Another thing to consider is the unbelievably poor gas mileage of the RX-8. Owners have been averaging 13mpg. I've been averaging 25mpg in my 04 S2K.

 

If cost is a factor, which I don't believe it is, you may want to take a test drive in a MS Miata while you're looking at the RX-8 (if you can find one). It's not much slower and it's significantly cheaper. I'm not a big fan of the RX-8. I think they should have kept it a 2 seater, added a turbo (or 2) and called it the RX-7. A backseat and suicide doors just don't do it for me.

Kris

 

Between the two, 2.2 s2000 without question... I heard rumors of people pulling 13.6 in the 2.2L. Another good point someone mentioned to me is that when people test these cars they don't dump the clutch at high rpms... so the times are conservative.

But between the two 2.2 S2000

Although the RX8 has four seats, it's just ugly IMO. . .

 

If you are considering an RX8, might as well check out a 350Z. . . I ran into a few modded 350Z's, ecu, downpipe, exhaust, clutch, lowered, pretty ill looking, if you ditch the idea on a new S2000 go for the Z.

-Bill

 

this is an S2K forum, so everybody will say get the S2K.
It's all really depending on your taste.
you're 30 right? I think you need more space for your family if you have one?
So RX-8 is a better option for you I guess?
If you're single, S2000 is a good car too.

The new rotary engine is improving so much on the RX8.

Good luck on your decision.

 

If you drive fast, especially in corners be prepared for the rear end to come out. Of course this depends on how much you push it, if you're not plain stupid, the rear end won't come out for no reason. But, make sure you have the proper tires, the right aligment, and the tires are warmed up before you go try to some crazy stuff, the S is very sensitive to these things.

 

dirve both, but I'm sure you will find the S funner,

 

I faced the same decision, and went with a new MY04 S2000 for the following reasons:

1) A convertible is so much more fun to drive
2) Honda quality and reliability
3) Although the acceleration and handling of the RX are terrific, the S2000 is clearly a step above
4) Gas mileage
5) Resale (although after having the car exactly a month, I can't imagine ever selling it)
6) Styling
7) The RX is mass produced; the S2000 is built off an assembly line in a separate factory that also builds the NSX
8) Didn't need or like the rear seats and suicide doors
9) S2000 is more of a pure sports car
10) Owners have reported fouling plugs if the car isn't at full temperature when turned off. The car must be towed to a dealer to get it restarted.

 

I know this will probably upset a few people, but the car is not dangerous spin machine. Most of the stories are due to driver error or neglect. Improperly sized replacement tires, worn out tires with no tread in the rain or improper tires in cold conditions. The car does tend to oversteer, but it is controllable if you are applying the correct driver input unless you are truly driving way too fast (no babysitting traction control). The rear OEM (pre-2004) 225 tires actually have an equivalent 245 tread width. Many tire shops don't know this and put on non-OEM rear tires that are too thin. The tires wear quickly, if not checked, will hydroplane from lack of tread in standing water. Just like any other car. If you drive in snow or cold weather you need snow tires, not the OEM summer-only tires.

The car is easy to control, peppy and has great handling when driving in a normal daily driver fashion. Similar to a RSX or a more powerful Miata under 6000 rpm. Above 6000 rpm it is a different car, a baby F1 car. The car is more fun than a RX-8, no question, but it is also noisier, more tiring to drive, bumpier, less practical and more demanding on driver skill.

The choice between '00-'01, '02-'03 or '04+ usually spurs "religious" battles. Ultimately, they are more similar in driving experience than different for normal driving. The differences only come out when driving very fast, typically illegal-type fast. If you don't plan to track or autocross, car selection is more of feature or look preference. Earlier models more basic and raw, later models more refined and driver friendly. I own a 2002 and will say the 2004 is a better overall car for the typical driver. Not a huge must trade in better, just evoluntionary nice to have improvments.