By the way here are some pictures. This is most recent with my new wheels:


Here is one from last summer:

 

I'm definitely happy with my transition. I didn't go straight from the 3000GT to the S2000 though (hopped to a Trans Am for 4 years in between).

I can't answer the second question easily. I would love to have another VR4 one day as an extra car, but even then I can think of several other vehicles I'd rather experience at this point. Plus mine was very costly to maintain so it became more of a stress-generator and completely killed the fun factor when it was running properly.

I can say this, if I had to choose only one fun car, it would be the S2000 hands down.

 

Here is my story, hope it helps you decide. The 'fun' car I owned before the S, which was the only other fun car I've ever had (though had many sportbikes), was a muscle car, a '71 Buick GS, that I got when I was 17, and owned for 30 YEARS.

Lots of memories in that car. Lots of adventures. Torque? It had well over 400 ft/lbs, and it was the small block. It handled rather well for what it is. The Buick motors weigh a lot less than a comparable chevy. It had gas shocks and good brakes. It was like a ballet dancing line-backer. Big, heavy, but shockingly light on its feet. Very responsive throttle, right off the line, with all that torque.

It had over 225k miles on it, original motor, well over 100k since motor rebuild, still ran strong as ever, did not use any oil. I drove that car everywhere. For many years it was my only car. Later it became the fun car. Driven to work on nice days, on errands, and of course for joy rides. It was very rare that a drive, any drive, did not involve flogged the car. It was used, but not abused, and held up well. It often proved more reliable than my modern DD's.

I never once took it to one of those car meets. Sometimes they'd be having one on a weekend, and as I drove in they'd try to be directing me to a show spot, but I was there going to the grocery store that shared the parking lot. I enjoyed driving the car, not parking it and looking at it.

But like you I always wanted a real drivers car. Something that would help make me a better driver as I learned how to use it. Something rwd. Something manual. Something small, not too heavy. Something with incredible handling and braking. Something fun to drive.

Whenever some new car would come out, I would be on the lookout to see if maybe it was the one. Usually I'd find something not to like, some reason not to make the switch. The car that would get me out of my classic would really have to be something special.

The more I read about the S, the more I was intrigued. A purpose built, ground up, fresh sheet of paper sports car design. More power/liter than anything else ever built up to that time. Yet reliable. Easy to work on. Safe. Fast. Fun. Incredible handling and braking. One of the best pure drivers cars ever built. Perhaps the worlds best shifter. Perfect 50/50 weight balance, mid (front) engined. The list goes on. The accolades go on even further.

The only real complaints reported centered around civility and suitability for DD or long trips. The car is docile when you want, and intensly manic when you need. In a word, Perfect.

So I made the switch. I was more than aprehensive. What if I didn't like it and wanted to go back? No way to afford both, have to sell one to get the other. But I did it.

You know what? Not one moment of regret. This car is beyond my expectations. I could go on at length, but it would just rehash what so many have said before. In car mag articles, online reviews, and forums like this one. Its everything everyone says, and more.

I don't want any other car. This one is that good. Sure, some other cars are faster, but how much can you use all that power? This is just the right mix of usable performance.

I DD it. I also live in the NE, and have an awd car for the snow. The first year I owned the S, I drove it year 'round. I just didn't want to stop driving it. But this last year I got smart and parked S until snow and ice were gone. Its a joy to be back behind the wheel.

The only regret I have is I should have jumped in sooner.

 

Really depends on the individual though. I've done both with no problems. Been to both coasts and up to South Dakota on several multi-thousand mile roadtrips from here.