So, after reading some more, and this place is like a giant library,
I am curious to hear from those who have owned/extensively driven both:
what are the NOTICEABLE differences between the earlier cars and the MY04+ cars?

Do you really notice the suspension change?

Is the 2.2 motor 'better' than the earlier 2.0?

Personally, I like the glass rear window upgrade, but that's not something that registers on the butt dyno while you are driving the car....IMHO.

Comments?


Please......



Thanks
SmattaHead

 

I've owned both and honestly, not a big difference. The bigger differences are in the handling department.

You can feel a bit more torque in the AP2, but not much. You will shift more in the AP2, due to the different gearing(tranny) and lower redline.

To sum it up, they both scream and are quick.

 

Glass rear window came in the AP1 in '02/'03.

 

didn't know that! Thanks ZDan.

Bytheway, I fancy the silverstone w/blk'n'red!

Very sharp! That would be my first choice.

Gotta figure out a way to get one for reasonable $.

Seems the market is flooded, but the prices are still high.

Just ramblin'

 

I didn't feel any hp change. You can definitely feel the gearing change - somewhat from increased thrust, and big time from reduced top speed in each gear. The suspension change is pretty big too.

Read my thread "I've owned AP1, owned AP2, just drove CR, A long read of my personal opinion"
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=575458

 

Good taste!
Good luck with the purchase.
AP1 or AP2, you'll be happy with both I'm sure.

Dan

 

Get what YOU like. Test drive both and then make a decision.

 

AP2 feels more planted, easier to drive around town below vtec

I've driven AP1's and AP2's side by side, I love how thrust is delivered when vtec kicks in the AP1, you can really feel the revs climb on the AP1. On the AP2 the merry part is a bit shorter but i could definitely feel more push.

 

imo ... the AP2 is a bit torquier, especially up hills. But that probably has to do with the shorter secondary gearing ratio as well. But the diff is small imo.

 

The ap2 does feel a little torquier, but it's not like a b series vs a k series or anything. Proportionally the ap1 seems to feel faster in the higher revs. ap1 waits a little longer before the rear breaks loose which can make it a little more of a handful to drive at the limits. All these characteristics make sense based on the cars' attributes.