[QUOTE]Originally posted by cyber_x
Hey Diez,

For what it's worth, I'd have to agree with you.

 

I think that's what I'll do when they become available. As you mention, I'm very happy with the car, just need a bit more punch!

 

Frankly, I don't think the car is THAT fast either. Certainly not 911 fast or Z06 fast. I tend to characterize it as quick and agile. Whatever the term, I LOVE IT. It is just right for my driving style.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by dangarza
Diez:
Your observations are reasonable and understandable and I can understand why you still bought the S.
While there is a bit of a compromise in power, it is more than compensated for by its low weight, ease and low cost of maintenance, reliability and price.
Coming from a '98 Supra twin turbo I can tell you, even though this car has less horsepower, it is more "usable" power and because it is sooo much nimbler handling, you can approach its higher limits in a much safer manner.
Yeah, a 400 BHP car is fun, but how often do you get to really stretch its legs? (On regular city streets, hopefully not too often).
With the S, you can do it almost everytime you're out driving because it is so light and nimble.
If you're into the quarter mile thing, you definitely bought the wrong car,other than that, this is a superb sports car.
As someone stated above, the car is not common, is fast enough, great looking and better handling.

 

while the S isn't "super fast" I still think it is fast. There are not many cars out there faster. 14 flat is quick, 13.8-9 with a good run. 0-60 in the low 5's. No it won't tear apart every other car, but it will beat MOST other cars. It is more than fast enough to get yourself in jail real quick

Besides, I know things out there are faster, but I fell in love with this car in '99 when it came out. I've always loved Miatas. when the S came out it was a dream...more than enough power, perfect handling. Any real "car guy" knows and respects the S for what it is for...only the "drag types" don't (their affair with the Camaro plays a part). I always thought the M Roadster was a monster...and the S virtually matched it. Boxter S...The S2000 is right there with it. Boxter...fuhgettaboutit.

 

My 996TT=fast
My S2000= not so fast, but...just as much fun!
Wouldn't want to give up either one.
-Glen

 

If nothing else, this is certainly an interesting thread.

Coming from a Civic and Accord, I think the S2K is plenty fast for me, but I agree it is not THAT fast compared to other faster cars out there. I don't think there is any "controversy" here at all. Let me see if I have the high-lights of what Diez said:
"Don't feel the S2000 is that fast"
"I feel my S2k is nowhere near even a stock Evo VII in terms of performance."
"Even when in vtec, the car is speedy, but not rip-snorting fast. When not in vtec, forget it."
"just venting."
"the sounds it makes when revving hard ... its a turn-off sometimes"
"I just don't think an 8K redline is that high. Even 9k ... I mean, its high, but not that high."
"Just because you're venting doesn't mean you hate your ride, it just means ... your're frustrated."
"I'll see how the S changes with a supercharger."
"[Honda] have to do SOMETHING to be competitive."
"I'm a bit frustrated with this ... car"

Then Diez also said:
"speed isn't everything"
"I am a happy S2k owner; ... very happy!"

So having read all the posts and summing up all the positives and negatives that Diez said, I'd say that he is in denial when he claim to be "a happy S2k owner". I think deep down he is still frustrated with the S2k and with Honda. Bottom line, I think he bought the wrong car. I think he should go and buy a car that he will be truly happy with. I think he should be honest to himself. He should look into buying a Corvette, or a charged up Mustang.

 

If you go mostly in a straight line, the s2000 is a horrible car. No down-low torque, notchy shifter, stock alignment wears out tires...

But if you live near roads like these:
http://www.pashnit.com/maps/santacruzmtns.gif
Then it's as good as it gets!

 

I think Diez hits it right on the head when he says:

It's much harder to make an ugly car pretty (Evo, WRX Sti), or a "bad" handling car a canyon carver (Mustang). Making a s2000 faster is pretty straight forward: supercharger.

I think part of the "sensation of slowness" is the lack of pull off the line. I rode along at last week's autocross "test and tune" in a WRX Sti, and MAN, does that pull hard! Lot's of fun. It's pretty obvious a car has balls when, from a dead stop, your head hits the headrest!

I'm very happy with the speed of my S2000. It's my first sports car, and for the $$, it's definitely the best. It's sure a lot faster than my VW Passat. Do I want more speed? Sure! I'd want more speed even if I had a Ferrari Enzo. Engine power is something you can never get enough of.

I plan to supercharge when my warranty expires. I figure in 3 years, I'll be ready for a "whole new car". In the meantime, I'm learing how to get the most out of the stock package. I've gotten a lot of seat time at the last 2 autocross practices, with 15 and 21 runs. I've learned quite a bit about how to handle the car, when I can put the throttle down and when I can't, how to keep from getting understeer or oversteer, etc. I've still got a lot to learn.

As far as the stock S2000's 240 HP goes, I really do not expect any more than that for under $33K. I know there are cars with more HP for less $$, but they have other tradeoffs (handling, looks, luxury).

Again, Diez hit it on the head when he said that power was the easy one to fix.


--geekd

 

You bought the wrong car..
You keep comparing it to AWD Turbo cars? Two totally different animals from our Front Engine RWD NA cars.
If straight line/crazy horsepower is what you want then trade it in. Very easy.