Hey guys,

The only cars I have owned are 3000GTs. I currently have a 1993 3000GT VR4 with an exhaust, tune, intake, coilovers, brakes, upgraded cooling, gauges, boost control, fuel system, etc. Has 180K on it but has been reliable for me.

I have always wanted a light weight, RWD, "driver" car that I could just put brakes/tires on and race it. I've considered Miatas but I think they are too slow. S2000 seems like a compromise but I am worried if I trade I will miss my VR4. The VR4 is pretty sorted out at this point (tons of maintenance done, etc) but with 180K on it I'm sure it could use new bushings, engine in the future, etc. It has a good amount of power, AWD traction, nice interior, unique styling, etc. that I think I may miss. Then again the S2000 would hopefully be fun to drive, somewhat quick, and reliable on the track.

What do you guys think? Also, is there a chance someone would want to trade straight up for my car? I have a brand new transmission/TC sitting in the garage I could give with the car, as well. What do AP1 S2000s typically go for in the northeast? Anything I should look for?

Basically just looking for some input, especially if some of you have made a similar transition.

 

I don't know what the prices would be like in the north east, but I would assume that they will be cheaper than down here on the south considering the weather and everything. The s2000 is a rwd car, some people drive it through winter with winter tires; however I would rather have an awd car if I lived in the north east. Its difficult to tell you whether or not it'll be a good trade. I owned an STI before the s2000, which I sold to purchase my current ap1. I never missed the sti, even though it was faster, louder, and all around bad ass! My best advice, go test drive an s2000. Ponder over the trade for a couple of weeks. Enjoy your 3000gt for the time being, and if you still want the ap1 then figure out away to obtain one. There is a sticky on what to look for when purchasing an s2000 if you preform a quick search. Good luck!

 

I actually just saw the sticky after I made the post, thanks for the heads up.

Good to hear you are happy about your switch from the WRX.

I actually just bought a Forester a few months ago for a daily driver so that is no concern. The VR4/S2000 are just fun cars.

Also, my fiancee's uncle just bought an S2000 and let me drive it. It seemed to handle really well and was pretty fun to drive. Didn't get to hammer it though because I didn't want to beat on his new car. I was surprised how loud the interior was and how "raw" it was. I thought my VR4 was pretty raw but even with coilovers and exhaust it is comparable to the S2000. Maybe I'll try to find one local and ask for a test drive. Just don't want my "lust" from one or two test drives make me not think about the entire picture.

 

Where are you located?

Definitely a good idea to have a DD/winter car up here in the northeast, so that's good. I used to have Galant VR4 and the AWD is irreplaceable, but there is something special about the S as well.

 

I used to live in Pittsburgh, PA and still visit there but I am in Morgantown, WV for school right now.

I agree, the AWD is nice in terms of launching and being easy as hell to drive through bends (just mash the pedal and it goes lol). The torque is also very nice (can easily climb a hill at 2,000 RPMs). I just feel like the S2000 will help me improve as a driver and the 9,000 RPM redline is just sexy!

 

Been thru there ( on the way to Uniontown,PA).

Seriously hilly and snowy at times, not a fun time in an S2000)

Have driven my SHO and Impala SS around there, work not fun to drive.

Subie a good idea.

 

I'm not really tracking why you'd want to trade your car. It seems like you really like it.

The S2000 sucks.

JUST KIDDING!! LOL

btw, post pix of your car. I think they look pretty cool

 

I had a VR4 for two years. It was lots of fun when it was running properly, but it did have semi-frequent downtime and cost me about $1k/year in non-maintenance repairs while I had it. Sounds like yours has been good to you though. In any case, it will likely begin costing you a fair amount of money to keep on the road in the next couple of years due to its age and miles, and you'll probably get tired of dealing with it after a while if it's your only car.

Based on your mod list your car would probably be good for a high 12-second 1/4 @ 103-105mph and being that you have over 300 ft-lb at 2400rpm, the first thing you'll notice about an S2000 is the absence of torque. However, it will handle FAR better than the 3000GT. The S2000 is a full 1000 lbs lighter, and it's got a much more advanced chassis & suspension system. It was designed from the ground up as a true sports car rather than a grand tourer like the 3000GT. The S2000 will be small, loud, cramped, no torque, slower, but it will be a much more rewarding drive. It will also cost very little to maintain.

I recommend you drive one or two examples and see what you think. Also you have to go into the test drive knowing that you cannot drive the S2000 the way you do a VR4. You have to get it above 6000rpm and keep it there to truly feel what the car can do. It will feel completely wrong and you'll want to upshift well before you run out of revs, but it's imperative to take it to redline multiple times in order to get an accurate sampling of the car's capabilities.

 

Sounds like you need to spend some time in the seat of an S2000 to help you decide.

The most important part is how any car you're considering is suited to you and you can't beat first hand experience for that. Spec sheet racing never tells all.

 

Well luckily I won't have to deal with snow.. but the hills are another matter. Morgantown is even more hilly than Pittsburgh.. I can't imagine learning how to drive a stick here.


I do like it but I am wanting something that is lower maintenance and handles better. As in throw tires, brakes, and gas at it and race it all summer long and have a blast/improve my skills. The VR4 needs the tune adjusted/suspension adjusted/new parts/doesn't handle well/etc. The VR4 is also super easy to drive fast so while I still have tons of room to improve with it, I think I would benefit more from a lighter, lower powered RWD car.


Great comparison! The only thing I am really worried about losing is the power. I have a daily so noise/comfort isn't a huge issue. I guess I'll have to test drive to see if the lack of power is made up for with the handling and 9K redline. I also wondering if I will miss tinkering with the car (adjusting the tune/etc). Right now I am tired of it, though.

So I am guessing you are happy with your transition? Do you ever wish you had your VR4 still?