I doubt that's the reason. The AP1 gets to 60 in second gear; the AP2 need third gear. The AP1 gets to 1/4 mile in fourth gear, the AP2 needs fifth. An extra shift makes a difference.

I love my car (it's an AP2). I've never driven an AP1 on the street or on the track, but I suspect that the AP2 will be easier to drive as a daily driver, with a flatter torque curve, and a bit more comfortable. At our local track, I pull on AP1s on the straights, but there are two places on our track where I run out of a gear where they don't, so I suspect it's a wash as to speed around the track.

I also find that the relatively soft suspension on my S2000 give me a good deal less confidence at the limit, in transition, than I would like. It seems to take my S2000 forever to settle coming out of a turn, making autocross unsettling (pun intended), as well as S turns on the track at speed. Granted, my S2000 has stock suspension, now 38,000 miles (and a bunch of track days) old, but by comparison, my Spec Miata, sprung much tighter than my S2000 (and 800 pounds lighter), settles immediately, and inspires complete confidence.

 

I think the preference for an AP1 over an AP2, and particularly a preference for the early AP1's with plastic rear windows, is a little like prefering a Lotus Super 7 over an Elise. The Elise is a half century more refined, but the 7 has so much more of what we dismiss as "character," that some actually find it more enjoyable to own.

The comparison is also not much different than comparing an MGA to an MGB. The B has more displacement, more torque, more comfort, a slightly better ride and more friendly handling, and nice additions like a standard heater and glass side windows rather than plastic side curtains. However, I find it hard to believe that anyone who wanted a raw sports car would choose a B over an A. B is nicer, A is more fun to drive and has more character, and while the difference isn't huge, it's very real.

If my AP1 was totally distroyed tomorrow I'd just have to find another MY00 in simmilar condition and start all over again. Nothing against the AP2's, but for what I want from the car, if I couldn't find a clean AP1 to replace mine with I'd be looking at Super 7's (with weather gear and a heater ).

 

Imo, it's all about personal preference. As for me, I chose the looks + stiffer body over the 9k redline. The AP1 turned you off probably because of the looks more than anything.

Also, were you looking at a used AP1 versus a new/barely used AP2? I know this sounds stupid, but I remember seeing a really trashed AP1 (which really turned me off) and then a really nice AP1 (which made me think about getting an AP1), and I arrived at fairly different conclusions -- thought I still bought a new AP2 at the end.

I once heard from an owner (he tracks his cars) who owned an AP1 before and then an AP2 saying that the AP2 does better on bigger tracks (due to gearing, torque and small differences in braking system), while AP1 runs better on smaller tracks/AutoX events (due to higher redline and different gearing). However, for me, those were not my main concerns, since my driveing skill won't be able to exploit that difference for the most part anyway ...

At the end of the day, both are S2000s I'm sure you'd be happy with either

 

I like the AP1 over the AP2. I would say the AP1 drives more like a sports car. The AP2 does too, but is more of a comfortable daily driver type of sports car. (IMO) I own a AP1 and I have experienced more driving, and different conditions in the car. As far as the AP2, I have only test driven it and can't say I have been able to drive the car like my own.
So what I think it all comes down to, spend the money on what YOU WANT, I don't think because someone says a AP1 is Better than a AP2, all the sudden the AP1 will feel and perform better to you. It sounds like you like the AP2 better so get it. Besides you cant go wrong it is still a S2ooo.

 

^^ I agree. The OP obviously likes the AP2 better, so that's what he should buy. How many people have regreretted buying any MY S2000?

 

 

oh gawd, another ap1 vs ap2 thread. flip a coin, either way it's an S2000.

 

LOL, yea, at first I thought the OP was a troll.
Come to think of it, I'm still not sure that's not the case.

 

well put!

 

damn right