I am in the market for a used AP2. Aside from the addition of drive by wire and vsa in 2006, apparently another change was to the seats.

However, after searching here and on other sites, all I've been able to gather, and see in pictures, is that the headrest area was significantly changed to eliminate the cut out. I've read that this space was meant for helmets. For those that autocross/track their cars, did your helmet really fit better with that cut out? In my previous cars, I don't recall ever having the seatback at such an angle that my head was always in contact with the headrest.

There has also been discussion of a change in seating material. Is the consensus that this was an upgrade or not?

Was there any change to the general shape/size of the seat itself? Is it known whether the newer seats are still made by Recaro?

For those that can compare them, what is the general comfort level between the two seat designs, or is it so minor a change that I shouldn't worry about it?

Thanks for your help,
Phil

 

shape and size are still the same. i think there is minor change in the texture of the leather..

 

Shape and size are NOT the same.
-The seat is completely redesigned including different leather (is supposed to show less "cracking" of the leather).
-The passenger seat also comes with airbag sensors (I'm not 100% sure if any older models don't come with the weight sensors).

I consider the new seat both a pro and a con.
pros:
-new leather style and design show less cracking and are supposed to crack less.
-seat is much stiffer in comparison to older model seats. (By stiffer, I mean that the "bucket" sides of the seats are stiffer. Including the rest of the padding.)

cons:
-I think that the older model seats look more sporty.
-Older seats feel softer and more comfortable.

I like my 07 model seats because it's stiffer than the other type of seat but not to the point where it is uncomfortable at all.

 

Oh, and I say that you go to a dealer and try out the seats yourself. Try to test out both the seats one right after the other so you can really tell. If not, try hitting up a local meet!

 

 

Cool, thanks for the summary. I actually did visit a dealer this past weekend to take a look. They had a 2005 w/ about 14k miles in the showroom. The outer side bolster of the driver seat was already showing the soft "cracking" lines. The leather appeared to be more like soft, "buttery" glove leather. I then test drove a 2007. Being in Chicago in Feb, it was barely 20 degrees out, so any added stiffness of the leather I attributed to a combination of new vs used and warm inside vs cold outside. I did notice the new leather, on the sides at least where it wasn't perforated, had more of a thicker, pebbly texture (more like the leather on the Pilot, or my wife's RDX for that matter...)

I tried comparing comfort after the test drive by sitting in the 2005, then running out into the cold to sit in the '07, but it was difficult to really tell. Perhaps the 07 felt a little tighter in the hip area, but again, I attributed that to brand new vs a little broken in, and really cold leather vs room temp.

Thanks again for the comments. I'm wrestling with how much $ savings makes up for not doing all the breaking-in myself. $6k seems like a lot of savings for giving up 14k miles and some lines in the leather...

-Phil

 

S2000's are quite sturdy. If the car was owned by a an adult driver who cared for it then 14k miles are nothing.

 

The only thing that worried me a little was the curb-rash on one of the rear wheels. Of course it could be nothing more than scraping the wheel in a parking lot at low speed, or it could be from hitting a curb at substantial speed with a big rear fender and/or suspension repair that I have little way of finding out about. The fact that it only has 14k miles and is not a "Certified Used Car" at this Honda dealer makes me wonder.

 

I don't like the new changes, the seats look like they are getting uglier in style. Also, the gauges are getting uglier in style IMO. The older seats look more sporty and are more comfortable. The gauges on the older S2000's are the best. They read 9 on the RPM and strech all the way across the display, Newer models the RPM's have a smaller display and a lower redline. Also, I like the flat display of the fuel meter and engine temp. that reads straight across of the older models. The newer S2000's display fuel and engine temp. on a kind of rainbow arch. Of course this all a matter of opinion or preference. I'm obviously prejudice toward newer models since I have a MY01. But even if I didn't have an 01' I would still like the look of the 00-01 better. The only thing I don't like about the older models is the plastic rear window.

 

Got any kids Phil? You might find the passenger airbag cutout useful, if your transporting any children under the age of 12 in the vehicle. Older S2000 (pre 06) don't have this so its something to keep in mind.

Also 06 and up S2000s have VSA. Added peace of mind on public roads IMO and its fully defeatable, but each to his own on that one.

$6k is a fair bit, but don't forget that when selling time comes around, an 07 will get you more money than an 05.

Good luck with the search and be sure to let us know when you do pick one up.