I loved my 01 S2k, but the moment test drove the 06, everything about it was simply better to me. The interior, exterior, rims simply are better and more refined. The shifting is also much smoother. It's not just the 8 feet of torque, it's the way it's distributed. The car just feels beefier in lower rpms. It's simply more refined. The car cruises much nicer in 6th gear at 45-50mph, and the road noise is quieter. The stereo is far better as well. I can go on and on. Naturally AP1 owners will not concede, and are happy with their cars, so more power to ya. Even had I not traded in my 01, I'd still have walked out of that dealership saying, DAMN, THEY SURE DID IMPROVE THIS ALREADY GREAT CAR!!!!! it's the exact thing I said when I test drove the 05 a year before but decided to keep my 01 for another year.

I loved my Ap1, but the upgrades in the AP2 were just what the doctor ordered for me personally. Sure I loved the 9k redline, but in all honesty I never liked the engine sound at that high, as it sounds like it's gonna blow up.

Nothing revs better though then my former 04 RX8. 9krpms is effortless, and the engine sounds like it wants to go higher, not like it's gonna blow up. I think the RPM drop was a smart move, because there really is no use for 9krpms, and all in all, that likely adds longevity to the engine by not being able to rev it that high.

My 01 was just flat out raw, and I enjoyed it while I owned it, but regardless of people's opinions on AP1 vs AP2, the real factor is age. If you can afford the newer car, it's smart to do so. The AP1s are older, and age plays just as big of a role in longevity as miles.

 

Agreed.

As long as there's a VTEC

 

If you are getting an Ap1 get an 03 -

You get glass not plastic rear screen
The stereo is decent
I find compared to my MY99 when you get the rear out its easier to counter steer and correct

I've never driven an ap2 I don't like the stock wheels but they have more power.

My ideal s2000 would probably be an 03 Ap1 with a ap2 2.2 engine that revved to 9k

oh yea ap2 has nicer headlights, US ap1 has shit orange headlights you need to change them out for clear, then it looks good

 

Things I like about my 03...
Glass rear window
Something other than carpet covering the center tunnel
Lively rear end but not crazy lively
Shifts just fine for me
I prefer the AP1 headlights. I even like the amber. But I remember when amber was cool and only found on european cars. That was a while ago.
I also like the ap1 instrumentation better.
Not wild about oval exhaust tips
Things I like about AP2s
Nicer console
AP2 taillights are nicer
two cup holders (sometimes its the little things)
Probably does shift better...haven't driven one enough to tell
Lower final drive ratio except for sixth which is higher

Frankly I would be pretty happy with either. I got an 03 because I got a killer price on a "honda certified" very clean car.

 

wow another AP1 vs AP2 thread

 

IMO, if you're looking for a DD, go with the most recent year you can afford. if not, test drive both and go from there.

 

If you really want to drag race it alot get an AP1, and use the money you saved to buy a stronger rear diff from Inlinepro.

Otherwise drive both and decide for yourself. I did and picked the AP1, but others may choose the AP2 and I see nothing wrong with that.