn the art of carrying speed, the Mazda MX-5 Miata NB remains one of the best driver’s cars ever made—one that, on the right day and right track, can even outfox the mighty S2000. Both are legends; your heart (and driving style) will know which is right for you.