I need some help on some of the differences between the 2003 and the 2004. I know that the engine is a 2.2 instead of 2.0. But that the red line is lower. Does anyone have any hands on as far as acceleration and handling differences? Is one faster and sportier. The 2004 has a softer suspension so does the 2003 corner better? I would appreciate any feed back.

Thanks

Heart

 

Ijust asked the same question. Pretty popular question around. I'm thinking of getting an 04 or 03.

Search the forum. For me, I'm getting an 03. Engines great, most seem to lik eit better than the 04. Higher redline, more VTEC time, more raw.

The 04 is plusher, all around. Although from what I just read in R&Track, the new suspension is softer in everyday driving but even greater in high performance driving. Something about the multilink setup. I dunno-

Get the 03- but dont take mine! I'm getting silver w/ red leather. (is red available that year?)

 

Like I said before-----9000RPM=

 

the 2004 was my choice as it was easier to tool around in heavy traffic, had more interior room, a different shifting experience, larger wheels and tires, a revises suspension and dash and interior(mild revised). you cannot go wrong with either car. also the front and rear have been freshened.

 

Here's an awesome comparison write up made in November of 2003. Lot's of interesting factoids.

http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?se...article_id=7274

 

That is because there are more Pre-04 owners out there. The 04 is the better engine. Don't take these biased people's opinion or even my slightly biased opinion . Drive both for yourself.

 

The first thing to keep in mind if you are considering buying is that the differences are minor - on the order of the same, functionally, as the change from a plastic rear window to a glass rear window in, I believe, 2002. Also keep in mind that there have been 4 model years of 2.0L cars and only 1.5 model years of 2.2L cars, so this site is dominated by the owners of the earlier cars.

Regarding handling, the 2004 has a slightly firmer front suspension and a considerably softer rear suspension. I suspect these changes were more to reduce bump steer than to improve comfort. Also, the 2004 has larger wheels and slightly wider tires.

Acceleration is very comparable - possibly slightly better in the 2004 if you rev all the way to the limiter. It may be a little more difficult to stay in VTEC and get the best acceleration. The 2.2L has pretty reasonable mid range torque, which some owners of the earlier cars find lacking.

The transmission difference is as important as the engine difference. The low gears have been shortened to improve low end grunt. Combined with the lower redline, though, this means that the low gears top out faster. There's also a somewhat noticeable gap between fourth and fifth, as the fifth and six gears were made taller rather than shorter. The taller sixth gear reduces the highway cruising RPM a bit, which may be nicer on long trips.

Unless you are going to autocross, I'd make the choice based on factors other than performance. If you are going to compete, be aware that the opinion of the autocrossers seems to be that the 2004's slight advantage is significant in competition.

 

nice write-up!

 

Did you mean to say the 2004's slight advantage is insignificant?

I don't think anybody has developed an '04+ to the point that it is significantly better for autocross. In fact, the SCCA apparently sees the two generations as equals and have classed them together starting this season.

I have heard that the 2004 has an advantage on a road course.

 

i have both , well my bro has a 04 and i have the 03 , for me its the 03 of course , i like the new S , but the old S has that something , that X factor the new does not IMO , the new one looks kinda soft , the 03 does not , plus when we raced that 9k sound had my bro jelous

But any S will be the best car u have ever owned ....i love my car