I got to drive it finally that thing is fun! I like that roadster feeling, and the first place I took it was some nice curvy backroads. That thing handels like a dream. It is fairly peppy for a 4 banger, it is fast but you can't rip through the gears like a mustang. It lacks the ballsey feeling of the mustang though. From a roll though it might be a preety even race. I like it and scince it is a Honda it will be reliable for the next 30 years, maybe mom will hand it over someday.
When I ran the s2000, with my stock98gt(with the 04' engine, no tune) with 3:73's. Even the Best drivers with Exhaust,CAI,and a short throw shifter, would lose by two car lenghts in the 1/8th. Mind you I wasnt driving well, and the the best of the few s2000 owner's is real consistant, it just a slow car in the straight line.
S2000 is a much better overall car than the Miata. Honda durability is better too. If I was older and looking for a 2 seater the S2000 would be at or near the top of a short list with the Porsche Boxster and Cayman. The Miatas lack style and the Saturn and Pontiac would leave questions on long term quality in my mind...
i am a sales man for honda.. i have to say its not a slow car.. 1/4 mile "if driven right" they will run low 14s.. at a roll it will probably walk on a stock or mildly modded gt.. sad to say but true. they are all top end though quick light to light race gt all the way...