2004 changes/updates/opinions
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From: San Diego
2004 changes/updates/opinions
Hi all, old 2000 S2000 owner back on the boards again. I am SERIOSLY thinking about picking up a 2004 S and I am looking for some info on any changes/updates/opinions you all might know about and or have.
I did several searches but have been unable to find a thread that discusses it am I am sure there have been several so I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction.
I am aware of the 2.0 to 2.2 liter increase in the engine and the drop in red line from 9000 down to 8000. Any info on the torque difference? Anyone driven both 2004 and pre year models have any input?
Any help is appreciated. It feels good to be back on s2ki boards
I did several searches but have been unable to find a thread that discusses it am I am sure there have been several so I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction.
I am aware of the 2.0 to 2.2 liter increase in the engine and the drop in red line from 9000 down to 8000. Any info on the torque difference? Anyone driven both 2004 and pre year models have any input?
Any help is appreciated. It feels good to be back on s2ki boards
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Laguna Beach
Yep, its kind of been beat to death. The summary:
'04 seems to be considered a bit less edgy and hard core, softer by some 00-03 owners, red line is 8k not 9. A bit more low end torque makes it a bit more easily driven without so many revs when so desired. Minor changes to supension tuning give the '04 a bit more understeer and less twitchy, easily adjusted in alignment - (many threads on this alone).
Minor trim changes, 17" wheels, other minor mechanical changes.
Track times would seem to indicate the '04 is every bit as fast, some might say faster, if so any difference in driver skill would probably make it irrelevant.
If you read all of the threads, popular opinion seems to be (IN MY HUMBLE OPINION) that for all practical purpose the cars are both great and the differences are minor. There are some people who insist the differences are significant, mostly 00-03 owners who like the slightly sharper edge.
Having driven both, I would take either but prefer the '04 when given a choice. People were inclined to say that the S2000 is a raw sports car. I don't see that as much in the '04. What I see is subtle evolution, perhaps refinement, always at the risk of losing a few along the way.
Proabaly, once again, this will start a flame war. If so, its a common repeating theme.
:beating a dead horse:
'04 seems to be considered a bit less edgy and hard core, softer by some 00-03 owners, red line is 8k not 9. A bit more low end torque makes it a bit more easily driven without so many revs when so desired. Minor changes to supension tuning give the '04 a bit more understeer and less twitchy, easily adjusted in alignment - (many threads on this alone).
Minor trim changes, 17" wheels, other minor mechanical changes.
Track times would seem to indicate the '04 is every bit as fast, some might say faster, if so any difference in driver skill would probably make it irrelevant.
If you read all of the threads, popular opinion seems to be (IN MY HUMBLE OPINION) that for all practical purpose the cars are both great and the differences are minor. There are some people who insist the differences are significant, mostly 00-03 owners who like the slightly sharper edge.
Having driven both, I would take either but prefer the '04 when given a choice. People were inclined to say that the S2000 is a raw sports car. I don't see that as much in the '04. What I see is subtle evolution, perhaps refinement, always at the risk of losing a few along the way.
Proabaly, once again, this will start a flame war. If so, its a common repeating theme.
:beating a dead horse:
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From: Longmont, CO
Anybody want to go fishing? I have a nice open can of worms here... 
No, seriously - Zot, what are your feelings for the '00 S2000? Tell me your likes and dislikes about the car, and I bet I can tell you how you'll feel about the new '04. (I currently own both, btw (the old one is for sale.))
No, seriously - Zot, what are your feelings for the '00 S2000? Tell me your likes and dislikes about the car, and I bet I can tell you how you'll feel about the new '04. (I currently own both, btw (the old one is for sale.))
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From: Huntington Beach
I did lots of research too. Liked the idea of the 9k redline, the fact that the 03 was suposedly more performance oriented, etc. etc. Finally I test drove a 03 and then 04 back to back. After I drove the 04 I knew for sure which one I was going to buy. It was the 04. I really noticed more low end. Cooler wheels. etc. I just had no doubt that I preferred the 04.
Its been 6 months and I have no regrets about going with the 04.
Its been 6 months and I have no regrets about going with the 04.
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From: San Diego
Thanks a bunch dlq04. Very good info and pretty much answers all my questions.
Elistan...on the 2000, this was my first real sports car type I have ever owned or even really driven. It was LOADS of fun. Handled great was a blast at the track and I used it as an everyday driver and never regretted it. The only reason I sold it was to get a truck so I could pull my jet ski.
on the 2004, it sure seems to be pretty much the same. I do however like that the power band is more linear throughout acceleration. You still get the kick when VTEC hits but it doesnt seem quite as noticable since the power is spread out more evenly.
Thanks again guys...
Elistan...on the 2000, this was my first real sports car type I have ever owned or even really driven. It was LOADS of fun. Handled great was a blast at the track and I used it as an everyday driver and never regretted it. The only reason I sold it was to get a truck so I could pull my jet ski.
on the 2004, it sure seems to be pretty much the same. I do however like that the power band is more linear throughout acceleration. You still get the kick when VTEC hits but it doesnt seem quite as noticable since the power is spread out more evenly.
Thanks again guys...
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From: La Crescenta, CA
check this article out.
http://www.vtec.net/articles/view-ar...icle_id=171514
according to temple of vtec, the 2004 doesn't make just a tad more power than the previous models, it makes MUCH more. 2004 at 242 hp at the flywheel and the 2002 at 215 hp at the flywheel. difference of about 28 hp. they also just recently updated the article. check out the new dyno of the 2004 on the last page of the article.
here is a little quote from the article, "So, the 2004 S2000 makes more power - a lot more power. But that's the dyno, what's it like on the road? Stick around as we put it through its paces alongside an early model for comparison. "
http://www.vtec.net/articles/view-ar...icle_id=171514
according to temple of vtec, the 2004 doesn't make just a tad more power than the previous models, it makes MUCH more. 2004 at 242 hp at the flywheel and the 2002 at 215 hp at the flywheel. difference of about 28 hp. they also just recently updated the article. check out the new dyno of the 2004 on the last page of the article.
here is a little quote from the article, "So, the 2004 S2000 makes more power - a lot more power. But that's the dyno, what's it like on the road? Stick around as we put it through its paces alongside an early model for comparison. "
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 45,790
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From: Mish-she-gan
What brings a 
to my face takes more than HP. If it were that simple, I would trade-in my S2000 for a new 400 HP Vette. The new S2000 has more torque and HP to the rear wheels. But I love the sound and rush of VETC to the limit, the 9000 limit. But then we've had this discussion before at this site, haven't we.
to my face takes more than HP. If it were that simple, I would trade-in my S2000 for a new 400 HP Vette. The new S2000 has more torque and HP to the rear wheels. But I love the sound and rush of VETC to the limit, the 9000 limit. But then we've had this discussion before at this site, haven't we.