I need some help and you guys (and gals!) are just the ones the give me the help I need. I will soon be buying a new car. It's gonna be a roadster. It's got to be my daily drive, as well as the weekend toy. It's got to be affordable and reliable. I've narrowed it down to just two possibilities: the Nissan 350Z and the Honda S2000. Please give me your thoughts on the S2000 as a daily drive car--is it too harsh, too small? Expecially as compared to the Z. Thanks in advance for the help. I've got a coupla months to make the decision. I live in North Texas, so weather is not really an issue.

 

Please do a search on this because member posts on DD'ing the S2k has been beat to death.

 

I think I gave you advice on another site. Just test drive both and you will most likely have you decision.

 

The 350Z is definitely a larger car and you will see much more on the road.

In stock trim the 350Z is a bit faster than the S2000 but it definitely does not handle as well.

I feel that the 350Z leaves a lot to be desired in the cockpit but hey, there isn't much going on inside of the S2K either but I feel that it is much nicer than the 350Z.

It is clear that as an S2000 board our views will be biased, therefore our choice is evident.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

I wanted to test drive a 350Z just for the fun of it.

The exhaust sounds of Nissan/Infiniti 6 cylinders are rather pleasing in these days where I'm surrounded by raspy backfiring I4's, truck rumbling V8's, and gurgling boxer engine exhausts.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I expected bias here--but that bias is borne of some experience and that's what I wanted. I've got a few months to sit on this, but for now I'm leaning heavily toward superior handling and away from straightaway power and speed. So the S wins there. I've checked some of the older forums--you're right, it's been beat to death. Thanks for putting up with it one more time!

 

It is to be expected

 

 

I agree that driving the two cars is the best way to seal the deal. The S is not for everyone.

 

I might be able to help you out some. I have an 01' S2000 and my best friend has a 04' Enthusiast 350Z. We like to switch every once in awhile, just cause he loves convertibles and I like to feel what torque is like every once in awhile . I'll give you my input since we're both stock. Its true though, test driving both is the best way to make the decision.

The S2000 feels like a go-kart while driving because of its small size and exceptional handling while the Z feels much more refined and not as "raw" of a car as the S2000. Even with the Z having more power, both my friend and I agree that you feel faster in the s2k. The clutch on the Z really pops out and isnt very stiff, while the s2k's is more subtle and alil stiffer which I like. The gearbox on the Z was the worst part for me. It felt like I was shifting in mashed potatoes or something. When shifting the s2k you feel very precise when you shift while on the Z you just sorta slide into gear. The Z has alot of cool gadgets and more options in the interior than the s2k (Z has better sound system, programmalbe shift light, bells and whistles like that). In terms of reliability, as long as you keep an eye on your oil level in the s2000, its a Honda so it will treat you very well. However, many owners will back me up in saying that the HondaCare Warranty is crap unless you're lucky and have one of those very rare dealerships who will actually take care of you. Don't really know about the Nissan warranty, but my friend's Z runs great and he pushes the car pretty hard sometimes.

Let me know if you need anymore help, I'd be happy to do so. Welcome to the forums!