nastinupe1 (and maybe few others),

You could probably start a "A will have B HP in 200c, Honda has to do something!" thread every other week, but seriously why bother!?! Honda most likely hears about these rumors months before we do, and your little panicky "panties in a wad" threads aren't going to influence them at all. Honda is probably several steps ahead of you (in more ways than one).

 

I'm with you 110%. Once and for all, I wish people would STOP wishing for more HP, more torque, a V-6, whatever! This car stands on it's own, regardless of comparisons to others. If you don't like yours because you get "beaten" all the time by 'Stangs or Subarus, then do us all a favor and get rid of your S2K, that way there will be fewer of them and only those of us who really love our cars will be driving them.

 

Some people like the posts on a desire for increased power and apparently some do not.

The thing that I cannot understand is how everyone against the "more power" idea somehow magically knows that adding a V6, or more output in general, would "affect the car in a negative light and the S2000 would never be the same." Where does that come from? If Honda worked wonders making this car then why is there such little faith that they could do it with more output?

I for one am content with the S2000 the way it is, but not 100% satisfied. While I wouldn't call it slow I agree that it could use a little extra "juice" between 2500-6000 RPM's. I think this is the only reason I have had such a tough time deciding between what to buy these past few weeks. Although they are at seperate ends of the spectrum, and others may not cross shop them, I have been trying to decide on the 03 Cobra, the Z06 Vette, EVO VIII/WRX Sti, and the S2000. Obviously with these choices I appreciate good torque; however, there are many things about the "underpowered" S2000 that I really appreciate.

First off it is a Honda and it revs to you know where. Enough said. Second, the car looks absolutely fantastic. Great lines and just an overall "solid" look and feel. Third, it is a droptop. Fourth, it is low emissions which is something I really like but will have to give up if I go the V8 route. Many, many good reasons surround the S2000 but, after three test drives now, I am starting to feel the need for torque. When I went for my first test drive, about a year ago, I was just so amped to be driving the damn thing that I really didn't focus on much except for getting close to redline. When it was over I was so elated that I instantly forgot what it felt like to drive the car. Second and third test drives soon followed and I began to develop a better understanding for the car itself. I tossed it around turns much more the second and third times out but still had to rev it and feel the higher RPM's. After the third drive I left the dealership somewhat confused. I was pretty much dead set on getting the car when I went there but "buyer's remorse" hit me before I had even signed on the dotted line. I just kept thinking, and still do today, that I would be completely satisfied for about the first six months or so and then the appreciation would slowly diminish to a desire for more power. I really liked 6000-9000 RPM's; but, it seemed like 1000-2500 were almost non-exsistant and 2500-6000 took FOREVER to get through.

So this is where I sit today. Still as indecisive as I was last week. I have read that the engine does "break-in" over time and adds a little more "gusto" but I just can't see it being that much. It is tough though because the S2000 is "the one I want" but I completely understand where those with the "lack of power" arguement are coming from. I sum it up as having more power than the average car, but not enough to "make me scared." Adrenaline is something I thrive on.

 

honda606,
Let me make it clear that logical posts, like the one you just made above, I have no problem with. It's the panicky, whining posts that come along everytime a new car comes out is what is so childish and tiresome.

Based on your post, I think you would indeed be happy with a S2000. I encourage you to get one. I have had mine for two years and still do this everytime I drive mine! BTW, I recently drove a friend's 350Z and can honestly say the extra 100 ft-lbs. really was not all that noticeable -- I really expected more uummpphh. I admit I am baised, but I feel even more comfortable about my purchase after having driven the new torque-monster Z. Go figure...

 

I think this post is geared towards those who tend to whine, cry, bitch and complain from the "lack of torque" to the extended warranty not covering the plastic roll bars popping off. Search on nastinupe1's posts and you'll see... Most of it is whining and more whining.

 

I agree...it's the same people who complain that Honda won't bring it's Type R models to the U.S.

 

If ya can't decide if ya want the S2000 then ya don't want it. I knew i wanted it and had to have it before i even test drove the s2000. At the group meets and events its the same story....most i speak too just had to have this car....There was no questions. For the Money this car is the best there is. Plus its a Honda.....so even thought a small number of s2000's are produced there are alot of different mods you can do for such a limited amount of cars produced. You could mod an s2000 to romp on most any car on the street(speed craft) And you'll still be below 45k. Or supercharge the s2000 and be under 40k. But lets face it...ya can get alot of other cars.....but only the s2000 has the ability to turn heads everyday....from import lovers to guys that like speed...to the house wife in the minivan who never saw the s2000 before. The s2000 hits the spot perfectly...it doesn't scream,look at me i am powerful....or look at my emblem i have cash...there is no s2000 stereo type. It just says....I am pure roadster sports car! I am what cures a boring sunny afternoon. I have nothing to prove to anybody....Top down wind in the hair.....I am the s2000 ....you lock me up and head for the store....but i know you will look back at least once ...maybe two or three times....my lines are classic. I am your s2000 and til death do us part!

 

honda 606,
I must agree with STL. The missing torque is easily forgotten amongst the myriad perks... Besides there are plenty of ways to get around the 2-6k doldrums. Second redlines around 60 and 3rd around 90, so you can always downshift. if you are exceptionally talented (and crazy) 1st redlines around 40 so you could conceivably double-clutch and downshift into first.

For of the line speed 2 points -
1)will the 0.5 s gained on a full clutch drop 0-60 really effect your daily life?
2)How often do you really need full off the line speed?

As for whether to get the s2000 or not, I have no regrets. It is hard to find a true classic these days, especially for around 35k.

 

Oh my down shifting from second to first at about 25 mph should be done every day.....Its just awesome!

 

I agree that complaining about the "lack of torque" is sort of trivial since everyone should have seen the numbers before buying one. I don't think people who post about a bigger engine actually expect Honda engineers to read it a say good idea..we should do that. Though it is fun to dream about one day saying "I have more power than I know what to do with".

I also think that people who start comparing the S to cars in a different class (350Z, Mustang, Etc) are just asking for an inferiority complex when looking at HP/Torque numbers only and not the entire package. It is only a four cylinder....people should expect a V8 or a IL 6 to make more power.

Now on warranty issues my views change.... I am disappointed at Honda. I expected much more from them than what I got. It took several weeks of talking to AHM and a letter from my attorney to finally get them to replace my engine. Granted I haven't read nastinupe1's post on the roll bars so I don't know what the circumstances were so they may have been over reacting.

I took my X5 down to get an oil change and I had some nicks on the inside door handle caused by rings hitting them. I asked them the price of new one's were since I was going to replace them and they told me not to worry about it. 1 1/2 hours later I had new handles, an oil change and a car wash all for a grand total of $0. I expected to pay for the handles since I would not consider nicks due to normal use a warranty issue but am now fully sold on BMW and when/if I ever need a family car it will be a BMW. Now, that is how Honda should treat their owners. IMO if Honda gives S2000 owners grief over warranty issues what do civic owners expect to get.

I am not complaining about the S2K at all since I think it is a great car both in looks and performance. I will most likely hold on to it for a very long time. I just voice my concerns about AHM customer service. People should get what they expect (with in reason) from a car company....and it seems some people just don't expect much. I on the other hand expect to be treated as what I am...a customer who will buy another car in a couple years and with so many different automakers out there give me a reason to come back.