Car & Driver comments on 2004 S2000
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 529
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta
I welcome all the rumored changes, they're not drastic enough to even worry about the S turning into a slush box. A few hundred rpm lower for peak hp and torque comes up sooner and flatter. This is all good. It's a car, not a motorcycle. More elbow room, more aerodynamic fascia, 17" wheels with retuned suspension. These are all improvements to me.
Sounds like some are jealous they're not getting an '04...
Sounds like some are jealous they're not getting an '04...
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,776
Likes: 2
From: Bay Area
Softer suspension? Sounds like they're trying to appeal to more of the MILF demographic.
Only way I'd be jealous is if the '04 rev'd higher than the previous models, had a stiffer suspension, beefier drivetrain or had a better hp/weight ratio.
Only way I'd be jealous is if the '04 rev'd higher than the previous models, had a stiffer suspension, beefier drivetrain or had a better hp/weight ratio.
Administrator
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 17,004
Likes: 7
From: Santa Cruz, CA, US
Thats just it. The masses will be happy with the changes which is good for most all as there will be more S2Ks sold.
But its likely a softer car and its less of a engineering marvel and more of an Accord.
Lots of people like the Accords, but I sure don't want to race one.
Everyone has different goals for the car. I want raw, ragged and real. Not soft, cushy, easy.
But its likely a softer car and its less of a engineering marvel and more of an Accord.
Lots of people like the Accords, but I sure don't want to race one.
Everyone has different goals for the car. I want raw, ragged and real. Not soft, cushy, easy.
Administrator
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 17,004
Likes: 7
From: Santa Cruz, CA, US
No a 8000 vs 8900 redline doesn't mean slower. It does mean that its less high strung. The 2.2 is going to weigh more too. I wonder how much lead the new s2ks will have picked up? 200lbs?
As for suspension, in simplest terms softer suspension does mean slower, especially when the weight has gone up. While techincally "Too stiff" (and I mean REALLY stiff, so stiff that you reduce the tire's abilty to stay in contact w/ the ground over rough pavement) can cause problems too. But the 00-01 s2ks which had the stiffest suspension of all the current s2ks are no where near that stiff. Softer suspension is going to equate to slower transitions and an overall mushy drive.
Sure it will be easier to drive for most. But like I said, its becoming a car for the masses, as the masses can't drive.
As for suspension, in simplest terms softer suspension does mean slower, especially when the weight has gone up. While techincally "Too stiff" (and I mean REALLY stiff, so stiff that you reduce the tire's abilty to stay in contact w/ the ground over rough pavement) can cause problems too. But the 00-01 s2ks which had the stiffest suspension of all the current s2ks are no where near that stiff. Softer suspension is going to equate to slower transitions and an overall mushy drive.
Sure it will be easier to drive for most. But like I said, its becoming a car for the masses, as the masses can't drive.