youngturk

Hello everyone,

I have wanted to purchase an S2000 for a long time, and I would like to make that dream come true very soon. I would like to see, feel, and learn about the differences between the 2005 S2000 and 2006+ S2000 models. I would be happy to buy dinner for one 2005 S2000 owner as well as one 2006+ S2000 owner one night this week. The sooner the better as I am trying to make a decision on a car I am considering purchasing.

Bring your cars and let's compare the differences in person. My basic understanding is that, compared to the 2005 model, the 2006+ models came with drive-by-wire throttle (DBW), VSA, modified seats, a little cubby section on the passenger side, standard rollbar speakers, a different steering wheel, and black cupholder cover. I'd love to see the differences and get your impressions about the differences in driving experiences especially as it relates to DBW and VSA. I've read about pros and cons for each of these features.

I am available for dinner tonight. I am in northwest Austin but can meet anywhere. If you fit the description above and are free, let's get together tonight. It's a beautiful day to be outdoors tonight!

wedgiesaurus

Howdy,

I am in east Austin and own a 2005 s2000. I haven't driven a 2006, so I can't speak to the differences, but I can tell you that I love the car I have. I also have an after-market head unit, so the stereo/speaker comparison won't be fruitful if you're looking at my car.

That said, my wife has choir tonight and I'm otherwise free. I'd be happy to let you check the car out this evening, preferably after 6:30pm or so.

Drop me a line. Cheers!

Ninja edit- other than the aftermarket head unit (for handsfree phone usage, a must here in town) and clear side markers (instead of amber), the car is basically bone stock and only 46k miles.

youngturk

Sounds great! Thank you so much. I sent you a personal message with my phone number. Let's plan to meet tonight for dinner at 6:30 pm. We can decide the exact place over the phone.

Looking forward to meeting you and seeing your car.

youngturk

Thank you, Wayne, for coming out and setting aside so much time for me. It was great learning so much about the 2005 model. Thank you also for letting me get a taste of driving your S as well - it was exhilarating. I feel so much better informed now. Your suggested dinner location was excellent. I hope to see you on Saturday in Lockhart.

s2000-18

I have an 07 which is basically an 06. It is similar to the 05 but a big change is the change over to Drive-by-wire. I owned a 2002 also and I honestly can't tell the difference between the 2002 and the 2007 in throttle response.

What makes the 2006 an easy choice in my opinion is it will be compatible with Hondata so you can hook your car up to it and completely retune the ECU (either with presets or custom). It allows for the move of Vtec engagement, redline, launch control, etc.

I believe the 2006 with the switch over outlined above also added stability control, which you can turn off at the touch of a button. it will turn back on though each time you start the car.

Other than that, the headrests became solid, speakers in the roll bars, i think the steering wheel emblem may have changed, and the colors on the center console from silver to black. The radio door remains silver.

Pretty sure that is all you will really notice.

s2000-18

Oh and wheels. You go from the AP2 V1's to the AP2 V2's. Both 17" and same size, just different design. Just google them and you will see the difference.

jwfisher

Most important thing in my mind is that the 2006 and up computers can be reflashed, and thus updated regularly, while the 2005 and down cannot be. They require changing the chip.

Argue it out both ways... but if you should want to go unnaturally aspirated one day then having the ability to update the program as it is developed further by the tuning company or the community is a critical advantage.

Chuck S

The '06 and later have all the bells and whistles including Stability/Traction control. And as noted the ECU can be manipulated from your laptop and the Hondata (and similar) units. None of this stuff can be easily retrofitted to anything earlier. Nice little touches like the rear speakers in the headrests too.

-- Chuck

youngturk

I really appreciate all the replies. Thank you. If I can fit it into my schedule, I look forward to meeting many of you on Saturday.

UberDuper

Between an 04-05 and an 06+ the 06+ is a no brainer. If you want the F20C then your best bet is 02-03.

I owned an 05 before and I always wished it had been an 06.
I have an 01 now and still wish it was an 06.