Well, I took an S2k out yesterday for a test drive. It was my second time, and the second time I was disappointed. I was bringing it up over 8,500 rpm where there's some hope for a bit torque. All I got was noise. I drove a Boxter earlier that day to see what a car balancing torque and speed feels like. Then I drove a Lexus IS 300 and fell in love. 0-60 in 6.8, intelligent variable valve timing, straight 6, 215 hp, limited slip diff, traction control, 4yr - 50k warranty, 24/7 road-side assistance, oh - and 65lbs more torque than the S2k, and where it's needed - at 3800 rpm. All this for 2g's less that the S2k. The only down side is no convertible.

I guess the S2k is not the car for me. I do truly thank everyone for their input over the last 6 months or so. Have fun with the wind in your hair.

 

The IS300, even in a 5-speed is slooooooooooooowwww. My Prelude was faster. Regardless, enjoy the Lexus.

 

Good luck on your future purchase. But I have to say my best friend has a 02 IS300 manual and I have driven it many times and while it is a decent car. You can't seriously tell me that performance wise it even close to a S2000. I find the thing slower than following an Amish buggy going through Lancaster. I've let him drive my car on a few rare occasions and he totally agrees.

 

I feel sorry for whoever winds up buying the car you drove after being driven so hard prior to break-in. Whatever you eventually buy, I hope you treat it a little better for the first few hundred miles.

 

It was used - 35k on it. The dealers around here don't take the new ones out.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by thirsh
[B]Well, I took an S2k out yesterday for a test drive.

 

Enjoy your new car. It's a good thing you got some seat time before making your decision as it sounds like you wouldn't have liked the S2000 much.

 

Well said PCovers.... well said.

 

Before you buy the Lexus, try the Infiniti G35. I really liked it. The engine scores 10/10 for sure. A huge amount of power and torque everywhere in the rpm band - it felt like there was a V8 under the hood, simply awesome. Also the chassis was great, very confidence inspiring, never felt that the rear end was going to break away. Only downside was the rather lifeless steering. But well worth a drive anyways. The 350Z is just going to be an absolute monster when it comes out.

 

Like many have pointed out, the s2k is not for everybody. It never feels as fast as it actually is. That is exactly why people take test drives. The IS 300 is an excellent car so enjoy. Like S2krob said if you were impressed with the IS 300 you owe it to yourself to drive the Infiniti G35. IMO, it has more of everything in comparison to the IS300. However, I still feel that the IS is ultimately the sharper more nimble handler but probably not by much.