S2000 or...

Next year I plan on buying a new car. This doesn't mean I'm necessarily getting rid of the Accord, because I've got too much puppy love with that car.

I've been researching the s2000 for about two weeks now and have been constantly comparing it with other cars. I'm young, and if I'm going to be spending this much money then I want something that doesn't disappoint. I've already decided that I could happily deal with the s2k in winter and the small cargo space, but I'm concerned with the lack of torque to be honest.
I know it's an incredible curve-eating machine, but it seems like it would get old to constantly labor through the tach to get to the last 2k RPM just to hit vtec. I really don't want a car that feels slow when driving around.

Now here's where TSM comes in and says "Well if you're having doubts then...etc," But I'm absolutely in love with everything else about the car! And I would love to have a Honda. Where I live, Honda doesn't get any respect and I want to rep a Honda and prove some people wrong. But the ready-to-use torque of a car like the 350z seems like it would be more satisfactory in normal driving conditions. I just don't like the fact that the 350z sports a regular workhorse v6 and parts from a Nissan parts bin, as opposed to the S2k's race-bred engine and chassis, among other things.

I think I'm just writing down my insecurities. What do you think?

[Rosta]

Are you looking to buy new or used?

cause i know a new Honda S2000 CR costs about as much as a Lotus Elise...........and i would much rather have the elise.

another honda to consider is the NSX, can get older ones for fairly cheap, but new ones will cost you a pretty penny

however I do love the S2000........has a wide array of aftermarket parts and just plain looks sexy.

I think any of the above mentioned choices you will be very pleased with

[cd5-obsession]

Honda addressed the issue of torque lack already. They shortened some gears and stroked it/dropped the redline to give it some lower end power.

If you haven't sat in one/test driven one yet... do it. Once you do, your mind will be set. Everything on the inside of the car just feels "right" and the motor has plenty to keep you satisfied at any speed. In my opinion, the z's are played out. I rarely see s2k's around here and the z's are everywhere. Sure, it's bigger and has more torque, but so what? The s2k is born and bred to put a shit-eatin grin on every honda fanatics face. Hand built FTW.

wait for the BMW 135i...i love the taste of those german cars, that three pointed star had a huge impact on my taste...i guarantee you would not be disappointed

Sorry guys, I forgot to mention that I was looking for a used. So a new BMW or Elise is waayy out of the equation. I know Honda added 8 or 9 more lbs of torque and shortened the gears, and that's why I was planning on buying the 2004 AP2 if I did choose the s2000.

[cd5-obsession]

Originally Posted by Vtecddd

Sorry guys, I forgot to mention that I was looking for a used. So a new BMW or Elise is waayy out of the equation. I know Honda added 8 or 9 more lbs of torque and shortened the gears, and that's why I was planning on buying the 2004 AP2 if I did choose the s2000.

Exactly. Used is the way to go in my opinion and the AP2's have quite a few fixes. More torque and less understeer prone... although the ass end still doesn't like to folllow the front. lol. Go for it dude!

aaa the S2000 my dream car I would get that in a heart beat!! But, other than that maybe a Civic Wagon the (old model)

[sugz]

ive driven S2000 (AP1) quite a number of times
and compare to my H22 Accord...
boy it put my car to shame lol

my mate's S2k is stock, and the handling on it is tremendous, well-balanced, responsive in corners, yeah theres a lack of torque below 4000 RPM (this is where i love my accord :P ) but once you go through that painstacking effort..youve got yourself a SCREEMING N/A monster :P
the joy of revving to 9000RPM and the sound of F20C is unbelievable...

think about it...
the screaming engine, the sex look, and its convertible....
what more do you want?!
:P

GO FOR IT

I'm seriously pulling my hair out over this. The usable torque and traction control of the Z are very appealing, seeing as how I'm not going to track the car and I'll be daily driving it. But I hate the stupid generic v6 motor. The s2000 is so unique, but maybe less livable as a daily driver?
Thanks for all your input so far!

Originally Posted by sugz

my mate's S2k is stock, and the handling on it is tremendous, well-balanced, responsive in corners, yeah theres a lack of torque below 4000 RPM (this is where i love my accord :P ) but once you go through that painstacking effort..youve got yourself a SCREEMING N/A monster :P
the joy of revving to 9000RPM and the sound of F20C is unbelievable...

Did it feel like the s2000 was sluggish throughout normal driving?

I remember I rode in a S2000 Turbo...Honestly that was the first and last time I road in a S2000!

[sugz]

ummm for daily driving i wouldnt call it slugish...
but if you want spirited driving...you have to keep the RPM above 4000RPM to really feel it...

test drive one and judge it for yourself

test drive is the best way to go

on the other hand tsm has convinced me to save up and go for a GTR

[iakona]

i know i'm late to this, but AP2 S2000 or 350Z or G37 coupe or Pontiac GTO are my votes.

i drove the s2k. it was so so until vtec. i'm 5'3 and for some reason i felt cramped in it. it's sorta claustrophobic. same w/ the bmw z4. when i sat in the miata, though, it felt fine. weird.

but back to the s2k. while it was nice, it wasn't me. i need something more utilitarian. the handling was dreamy and vtec was really fun, but like you said, it kinda sucks to have to wait until whatever rpm to hit it. you can get the z, but keep in mind it's also a fatty fucker compared to the s2k. i've always liked roadsters, but since my lifestyle has changed something like the xb is in my eye right now.