Man...oh man....how do opinons differ on the same exact cars.

Let's see...I have owned 3 S2000's (00, 01 and 04).

I have also owned 3 STi's (04, 05 and 05).

I have owned an 01, 02, 03 and 06 Z06s....

...and I have also owned an E46 M3...here are my opinions on some of the stuff I hear on this thread (by they way...all of my cars have seen an autox event, road course event or both...and been driven "appropiately"...

1. USCGS2k...calling a 200 C5 "fast as hell"...is kind of funny. sorry.
2. If you don't care about the number of seats now, then that should make your decision a LOT quicker, better
3. The only category the Mcoupe surpasses the S2000 is in "I got more money than you factor"...it is boring and feels cheap (sorry, only my opinion). Will calls it as it is.
4. Jeggy makes a lot of sense...as soon as you start modding, throw away the white flag...there will go your reliability on ANY car...
5. Jacques...how can you call the STi "slow reflexed"...that is just like saying that your cousin GSP is slow and heavy...jeezsh...Yes, the S2000 turns a lot quicker and feels lighter (because it is)...but I would not go as far as calling it "disconnected"...funny how both cars are on AS in autox...
6. CyberX...both cars are in different categories of styling and of looks...yes, the S2000 is going to be more appealing for the topless/roadster factor and all balls out to 9000rpm/8200 rpm feel...but performance wise, they are in similar brackets...the S2000 is HARDER to drive at an extreme....the STi,...well, you have to be absolutely on crack to make it loose control (if you don't have me on video then shut up...I will never admit to spinning the STi... )
7. USCG2k...you claim the STI seems like an economy car with sport stuff thrown into it. The s2000 was designed to be bad ass....maybe you should stick with your C5 that is fast as hell...again, just mo...sorry. But you make some sonese out of the M3...don't do it unless you want to waste your money. Everything is too expensive for the gains you will see and they are cheap in every sense of the word (sorry M3 guys...just my opinion but I am sooooooooo glad I sold min).
8. Rdrcr Mike...you make a lot of sense and I agree with your point of view on the paint and the seats of the STi....both are junk. The stereo though I put it in the same category as the S2000 stereo...also junk.

So to summarize...you can't go wrong with either car. Both will give you woody in different ways. Your C5 is out of warranty...so you are going to be better off with an STi or newer S2000 anyway.

I know I will own an S2000 again soon. I am actually contemplating selling my 911 and picking up an S2000. The money a car is worth has absolutely nothing to do with how much fun they are to drive. OUT OF ALL 60+ cars that I have owned, this is how I have mine rated when it comes to "fun factor"

1. S2000 (00-03)
2. STi
3. C6Z06
4. 300ZXTT
5. C5Z06

I am sure a LOT of people are going to disagree but again, EVERYONE has their own opinions...good luck!!

 

STI unless a convertible is that attractive to you

 

If you have to ask....then STI.

 

S2000: best value high performance roadster
STI: much more flexible

 

If you are serious about being able to have either one (lifestyle) and you are in a warm climate then go S2000. If you are in a wet climate then go Sti. After owning both and I had the opportunity to go either way... I'd say Sti. Bu its always wet up here and my kids don

 

It would be stupid to rule out NEW BMWs because they come with a very comprehensive waranty that includes free maintenance. Reliability shouldn't be an issue if you plan on changing your car before your 3 years are up.

 

I disagree. Reliability is still an issue, becaues I'd rather be driving my car than watching it sit on a lift.

The BMW's do have good care/warranty programs, though. Free oil changes/maintenance for 50k miles. Not sure about the other 3-series, but the M3 comes with 100k mile warranty on the drive train. I was tempted to pick one up, but I just can't get over the styling of them (Bangle).

 

true...but, in the case of my E46M3, after 6 months of ownership and 7 visits to the dealer...I said, screw this...

 

I am dreaming of one day owning both....using my S2000 as the garage queen that only comes out to play either on the track or just some fun driving on a two-lane....buying an STi in the near future to have AWD for the snow here as well as having a four-door toddler hauler with some nuts when I feel the need.

Just my opinion, but I would whole-heartedly consider Z06-KILLR's opinions expressed. I have known him personally for a while now, and I have found that he has a great range of expertise in the characteristics of MANY different cars and what those characteristics benefits and downfalls are.

 

Both Z06 and I have had both.

I love the S for its nimble feel, great looks and the revv's, and the topless days. IMO it needs a supercharger to really get the max fun out of it and to be in the same power class as the sti. It has more class, but is NOT a novice car to own. it can get away from you in a hurry at the limit.

The STI was cheap inside, and a little boy racer outside BUT it was one of the funnest cars I've ever had. Easy to mod, 4 doors if you need it, just a bit more econo inside feeling imo. Very novice friendly and harder to get away from you at the limit due to the AWD. I'll have to post up some of my AWD burnouts!!

STi felt as if the syncros were going out at 10k and I did not want to deal with the warranty stuff so I sold it.

Tough call. but there is NOTHING like the sound of an S2k with a SC, headers and exhaust....