ap2's have slightly more low-end torque, so you might like those better than ap1's.
however, if you got an ap1, i think you would just as quickly fall in love with 3000 rpm of VTEC! FYI, ap1 redlines at 9000, ap2 redlines at 8000.
the S, to me, is a dual personality beast. calm before VTEC, but turns into a monster above 6000 rpm. i enjoy taking it easy most of the time, and then when i want to feel like i'm driving F1, then i stay above 6000 rpm.

 

A friend of mine has an N/A 300ZX. We once drove it to Big Bend and back (700 mi each way from Dallas.) Regarding handling, the Z is noticably heavier and slower than the S2000. Also, I thought the acceleration was rather gutless. Still, it was a very comfortable highway cruiser.

So in my opinion, the 300ZX is a good GT car.
While on the other hand, the S2000 is pure sports car.
(The Elise being a pure sports car as well, but to a more extreme degree.)

Regarding AP1 vs AP2 - test drive both and buy the one you like best. I like the AP1s the best. YMMV.

 

It's really not that big a deal to keep the S2000 in the power band. It may take some seat time to get used to downshifting, but driven properly the lack of low end torque isn't a concern.

But given that you're looking for a fast import, definately keep you options open. Both the Evo and STI should be contenders on your list. A used Lotus Elise might fit the price range as well.

 

i test drove an ap1 and bought a new ap2 (04+ are ap2, 00-03 are ap1, and the difference is the ap2 saw a .15L engine displacement increase, lower redline, and more torque at lower RPMs). in low traffic city driving, i shift between 4-5k rpm depending on my mood, and i feel like the car has more than enough torque to move it. i pass by most drivers around here. like you, i took it around a corner and fell in love with the car. i've been really happy with it.

if you're really concerned about the torque though, you can get a more used ap1 to drop the price and then get FI (turbo or supercharger) for ~$4000. then there will be no torque or 'faster than a stock 350z' concerns.

 

ok i looked at your autotrader...and something that always bugs the hell out of me. you or your dad said and i quote "COMPLETELY stock aside from k & n air filters and a fuel pressure regulator."

yeah so if it has a K & N and a fuel pressure regulator...then it isnt stock now is it?

 

^^^above post is a little off topic and not trying to hijack your thread just something that i always wonder

 

coming from ZX u might wanna head for 350z but let me try to be bias-free and say go for S. No offense but stay away from 350z stream, bunch of 350z drivers i've met are aholes. I'm not bashing 350z itself but yea another benefit of owning an s is that u get to join this neat forum full of enthusiasts. Afterall it comes down to test driving , test drive both ap1 and ap2 and make ur choice.

btw ur name is tina...?
i totally thought u were a guy lol.
anyways i'd love to see a girl in s2k with top down than in a 350z.

 

What up Tina,

I used to own '03 350Z and now in '04 S2K. I have to say, they're both nice cars and have very different characteristics. As a daily driver, used to live in LA, 350Z was an awesome car per it just had so much torque. It was also fun driving around the city and pulling out its tail, and it's very resilient on high speeds. I took the car to it's limit, 155, and it felt as if the car was rolling around 120. However, the car was heavy and had terrible gas mileage. I used to get around 13mpg when i used to rip it up and around 18mpg overall. The 350Z is a Touring Sports Car, it's very roomy and comfortable for 2 seater.

Then one of my best friend got the AP2 S2K (now mine =]). We swapped the car for the day and I fell in love. No, it doesn't have the low end torque that you want, but it has quick response. The third gear is simply amazing. When we were messing around, my old 350Z pulled on the 1st & 2nd gear, but on the 3rd, the S2K caught up to my tail. You'll be surprised how quick S2K is... Did I mention that this car handles like a charm? I got my my AP2 just 3 months ago and still trying to get a better feel for the car; I don't drive everyday per I walk to work now (only 4 blocks away). However, I do get worried at times per this is 50/50 balanced car and have the tendency to snap (AP2 (04-current) less snap happy than AP1 (00-03)). Haven't spun out yet, and I hope I don't, but my best friend did several times when he owned it; no traction control unless you get the '06, '07? The gas mileage on this car is great. I get around 16mpg when I rip it up and around 22mpg overall driving. S2K is a tight fit track ready car. All the controls are within the reach of your fingertip.

My advice is to drive both rides. I personally love both cars and wish I had both. But for now, I LOVE my S2K a bit more. hehehe. Top down is awesome and w/ the hardtop it's completely a different car. S2K is just amazing b/c it has many different characteristics and looks depending how you set it up.

Good luck w/ your choice. I know you'll be happy with either choice you make. =]

 

I feel I can provide a pretty good opinion on this subject since I own both a '01 S2000 and an '04 350Z (Touring Auto... wife's car).

I have to admit that the S2000 seems to take more effort to drive it fast... what that really means is that you have to be willing to juke and do what it takes to keep it above 6000 RPM. The 350Z feels like it has power anytime you want it, but when comparing it to the S2000, it feels like it is running out of breath as it approaches redline.

If you start the S2000 @ 6K, then I feel the cars are pretty even if not favors it. If you are just cruising along and want to accelerate away, then the Z has the advantage until the S wakes up at 6K... sometimes when it gets there, it is too late.... better be ready to shift. I just keep my revs pretty high when there is a potential for a need to punch my way around.

For handling... I autocross both cars and the S2000 just destroys it, but again it requires more driving talent to pull it off. Gotta enjoy the constant shifting... thank goodness it has the best tranny in the world! In comparing it to the S2000, the 350Z feels out of place on an autocross esp. with quick transitions.... I have to change my driving styles when going to the Z. I come into the corner slower and torque my way around. Where with the S, I just fly around it. I can only guess that if at a track, then the advantage of the S2000 is still there but not as big of a discrepancy.

For daily driving comfort, the Z wins hands down. The S is loud and seems to be "working more" vs. the relaxed Z. I guess that goes with the territory of a convertible... but with the top down... who cares about the noise.

Oh well... this is just a few of my random thoughts.

I personally enjoy both cars.

-Dave