Considering my THIRD S....
 

Hey all. I have a question for some of you out there. I know this has probably been debated back and forth by both sides, but what I am looking for is fairly objective opinions from individuals who have spent time behind the wheel of both the 2002-2003 S2000 and the 2004+ S2000. I am considering getting my 3rd S (My first was a MY01, my second a MY03) and I am not sure if I want to go with the new one or get a used one. I have driven a friends '05 once but it wasn

A) F20C has no torque but blast go over 6 to 9k redline
F22C increased the toque in low end... but also lower the redline
B) C) shares the same chasis and shifter regardless of years
but they put softer suspension from 04

[QUOTE=iwant2byS2k,Jan 4 2005, 04:25 PM] A) F20C has no torque but blast go over 6 to 9k redline

This is really a personal preference matter. Maybe you can go to a dealership where they have both a used and new one that you can park side by side and compare them. Also drive them both and see what you think.

I had a 01 and I went to the dealership with every intention of buying a new 03 because I thought I would miss the lower redline of the 04-the deal was all worked out all I had to do was sign the papers. However once I got there they had the new 04's parked next to the 03's and I saw them side by side I liked the 04 better. As far as the driving experience I think the suspension handles better and the power band is more usable.

However again, it all comes down to what you prefer. Whatever you choose its still an "S" and you can't go wrong either way.

I'm on my *fifth* S2K - I've had three F20's and my newest is my second F22.

I do miss the 9K, but the '04+ is a substantially better everyday car because of the increase in torque. I never thought I'd say that ~10 lb-ft is all that much, but it's much more USABLE.

Everyone says the suspension is softer. Yup, slightly softer in the rear, stiffer in the front. The softening of the rear is not a BAD thing - the car is far more tame and not prone to the snap-oversteer of my 00-02 cars. Shifter gates I think are different, yes it's a bit smoother. Also, if a warranty matters, new (or newish) will be better - if you buy used, definitely go with a Certified. I looked at quite a few turds and knew instantly why only a handful get Certified. Not to say you can't get a Certified turd, but it's far less likely!!!

Anyhow, go find a used '04 (they're out there...) to test drive - something's that's been broken in all the way. Once you drive it, you'll know.

:D

I test drove an 04 and an 02 back to back. I liked the torque of the 04 but I liked the extra $10,000 chilling in my pocket better. ;)

i traded an 03 for an 05

its the same car basically
the softer rear is not a bad thing.
the 8k red line does come on real quick
in 1st gear, but no so in the other gears.
i didn't think 10lbs of additional torgue
would matter, but it does make a big difference,
in this car anyway.

likes for the 05
1. easier to launch
2. no oil consumption
3. the engine seems quieter(not the exhaust)
4. love the bigger wheels/tires
5. dont have to go to the bathroom after
city driving
6. the rear bumper
7. the taillights
8. the headlights
dislikes for the 05
1. the front bumper (even though its starting to grow on me)
2. the brake dust (holy brake dust batman)
3. still crappy radio
4. i like the clock in the radio ( i keep looking there for the time)
5. the gauge cluster
6. slightly slower steering (others might like it)

nothing really major for they are the exact same car IMO.

the only real difference is the car has more pep below vtec
which is more noticable than i thought it would be

i am very pleased with the car, as i was with the 03 also, but you dont have
to vtec now when leaving a red light to keep pace with traffic.
(note: not that vtec is bad :hello: )

after all the rambling i guess everything is subjective, but i will remind
you thats its the same car.

I prefer my '04, but mine is a daily driver... so the added power in the lower RPM's is nice. I also prefer the asthetics.

I haven't tracked my '04 yet, but I do have a feeling I'll miss the 9,000 RPM redline of my '01.

Third one and fifth one??!! :eek3: , you guys definitely make me feel much better about myself! :D My answers are all mix, facts, and subjective opinions;


What I like about post04+

- Style changes
- I like versatility of RE050 more than S-02
- More rigid body(10%, according to honda's claim) by add some some cross members front and back)
- Suspension still plenty stiff but waaaaaay more refine, no back sway and jittery over bump
- Better break pads, better break feel
- Better leather upholstery quality through out( a little thicker), including steering wheel
- Last but not least, "more torque". Yes, you can feel the big different. Before, I hate to be first one in traffic light 'cause you gonna have to watch those socker moms in their mini vans and big @$$ SUVs leave you in the dust when the green light comes. Now, without having to rave like a mad little cat, I can just smoothly take off and keep up with the traffic just like everybody else. Sound like an old man speaking, huh? But let face it, this is everyday life, guys, and you know it when you're in the same spot

What I don't like about 04+

- Fit and finnish is not on par with pre04, my guess is the new plant is the one to blam
- Clutch is a little higher, and while I'm at it, clutch delay $UCK$!!!
- Quieter exhaust, no deep rumble as before when throttle lifted.
- Steering feel, turn in $UCK$!!!, so lifeless( new alignment might help a bit, but not gonna be the same since major pain comes from slower steering rate)
- Very annoying understeer( new alignment will do)
- Gear engagement not quite as smooth as pre04
- Rev limiter come too soon, I kindda miss 9k redline, ...about 5 times a month... :p

These are all from my, rather short, observation( car has only 1k on the clock), and just for the sake of differences from a person that driven both for quite sometimes. I hope this tread is not going to turn into "ANOTHER" fight between K20 VS K22, mmmmk?


Keep on :rev:ing

I have owned both cars, and the guys above did a great job with the differences. Here are my thoughts. I to did not know whether I wanted the f20c or the f22c, but I went with buying a new 04.

Likes about 04+

-the looks, nice 17's, and interior(this is why I bought it)
-a little more torque
-better at handling rough roads at the limits
-it was a new car to me because I never owned one. It gave me that new vehicle feeling again.

Likes about 03-

-better steering feel (faster response)
-9k redline
-I like the way the clutch felt, not as spongy with better grab without the delay valve
-This engine can stay in vtec after you upshift from the previous gear. The 04 comes out of vtec (below 6k rpm's) when you shift through 2nd and 3rd gear( I believe). The secret to driving the s fast is to stay in vtec, and you cant do that with the f22c.


Overall, I am very happy with my decision. I knew what I was buying with the 04 versus the pre 04. I also wonder if the new s2000 will be more reliable with a stronger differential, clutch delay valve, and lower redline. I think honda tried to address a few of the reliability issues the f20c car had. Either way I love the both of them.

scott