Hey everyone! I am debating on selling my E46 M3 since it started to be more of a headache than enjoyable. I am planning on selling the M3 and starting my search for a s2000. I just started looking but have lots to research. The process will most likely be slow since I am in no rush. My big issue right now is if I want to go with an AP1 or spend a bit more for the AP2.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

I have now owned both an AP1 and an AP2, but I honestly can't say one is "better" than the other. They are obviously similar but have a completely different feel, in my opinion of course. If I could describe my AP1 in one word it would be "raw". The driving experience is fantastic, and I can honestly say I've never felt more engaged driving anything else. The AP2 on the other hand isn't much different in terms of the driving experience, but there is just something missing. The clutch (stock) on my AP2 is much softer than that of my AP1 which might have something to do with it, but I just cant put my finger on it. Maybe it's the fact that the AP2 only redlines to 8k instead of 9k.

If I could use one word to describe my AP2 it would be "refined". It's as though Honda took a sander to the AP1. I love the way the AP2 cruises around town. It is just such a smoother ride than my AP1, and a lot more comfortable for a passenger (not that I really give a shit). The AP2 might be smooth, but it is by no means tamed. There is a difference in torque between the AP1/2 and it's noticeable to me. I also am so relieved to no longer have a buzzing clutch (a common problem with early AP1s) because it really got under my skin. By far the best part for me, though, is the updated body style. The head/tail lights are much nicer and look great. The wheels are also a hell of a lot more stylish than the AP1 wheels which is a plus for me because I plan on keeping stock look. But that front bumper is really my favorite. I think the ugliest part of the AP1 is the front bumper. They really did a great job changing that. The interior is also slightly nicer as well.

Overall I would recommend the AP2, but that's just my stupid opinion. One thing is for sure though, you will love your S2000 no matter which one you get. Get one.

 

 

Thanks for the great reply. I am hoping to learn as much as I can from here before going out to purchase one. Right now I would really like to test drive any ap1 or ap2 just to see how it drives before offing my M3.

I really do appreciate your opinion on both series. I find it funny that you hate the front bumper on the AP1 because I LOVE IT haha. I am not so much of a fan of the AP2 bumper but I can really live with either. They are such great looking cars. Was the buzzing clutch only an issue with the stock clutch? If you changed it an aftermarket would the buzz go away? I'm sure the answers in searching but since you brought it up I thought I would ask.

Anyway thanks for the welcome!

 

My main problem with my AP2 is gas consumption. Not because it get's bad miles/gallon but because when I get off work I just aimlessly drive it around until my tank is empty. :/

Can't quit driving it. And I find myself looking for on and off ramps to play on since cops tend to find me in the straight aways.

 

I agree with LouMan about the looks (AP2 looks much better and that AP2 is more refined), but what really matters is your priority i guess. If you want a track car, go with the AP1 because it's much more fun with the extra 1000 RPM and it feels more like a racecar than the AP2. If you're going to daily drive most of the time or all the time, AP2 is the better choice because of the smoothness and the extra torque, but still a fun track car. From my experience, the AP2 is also easier to drive because it's smoother and because of the heavier stock flywheel. AP2's also have better differentials and transmissions than the AP1. I hear that some AP1's have a problem with burning a ridiculous amount of oil (mine does...), but I don't really hear about that with AP2s. Don't get me wrong though, AP1's are still great daily drivers and it's much more fun to drive.

So AP1 for fun and track, but AP2 for looks and reliability. Hope that helped and goodluck with your search!