brett03

i bought an 03 last week with 5k on it. i work at a honda delership so i had my choice between that and an 04 and 7 ftlbs of torque wasnt worth the extra $150/month

RACER

I purchased a MY 03 nearly 3 months and 2,500 miles ago. I was going to wait untill next spring but wanted the original engine configuration. 2 liter, 240 HP, more power per liter than any normally aspirated production car in the world. 9,000 rpm's is not to shabby either. I am assuming Honda stiffened up the suspension for the 17" wheels with lower profile tires. Not all roads are perfect, but my MY 03 drives well overall. A race track is a different story. I run my S2K 90 percent of the time on the street, so I see no benifit for having the stiffer suspension. I be havin the last MY 03 Formula Red in my area. In the small town of Sonoma, I think there is one or two other S2k's, mine being the only red one. I don't waste my time racing civics or stangs anymore. Ya gotta luv it!!

shiftright

Drawbacks of purchasing a 2003 when you could have purchased a 2004:

1. Depreciation
2. Relatively unpredictable rear end (a major fix in the 04)
3. Less torque in the 03 and available over a more restricted rpm with the attendant consequences
4. Most people would agree that the interior is improved in the 04
5. Smaller wheels in the 03
6. Most people would agree that the 04 looks better, overall
7. Even smoother gear shifts in the 04
8. Even more rigid transmission and gear box in the 04
9. Less interior noise yet not an isolation chamber by any means in the 04 means you can have fun for a far longer period of time
10. Essentially unchanged price despite numerous upgrades and ability to drive the 04 even though year 2004 isn't even here yet....so the car stays "newer" longer as opposed to getting a 03 which will be last years model in a few weeks.

These are all facts, not personal opinions. And the 03 is still a great car, but choosing a 03 over an 04 does not appear to be the smartest thing one can do.

Chris S

Let me guess, did you buy an '04? Have to disagree w/ many of your "facts, not opinions".

1. you can get bigger discounts on the '03, so much of the '03 depreciation loss is realized by the dealer
2. oh, the dreaded snap oversteer - code for people who don't know how to drive the S2000 right near the limits. My '01 does exactly what I tell it to...and I know that letting off the throttle at high g-forces isn't a good idea
5. I prefer the 17's myself, but smaller wheels aren't necessarily a bad thing...
10. Again, street prices will be sig. different, and who cares what model year it is unless you're planning to resell in the near future?

FWIW, I did the '04, but I still love my '01 as much or more than I ever have. It's not going anywhere soon!


[QUOTE]Originally posted by shiftright
Drawbacks of purchasing

RACER

[QUOTE]Originally posted by shiftright
Drawbacks of purchasing

rossmon1

can't vote on other than emotions until i actually drive an 04 with the 2.2 motor

RACER

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Chris S
2.

CoralDoc

[QUOTE]Originally posted by shiftright
These are all facts, not personal opinions.

simons2k

My vote goes for the '03. The '04 is nice, it's still an S2000, but it just doesn't do it for me. The VTEC engagement that you feel at 6k rpm is part of the S2000's personality. You don't get that in the '04. The '04 styling (bumpers/lights) haven't convinced me of aesthetic improvement.

I'll be keeping my '02

6sigma

Just to be clear, this poll is obviously hypothetical. I purchased an 03 last summer, but I am curious of the opinion of the board members regarding MY and engine as independent choices. If you could pick any of the four choices today, which would you prefer? This should provide some insight into debate over MY04 in regard to engine change versus all other changes.