Hey Folks,

This is a conversation for everyone, but most of the UK guys may be able to tell me more.

Last Saturday I test drove a 2005 Moonstone Silver S2000, it was very clean inside and out with only 9950 on the clocks. I thought a bargin at 15K. I've had my eye on a 2k as a next car for a while now. I jumped in and loved the feel of the car immediately, comfortable seats, the digi dash etc. We pulled out the dealership and I began to head towards the motorway. The car was already warm when I got there and I opened her up in 2nd. I seemed to have very little grunt and when it went on VTEC it seemed to make very little difference (Noise and Performance). Now before you tell me its because of being used to my 300hp RPS13, I would like everyone to note I had driving a DC5 Integra Type R the night before and was VERY impressed. I was expecting the same, if not a little more, from the 2k.

What I would like to know from the UK guys is that if you run 95RON fuel does the car suffer enough that you notice? I would assume even the factory map in the ECU is built on 99RON (VPower, Tesco99, BPUltimate stuff).

Or is the power spread accross the Rev range differently due to it having a 9K limit (remember US Guys the UK AP2 has the F20C).

Or does the transmission sap the power?

Any answers would be appriciated. I don't wanna be turned away from these sexy cars on one bad test drive. Also, how responsive is the F20C to breather mods (Filter and Exhaust change)?

 

i'm not really an expert but i'll weigh in...

-you'll lose a little power running lower octane gas
-you should feel a solid kick from vtec @6k rpm
-the S should be straight-line a bit faster than the itr, even if it didn't feel that way..
-unfortunately breather mods will do almost nothing for you. 5-10hp maybe if you're lucky.

try finding some twisty roads for your next drive... you'll enjoy it a hell of a lot more

 

Dude im on msn ill have a crack with you

 

I was a little underwhelmed with the power as well. But in a way, that was what attracted me to it.

You can run it hard, stay at sane speeds, and it feels great and in control.

But on the fun roads I frequent, you don't need that much power. For me at least, it's a good balance. It has the right amount of power for it's weight and feel...I actually think it'd ruin the feel a little if it had much more...although an extra 40hp would be nice sometimes.

 

I was dissappointed as well when I drove the s2000 as it did not chirp 2nd gear like it would in an ITR and even my Miata. In the ITR or other similiar FWD cars, you can hear more of what is happening because of the location of the transmission and the tires are stressed in the front versus the rear. In my opinion, I think that might have influenced your driving experience when driving the s2000 (which has closer gear ratios). In addition, the Integra Type R is an amazing FWD car. When you mod the s2k with at least some basic performance upgrades (exhaust, intake, etc), and take the car thru some corners you will be impressed! It's all about 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear in this car. The stock transmission gear setup is not for everyone, but then you can go for a final drive gear swap! Probably the best mod for the money in the S2000 if you want a faster pickup!

 

Not sure how you drive but I can SPIN second. Chirping maybe after the tires are a little stickier. The S2000 doesnt feel as fast as it really is. And what is an RPS13? ... Nissan S13?

 

Coming from a hotted-up GSR when I got my first S2K, I can understand how you feel. The pull in the S2K doesn't seem as brutal and neither does VTEC engagement. But it should be faster than a stock DC5. If it wasn't then something might not be right with that particular S2K.

 

Right I'm just getting back on. I'll comment on everyone's responses.

bigtuna

I know about the solid kick as the DC5 I drove had a nice punch, where as the S didn't. I've drove a few VTEC cars from an EK9 Type R to the DC5.

s2kage

Yes a Nissan S13, I used it for Fast Road and Drifting... it was fantastic fun but so un reliable.

I think I'm gonna need to get another test drive in one before I make a choice. Its either an S2k or something totally mental like an R32 GTR with 4-500hp.

 

Just an FYI that the S2000 isn't a torque monster by any means so don't expect to be pinned to your seat when you floor it... it's more about horsepower to weight ratio and a very well balanced chassis...

Keith

 

@ Rubix
Post on the UK forum on this site.. - someone local to you may take you out for a pax ride - and you could be surprised as what the S is about.

The S is about balance and handling.
Try taking it around the twisties.

Also - it rewards good driving, you have to be good to get the best from the engine.

Any idiot can floor a car with a lot of power at 3000rpm.

Getting the right gear, right speed, right balance through the line.
That is the joy of the S.


It may not be the car you are looking for.
But you may want to share what it is you are looking for in a car.

Want to go fast in a straight line- buy something else.
Oh and 95ron is crap fuel for the S. The S should be on 98 Ron.