If you're not inclined to rev the car in order to extract the acceleration potential out of it, then you bought the wrong car.

If you're not content with the pulling power, throw a blower and a higher final drive on it. Simple as that.

 

Couldn't agree more...there will always be a faster car, remember you need "money" to go Fast

 

I don't like your post. I know i'll love an S2k, but after reading your post, you somehow had an influence in making me think an S2k isn't what i dreamed of.

I regret reading your post because my flawless s2k image has now been tainted with your treachery!!!

>.<

 

FWIW....

immediately after coming out of a normally aspirated Miata the S felt pretty fast. Compared to my wifes 8 Cyl Grand Cherokee it feels fast, athletic... racey etc...

After having driven the S for 2 months and beginning to get used to it - there's a sense that it isn't as powerful as I had imagined it would be...once I get the engine cooking (which can be pretty quick) it responds like a bullet and it feels very fast. All the other sensations the S delivers make up for the sense that it isn't as quick as I imagined off the line (although in reality it is pretty quick from standing start) and I must remember & remind - its a 4 cylinder!!!!

...and as 4 cyl (with all its engineering attributes) ...It will never feel as powerfully fast as my neighbors 03 Corvette or as outrageous as my friends Carrera C4... but the S offers and delivers incredible BALANCE of all things enthusiast & automotive...great performance - speed & handling - driving sensations - top notch quality & (for me) comfort - at an incredible value ( read: low out of pocket expense - relatively speaking)

My 2 cents....

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by WayneTeK
I don't like your post.

 

I know they have been in those races and I have watched them over the years. To me though, they will always be a straight line/go fast car. Thats just how I see them. Its ok though you guys can believe what you want. To me the S2000 is an upgrade by far especially having test driven the 350z, STI, and EVO 8. Yeah they have the torque that I would like in this car but I didnt buy this car to be a torque monster at all. Plus the technology in those 3 cars was not what I would say a 10/10. Honestly I would take a RSX type R over all 3 of those cars. Well maybe not the Z track package. I am all about RWD NA cars. Thats just me though. This thread is about you and not really being "wowed" by this car. Thats ok though. I am turning mine into a track only car and picking up probably a G35 for my family car..

Good luck with whatever you decide or if you keep the car..

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by J'sAP1
I know they have been in those races and I have watched them over the years. To me though, they will always be a straight line/go fast car. Thats just how I see them.

 

This is dead horse beating.

S2000 should not be compared to AWD FI or another cars for that matter.

A few cars in price range below $35k will match S2000's overall performance. When I say overall performance, I mean in track.

I can give rats rump about 0-60 or 1/4mile run. Those figures are so irrelevant. Only in America, those numbers will matter more to car buyers than anywhere in the world.

That is why we do not see car shows such as Top Gear being produced in the states. All we get is old school, self proclaimed "Car Gurus" comparing cars on Car and Driver shows which really is nothing but glorified commercial for manufactures who pays more $$$ on advertising for them.

It's about time to realize why S2000 was created and why it is special. Knowing what I know about Honda, I don't see any other car that can match bang for a buck factor against S2000 at this point.

Another car that people who likes straight line and gobs or torque will hate is Lotus Elise. I was lucky to witness Lotus Motorsport Elise at Mid Ohio track. Amazing track car. Bare minimum design to maximize weight to power ratio. But for those who loves to compare HP and torque figures will hate the car because decently modified F-body rustang will out run this car on quarter mile run. Not to mention, less than stellar torque compare to cars that are out there for less price for it.

It is idiotic to even compare S2000 with other so called sports car in its price range. They don't even come close to precision, technology and handling of S2000 on track.
Well, 350z track ready version is a good buy but I'd rather choose S2000 which was designed and carries F1 DNA of Honda F1 cars. 350z? Engine by French, designe by Indian, manufactured by Japanese. What a fusion car. But no thanks for me. For same reason, any pure bred sports car enthusiasts will opt for Ferrari over German/Italy hybrid Lamborghini.

 

I know the S2000 does not feel fast but half is do to low torque and the other part is the difficulty of getting into VTEC in an instant. I had an MR2 turbo, that to be honest, I thought was much more fun to drive just because of the torque difference and the mad rush of a turbo at full boost. But it got to the age where upkeep was a pain and S's are plentiful with low miles for pennies on the dollar.

I do believe, however, that driven correctly, the S is faster, even though my Toyota was slightly modified, it just did not feel fast. My winter beater is a Stratus RT coupe, essentially a Mitsu Eclipse V6 with dodge bodywork, and often time it feels faster than my S even though it aint even close. The perception to me comes from the fact of when I step on the Dodge the pull is immediate and steady. If I step on the Honda it usually pulls weakly until VTEC, but that is me being in the wrong gear if I want to go go go.

If the 04 does not feel faster than an 03, get more familiarity with how to drive it and the impression may change. I know when I drop from 5th to 3rd at about 70, it can get up to 91 in no time, very quick, but from the seat it does not feel that fast at all. It is deceptive. But when you see that Prelude Type SH with the angry looking kid in it get smaller in your mirror fast , you know it has a little speed anyway.

 

I get so tired of the idea that only in America do drivers care about torque, 0-60 acceleration, or 1/4 mile.

Have you ever heard of TVR? Small carbon fiber cars with big displacement 6 and 8 cylendor engines.

Porsche and BMW are torque monsters, and are made in Germany.

Who wouldn't want the S2000 to be quicker and faster? I wouldn't want the car to be heavier, but if the car could be faster by being made lighter, and/or by squeezing more power out of the engine, who wouldn't want that?

Even with the current acceleration of the car, I move through traffic with ease. That's why 0-60 numbers do translate into real world application. With the 2.2 engine and 04 S2000, I move away from stop lights with far less effort than in the 2.0 liter versions.

The S2000 is a great car, but it has compromises too. It's not perfect.