[QUOTE]Originally posted by heli
[B]je would NEVER consider an M3.

 

jjanicke,

Thanks for the info on heel and toe. I'm not quite as tall as you but still felt the steering wheel was a bit low. Maybe it just takes some practice to get used to it as you mentioned.

In your previous post you mentioned the WRX. Have you driven one of those? I haven't yet and I'm curious. I agree it's a bit ugly (maybe it's an acquired taste like sushi) and I don't like the fact that it is a sedan. But a fellow Boxster S owner told me that a WRX was kicking everyone's bu** at one of the PCA autocrosses. Price is reasonable and probably would make a good beater.

Sorry for the lack of S2000 content. Maybe I need to find the WRX board.

 

No doubt the WRX is a contender on the track or auto-x. AWD, turbo and a purpose built rally car. For sure you can acquire a taste for it's looks (or just not worry about it, like I would). I haven't driven one but from everything that I've seen, heard and read it's a little monster. For less than a few grand you can turn the subdued engine into a competitor of it's race bread brother the WRX Sti. Or just wait for the WRX Sti to come state side, which Autoweek said Subaru was doing in 2003.

But again, it tough to compare these two cars. The S2000 has a lot of character, which the WRX can only overcome with it's "low end" torque (if that. It actually doesn't start purring until you hit about 3500).

 

BTW Craig, although you might be a little too south (I think you're around Irvine? correct?) we are having a S2KCA track day at Laguna Seca on the 14th of January. Might be a good opportunity for you to really check out a S2000. I haven't actually meet to many of the S2KI members but most of them seem cool giving enthusiast rides and even letting them drive (I have no problem with either). Check with Greg Stevens (gregstevens) to see if there is still availability and you could bring your Boxster or Viper, have a great day and get to know the S2000 better.

Just a thought.

 

jjanicke,

Again thanks for the info. I agree with your observations. Yes, Mission Viejo is next to Irvine.

Not sure I can make it on the 14th. Actually I'll be in San Jose on business on Monday the 7th. On the 12th I'll be doing a Porsche Owner's Club event at the Streets of Willow. Not sure I want to drive all the way to LS afterwards. Thanks for the offer anyway. Maybe next time

 

It is very sad to think that a salesman would push to the red-line!
I test-drove a used S2000 (over 3000 miles) and got it to red-line ( 4th gear to 5th and 104 mph, that is also when I decided to get a S2000).
But I would like to know what they do at the factory when they test run them on the track!
You think they don't check the VTEC at all?!

Anybody know?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by same
[B]
But I would like to know what they do at the factory when they test run them on the track!
You think they don't check the VTEC at all?!

 

After reading through this thread one things comes to mind, aren't we all so greedy. We want light cars with small engines but loads of torque. It was not too long ago that a car of the S2000's dimensions was lucky to have 140hp let alone that much torque. As someone mentioned, the fact you are cornering faster reduces the need for a bunch of lowend punch. It only matters if you are concerned about those straight line races. I admit we all succumb to that on occassion but we are mostly male right?

I also drive a car, the polar opposite of the S2000 ( as in 4000lbs), that has a relatively high powerband. My engine really comes awake at about 4000 and pulls hardest from 5000-7000rpm. There are times on the track I get stuck at low rpm in 3rd gear and wish it would pull like a Vette BUT I realize I can remedy this by becoming more skilled and cornering faster. Hey, that is much cheaper than changing the gearbox or final drive.

Most of you seem quite passionate about the S2000 and don't complain too much about a lack of torque. I think sometimes you are too worried what others think about your lack of torque.

After driving my real //M car (as in six throttle bodies) for 3 years I get very underwhelmed by most new cars. The drop in power past 5k leaves me wanting. I drove a chipped S4 and it just had nothing past 5500rpm. I drove a 330i and it also lacked at high rpms compared to what I am used to. My wife's 323iT auto satisfies me as I don't expect it to pull at high rpm. I do love the fact it has that BMW smoothness and feels a lot like my '89 325i which I loved. I LOVED that car despite the fact it wasn't too fast because it was a joy to drive. A Roadster is about that not about neck-snapping power. Screw those guys that criticize your engine, it simply takes a downshift and you are there. They are just lazy. :-)

By the way, as a side note, I wouldn't track a car like the S2000 without a full roll bar. I have seen some pretty trick custom bolt in ones on the Z3' s so they can run with BMWCCA. Those of you that track supercharged S2000's without a bar are just crazy or single. Be careful out there.

 

On a new car that just came to the dealer has about 12 miles in average?!
Where do these mile-e-es come from???

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by same
[B]
But I would like to know what they do at the factory when they test run them on the track!
You think they don't check the VTEC at all?!