97 m3 runs a 5.5 and a 14.1 (on paper)
2001 s2k runs a 5.5 and 14.1 (on paper)

will the race between these two basically depend on launch?

 

Yes...they are very evenly matched.

 

But S2K would do much better on winding roads...

 

an s2k would do much better on winding roads if the s2k driver knows how to push their car. If both drivers are ave, the m3 has an edge, since it is easier to drive/keep in line.

At leas tthat is my experience with both cars.

 

CrazyRay S2K,

I raced this 99 M3 coupe (maddogtx) with ecu software upgrade and Dinan Cold air intake...like 4-5 times at stoplights...he won a couple times...and so did I.

I'm telling you...it is all in the launch...

 

Maybe I can help Currently I have both those cars; A 2001 S2000 and a 97 M3. The M3 feels faster and probably is at lower speeds, but I think in a race the S2000 will pull away at higher speeds. I've raced my M3 twice, I lost once from a roll to about 70 but I won from a dead stop to about 90. I think I will take them both to the track on Sunday and see what I can get out of them. I took my M3 to the track a while back and ran a 14.1 @ 97mph. I'll keep you guys updated.
-Brandon

 

Which M3 are you guys refering to? Coupe/Sedan/Convertible/stick/auto? They all make a different. I think the coupe 5-speed is the fastest one in all of the above.

 

Thats what I have, a 5 speed coupe. And actually, I just got back from racing both of them. My friend and I did a couple of runs. He was in the M3, I was in the S2000. The M3 is much easier to drive and the powerband is much easier to hit. If I wasn't in the proper gear or right RPM range, he would pull ahead. The two good, even runs were where one was from 50-100 on the highway; he gained on me at first then at about 90 I felt like I was pulling ahead but then he shut it down at 100. The other race which shows how even the cars are was from a dead stop at a stop light. We both got good launches(I launched at 7500) and I got a small, small jump. Then we were dead even and stayed dead even until 70. I really want to run from a deadstop to 130 or so and see who will win, becuase these two cars are very, very close.
-Brandon

 

The cars are more evenly matched at Auto-X than you might believe. Your local results may vary but we've got a kick-ass local M3 driver.