Hey guys,

I'm new around here. Sorry if this has been asked many times before, but I found a great deal on a 2002 s2000. My brother-in-law, who's a mechanic and fairly apt with Honda cars said I should go for the 2.2L (2004 and up) instead.

What do you guys think? Are there any "major" differences besides the engine? If I can get a great deal on the 2.0L would you say to go for that instead of the 2.2?

Thanks

 

Its not just the engine that has changed. New bumpers, new headlights, tail lights, upgraded transmissions with carbon synchros, upgraded diff, and slight changes to the interior. All this was enough for me to upgrade from a 2002 to a 2005.

If budget allows, go for the newest s2000 you can get.

 

agreed

 

I love my AP1 and wouldn't trade up...

 

Well lots of people love their AP2s and would never think about trading down...

OP, do your own research, drive both cars, and buy what makes the most sense for your situation; we can't make the decision for you.

 

I think the steering ratio is different between the AP1, AP2 and CR as well correct?

 

OK, its really easy to decide which one suits you the most. For AP1s, a more RAW feel compare to the AP2s. Stiffer suspensions,harder seats,twichy rear,less low-end torgue,runs rich, more aggressive vtec cross-over,9000rpm redline.
If this is the first RWD you ever had, go for the AP2s. If you wanna taste the very first honda spirit drive, go for the AP1s. AP1s gearbox arent as smooth as the AP2s, its normal. and AP1s make alot more mechanical sound too.

 

A year ago when I started my search the 03's and 04's were in my price range. Since I'd like to DD the car and dont plan to do much tracking or auto-x the AP2 made more sense. From most of my reading the AP2 is a "tamer" car and the torque coming on earlier makes it slightly more streetable IMHO. Like most of the others have said I would go with the newest car you can afford. If I didnt find the car I did I would certainly be looking at an '06.

 

just get 04 or 05. ap2 with v1 wheels.

 

sorry OP - beat to death and begging for tangents and arguments that are really about the size of folks members on the internet. closing.