Nothing. It's the chassis code. In the VIN #'s, it'll say JH4AP1XXXXX or JH4AP2XXXX...

*edit: steven, does your keyboard have VTEC???

 

Decide which car you like better. I don't care for the changes in 04: gauge cluster layout, console with metal, radio door, wheels (fugly, 5 spokes rule). The bumpers and exhaust tips look better though. Figure it's a $20,000-$28,000 purchase, give both a try. I daily drive my '03 like many others and have no issues in traffic.

Edit: someone beat me to the VIN explanation.

 

I personally prefer the 03 best. I didn't drive the 04, so I couldn't make a comparison, but when you're touching 9000RPMs...there's something mind boggiling addicting to it. And the viscreal scream from the engine begging you to shift...

And about tractability around town - my 02 is just fine. I can pull away from traffic pretty well shifting under 4k. It's only when you punch it from a 5th/6th gear where you will notice a lack of a fat tq curve. But I'm pretty sure an 04+ would still need a D/S in the most situations if you're in 5th/6th gear. The car demands a shift -- it's a 4cylinder.

The only other motor that does this currently in production, is the RX8, but that's a rotary, so a different breed altogether (Current RX7 owner here, so I have a place in my heart for rotaries).

David

 

Its all about personal preference... but your getting a good car with either choice

 

I waited for the 04's myself. I drove one each year watching changes until I felt the bugs were worked out and the line was established. But as everybody say, it a personal thing and you should grab the first one you see you like and start to enjoy driving again.

 

the pre 04 is arguably more exciting to drive, but it's also more work and less refined in my opinion. the interior of the 04 and up feels slightly nicer and the exterior look is no comparison, once again, imo.

 

I bought an '03 suzuka last October and have never driven the ap2. To me, the most unique and defining characteristic of this car has always been its insane redline. When I first read that Honda was lowering the redline, the defining trait of the car (imo), I thought they must be smoking something. As I've said, I've never driven the ap2, but my ap1 does city driving just fine, I've never thought I really needed more power for any normal driving. One thing about the ap1 though, everytime you see the ap2 you realize your body style is a bit dated. But I have no regrets, and I doubt you'll have regrets with either.

 

Ok I just got back from driving a silver 02. At work I share a cubicle. I have been talking about buying an S2000 for months now to my cube mate. So it wasn't hard to convince him to come and test drive one with me. He loves the car and now wants to try to convince his wife into letting him get one.

The '02 model I can tell has a little harder shifter than the 05. The 05 that I drove (I drove an 05 about a month ago) seemed to shift a little easier. Now the 05 was brand spanking new. Do cars typically get easier to shift after they have been "broken in"? The 02 was a lot of fun! I really like the idea of a 9000 rpm redline but, I think I like the feel of the 04-05's better.

Please keep commenting you guys are really helping me.

I wish the dealer would let me drive an 03 and then an 04-05 back to back :-(

Today was the last day of the month so the dealer guy was kinda in a hurry because he had to make one last sell before the month was over.

Sorry got off subject a bit but keep those comments coming!