Dear all,

1) Anyone here has any experience owning both S2k and 350Z (6-speed hardtop) and driving them for some time? Please give your honest and unbiased comments possible.

2) Any spy knowledge of any new design for s2k or 350Z coming up soon?

Thanks.

 

Singapore, nice place and plenty of sunshine.

The S2000 is showing its age though it is a rare car b(I've only seen 2 of them and quite a few Zs even they are the same price). There isn't much room to let a car spread its legs (ie. lots of traffic), the Z might be ideal for Singaporean roads. The S is obviously better for the excessive sunshine.

The Z turns more heads though, remembered seeing a black one outside a hotel on Orchard road with a bunch of people taking photos of it.

Oh, saw a Zonda outside the Mandarin hotel during my recent trip in Singapore.

 

I test drove both, and I can just say its all about preference to certain things.
1) If you want a performing roadster, get the s2000. The 350z roadster sucks.
2) If you want a car that you can "feels" better in local driving, the Z has more torque. It also has room for a subwoofer or two, heated seats, and a DVD nav. The s2000 is more "raw;" it has no heated seats, no electronic adjustment of seats, the steering wheel is fixed, no storage, etc. That may be a good thign if you just want performance.

I originally wanted to get a Z because it was cheaper and you can feel the torque, but everone has them! My block alone has 4 Zs! I also like individuality when I buy a car. The s2000 is therefore the eye catcher since it is more rare.

 

S2000Singapore, great to see more ppl from S.E Asia posting here, I'm actually from East M'sia myself...although I pass through S'pore on the way sometimes.

First off in answer to 1.)

I haven't driven them back to back on the same day, however around a yr ago, I had the fortune (through a generous friend) to have both an RX8 and 350Z Track as a daily driver for a period of around 3-4 months. It was a great time too, as these two cars were the 'new kids on the block' so to speak, and also in terms of price, the s2000's direct competitors.

I found the 350Z to be a good car, a bit lacking in fun factor compared to the other two (subjective), it had great low-end torque and was the only one of the 3 that would sling you back into your seat when the pedal was planted. It definitely "felt" a lot faster than the S2k, but that was just the illusion low-end grunt gives you, because in reality it wasn't. The shift quality was one of the best of any Nissan I've tried out (better than the Skyline IMO), short direct throws...though lacking the precision of the s2000's gearbox. Suspension was tight, it handled fairly well, although it felt a bit clumsier than the RX8/S2K...both in comparison have knife-edge type handling, whilst the 350Z felt as though the fat tyres were doing most of the work. It also tended to understeer a bit. The Zed felt a lot larger, and heavier than the other two...which is probably because it is. In the s2k/rx8 both feel almost like an extension of yourself (esp. the s2k), whilst the Zed had a more 'boat' feeling to it. The interior design I thought was good, although a bit plasticky and a tad cheap looking. Seats were great, although once again I felt the s2k's were better in quality, and they were more supportive...although if you're a large man, the 350Z's seats will fit a wider range of bums. If you love nothing more than planting the pedal, and feeling that sling-shot feeling through almost any gear...then this is the car for you. Whilst the s2k and 350Z are almost lineball in a straightline, in the s2k you have to work a lot harder in order to get 10/10ths. Another thing with the s2k is its annoying lack of storage compartments. If this is going to be your daily driver, you would probably take that into consideration, although the rear strut in the Zed prevents what could have been a sizable boot. The stereo in the Zed is also worlds better, stock Bose speakers = great! The stock stereo in the s2k sucks ass, and isnt much better than the factory system that came with my ITR. The Zed also has a few gadgets over the s2k (if such things interest you), such as cruise control, electric + heated seats and gadgets that measure fuel economy, estimate how much km u have left in your tank etc. Alas, it doesn't come with Xenon HID headlights, which I found surprising, given its price range. HID's are standard on both the s2k and rx8.

At the end of the day, I chose the S2K. After my 350Z/RX8 experience I was almost expecting the s2k to disappoint me...but quite the contrary I appreciated it even more. I personally thought that the S2K was an all-round more involving car, it brings a bigger smile to my face, even when just rowing through the gears. The knife-edge handling, balance, poise and respectable straight-line urge was an unbeatable package (again just my opinion). The fact that it was a convertible just sealed the deal. In terms of head turning, with my experience all 3 of them turn heads, although the S2K gets noticeably more attention, particularly when the top is down. This may also be due to the fact that the RX8 and 350Z are more common.

To sum it up, if you're going to be using this as your daily driver, and like a bit of spirited driving here and there I would probably get the Zed. Its got more storage compartments, and is overall the more 'comfortable' car, although it is a bitch to park in small, tight spots. I also loved how you could lazily lope around in almost any gear, there was ample power from 2000rpms onwards. If you want a more involving drive, with a sky-high fun rating and a drop-top, I would get the S2K. Just a thought though, ever considered the RX8? Its actually got a good dose of both (convenient and fun)

I had extensive seat time in all 3, I chose the S2K because it suited my needs best. Perhaps you should just test drive them, and see what conclusion you come up with.

Question 2.) Nobody is certain if there are any new models in the future, in fact nobody knows if there will even be a 2nd generation S2K. As for the 350Z, Nissan just came out with their Anniversary edition which has 300hp, so doubtful that a new model will be coming out anytime in the near future.

Hope this helped.

 

I pretty much agree with Neo. I owned an enthusiast 350Z for two years and currently own a 2002 s2000. The reality is that both cars are fantastic, reliable and fun. Of the midrange type sports cars they are the best. It really comes down to little preferences. I think the s2k is a more exciting and purpose built car because you need to rev it up to enjoy it, whereas the nissan is a better daily driver - more of a distinguished gentleman than a rambunctious kid. The Z is a softer ride, less directional, but MUCH easier to drive at the limits and IMO better balanced. I could slide that car through corners comfortably, but the wheelbase of the s2k makes it twitchy and I'm nervous to drive at 9/10ths. Tires can tone the s2k's twitchyness down, but imo, anything other than the s-02 ruins the car's feel.

One thing that did bother me with the z in the summer is that its a hotbox. The tranny tunnel gives off a lot of heat and its hard to stay cool. I never use a/c. If you are comparing a hard top to the s2k, the s2k has a major advantage there. There is nothing like driving around with the top down. Top up, the s2k feels clausterphobic (sp?) compared to the Z. Visibility in both cars is bad, with s2k being the worst.... until you put the top down on the s2k.

Good luck with what you decide. I've also owned a vw GTI vr6, Audi TT and Z06 - pm if you need comparos on those..

 

In terms of redesigns...the s2000 probably will never have another design, although, this topic is much debated on this forum and has been driven into the ground many a time. Just do a search for s2000 redesign--I'm sure you'll get lots of threads.

The 300hp Z that comes out is the same as the current Z, except for more hp. Thing is, I was reading on car and driver that the 300hp has lower torque than the current Z, and actually has a slightly slower quartermile time--I don't remember exactly, but you can check out the article on caranddriver's website. You might have to do a search for it. I wouldnt expect a complete redesign on the Z for awhile--I think the current design is very popular and since it has only been out 3 years, it may get a mild refreshening.

 

S2000: Bruce Lee
350Z: Chuck Norris

 

Hi

Thanks to all who replied. Appreciate your comments, which seem to coincide with most of what I have read.

I do own a 01 silver/red s2k and simply loved it. My good pal is considering a Z and I've been telling him how nice the S is.

Thanks again.

 

S2000: Ichro Suzuki
350Z: Hideki Matsui