dbw

The packaging issue is simple:

The 550 Spyder uses a tiny VW engine mounted in the rear with the transmission right below it.

The S2000 requires more length as the engine is longer and mounted longitudinally. The S2000 has its transmission located behind the engine thus a longer car.

The Spyder is cool but the interior does not have much in the way of padding, luxury, accessories, etc. these all take up room.

The S2000 interior has lots of features and fits me like a glove.

I like the 550 Spdyer but it is not comparable to the S2000 in the category of comfort.

BTW - what engine do you have in the Spyder? I'm curious about the pounds/HP since I know the Beck is very light even with the interior stretch over the original Porsche.

 

i won't even get into details now..but it's sorta like this...

original 1956 550 spyder ...1500cc,4 cam,roller crank,125 hp@ 7000 rpm,1400 lbs,factory quoted top speed 140+ mph..i had one in the '70s and tho a bit tired it would do an honest 130..[short top gear ]btw.. it still had the 4.75-16 super records on 16"-3 1/2"wide rims.

2001/2/3 beck as i have built it so far...1600cc dual port vw w/ dual dellortos..356 B drum brakes,4.5 -15 rims with 165-15 xzx's...still pretty slow but lots of fun...am working on a super 90 porsche engine so it will more closely apporoximate the original performance..

1965 lotus super seven cosworth..[not a caterham..a real lotus with all the shitty stuff].1600cc,cosworth pushrod..115 hp@6000 rpm,1100 lbs...top speed dependant on gearset and final drive ratio..[i had one at the time i got the s2000,nov '99] w/close ratio 'box ... top speed was only 85 but it got there really really quickly...

insterestingly enough,the seven had almost the same size interior and seating position as the s2000[go check!!] but the "doors" on the lotus were 1" thick..as the hondas are..well you know..the seven was just another example of just how big i think a sportscar should be...and the mini? well thats a whole different story.

 

It sure is great to have so many auto enthusiasts in one place, thanks for the info.

If you get a chance post some pics of the 550 and the S2000. I was thinking about the Beck before I got my S2000 so I would love to see them together.

 

Interesting. This is exactly my problem too. I'm just about to go in tomorrow to place an order for a '03 red S2000. Though a part of me wonders what changes will be for 2004....I can't wait around to find out. Its going to be a 2 year lease anyways...I guess I can always change my car then to whatever that may be out at that time. A S2200 perhaps?
I'm a new manual driver, but drove the S2000 twice, and I haven't been able to sleep since. Uh..that was 5 days ago!! Very easy to drive...and way too fun. Hope I can drive it well enough one day I won't fall back on hills.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by BFAmazon35
[B]I spoke to a honda dealer and the new 2004 S2000 will have 260 horsepower.

 

Saying the name "S2200" just doesn't sound right. No matter how many time you say it, it just doesn't work. Is it just me?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bob Moss
[B]Barry and Other Old Porsche admirers:

I share your enthusiasm having owned 5 of these cars at various times.

 

I love that car too. My dad had one a couple decades ago that was in MINT CONDITION, but he sold it before it was ever worth anything! Imagine what kind of money he could get from that car. Not that he would sell it or anything...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by BFAmazon35
[B]I spoke to a honda dealer and the new 2004 S2000 will have 260 horsepower.