5 Things that bug me about the S2000
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 927
Likes: 35
From: ATL, GA
Originally Posted by Spagolli94' timestamp='1470700310' post='24035181
Lack of torque.
I'm tired of getting smoked by average SUVs. There is no "medium fast" in this car. It's all or nothing. It's either dog slow or if you really push it, it's quick in high RPMs.
Noisy on freeway.
Taching 4,000 RPMs gets really tiring after awhile. An additional 20 lbs of sound deadening and a taller 6th gear would do wonders. I realize that some track rats don't want the extra 20 lbs but a little extra sound deadening sure would be nice for highway cruising.
Engine sound.
The engine sounds pretty lame at low RPMs. Standard 4 cyl. It sounds better as the RPMs rise but I still don't find it particular nice, even in VTEC and with the K&N PFIK. No matter what you do, a 4 cly will never sound like a straight 6 or V8. So I guess it's not bad for what it is.
I'm tired of getting smoked by average SUVs. There is no "medium fast" in this car. It's all or nothing. It's either dog slow or if you really push it, it's quick in high RPMs.
Noisy on freeway.
Taching 4,000 RPMs gets really tiring after awhile. An additional 20 lbs of sound deadening and a taller 6th gear would do wonders. I realize that some track rats don't want the extra 20 lbs but a little extra sound deadening sure would be nice for highway cruising.
Engine sound.
The engine sounds pretty lame at low RPMs. Standard 4 cyl. It sounds better as the RPMs rise but I still don't find it particular nice, even in VTEC and with the K&N PFIK. No matter what you do, a 4 cly will never sound like a straight 6 or V8. So I guess it's not bad for what it is.
Not that we don't appreciate your opinion. But most peoples' annoyances are small. Shitty cupholders. Tops that easily tear. Etc.
The reason the S2000 stands out and is desirable to people who don't own one is the high strung nature and sound of its 4cyl engine.
The trans is built around that nature. The reason for a short 6th gear is so that you're not hunting gears at common, around town speeds. Imagine how annoying a tall 6th would be at 45mph.
You seem to want to change the car so that its not recognizeable. Its almost like buying it and then saying your gripe is that it doesn't have 4 doors and back seats.
A Z4 has similar handling on the street...but has all the refinements you want. Or a 350Z, if youre looking for cars on the cheap.
What made you choose the S2000?
I ask the same question when I see a V8 swapped RX7.
The reason the S2000 is more relevant and noteworthy and sought after than Z4's or 350Z's is in large part, because of its short geared, hyperactive engine.
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,296
Likes: 260
From: Vermont
I like the tight fit. Remind me of my Kayak cockpit. I'm 5'10" 200Lbs at the moment. I have never once gotten less than 25 mpg and my average is 26/27. I drive it hard too and in the mountains of Vermont. Not sure why some get so much poorer fuel economy. My 02 has very few squeaks. The drone of running at 4000 rpm at 70-75 mph does tire you out a bit - that I do agree with. But, its the price you have to pay. I think the trunk is actually quite spacious for a roadster. Plenty for a long weekend for two. Of course, I am used to packing food and gear for two weeks in a canoe or Kayak so that might color my assessment. Visibility is fine in the summer with the top down which is 75% of the driving I do. I agree, with the top up or the hard top on it isn't great. Whatever. All in all I can't imagine not owning one.
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 135
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I like the tight fit. Remind me of my Kayak cockpit. I'm 5'10" 200Lbs at the moment. I have never once gotten less than 25 mpg and my average is 26/27. I drive it hard too and in the mountains of Vermont. Not sure why some get so much poorer fuel economy. My 02 has very few squeaks. The drone of running at 4000 rpm at 70-75 mph does tire you out a bit - that I do agree with. But, its the price you have to pay. I think the trunk is actually quite spacious for a roadster. Plenty for a long weekend for two. Of course, I am used to packing food and gear for two weeks in a canoe or Kayak so that might color my assessment. Visibility is fine in the summer with the top down which is 75% of the driving I do. I agree, with the top up or the hard top on it isn't great. Whatever. All in all I can't imagine not owning one.
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 305
Likes: 51
From: South East Queensland Oz.
Originally Posted by Spagolli94' timestamp='1470700310' post='24035181
Lack of torque.
I'm tired of getting smoked by average SUVs. There is no "medium fast" in this car. It's all or nothing. It's either dog slow or if you really push it, it's quick in high RPMs.
Noisy on freeway.
Taching 4,000 RPMs gets really tiring after awhile. An additional 20 lbs of sound deadening and a taller 6th gear would do wonders. I realize that some track rats don't want the extra 20 lbs but a little extra sound deadening sure would be nice for highway cruising.
Engine sound.
The engine sounds pretty lame at low RPMs. Standard 4 cyl. It sounds better as the RPMs rise but I still don't find it particular nice, even in VTEC and with the K&N PFIK. No matter what you do, a 4 cly will never sound like a straight 6 or V8. So I guess it's not bad for what it is.
I'm tired of getting smoked by average SUVs. There is no "medium fast" in this car. It's all or nothing. It's either dog slow or if you really push it, it's quick in high RPMs.
Noisy on freeway.
Taching 4,000 RPMs gets really tiring after awhile. An additional 20 lbs of sound deadening and a taller 6th gear would do wonders. I realize that some track rats don't want the extra 20 lbs but a little extra sound deadening sure would be nice for highway cruising.
Engine sound.
The engine sounds pretty lame at low RPMs. Standard 4 cyl. It sounds better as the RPMs rise but I still don't find it particular nice, even in VTEC and with the K&N PFIK. No matter what you do, a 4 cly will never sound like a straight 6 or V8. So I guess it's not bad for what it is.
Not that we don't appreciate your opinion. But most peoples' annoyances are small. Shitty cupholders. Tops that easily tear. Etc.
The reason the S2000 stands out and is desirable to people who don't own one is the high strung nature and sound of its 4cyl engine.
The trans is built around that nature. The reason for a short 6th gear is so that you're not hunting gears at common, around town speeds. Imagine how annoying a tall 6th would be at 45mph.
You seem to want to change the car so that its not recognizeable. Its almost like buying it and then saying your gripe is that it doesn't have 4 doors and back seats.
A Z4 has similar handling on the street...but has all the refinements you want. Or a 350Z, if youre looking for cars on the cheap.
What made you choose the S2000?
I ask the same question when I see a V8 swapped RX7.
The reason the S2000 is more relevant and noteworthy and sought after than Z4's or 350Z's is in large part, because of its short geared, hyperactive engine.
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 305
Likes: 51
From: South East Queensland Oz.
It is a pity that more people don't read specifications, so they know what they are talking about.
The S2000 has almost identical torque to the Z4 BMW 6 cylinder. The only difference is the rev range where it is available.
This of course means you have to be a better driver to extract the available performance from the S. That is part of it's charm. It can putter around town performing like a shopping trolley, or produce sports car performance on demand, if you are good enough.
I do find it strange that no one has mentioned the real weakness of the S2000, the steering. Yes the turn in is great, but otherwise it is too light, too quick, & too dead for such a car. The reason so many of these things end their life backwards off the road, or into a barrier is that quick steering. People over correct a minor slide, making the tail snap back viscously.
This fault has little to do with suspension, & everything to do with ham fisted drivers & very quick steering. You can live with it, but it requires more concentration, which is tiring on long trips. I did 390 kilometres in the S yesterday, & was more tired at the end of it, than I am when I take the 1980 Triumph TR7 on that trip.
Yes a real pity the designers built the steering more for slow tight suburban streets, rather than the fast sweeping corners the rest of the car is so good at.
The S2000 has almost identical torque to the Z4 BMW 6 cylinder. The only difference is the rev range where it is available.
This of course means you have to be a better driver to extract the available performance from the S. That is part of it's charm. It can putter around town performing like a shopping trolley, or produce sports car performance on demand, if you are good enough.
I do find it strange that no one has mentioned the real weakness of the S2000, the steering. Yes the turn in is great, but otherwise it is too light, too quick, & too dead for such a car. The reason so many of these things end their life backwards off the road, or into a barrier is that quick steering. People over correct a minor slide, making the tail snap back viscously.
This fault has little to do with suspension, & everything to do with ham fisted drivers & very quick steering. You can live with it, but it requires more concentration, which is tiring on long trips. I did 390 kilometres in the S yesterday, & was more tired at the end of it, than I am when I take the 1980 Triumph TR7 on that trip.
Yes a real pity the designers built the steering more for slow tight suburban streets, rather than the fast sweeping corners the rest of the car is so good at.
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 8,841
Likes: 1,702
From: Illnoise. WAY downtown, jerky.
the 04 Z4 had between 175-214LB-Ft as compared to the 04 S2000's 162. And...as you said...its available earlier. So...what is the point of your statement? Do both cars drive "nearly the same"? No...as you mentioned later.
The post I was replying to was to someone saying that the S2000 doesn't have the sound and feel of a 6 cylinder.
Obviously that extra torque at an earlier point makes the car drive differently. Or do I still not know what I'm saying?
Which part of my post made it seem to you that I was even comparing the Z4's torque to the S2000's?
That the Z4 has the refinements that he was looking for? Or was it when I implied that the S2000 has a more hyperactive engine with shorter gears?
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,296
Likes: 260
From: Vermont
I'll admit to being somewhat of a newbie. I've been driving my ap1 just this season. Man do I love driving it on the winding secondary roads we have in Vermont. As I learn to drive the car in a "spirited" fashion I find myself keeping it in pretty high revs pretty much all the time. So for example I will drive in second, third and fourth a lot on roads that have me going about 40-60 mph. I don't get into vtec a lot - but yes sometimes. I find if I stay in pretty high rpm - maybe 4k - 6K - the car has plenty of power and torque for me and handles extremely well on the winding roads. I love the sound. I don't think I am pushing it up to the limits on corners. I do take what seems to me like aggressive and fun corners. I don't feel the need for more aggressive corners. The car sticks to the road extremely well. I don't want to risk hurting myself or someone else by testing the absolute limits.
On the other hand, when my wife is with me and we are going out to dinner or something I drive in lower revs and lower speeds and it is still really fun and my wife feels safe. If I push it she would not enjoy it and she would stop riding with me.
As I said before, the one thing that does get tiring is driving on a highway at 70-75 at 4K rpm for a long time. Everything is a compromise.
I wonder a bit about an ap2. I have driven them and decided to go ap1. But I wonder if with more time in the cockpit of an ap2 maybe I might prefer it. I doubt it. But maybe.
I am very very tempted to buy a low mileage ap2 and drive both for a while, then put one away for my retirement years which are not all that far off.
On the other hand, when my wife is with me and we are going out to dinner or something I drive in lower revs and lower speeds and it is still really fun and my wife feels safe. If I push it she would not enjoy it and she would stop riding with me.
As I said before, the one thing that does get tiring is driving on a highway at 70-75 at 4K rpm for a long time. Everything is a compromise.
I wonder a bit about an ap2. I have driven them and decided to go ap1. But I wonder if with more time in the cockpit of an ap2 maybe I might prefer it. I doubt it. But maybe.
I am very very tempted to buy a low mileage ap2 and drive both for a while, then put one away for my retirement years which are not all that far off.
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,405
Likes: 29
From: Seabrook, MD
(A) OK, I don't like the torque curve, there's plenty of power for driving "enthusiastically" but not when commuting around other traffic.
(B) I'll never trust this top mechanism, on yet another set of top bow straps now and a 2nd top (canvas) and it STILL folds wrong at times.
(C) For a guy who like the wood/chrome/leather look in sports car interiors, the S2000 is bland inside. The leftover pasta sauce in Tupperware in my fridge has a better view.
(D) Seatback adjustment could use one more notch, more "upright" for me as I'm long-legs-short-arms. A height adjustment feature wouldn't hurt either.
(E) The cover for the top when down -- what were they thinking? I think I used it... hmmm... once.
(B) I'll never trust this top mechanism, on yet another set of top bow straps now and a 2nd top (canvas) and it STILL folds wrong at times.
(C) For a guy who like the wood/chrome/leather look in sports car interiors, the S2000 is bland inside. The leftover pasta sauce in Tupperware in my fridge has a better view.
(D) Seatback adjustment could use one more notch, more "upright" for me as I'm long-legs-short-arms. A height adjustment feature wouldn't hurt either.
(E) The cover for the top when down -- what were they thinking? I think I used it... hmmm... once.
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 224
Likes: 10
From: Indiana
We've had our '06 for just over a year and a half and I'm not sure I can come up with five things that bug me. It would be nice to have an adjustable steering column, and a bit more seat travel would be good too. I feel I sit just a touch more upright than I like, but really I am getting used to it. Top-up blind spots can also be annoying, but I've tried to get a good balance with the mirrors to compensate.
Coming from a naturally aspirated MR2 MKII, with the noisy 4cyl right behind your ears I find no issues at all with the road noise from the S, even at highway speed.
I honestly think some of my current hearing loss came courtesy of the MR2, well that and age maybe.
I have been pleasantly surprised that there is much less wind buffeting and top-down noise than I had with the roof panels out on the MR2. There was virtually no way you could have a conversation in that car with the top open.
Rex
Coming from a naturally aspirated MR2 MKII, with the noisy 4cyl right behind your ears I find no issues at all with the road noise from the S, even at highway speed.
I honestly think some of my current hearing loss came courtesy of the MR2, well that and age maybe. I have been pleasantly surprised that there is much less wind buffeting and top-down noise than I had with the roof panels out on the MR2. There was virtually no way you could have a conversation in that car with the top open.
Rex
Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 82,468
Likes: 1,193
I've had my 07 since 07 and I have little to nothing to complain about. I can fit my golf clubs in the trunk. I can fit a couple/few soft sided bags for overnight/week trips. I have no trouble fitting in the car. I can reach across and unlock the passenger door. I love the amount of space you can have when you remove the spare tire.
But the biggest plus for me, is that it's paid off
But the biggest plus for me, is that it's paid off