I took the opportunity to go test-drive a 350Z yesterday on a whim (I was bored). All the local dealer had in stock was a base model, but I figured what the heck and went for a spin. The salesman even took me to a little curvy road and let me play a little. While the 350Z was definitely not a bad ride, it made me ask the same question that comes to my mind every time I drive another sporty/sportscar: "Is there anything else out there that can make me feel as connected to the car and the road as my S2000?" In my S, everything feels very direct and immediate: the steering in particular, but also the gear shifter, the suspension, the brakes...they all seem to do exactly as I direct at the moment I direct it. The Z just felt a little...mushy. Not nearly as bad as the Z28 or heavily-modded Eclipse I've driven before, but still...no other street car I've ever driven gives me that same feeling of exact control over what the car is doing.

So my question to you is: does such a vehicle exist this side of an open-wheel race-car? That's the only other thing I've driven that gave me the same "direct" feeling (and amplified! ) I get when I'm behind the wheel of my baby. Does one have to venture into the wondrous realm of >$100k supercars in order to find another vehicle with the S's feel? The day I find a car with the S2000's handling and feel along with instant, neck-snapping throttle response to boot is the day I can die a happy man (a very possible event, if I get to drive said machine ).

On a side note, when I got done with the test drive, I offered to take the salesman for a spin in the S on the same stretch of road. He wasn't busy and agreed. Since I'm much more familiar with the limits of the S, I pushed it a little bit, got some tire-squealing and power-oversteer...generally gave a good show. The salesman was laughing like a little kid the whole damn time .

God I love this car

 

There was only 1 car that had more direct feel. I ended up buying it.

 

Miata's have the same dirrectly-connected feel as the S2000. Obviously they don't have quite the horsepower, however.

The Boxster S is pretty darn close - depending on somebody's personal preferences, one could consider it better or worse than the S2000. I feel it's just as good, but different.

I was hoping for good things from the new Viper SRT-10, or that the 500hp would make up for any slight shortcomings, but after hanging out at the VCA board the impression I've gotten is that it's quite a porker, despite being wicked fast.

It'll be interesting to see what the US Elise will be able to do. Might have both the feel and the power - but at the expense having zero practicality.

 

Does the Elise have any trunk at all? The S is about the least practical car that I could manage to drive; I have to have at least that much trunk space. Just curious if anyone knows how the elise compares.

On the subject of the original question, I have heard that the MR spyder has a pretty good feel. I haven't driven one, and I'm aware that its much less powerful, but just passing on what I've heard.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by munckee
[B]Does the Elise have any trunk at all?

 

I agree with the Boxster S and probably the Z4 (although I don't like it.) Speaking of BMW, a Z8, or M3/5 will probably feel as nice as well. A Z06 will feel as nice/ connected as well as a Cobra- Shelby, not the Mustang. Those are just a few I could think of off of the top of my head.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by rworne
[B]

What's wrong with the trunk?

 

I think a go-kart (not a pansy golf-n-stuff one, but a competitive one) feels like the s2000. That's why I love it. I'm not being sarcastic at all.

 

S2000raj- especially when they are indoor go karts, right?

 

How about the Mini Cooper S. Doesn't that give the driver a direct /connected feel with the car?

It is said to be like a little go-kart as well. It has a very stiff chassis that can handle high G's.