Drove an S2000 - Disappointed
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,202
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From: Dallas, TX
I came from a DC5, and the S2000 is leaps and bounds more fun to drive than the former. They both felt similar power-wise, since I had I/RH/E/Hondata #4 on the RSX which was probably about as fast if not slightly faster than a DC5R
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AP1 and AP2 Clear Headlight Diffusers!!! - Clear out your S2000 headlights!
LED Conversions for all S2000 lights
Keyhole Covers - Get the Shaved look
Oil Drain Valve - Easiest Oil Change ever!
_________
For LEDs for your other cars, head to our new website: SupernovaLEDs.com. Same great quality, easy-to-use website. Pick your car, we'll show you what fits.
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,606
Likes: 4
From: Tallahassee, Florida
Originally Posted by tomaranda,Feb 12 2009, 12:55 PM
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!
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,335
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To be honest, the first time I hit VTEC it was an amazing feeling, but after that the lack of torque and 9k rpm made me realize what a torque monster my modded 92 accord was. hehe. But what the S does is make you work for it, and this is what gets the driver so involved and I love it.
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Joined: Aug 2004
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Originally Posted by Rubix_Cube,Feb 12 2009, 02:17 PM
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.
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.
Fast = smooth.
Your body senses changes in acceleration, not the rate of acceleration when constant.
Think of an airplane accelerating... not really that exciting, but FAST acceleration.
When we had the VTEC kick tuned out with an AEM EMS (car is SC'd), the car by objective testing was faster, but lacked the kick it had previously.
Was a lot less exciting, but a better race car.
If you want a car that feels fast, I'll sell you an electronic bass shaker you can install in your seat that kicks you in the kidneys while flashing "VTEC KICKED IN YO!!!!!" on a separate screen.....
And please don't call it an "S2" or "Stook."
Have you ever ridden / driven a big engined super sedan? They're fast but also boring.
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,185
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From: Caribbean - Trinidad
I am not sure he is "that" type of guy from his posts, seems he is genuinely asking and may have misunderstood the characteristics of the S's power delivery.
But I make around 190whp (i think roughly 222 bhp) on our crap 95RON down here, so I have never felt the S in all its natural "glory".
But I make around 190whp (i think roughly 222 bhp) on our crap 95RON down here, so I have never felt the S in all its natural "glory".
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Joined: May 2005
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From: Hong Kong
Originally Posted by Rubix_Cube,Feb 12 2009, 01:38 PM
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)?
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)?
In 2004, Honda revised the 2.0L engines (in addition to creating the 2.2L engines for the US) so that the VTEC engagement / transition is smoother. It doesn't give you the adrenaline rush as much, but that smoother transition is more desireable for performance driving, especially in 1st gear. The kick could sometimes throw the balance of the car off and cause the car to spin out
I've driven all three engines before (2000-2003 F20c, 2004+ F20c, and 2004+ F22c), and I would say what you drove is the best engine for balance, torque, and track use
- The 2000-2003 F20c is a bit rough in VTEC transition on spirited driving on non-straight roads;
- F22c redline comes too quickly with the gearing;
- while the 2004+ F20c still has the high redline, it has more torque and transition is better for drives on windy roads
Nevertheless, I see what you mean. The S2K isn't a "WOW" car in a straight line or in most public roads. It really is a car for the track and curvy roads. Either case, the S isn't for everyone ...
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: 555sexydrive!!!
Originally Posted by Penforhire,Feb 13 2009, 07:36 AM
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.
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 8,601
Likes: 1
From: La Habra
A stock DC5 has only 220 HP, weighs about the same as the S2K, and runs 0-60 OVER 6 seconds. Stock S2K has about 20 more HP and runs 0-60 UNDER 6 seconds (rear wheel drive probably makes the biggest diff). I don't know proper DC5 1/4 times but I'd bet on the S2K.
Once you mod the K-series motor all bets are off. It can be uncorked.
Once you mod the K-series motor all bets are off. It can be uncorked.
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,874
Likes: 1
From: Lower Mainland
Originally Posted by Ks320,Feb 13 2009, 08:00 AM
Given that you are driving a 2005, your VTEC isn't going to kick in as hard.
In 2004, Honda revised the 2.0L engines (in addition to creating the 2.2L engines for the US) so that the VTEC engagement / transition is smoother. It doesn't give you the adrenaline rush as much, but that smoother transition is more desireable for performance driving, especially in 1st gear. The kick could sometimes throw the balance of the car off and cause the car to spin out
I've driven all three engines before (2000-2003 F20c, 2004+ F20c, and 2004+ F22c), and I would say what you drove is the best engine for balance, torque, and track use
- The 2000-2003 F20c is a bit rough in VTEC transition on spirited driving on non-straight roads;
- F22c redline comes too quickly with the gearing;
- while the 2004+ F20c still has the high redline, it has more torque and transition is better for drives on windy roads
Nevertheless, I see what you mean. The S2K isn't a "WOW" car in a straight line or in most public roads. It really is a car for the track and curvy roads. Either case, the S isn't for everyone ...
In 2004, Honda revised the 2.0L engines (in addition to creating the 2.2L engines for the US) so that the VTEC engagement / transition is smoother. It doesn't give you the adrenaline rush as much, but that smoother transition is more desireable for performance driving, especially in 1st gear. The kick could sometimes throw the balance of the car off and cause the car to spin out
I've driven all three engines before (2000-2003 F20c, 2004+ F20c, and 2004+ F22c), and I would say what you drove is the best engine for balance, torque, and track use
- The 2000-2003 F20c is a bit rough in VTEC transition on spirited driving on non-straight roads;
- F22c redline comes too quickly with the gearing;
- while the 2004+ F20c still has the high redline, it has more torque and transition is better for drives on windy roads
Nevertheless, I see what you mean. The S2K isn't a "WOW" car in a straight line or in most public roads. It really is a car for the track and curvy roads. Either case, the S isn't for everyone ...
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,359
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From: Houston, TX
Originally Posted by Rubix_Cube,Feb 12 2009, 10:38 AM
I've had my eye on a 2k as a next car for a while now.
Originally Posted by s2kobsession,Feb 13 2009, 03:44 PM
great comparison but I think that the UK has f20c's in all their s2k's.
