I've narrowed my car search to two cars: the S2000 and the 350Z. Last week I had two test drives in the 2003 S2000 and today I just returned from a drive with the 2004 model. I am aware of the "improvements" made in torque, room, wheels etc. for 2004 but my impressions were not always in line with what I expected.

Acceleration: The 2003 knocked my socks off!!! I found the VTEC engagement at 6000 rpm enthralling. The 2004 had no abrupt VTEC surge. The power was more uniform over a range of rpm. Acceleration from the line seemed only slightly improved in the 2004. Flooring the gas pedal in 5th gear on the 2003 produced sluggish acceleration until 6000. The 2004 was better, but not dramatically different. A lot of the visceral excitement that comes with the expectation of VTEC engagement is gone in 2004.

Sound: Marginally quieter in the 2004 model.

Suspension: The 2004 was definitely better over bumps and ruts. I liked that!

Handling: 2003 had razor sharp steering. Surprisingly, the 2004 was not as tight. Maybe this was a problem specific to the car I drove.

Interior: After driving the 2004 I went back into the 2003 car. I liked the 2003 MUCH better. Interior cockpit of the 2003 seemed like a snug, perfect fit. The 2004 was not as racey. I prefer the speckled leather 2003 steering wheel to the smooth 2004.

Seats: Both models have the same seat. Most people find the seat very comfortable. Not me. I am a wiry 5'7" and although the front visibility is perfect, I could not comfortably rest my head back on the headrest. The headrest is too far backward, even with seat rotated forward as far as possible. Anyone else experience this???? I tried hard to relax my body into the seat while driving without success.

At this point I will probably purchase a 350Z primarily due to the driver's seat. The leather Z seat fits like a glove. The Z's cockpit and overall style is very "muscle hot" and contemporary. I was also impressed with the Z's acceleration and cornering. Here in Westchester, the Z has a significantly lower insurance premium. BUT, there are serious downsides to the Z:
1. Unlike the Honda, the Z has some serious reliability issues. Front tires can feather or cup after as little as 3000 miles.The car can pull to the right even after alignment. Some people have replaced transmissions three times the first year of ownership! Overall reliability for Nissan models is significantly lower than Honda.
2. Owners report the Z to be TERRIBLE in snow, even with snow tires. However, the money I would save on insurance (vs. the Honda) could offset the insurance on a beater car for the winter.
3. The Z lurched forward when shifting in low gears during my test drive. I assume this is due to the high torque. Living with this in N.Y.C. traffic could be very frustrating. With practice, I might learn to control the shifts.

Bottom line: I REALLY wanted the Honda (reliability and unequaled excitement with the 2003) but will probably be happy buying the Z due to those great seats, excellent performance and sharp looks.

 

you were test driving and they let you vtec on the '04??? must have some hookups or the dealer don't care about their cars....hmmm

 

Man, I hope the dealer doesn't let anyone drive mine once it comes in, let alone VTEC it.

 

Why are they letting so many people test drive these cars? Honda was so uptight about it when I bought mine last year.

 

i didnt like the new 04 s2k... just my .02

 

"The Z looks like a toad taking a shit" -endquote

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by s9000
Why are they letting so many people test drive these cars?

 

You got to 6000 rpms in 5th on a test drive???

As for the headrest in the S, a few vendors make leather head rest inserts that move the head rest forward quite a bit, and may give you the feel you are looking for. You may want to look into that if it is your primary complaint about the S.

-Nick

 

I did most of the VTEC testing in 3rd and 4th gear although I remember going pretty fast in 5th. The acceleration in 5th seemed sluggish in both models. What really disappointed me was the steering wheel play on the 2004. Less go-cart feel!

How can the car be properly tested without reaching VTEC? The dealer handed me the keys with no instructions or limitations. Only reached the high revs a few times for each drive so I can't see the engine being damaged.

I found the headrest inserts at Rick's Custom Leather. Is there another company producing these things? Any idea where I can test out the headrests before buying in the N.Y./N.J. area? I'd take the S over the Z with a comfortable seat.

 

I don't know why there seems to be anamosity towards the Z. They're really two different cars and I think both do a great job of delivering their intentions. Don't get me wrong, I'm a steadfast S2000 person but I can see why a lot of people love the Z and it's styling...although it's not for me it's obviously got a lot of appeal. However I must admit, I would get tired of seeing myself at every other stop light.