Happy new year, everyone.

I currently own a black, 2002 Honda Civic Si which works and shifts beautifully. For those who may not know, this is the hatchback Si that some refer to as the "mini mini van." My Si shifts like butter, does not have a rattle, and looks great to me. My thinking is, "If the Si works this great, think how much better the S2000 would be."

I am very tempted to trade in my Si not because I don't like it, but because it is so solid and smooth that I have fallen in love with Honda.

My question is, "What would be some of the most noticeable differences in driving feel between the 02 Si and the S2000?"

 

It doesn't even compare. I have driven an 02 si. If you really don't think there is a difference or somehow can't comprehend how there could be a difference. You really don't understand cars.


BTW, this is probably the same reason why you think someone is going to steal the car you want from the dealership. So you have to list a fake location. Someone buy this man a clue. Hell give me your paypal address, I'll send you a buck so that you can!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by turbo_pwr

 

Civic Si = Night

S2000 = Day

Yes, it is that much of a difference.

 

Purple Haze,

I really don't like to see rude responses on here either. I also don't want to be rude to you but I have to tell you that you have just asked one of the dumber questions about car comparisons I have seen on the board.

The only similarity between the two cars is that H badge on the hood.

 

WTF?!?! Thats like asking if there's a difference b/w having sex with...

http://www.dropdeadugly.com/dp/uglypics/1-61.jpg

verus

http://www2.victoriassecret.com/images/pro...gvw/V235266.jpg *NSFW*

 

Quiz for Purple Haze.
Is the S2000 in the right column or the left column?

2 door vs 3 door
2 passenger vs 4 passenger
rear wheel drive vs front wheel drive
6 speed manual vs 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic
longitudinal mid front engine vs transverse front engine
50:50 front/rear weight vs 61:39 front/rear weight
convertible vs "mini mini van"
240 hp VTEC vs 160 hp i-VTEC
155 ft lb vs 130 ft lb.
in wheel well dbl wishbone vs McPherson struts in front
$32,800 vs. $19,000


Some of the above subtle differences may affect the car's performance or your choice.

mav nailed it.

 

FWIW, I think it's a fine question. I often wonder, "I know that XYZ is better than my current car, but is it $XXXXX better?" That's exactly what I wondered about in trying to decide whether to trade up from a Prelude to a S2000: I knew that the S2000 had some real strengths and some comparable areas, but I also know that it had some weaknesses versus the 'lude but would cost me a solid $15,000 to upgrade. Comparing the strengths to dollar amounts can be helpful.

My thoughts versus the current Si, in favor of the S2000:
- The chassis of the S2000 is state of the art in stiffness. You do have to drive it to believe it. The Si is "pretty good" in this area but IMO a cut below the RSX-S and Prelude.
- The engine can feel very comparable up to, say, 4k rpm or so, at which point the S2000 simply has more muscle
- I'd say that the suspension feel is similar. However the S2000 has RWD driving dynamics that make themselves felt quickly.
- The steering is comparable IMO. In fact I think the Si uses the same electrical steering assist as the S.
- I think the shifting is also very close - the S2000's shifts are shorter throw and feel a bit better, but Honda puts excellent gearboxes in nearly all of its cars and the Si's is one of the best
- The S2000 has some qualities that the Si can't touch: it is a convertible and you can drop the top. It has the sex appeal of a two-seater. It draws attention from *everyone* on the road (grandparents, little children, etc.), whereas the Si only will draw attention from young men who are into street racing.
- The brakes and tires also are at another level. The Si, like all other performance Hondas except for the S2000 and the NSX, leaves the dealership under-tired. The S2000 does not. This alone (the choice of tires, be they S02s or RE050s) puts S2000's handling capabilities on another level.
- HIDs also make a big difference to the overall experience.

There are few drawbacks:
- Cost
- No rear seats
- Little cargo room
- Some ergonomic aspects (door locks, window switches, that sort of thing) are pretty lacking versus a Si or most other Honda/Acura cars.
- Interior noise can get on your nerves if you're unable to tolerate it.

So there are the advantages. I think the S is a stronger car, I'm sure you do too. But the important questions ("is it $10k stronger? is it $20k stronger?") are questions that you'll have to answer for yourself. Do some test drives, measure the differences yourself, figure out the incremental cost to upgrade, then decide whether the benefits are worth the cost.

My general feeling is that unless you really want the advantages of the S, it never makes sense to take the financial hit to go from a used '02 car to a new car.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Barry WY Silver/Black '01
Quiz for Purple Haze.
Is the S2000 in the right column or the left column?

2 door vs 3 door
2 passenger vs 4 passenger
rear wheel drive vs front wheel drive
6 speed manual vs 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic
longitudinal mid front engine vs transverse front engine
50:50 front/rear weight vs 61:39 front/rear weight
convertible vs "mini mini van"
240 hp VTEC vs 160 hp i-VTEC
155 ft lb vs 130 ft lb.
in wheel well dbl wishbone vs McPherson struts in front
$32,800 vs.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by phoenix9999
FWIW, I think it's a fine question.