Hmmmm, if the Ap2 was designed to soften the car and appeal to the masses, then why was 02 the biggest year of sales for the s2k in the U.S. ? If ap2 owners are appearing to become obnoxious, its because, 1. there are fewrer of us, so we always seem to be outnumbered. 2. We are constantly having it in thrown in our faces how we are not true enthusiasts of the car because our car is 'softer", and "not as fun to drive", and "doesnt rev as high" and "is easier to drive". When you say this to us, you may as well be insulting our wives and girlfriends while you're at it. In the end it comes down to preference. I have driven my brothers my 00, as you know the most raw and uncompromising of the years, and its fine. Totally different, but fine. Left me wanting in the torqure department, though, just as mine left him wanting with the shorter redline. In the end we agreed that not one was better than the other, just different. They are still both s2000's.

 

I vouch for the AP1 and have never denied what the AP2 is. The facts are given about the differences and it comes down to what the driver enjoys and values in his/her s2000. I've already defended my reason, and AP1 for me is a better choice than an AP2 because of what I want in this car.

AP2 doesn't have the raw features I want. Never denied the cosmetic upgrades, the comfort changes, and the torque and power gains that the AP2 has. I don't get why AP2 owners think we are in denial of their AP2 differences. For an AP2 owner, the differences are superior, personally for me and I think for majority of other AP1 driving enthusiusts, the AP1 has more value as a drivers car than what an AP2 would do. I enjoy driving around in an AP2 too, but not more than I would in an AP1.

Power, torque measurements aren't everything to a car, and I think majority of s2000 owners here know this. It goes against what we defend our cars to be...as cars that aren't drag cars, but a car that is fun to drive and carve up corners in it's superior handling. Put that into perspective and I think an AP2 owner will understand why some appreciate an AP1. I don't care who's faster 0-60 or 1/4 mile.

Commenting that it's because we couldn't afford an AP2 is ignorant of the AP2 owner. It's his/her theory, and to each his own because it's part of viewing and sharing thoughts here, and it may fit to some, but not here. If the AP1 were brand new and selling alongside a brand new AP2, I'd have no problem paying to get the AP1 brand new.

A comment like that makes me image an owner that doesn't appreciate or enjoy driving his toys, but just buying it for show, parking it in his/her garage for viewing and showing off. This is my theory...from the comment made that "AP1 defend their cars because they couldn't afford a new AP2" haha rubbish,
I give you props for being bold and saying that. My feelings arn't hurt from it, but I want to chime back in to defend that it doesn't fit in my case.

 

i would have to say after spending a good amount of time on this board that there an equal portion of ap1 and ap2 jerks out there that think their year or ap is better than the next guy's.
sure they are both great cars but they are different. i agree with someone else's assessment that i simply got a 2004 because it was new and i didn't want to buy this kind of car used considering the delicate break-in period...plus if you want to really enjoy the car you have to pound the crap out of it and i didn't want to buy a car that had been around the block - no pun intended.
so let's see: looks are subjective, feel is subjective...all that we can truly compare is performance data. and it sounds like the performance for all intents and purposes is the same.

i still have an old mustang that i love for the same reason that you ap1 guys own your car. sure the new mustang is more comfortable, ergonomic, economic, better stereo, etc. but it just doesn't have that feel of the original.

 

Which ever you choose, just get an S2000. You'll never regret it!

 

I'll throw my opinion in. I've owned both cars and find the AP2 easier to drive on a daily basis. I bit more refined. I do miss the stiffer suspension of the AP1 and the more neutral steering, but I don't miss the rear bumpsteer. I have an '01 rear swaybar in my garage waiting to go on my '04, trying for best of both worlds.

Both cars are great. I would take either one and be happy.

 

 

Some good comments coming back in, let's keep this about the cars, and NOT the owners... we're all on the same team!!

 

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You are entitled to your opinion, but I disagree.

 

i need more seat time on an AP1 to really compare and validate the claims.

 

Owned both. Prefer AP1. YMMV.