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I am also contemplating on whether to buy a hardtop or not. However, the main reason I want the hardtop is for the looks - I think the S2000 only looks good with the top down, or hardtop on. Also, like others mentioned, the hardtop transforms the car, making it seem like two cars in one. In the SF Bay Area, the weather conditions are not extreme, so I don't have to worry about being too hot or too cold.
My question to those with hardtops is: Have you noticed any differences in performance? Especially those who autocross/road race their cars. Does the added weight make a noticeable difference?
[QUOTE]Originally posted by jss2k
[B]adding the hard top is like having a second car. not only does it look great....
....but it makes for a much better ride than the rag top. you listed the benefits, quieter (the stereo upgrade sounds much better with the hardtop, better visibility, rear defroster and maybe a little more safe at the track.
Seriously, it's a very nice addition to the car. Aside from wheels or a body kit, this really does transform the look and feel of the car aside from all the benefits of sound dampening, rear defroster and larger rear window for less blind spots.
Anytime you add weight to a car, it will ever so slightly decrease performance but if you've gotten a lightweight exhaust, you'll counter the effects. I have a stock car and the difference isn't felt. It weighs something like 44 lbs from what I've read on the boards.
I get more looks when the top is either down or with the hardtop on. With the soft-top up, people don't notice the car as much. Anyways, that's been my experience. If you don't have storage and you really like driving with the top down, then you may not want one until you secure storage. For me, I've never been a convertible guy so I'm getting used to the car with the top down but I love the hardtop and wouldn't change a thing if asked again.
Anytime you add weight to a car, it will ever so slightly decrease performance but if you've gotten a lightweight exhaust, you'll counter the effects. I have a stock car and the difference isn't felt. It weighs something like 44 lbs from what I've read on the boards.
Lol! That's exactly the thing. I saved quite a bit of weight by replacing the stock exhaust with a Spoon N1, and a little more with the AEM CAI. With the hardtop, I'd be putting back all that weight, plus more. However, I think it'll be fine - when I autocross, I'll just take the hardtop off.
I know it's a matter of taste but frankly the hardtop has never appealed to me. I think it's quite ugly looking, it's too rounded and needs a couple of sharp angles or crease lines to give it some style.
