I've never driven an ap1 so i am ap2 bias!! Anyone willing to let me test drive

 

AP2 has more torque and Horsepower. they switched to the SAE horsepower ratings so it makes it LOOK like the AP2 has 3 less HP than AP1, but if AP1 cars were rated by SAE standards then it would probably have only been rated at 230-232 HP. AP2 makes 5-7 more HP from what ive seen.

 

AP-2 are de-tuned AP-1,to please big ass North American drivers.
AP-1 = The Real McCoy.

 

Anyone know what the weight difference is for the AP2. I know it's a little heavier...that's why AP1's still run the same or better 1/4 miles stock for stock if driven right.

 

[QUOTE=kent-k,Sep 26 2006, 12:50 PM]i have both in the garage and my assessment is this:

the ap2 is easier to drive fast.

 

I traded in my 01 AP1 for an 06 AP2. Naturally, they upgraded many non performance things, and my first impression was that the car looks better, and has improved cosmetically both inside and out. When it came time to driving it, the first thing I noticed was the shifting. My AP2 shifts so much nicer then my AP1. I realize I'm comparing an older car with a good amount of miles on it to a brand new one, not to mention all the other differences we know about.
Definitely more torque, although, overall, I'm not sure it's all that much more powerful then the AP1. They are probably about the same, but the increased torque is definitely there, and it's most certainly less raw and easier to drive daily. I agree with above. The AP2 is easier to go fast in. It has a much smoother feel in the power curve, and just a better daily driver feel. I also feel like the AP2 has more street friendly handling, and I feel so much more confidence and control with the car when tackling windy road at high speeds. I enjoyed my AP1, but going from an older 01 to a brand new 06, it was pretty easy to tell I got a much improved, brand new car, in replace of a used car. They are all good. For those who want pure rawness, the 00-03 is a nice more affordable choice to buy used. However, lets not make the 04-07 models out to be tame, as they still possess that pure raw sports car feeling, and although have less of a redline, this car has not tamed all that much. It's just as beastly, but with a bit more of a caring side.

 

I like my AP1; it's kinda raw in design and intent. 9K redline (not that I'm there too much), no clock, kinda uncomfortable, plastic rear window, noisy clutch buzz and all the other "complaints" about it. I just knew that when I could finally afford an S2000 (which was this year) I was going to buy an AP1.
Maybe later on down the road-maybe I will get an AP2. Heck-I might keep this one and drive it around when I'm old. Who knows?

 

I'm sure the tranny on the '06 is smooth but there is nothing wrong with the way my 02 shifts gears...it's the slickest tranny I've driven and I've driven quite a few cars, both old and new. only 17K miles on my car though probably has something to do with that smoothness.

 

footnote:

both the 03 and the 05 that i have are fitted with coilovers and upgraded wheels tires. their handling characteristics can be adjusted to the point where it is very similar. after that, the only real difference is the power and the gearing.