For the past 14 years I have driven American sports cars with plenty of low-end torque (mainly classic Corvettes). I am looking for something a little closer to F1 with high driver involvement, and the S2000 fits the bill, but I have some concerns I hope you guys will address before I purchase one over an

 

Hey G. Other's will have more valid info but I'll give it a shot anyways. I've had mine since July and I absolutely love it. 14,000 miles on the car including autoXs, track time, and hard driving and my clutch feels fine. I do hard launches, quick 0-60s and the occasional 180 via throttle oversteer This car excells at autoX. A new one will compete in A stock fairly well. The '03s and older mostly rule B stock. It's a tough car to drive well, lord knows I have a lot to learn, but I think you'll love it.

The question is, can you live with a little road noise, a lot of engine noise, and a bumpy ride?

 

Welcome to the board. There's an autoX at the SC Fairgrounds on 3/27. Come on out and one (or more) of us would be happy to give you a ride around the course. I've never tried to hit the 0-60 times, but I've done a few ~6k-rpm launches. No problems yet, (17 months, 30.8k miles), and autocrossed since day 6.

Regarding the engine -- anything above 6k is sweet, sweet music!

 

Like Bryan said, if you're unsure of what it feels like and sounds like, come out to the autocross on the 27th and we'd be happy to show it off and even take you for a ride on course!

It'd be cool to have a local on the board as well... not many Columbia folks that are active, but the Carolinas is a fun board, nonetheless!

 

Aside from what they've already said, you will notice the stock exhaust peaking at 8-9k, is still not as loud as a V8. But you will also find the S very fun to drive so long as u can live w/o the excessive tourque.
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But as Garrett and Brian said, go the autoX and see for yourself. No better way. And if you do decide to join our little family = WELCOME TO THE MAD HOUSE

 

Gringo...I just bought MY00 in January and have enjoyed it immensely (even though limited due to weather). As far as addressing some of your questions.

Yes, the car is extremely loud. Even when pushing 4000-6000 RPM's you can drown out the CD you might be listening too. Once you hit above 7000 RPM's you here nothing but the engine (a beautiful sound ). I remember riding with a fellow buddy of mine who has an 03' model and just hearing him accelerate was mind-boggling (it was very loud).

I know nothing about autocross...I feel like I need to take a couple courses in defensive driving or maybe a sports car driving school to participate in such a thrilling event. I have no formal training in this area.

I do a standstill 0-60 every now and then and I've never dropped the clutch, probably cause I am too cautious. The great thing about such an acceleration is that it can be accomplished in second gear.

As far as killing yourself? Yes, it's possible but not probable. This car is extremely well engineered...it can turn a corner with exact precision, stop on a dime, and accelerate beautifully. It handles like a dream.

There is my two cents...then again, I am a new s2k owner so I still have a lot to learn but that's the main reason I am here

 

You're talking to a guy that's used to American muscle... Corvettes... A second gear start would feel like riding a Huffy to Gringo!!!

 

I think he ment that you wouldn't have to shift to 3rd on the 0-60 run.

 

Oh.....

Yeah, I knew that...

 

Thanks for the info folks. The ultimate seller for me will be the Honda engineering. The offer to visit the autocross at the end of this month is exactly what I should do, but I have already comitted to spending that weekend in Atlanta. I'll try to keep an eye on the autoX schedule and make it to a later event. I'll keep watching your posts and let you know which car I end up with...

Thanks.