what means more than terms is the location of the center of mass/ center of rotation of a vehicle which is a major factor in vehicle dynamics

This usually has to be near the engine transmission position.

The S2000, while mid engine, has its CM much more forward than a Boxster ,MR2 etc

 

All you guys are pretty much agreeing that the s2000 is not dangerous or anything. But when pushed it is indead easier to spin and crash compare to to a lot of other cars.

 

I agree most folks have come to believe a mid engine car has the engine behind the driver but it actually means the engine is totally betwen the centerlines of the front and rear tires.

The S2000 easily meets the definition of mid-engine as no part of the engine is in front of the centerline of the front tires.

But I've given up on telling folks it's mid engine---not worth the effort to explain it to them......

 

This. Most people barely understand what a mid engined car is. Anyone who wants to explain what front midship is must have a lot more patience and free time than I.

 

yes. On the street, i have never had an issue. at the dragon and surrounding roads i have never had an issue despite driving with great...er..."verve". But i have good tires(RS-3, Z2), proper alignment, on stock suspension, with no engine enhancements. On large slalom courses- where i'm going to push- I have spun several times into the weeds- cold tires, lifting suddenly, quick transitions, etc.

darcy

 

Driver error. It's not the car.

 

You're answering the wrong question. The question was whether the S2000 was more prone that other cars to snap oversteer. I believe the answer is yes. It is still "driver error" when it happens for the simple fact that everything that happens is the driver's fault.

robert

 

Yes this rwd car with a short wheel base is prone to over steer but that's the nature of the beast and part of the fun factor but there are ways to try to avoid it. MOST IMPORTANT Make sure your tires have alot of meat on them and are warmed up especially the rears. Most s2k owners that lose control of the rear end have 50 percent tread or less on their rear tires so don't be that guy. Don't lift you foot off the throttle completely while in a turn aka lifting but instead maintain your speed and momentum so the weight of the car is still on the rear. Once again keep your tires meaty and warm and don't lift off the throttle while going into the actual turn..

 

It is more "tail-happy" than most other sports cars, yes; however, in the right hands, it's not a dangerous or even sketchy car. Again, the driver IS the most important factor.

 

It's not prone to "snap" oversteer. It's prone to drivers who cause lift-off oversteer and then blame the car for it. That is driver error which can be replicated in any RWD car. Earlier versions of the car had a bias towards oversteer, but there was nothing "snap" about it.