lol hehehe


btw, is the m roadster 2x wishbone, macpherson, or multi-link? or something else maybe?

 

M roadster basically has the E36 M3 front suspension and E30 M3 rear.. One of the main problems with the car's handling is that it is way too soft stock.

 

The S2000 also has the advantage of having the EPS- Electronic Power Steering which gives it an advantage over the regular hydraulic driven rack and pinion steering wheel mechanism. Here are the details about EPS:

http://world.honda.com/news/1997/t970702c.html

In 1990 Honda introduced on the NSX its first electric power steering (EPS). This EPS system was developed to offer a steering feel worthy of a high performance mid-engined sports car.
The new electric power steering system we are introducing today is the culmination of our efforts in developing a high performance steering system meeting the particular demands of front wheel drive cars. This electric power system has a variable gear ratio, making it the first steering system of its type in the Japanese ordinary passenger car category.
This new steering system faithfully responds to driver expectations by providing just the necessary amount of steering assistance at all times. Being electrically powered, it also contributes toward reduced fuel consumption.

* Description of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) System
The EPS provides steering assistance through a co-axial electric motor. A micro-processor determines according to vehicle speed and driving conditions the amount of steering assistance required at any given moment. The system provides a linear steering response proportional to steering wheel rotational speed, allowing for a very smooth and responsive steering feel.

* Dramatically improved steering feel

Minute assistance control at high speed for increased feeling of safety.

Substantially reduced steering kickback.
Substantially reduced torque steer.
Reduced steering judder at high speeds and under braking.
Reduced tram lining on worn roads and/ or on slippery surfaces.
Smooth return of the steering wheel to the straight ahead position, and smooth handling even under acceleration coming out of a corner.

* Energy Conservation, Environmental Protection and Safety


The change to an electric-powered motor and elimination of the oil pump, allowed for a 3 to 5% improvement in fuel consumption (in house data).
Simpler configuration for substantial weight reduction.
Steering assistance maintained even with a stalled engine.
Improved cold start.
Built-in failure warning, self diagnosis and self protection functions.

* Programmable Assistance
The EPS can be programmed to offer a variety of different steering characteristics. It is thus possible to offer a number of different options in one single car, and let the driver choose depending on his/her taste and road conditions.

* Variable Gear Ratio (VGR)
The steering rack features a normal gear ratio near the straight ahead position with the steering ratio quickening as the steering wheel is turned farther. On the road this translates into smooth, confidence building high speed lane changes and increased maneuverability at lower speeds or when parking.

 

A good friend of mine has an M Coupe (not the current 315 hp version but the previous 240) which I have driven. It is a really nice and fun car. From the factory though, it's set softer/less aggressive than our S's are. It's also tuned to understeer at the limit, unlike the S. The bigger tires help keep it planted, but it doesn't FEEL as quick, it doesn't have the same turn-in or slightly hyperactive feel that I love. It is easier to drive, and probably more comfortable on a long haul (though I have no complaints in the S). I'm not sure the Mac struts are the culprit though, more in its tuning. I understand that the Roadster version isn't quite as rigid as the Coupe (even though the ragtop was the original design) so that may hurt things a bit. Also, his car is a number of years old and mine is a number of days old, so that may have something to do with the softer feel.

I haven't raced him, though at some point I want to get to an autoX event. The outcome of that, however, will not be determined by the car...

 

Are you sure your information is correct?

The NSX did not have power steering until 1995...... Power steering actually robbed the NSX of its great steering feel.

 

actually, ikram quoted from the honda website... i'm pretty sure his information is correct...

 

maybe it was a japanese only option or only for auto trans NSX's.. In the US 91-94 did not have power steering.

I know from first hand experience.

 

It will be interesting to see what the Z4 will be like. Soon that will be the comparison.

 

I own a 99 M coupe with a Dinan Stage IV suspension and a 01 Spa Yellow S2000.

First, the coupe is different than the convertible (M roadster) in that the roadster has more chassis flex and is more prone to pushing the front end around -- but the comparison is somewhat valid none the less.

+ for Honda
+The S2000 has less body roll (stock)
+The S2000 has a better top mechanism with a glass rear roof.
+The S2000 has Xenon headlamps (hey I think they are cool)
+The S2000 is cheaper

+ for BMW
+Turn in for the BMW is crisper, to me this plays into the perception of handling, which in this case I think is a toss up. Honestly neither car is perfect, they could both use some tweaks.
+Acceleration for the BMW is faster (both 240 and 315hp versions are faster -- two S2k owners on this board can attest to that)
+The BMW does not have the nasty bumpsteer issue that plagues the S2000

In my case my BMW after a good bit of suspension work is simply faster than my S2000, period. Add to this the entertaining ability to push the back end around with the throttle anytime you are above 3500RPM and driving it becomes a juvenille wet dream (my wife it seems does not see the entertainment value in doing donuts before leaving parking lots).

Don't take this the wrong way, but that's a pretty retarded comparison. Two drivers in two different cars will result in two different outcomes. The ultimate grip of both cars is about the same, one is not going to "stick like it's on rails" while the other loses control.

At Auto-X the M and S2k are in different classes, I have never heard anyone in either camp bitch about the other, but I will say that every single S2000 driver I have run into at a Denver Auto-X has been a total ing prick towards others asking questions. If this is you, please stop it you are giving all S2k owners a bad reputation.

 

Are you referring to a stock M Coupe or yours with the Stage IV Dinan suspension? Because if it's the latter (I don't think it is), that's a very retarded comparison.