I can relate to the OP. I have both an AP1 and an E36 M3. The E36 doesn't have the feel of the S2000 nor is it as nimble at slow speeds, but the E36 is stupid easy to drive fast. The E36 is tuned for understeer and the only way to induce oversteer is to be very dumb with the throttle. I think the longer wheelbase also adds to the high speed stability. The E36 feels very numb compared to the S2000.

The S2000 is more capable and nimble, but it requires much more skill to extract its full handling potential. I have less confidence on public roads pushing the S2000 than I do with my M3.

 

You are mistaking feel with ability. The BMW feels planted because of where the weight is and probably you're tires.

While I had my S2000 I tracked it and did things in the mountains/deserted desert roads that I would never likely do again. I can tell you this car is very stable a platform, does what it's told and will jump lanes at 130+ without massive correction. It will also sit for a few hours at that speed and no batt an eye.

My experience with other cars is not so confident inspiring. Maybe due to lack of seat time. I felt like I knew what the car would do before I gave the input.

Doing similar runs in a well modified Subaru didn't offer the same feel, be it a lot more powerful. Now in a Lexus IS I feel the weight, yet it's a very predictable car.

The S2000 was great up until it breaks loose from the road and then you do 'dance' to get it to stay in the lanes or on the track. Tires and alignment will change how you feel about your S2000.

Mine was all stock running 225 and 255 Starspecs or HTZ-III tires. Both great.

 

Check the tires. When my rears got old it was quite unnerving at highway speeds.

 

With good tires and alignment it should handle like this:

http://youtu.be/Nl5cFzcZ8YY

 

I hit speeds of up to 125 MPH on country roads on stock EVERYTHING with no problems. That's with some crappy tires too.

It felt very planted and controlling.

Maybe have your car inspected. Change wheels & tires.

 

As others have said - good tires, good alighnment - sorted.

 

If you don't like the hopping sensation you're getting you could always remove the rear sway bar and allow the rear to absorb more but in turn you won't be learning anything from your car. I was told to do this but opted for some track time and had both REALLY good experiences for both good and bad reasons out there. The good of course is learning how to control the dancing you speak of and the bad is breaking and having to repair stuff as it comes .

 

I have now had my wheel alignment after my kangaroo hitting experience. As I said before, the car was really dreadful to drive.

I was surprised how little it was out, considering how badly it was driving. Just 1.9mm toe out on the front, & the right rear toeing in 1.5 mm too much. All the rest were out but by very little. We set it up with 1.5mm toe in on the front, rather than zero, & the rest by the book.

Driving home it was like I'd bought a new car. I had heard how sensitive these things are to alignment, but this is ridiculous. It is tracking straight, & much more relaxed in a straight line. The turn in, which I'd thought was still fine, is just so much better.

Anyone who doubts these things are sensitive to alignment, let me assure you, it is all true. If you have tried an S2000, & didn't like it, go try one that has the alignment right.

I suggest you get a good alignment, you'll be amazed at how much nicer, & probably how much more confidence inspiring your car will be.

 

They are also very tire pressure sensitive

 

The Grumman F-14 Tomcat, in my eyes the best looking of all 'fighter air-craft' I actually flew one in 'After-burner' incidentally does anyone know what brand of tyres these had?