Can I spoil your driving skills?? 
I have had my S2000 for almost six years. I quite often feel that it has handicapped my abilities to drive a non-sports car. Many of us on here daily drive our S2000’s. In many cases that means we don’t have passengers.
On a day to day basis we have gotten accustomed to bliss. We value our flat cornering, good balance, and competent braking system. I find that my transition from my S2000 to a non-sports car is often very hard. I sometimes forget what I’m driving. Unfortunately, that isn’t good for my passengers. For example, I had family come to town this weekend. Nobody felt like driving so they threw me the keys.
The vehicle was a 07 Mercedes-Benz E550. It’s a pretty nice car. The seats were very comfortable, sweet sound system, plenty of buttons and shiny shapes that please my eye. Most importantly it has about 380 ponies that are ready to gallop. Even with 4 passengers there was no moment where the car had to think about accelerating.
Mercedes Benz E550
So what’s the problem, you ask? My passengers tend to complain a lot. I end up braking too late and this 3800lb vehicle is carrying too much speed for it not to be noticeable. It does not matter that the brakes are more than decent. The other occupants either get really nervous or feel the urge to yack. I know this because they verbally alert me of this. I end up apologizing and explain that they are aware that I drive a sports car. I’m not use to having three sets of stomachs accompany me. Turning also poses somewhat of a problem as well. I only realize the heft mid corner and have to quickly apply the brakes before the stability system intervenes. One would conclude that I’m speeding. That really isn’t the case. The combination of super quiet, soft suspension and power is what gets me. Come to think of it, it doesn’t even need to be all that powerful. I have the same issues when driving SUV’s. There are a few sedans that I’ve driven that don’t make my passengers nervous. I don’t have the same problems when I drive a 335i, C63 AMG, RX-8, and MINI S.
Am I alone here? I wouldn’t be too surprised if I am.
-Onehots2k
Images courtesy of Onehots2k & RIDGERCR
NOTE: S2KI welcomes the opinions of its members on the S2000 and on all topics related to the S. Should you feel the creative urge to pen a few words then by all means do so and PM Energetic, Aashish2 or Onehots2k OR send us links to what you would like us to write about and we will feature you (or your community) on the S2KI Home Page.
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on Feb 1st, 2010 at 10:14 am
It seems to be very true, the s2000 is like a glove when it comes to vehicles, it fits well with the driver and when you place yourself back into a mitten then is when you realize how all vehicles are not created equal and you have to snap out of the perfect fit and welcome the relax fit of a non sport car feel. There have been many times when I have driven other vehicles and do forget to alert my instinct and remind myself that what ever vehicle I am in is not the same and must quickly adjust, but the feeling and sensation is never the same and feel a bit out of place. I begin to critique the vehicle even when the vehicle is above par but feel at home when I step back in the S.
on Feb 1st, 2010 at 10:16 am
I know the feeling. Its the same thing with my CR-V daily drive.
I am driving it quite aggressively.
on Feb 1st, 2010 at 10:32 am
I think most of us could relate. I drive a 7 series and my S feels like a raw go-kart when I take it out about twice a week. It’s going to be hard to part with that rush. Who would’ve thought 240hp can do that?
on Feb 1st, 2010 at 10:37 am
It’s not just you, I have the same problem. Plus, I gripe about all the other cars I end up driving like the girlfriend’s Malibu.
on Feb 1st, 2010 at 10:41 am
I feel the same way about other non sporty cars. I hate driving large cars or SUV’s, My mom’s lexus suv or my dad’s mercedez sedan. I just feel like i have so much more control in a vehicle that is more atuned to the road.
on Feb 1st, 2010 at 11:11 am
LOL. Let me start by saying no you are not alone my friend. I drive very aggresive and have the same late braking, hard cornering tendencies. I don’t daily drive my S2k but before my TL I had a stage 2 08 STi so going from that to a 6spd TL, which mind you the stock suspension and sway bars are perfectly set up to give you an awesome rendition of what its like to ride in a dingy through niagra falls. It was GOD awful and it even at one point made me feel like vomiting. Few suspension mods later I am pleased…but my friends still complain…oh well
.
on Feb 1st, 2010 at 11:13 am
Haha, yes! this is so incredibly true. Barry, you know my driving, and i drove my cousins Dodge Nitro and took a u-turn too fast (my normal s2000 driving) and almost flipped!
on Feb 1st, 2010 at 11:17 am
I agree, it’s horrible everytime i switch back to my camry. HUGE DIFFERENCE
on Feb 1st, 2010 at 11:53 am
I often have to drive a shuttle van for my work picking up business peoples from their work. Some of the routes that I drive in the van happen to be the same routes that I take to work. Im usually late for work, so I have been able find the quickest way to get there. Often times the big ol chevy van just doesnt perform like my s2k, which leaves me with an awkward silence in the van after i almost get her up on 2 wheels.
on Feb 1st, 2010 at 11:56 am
I agree. The S and my other car (the Si) definitely spoil me silly. I have to retune my expectations when Im driving other cars.
Nice write-up Barry. Hope you did not mind me posting the pic of the CR as a lead-in to your post
on Feb 1st, 2010 at 12:01 pm
I frequently switch between a daily driver which is also manual. I find myself missing gears and taking corners way too fast after driving the S on the weekends. Another reason to hate Mondays!
on Feb 1st, 2010 at 12:01 pm
i know exactly what you mean. when im not driving my s2k, i forget that other cars feel like they are about to go screaming off the edge of the road or into the rear end of another car and it really bothers the other passengers that ride with me.. so the ones who dont realize what i normally drive… they think that im a wreckless bad driver. when the reality is that im just spoiled.
on Feb 1st, 2010 at 12:16 pm
I’m glad you did, A2. It is mighty sexy.
My brother has an Si that I’ve put thousands of miles on. It feels so refined and Cadillac like in comparison.
on Feb 1st, 2010 at 12:53 pm
Fully agree. I spun out on the highway in a rented Chevy Cobalt because I completely underestimated the stopping distance required in a normal sedan vs the S2000. I am now almost nervous to drive a regular sedan around because I feel it’s so unstable.
on Feb 1st, 2010 at 1:01 pm
Try making the transition from S over to an 06 jeep wrangler…… I have to learn how to drive all over again when switching out winter and summer drivers
on Feb 1st, 2010 at 1:20 pm
totally agree. its like we are too used to how our car handles that when u get into a “basic car” everything just feels out of place, like the lack of the short shifter and breaks that grab fast
.
hah, i tend to laugh at the difference in the way another handles when compared to the beloved S
on Feb 1st, 2010 at 1:30 pm
My wife drives a CR-V and I drive an S2000. The transition is huge and scary for me when I haven’t driven her vehicle in a few weeks and then I get behind the wheel only to be terrified by it’s heft, the scary feeling that you are about to flip when going around corners and the super sluggish engine when trying to merge in traffic…
I don’t think the S2000 has decreased our driving skills; it simply has elevated our expectations of a vehicle. The S2000 has spoiled us and made us confident in its abilities and lackadasical when it comes to get behind the wheel in another vehicle.
on Feb 1st, 2010 at 2:01 pm
haha, it does the same to me. I have constantly remind myself to be on my best behavior with a date in the S, take turns at the speed other people expect, keep the exhaust note down, etc.
get me in a minivan with a cushy ride and a big engine and I speed like crazy, too. I need the harsh ride and the revs to remind me how fast I am going!
on Feb 1st, 2010 at 2:55 pm
This sounds more like you refuse to acknowledge the prowess of the automobile you’re in, not that for some reason your driving ability has been negatively impacted. Take some deep breaths, slow down, and understand that you don’t need to drive like a douche all the time. If the stability management is popping on while you’re driving, you’re not driving gently by any stretch of the imagination, especially on dry roads with stock tires. Your passengers should be squawking.
It’s not difficult to go from driving a sporty car to driving any other kind of car if you’re aware of your surroundings. Driving around in one car all the time doesn’t make you a worse driver on the whole. Becoming more attentive to each small thing your S2K does should allow you to be more attentive to the things other cars will do, making it easier to drive smoothly and safely in a car you’ve never been in. Attentiveness isn’t a trait that suddenly disappears when you hop behind the wheel of a different car.
Slow down. You’re not as great of a driver as you think you are if you’re getting a TCS warning light without meaning to driving your family around.
on Feb 1st, 2010 at 2:59 pm
If the stability control is intervening mid-corner with other people in the car, then you are cornering pretty hard, and braking is probably not advisable mid-corner. Let me explain. I dont mean to be condescending (im sure you know what i’m about to say to be true), but the stability control is coming on because the tires are pretty much out of grip, thats what stability control does. Furthermore, it prevents sliding by applying the brakes (If you’re really thrashing it) and/or limiting the power of the engine. So, having the stability control come on, means you are at the limits of grip that the car has, because the tires are starting to slip, you then apply the brakes, requiring more traction of the tires that are already starting slip. It’s my opinion that you should always be aware of what you’re driving, and going from an S2000 to an E550, or even from a Lotus Exige to a Rolls Royce, is not an excuse for being surprised by how a car handles.
on Feb 1st, 2010 at 3:54 pm
I have the quite opposite feeling.
I own an AP1 since 5 months now. The previous owner did some tweaks to it.., like suspension and cams.
I daily drive a mini SUV, and I’m not a peacefull driver. So I sometimes abuse of my truck like it’s a sport car…
My s2k is an occasionally weekend drive, so every once in a while when I jump in the car is like a second time for me (not like a first coz you are dumb about the new controls, second is when u know controls but u feel quite numb at them).
So after few hours of touring around corners, and mountain landscapes I rediscover why I chose this car… Sweet balance in cornering without much roll, late breaking entering the corners, close gear ratio and that vtec crossover (mine is really loud due performance camshafts)
I suggest you to drive more ofter a regular car… going back on your s2k after that is like a 2nd honeymoon!
on Feb 1st, 2010 at 4:52 pm
Ain’t that the truth lol. I just picked up a new winter beater (gran am gt) and I have frighten myself on 2 occisonas. One being by myself the other with my fiance. All I did was drive the way I drive my S on the weekends and the gran am was all over the place. Mind you I wasn’t going that fast, just 10 mph over the speed limit around the turn but man does the S spoil you lol.
Good write-up and also enjoyed your last one on picking up the z4. Enjoy the comparisons and congrats on the new ride.
on Feb 1st, 2010 at 4:53 pm
Isn’t that the truth lol. I just picked up a new winter beater (gran am gt) and I have frighten myself on 2 occasions. One being by myself the other with my fiancé. All I did was drive the way I drive my S on the weekends and the gran am was all over the place. Mind you I wasn’t going that fast, just 10 mph over the speed limit around the turn but man does the S spoil you lol.
on Feb 1st, 2010 at 4:54 pm
haha nice write up – I agree. It’s tough to transition from the S to other cars. When I’m not driving my S I’m usually driving a pick-up truck too – which makes it even worse. When I’m in the truck I tend to believe I can fit in parking spots that are too small, can make a u-turn where I cannot, and can make the corner at 25mph.
on Feb 1st, 2010 at 10:38 pm
I do drive every car hard. I think track time in the S really got me confident in my skills to push a car below the performance level of the S to it’s limits.
I drive my 09 Fit Sport so hard you’d think I were driving a rally car around town at times.
However, I still know how to cruise when I have occupants. I’ve gotten comments from a few girls saying they feel beyond safe when I drive and they could just fall asleep (even when I take merge ramps at the tires limits lol)
on Feb 1st, 2010 at 11:57 pm
If you’re a true driver, it doesn’t matter what vehicle you jump into, you are the master of that machine. Be it my S2k, my 65 mustang, or my friends 5,000lb lifted dodge ram, I get in these vehicles and feel how to manhandle them without second guessing…brush up on your skills
on Feb 2nd, 2010 at 6:54 am
I feel differently, although the S is a superior vehicle and it does allow the driver to drive it more aggressively than your run of the mill sedan or suv, this does not mean that a skilled driver cannot adapt to the vehicle being driven. A skilled driver will feel the limits of any given vehicle and adhere to them while driving it.
I do agree with the premise of the article but I disagree that driving an S ruins you. If you feel that you are unsure or unable to drive another vehicle safely after driving your S than maybe some driving training is in order.
Peace and safe driving to all.
on Feb 2nd, 2010 at 11:06 am
For the 0-60 crowd extra mass can be cancelled out by more HP/Torque.
For more artful driving as done in the s2k, mass and balance are as important as power.
That’s what we experience.
on Feb 2nd, 2010 at 6:36 pm
…at least you had a comfortable E550…try from the S2000 to a full size Ambulance (not those little Ford work van), from 60 to 0…lol…over 350 ft on a good day…0 to 60 in just under a minute hahaha…I remember this one time my partner threw his radio at me from inside the rescue truck for taking corners like how I do in my S2000
it took a few weeks to adjust all that weight and height…
on Feb 3rd, 2010 at 6:26 am
T-Nizzle, that sounds pretty horrible. At least that makes you appreciate your S2k even more! At least you can handle your Ambulance. I’m sure those waiting for your aid would rather you not be in “Driving Miss Daisy” mode.
on Feb 3rd, 2010 at 4:46 pm
To the writer of this article, I would just like to say…
You are not alone.
I know that feeling all too well. I have a ’99 Civic which I drive, and I drive vans at work, not to mention, I’m usually the designated driver when I get our with my friends. So I drive plenty of different cars. I am so used to no body roll, low center of gravity, brakes that bite just right, and brisk acceleration, so when I drive other vehicles, I sometimes have to remind myself that I gotta be a bit more cautious as the vehicle isn’t up to par with what I drive!
on Feb 5th, 2010 at 1:08 am
I had the same feeling when i went from an S to a 04 TL, but i had to go back (:
on Feb 8th, 2010 at 6:32 am
I agree one hundred percent. I also feel it has spoiled a lot of cars for me. I have been on a marathon of car lurking while trying to choose my next daily driver. And I cannot find a single car that I actually want to purchase. I need a four seater at minimum and I feel I need the drivability, cornering, power, and more over the community that comes with the vehicle. I found that the WRX STi was my best bet but the payments are out of my reach. I have been spoiled by my S2000 and cannot accept another car. Only the STI, M3, and NSX are worth my time.
on Feb 13th, 2010 at 11:02 am
Can i say LOL i feel the same way, when i step into any car besides my s2000 i try to push it to it’s potential hit corners very rough and its because sometimes i forget and i just drive but i guess when you get so used to driving your s2000 you get onto a whole different level but nothings greater when i rev up to them 9000 rpm’s woohooooooo
on Feb 16th, 2010 at 7:08 am
Making tire noise,lighting up the traction control, and throwing passengers around sounds more like showing off than good driving.
A really good driver in the Merc 550 would leave you and your s2000 behind without making the passengers uncomfortable.
It’s called smoothness and balalnce.
on Feb 21st, 2010 at 3:30 pm
thats stupidd if s2k owners wanted to show off theyd just take there s2000 out ^_^ LOL duh<————- who the fk wanna show off in a piece of shit car just to say oh your pretty cool..
on Mar 21st, 2010 at 7:49 am
i only drive the s maybe once a week if that. in nj its necessary to have 2 vehicles esp if you plan on making it to work in january. when i do drive the s its usually for long enjoyable trips that are only for leisure. when it comes time to cover her back up and tuck her into her storage unit i hop into a bmw 528. the first 10 minutes in that car are very ruff, but welcomed. the brakes are where its a problem.