I have heard a lot about how the s2000 is a dangerous car on a wet road. Is this true? I know that the s2k can oversteer quickly with little warning, but if i dont drive it at its limits, will it be pretty tame?

 

Any car that asks of its owner to actually "drive it" as opposed to pointing it (for instance, my dad's STS with a half dozen obtrusive traction control devices) will require a more active involvement in the process. Whether or not the car is inherently dangerous in the wet, I would say no but any mistakes by the driver will be magnified by such a machine that is delicate by nature. A poll of modest effort would probably reveal that most S2K accidents in poor weather probably were caused by a combination of excessive speed, inadequate "reactionary" driving maneuvers and inexperience with RWD automobiles. Let's face it, there simply isn't a plethera of high powered, RWD automobiles out there anymore for under $30K so most newbies end up cutting their chops with FWD automobiles. I've said this before but most S2000 owners I've met online have spent $2,000 in mods long before considering a high performance driving course of instruction.
In all but the rarest of cases, it will be the owner and NOT the car. Respect the power both in the dry AND wet and you'll be fine.

 

I recommend some sort of high-performance driver education (preferably with your s2k)...not necessarily because the car demands it, but because it can help you as a driver period. Every car is different, learning to explore the limits/quirks/behavior in a controlled environment should allow you to enjoy your purchase that much more. Not to mention put your mind at ease...

 

where can i find information about these driving schools? Ive always wanted to go to BMW's M school, but it is pretty expensive. Are there any affordable schools in the midwest (preferrably SW ohio or SW mich) where i can use my s2k?

 

No. The steering is set-up for high performance. If you brake and jerk the steering wheel, you will spin the car. The car does not have safe understeer built into it. Driver training is highly advised, and is fun.

 

I've been looking at Mid-Ohio (between Columbis and Akron). Honda/Acura runs their driving courses.

Check them out at
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

JonasM

 

The easiest and cheapest way to learn car control is to attend some autocrosses (also called SOLO II) in your area. In Cincinnati there is the Cincinnati Region SCCA (http://www.cincyscca.com). While they are currently looking for a new site to hold events, they would be where I would start. I'm sure the autocrossers in that club can help you find where they are playing now...perhaps in somewhere in Kentucky or Columbus. Plus they have an Evolution School coming in the summer if they have a site by then.

 

thanks negcamber, thats more helpful than anything i thought i would get out of this thread.

 

One thing that you might look into (I am) is the local chapter of the SCCA usually puts on autocross driving classes for beginning drivers. The one here is $35 for two days of instructions and they even have loaner helmets! How can you go wrong?

Bob

 

Guns are dangerous too... handle with care, and you'll be fine.