I don't own an AP1. Never driven one.

 

If I was looking for a daily driver S2000 I'd go with a 2006+ ap2 which had the VSA addition. I think VSA is a nice feature to have as it can save you in certain road conditions, combined with the upgraded suspension of the ap2 it is less likely to get you into trouble compared to an ap1. I have an ap1 but I don't drive it in the rain and I don't come close to driving it daily. Many driving enthusiasts look down at VSA, but having it on all of my daily drivers in inclement weather conditions I've grown to appreciate it, and if you don't like it you can always shut it off on the ap2.

Most ap1 owners will use the term " more raw" to describe the platform, that may be true to some extent but I found the ap2 driving experience to be just as visceral and fun to drive.

 

We're polar opposites. 12+ years with an AP1, never driven an AP2, lol...

 

I preferred driving my AP1. But I like the added traction control with my AP2. I don't like the heavier flywheel though...also didn't like the CDV so I removed it.

 

I and my wife own two S2000's. The AP2 is mine and AP1 belongs to my wife. I drive hers once in awhile. They both feel the same to me, but my AP2 sometime makes clunking noise when I put in 1st gear, if I hold the clutch down for few seconds then no clunking noise.

 

His and hers S2Ks...awesome. So who had to convince whom to purchase the 2nd S2K?

 

Neither one, just happened to see the AP2 with a great price and that was it.

 

I had:

USDM AP2 MY 2005
JDM AP1 MY 2004

The JDM car was more of a AP1.5, given that it has F20c from AP1 but everything else revised like an AP2 has (gear ratios, suspension, subframe, interior, engine mapping, carbon synchros, and all that). I've also spent some time with an earlier AP1.

Personally I found the AP2's engine a little messed up with a slightly smaller VTEC range. I found the car a little short on revs on some tracks. Maybe I'm just not a very good driver, but there are times when going in with 2nd gear means I would run out of revs very quickly getting out of the turn. Or, I would miss the VTEC if I go into the turn with 3rd gear. I would need to end up going in with 3rd gear and slip the clutch a little on the way out. I'm not sure how many people had the same problem for bone stock cars.

The JDM AP1 had a slightly wider VTEC band and things were just easier that way. On the flip side, the regular AP1 was just too edgy for me. So yes ... to me, the perfect car was the JDM AP1 manufactured in 2004-2005

 

I have owned both:

They are too similar for one to be more this and the other more that. Here are the biggest differences IMO:

The AP2 has a lower redline AND shorter gears (mostly) which means you shift a lot sooner and use more gears than an AP1.

The AP1 has a much quicker steering rack, which I prefer to the AP2

The AP1 spends more time in VTEC due to the higher redline and similar VTEC engagement point

The AP1 is better at holding one cup than the AP2, that little divider in the AP2 always fails to keep a single drink in place

The AP1 has a lighter flywheel which makes it easier to shift quickly and keep in VTEC

They both lack torque but its crippling to neither, they are both equally good to drive, they both lack a lot of sound insulation especially from the rear tires, the both make you smile, they are both good looking, they are both reliable, one is not better than the other.

If I had to pick, I would say an 02-03 was number one choice, I prefer the tighter steering and the higher redline/speed in gear but it gets some of the features like a glass rear window, a nicer center console, a clock on the radio lol. The AP2 feels quicker in normal driving but the high redline of the ap2 really makes you feel like you are driving something special.

I have said it before, and I will say it again, there is no bad S2000

 

I endorse this message I never owned both (only AP1) but have a buddy with an AP2 and we swap cars often. It's really a wash and both are sweet. I will say I don't like the AP2 facelift but maybe I biased