Honda
S2000
Owner report available
Mazda
RX-8
Owner report available
Honda S2000 vs Mazda RX-8
The short answer
The Honda S2000 offers fuel economy, while the Mazda RX-8 excels at power instead. Choose the Honda S2000 if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Mazda RX-8 if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
S2000
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment, characterized by deep emotional attachment and reverence as a legendary, driver-focused roadster. The vehicle is consistently praised for its "wildly revving" high-RPM engine, exceptional balance, bespoke chassis, and engaging driving dynamics. Long-term owners report high reliability and durability when properly maintained, with many vehicles exceeding 100,000 miles without major issues.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version (AP1 vs. AP2).
Known issues
- Clutch master cylinder failure: described as a common issue. Frequency: recurrent.
- Transmission synchro wear: particularly noted for difficult 2nd to 3rd gear shifts. Frequency: recurrent.
- Intermittent starter motor failure: "sticking" or failing to engage, requiring replacement. Frequency: recurrent.
RX-8
Overall
Sentiment is deeply polarized and highly dependent on owner expectations and mechanical aptitude. The vehicle is universally praised by its enthusiasts for its unique driving character, described as a joy to drive with fantastic handling, a high-revving nature, and an unarguably unique experience. Long-term owners report deep satisfaction with the car's dynamics, often comparing its handling favorably to vehicles like the Honda S2000.
Best version to buy
The Series 2 (2009-2011) models, particularly the R3 trim, are identified as the most desirable. Owner feedback indicates the Series 2 received substantial improvements to the Renesis engine, suspension, and chassis, making it more reliable and better sorted than the Series 1 (2004-2008).
Known issues
- Engine apex seal failure / low compression: leading to loss of power, hard hot starting, and requiring a full engine rebuild. Cited as the primary, inevitable failure point. Frequency: very frequent.
- High fuel and oil consumption: described as having "borderline carbureted V8 fuel economy," achieving under 20 MPG (less than 12 L/100km), and consuming oil by design. Frequency: very frequent.
- Engine flooding: can occur if started and shut off without sufficient warm-up, requiring a clearing procedure. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Honda S2000 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Mazda RX-8, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Mazda RX-8 is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Honda S2000 or the Mazda RX-8?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Honda S2000 and the Mazda RX-8. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Honda S2000 or the Mazda RX-8?
The Mazda RX-8 seats more passengers than the Honda S2000 on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Honda S2000 is classed as a Cabriolet, the Mazda RX-8 as a Coupe.
Which has better fuel economy, the Honda S2000 or the Mazda RX-8?
The EPA rates the 2009 Honda S2000 at 21 mpg combined and the 2011 Mazda RX-8 at 18–19 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Honda S2000 or the Mazda RX-8?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.