I am staying out of the "my car is better than yours is" stuff.

1) 20% stronger diff - unquestionably a good thing

2) "Only 8 pounds more of torque?" . The car will produce as much as 15 lbs more at some points according to the salesman "primer" - that is significant.

3) Tranny case is stronger - that will help ensure torsional forces do not cause the case to twist, which also put the joints to the diff under excessive force. Should raise longevity and tendency of the ring/pinion to make unexpected exits out of the case

4) Tranny case stronger - should contribute to improved NVH.

5) More visible quality in interior - leather, aluminum, etc.

I have to say I am impressed with honda -- many mfr's in mid-cycle will "freshen" a car, but compromise on the underpinings - boost power but leave all the driveline stuff the same, etc.

It is especially impressive for a low-production vehicle. Honda

 

I suggest you hold the accolades until you have a car and have gone through a bout with the dealers and AHM for a warranty adjustment.

They have impressed me enough that my new car dollars will be spent elsewhere.

 

I meant from an engineering perspective - the "dealer experience" as they call it now is something I am used to - it has been a nightmare with Ford on the Cobra - my headlights clouded up, and they refused to replace them because "they were not the worst they have seen". On a 35K car I bought at retail.....

I am middle-aged, and have learned that diplomacy often wins out over confrontations,

I have a strategy for service that has served me well - I make friends in the back, and keep my voice down when frustrated. The first service, I bring in a few cartons of Marlboros with a note that says "Help Yourself" - next time, some Krispy Kremes. Pretty soon, when they see my car, they know that it is the one from that guy "who is alright".

I once had a mech pull me aside and whisper say that "we found some oil on your clutch and replaced it" - it was out of warranty and not on the service charge. Two guys, working over lunch, and at breakneck speed, replaced it in 45 minutes! They said it was because I was not an "a-hole" like half the people who come through their, and the Sevice manager is a dik himself.

Just some food for thought....

 

I'm thinkin that MY04 is going to be significantly faster.....to keep up/reposition against the competition(350Z). That is why they are withholding the info and the car.

If not and both cars are about the same why not release now?

 

I'm using the donuts idea.....Thanks!

 

i doubt the "faster" idea. Honda has never really been one to combat other companies directly. Case in point, the Civic Si. If they realkly cared all that much they would have brought a CTR over to the states to battle every other sports compact kicking the Si's butt right now.

 

Im thinkin the same thing i followed the 350Z for quite awhile...that was the car a was gong to buy until a friend suggested i drive the S2K . Needless to say i changed my mind. The Z has gobs of torque at almost any speed regardless of what gear you are in. It does not have the lighting quick reflexes and snik shifts of the S2K. The power band is about the same. I belief Honda is keeping the field equal.

 

Good point with the SI comment.

But why not release now? Why withhold? That is the only logical explaination.

I'm thinkin it will be just a bit faster then the Z....

Do you guys think the engine will be more "strok-able"?

I drove a new 03 last week and liked it a lot, but I'm thinkin I'm glad I have a 04 on order now.

 

At the risk of being accused of speculating, I just dont see how the 2004 will not be faster.

Perhaps it's an oversimplification , but let's look at in in steps and how the 2004 probably matches up to the earlier versions at fixed rpm points


RPM range:

0000-1000 Edge to 2004
1000-2000 Edge to 2004
2000-3000 Edge to 2004
3000-4000 Edge to 2004
4000-5000 Edge to 2004
5000-6000 Edge to 2004
6000-7000 Edge to 2004
7000-8000 Edge to 2004(probably, or at least a push)
8000-9000 Edge to 2003 & earlier editions.

Now if this chart is even close to being accurate, my question is where the 2003 and earlier cars are going to make up the distance lost at each of the stages of RPM?

I really don't think there is enough left in the 8-9000 range to make up the all the lost ground.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SJSHARKS
[B]At the risk of being accused of speculating, I just dont see how the 2004 will not be faster.

Perhaps it's an oversimplification , but let's look at in in steps and how the 2004 probably matches up to the earlier versions at fixed rpm points


RPM range:

0000-1000