My cousin is in the market for a new car. His two choices are a AP2 honda S2000 or a MS3. Hes likes the MS3 alot. Likes the power and practicality of it; styling is ok! He likes the Honda S2000 styling wise and smooth as butter tranny and not to forget the fun factor. This would be his second car. So practical isnt a huge factor in making the purchase. Well i guess my question is how does the honda S2000 stack up against the MS3 performace wise or any other aspects if you have any insight please discuss, thanks!

 

Tourqe steer or no tourqe??? If its his second car then s2k for sure.

 

Did you post the same question in a MS3 forum? I want to read that.

 

Your cousin should drive them both. My friend just bought an MS3 and u know what really surprised me? Its totally stock but the ride is harsher than my AP1 and the exhaust is much louder. It doesn't get as good fuel mileage as an S either.

But, its turbo! With 3 passengers, it was still pulling strong while I can actually feel my S2K struggle just a little bit with another passenger. Its a lot more roomier too and even in the back seats. Honestly, if he doesn't need the room, I'd get the AP2.

 

Different cars for different purposes. If it's a second car, AP2 all the way. If it's his only car, it depends on his preferences. I need to be able to haul bicycles, girlfriend, dog, friends, etc. I'm planning on getting one of the 2008.5 MS3s when they bring the Pearl White down here. They're also replacing the mesh fabric in the seats with alcantara. I'd like to be able to make payments on the MS3 and save and buy a used AP1 outright for a fun car, best of both worlds.

Both are awesome cars for very different reasons.

 

If it weren't a second car, I think a great case would be made for the MS3. Passengers, cargo, better in the snow, etc. etc.

Peformance in a line is very comparable, and I don't know how well the MS3 does on a track, but Mazda usually does a good job, so I wouldn't expect the numbers to be much different. However, the style is a lot different in a FWD torque steering turbo car and a RWD no torque NA car. Personally, I prefer the S, so I bought one. And aren't brand new MS3s cheaper than the S2000? Maybe they cost more than I thought...

But for a second car...
Who cares about snow? Don't DD it. Friends? Let them take the bus or take the other car. Take the other car to the supermarket. And on the weekends, drop the top and rip the car around every corner. I love the styling of the S, and it really is the whole package--good sound, good handling, good looking, fast enough, and fun. But it's not very practical.

 

id go S2000 for sure. i dont DD mine that much so im good in that aspect plus the misses has a 07 sebring.

 

MS3 is $23.5-24.5k... I am guessing he is deciding between a new MS3 or a used AP2...

 

thats correct hes looking a used s2k certified with less than 10K miles. Hows the 7yr/100k mile warranty is it like the 3yr bumper to bumper. Whats a good price for a low mile AP2?, thanks! Honestly he likes to S2k more. Really hates the notchy gearbox of the ms3

 

I'd go with the S.

Why?

Cause I think 'station wagons' are lame.