i think some people are exaggerating a bit here.

 

What's the longest (time/miles) you've driven with the top down at speed? There is an appreciable amount of wind noise at higher speeds with the top & windows down.

 

not sure exactly, several hours. but i wasn't responding to your post if that's what you're thinking. i was referring to the "have to wear earplugs" post. with the top down, yes it's loud. top up on a stock s2000, not so bad.

 

I never use earplugs. It's not like a Caterham.

Several hours as well.

 

Highway speed w/ the top down and windows up you can have a conversation with a passenger at a level just above normal speaking.

 

ear plugs are not required... it's just nicer to have them especially on really long trips...(200+ miles)

 

Test drove one today and besides the road noise of the tires it was a little noisy for a roadster with a canvas top. Being around 35 degrees F and the tires being cold... I could tell a definite noise from the tires. But that is expected when the tires are not warmed up. All in all its just about as much noisy that a 350z roadster that I test drove today as well.

 

with the top down, you don't really notice the engine drone at ~4,000 RPM when cruising at 75mph. with the top up, however, it's very obnoxious on long road trips. i can use a bluetooth if i crank the volume up and press it into my ear slightly, which defeats the purpose of a "hands free" headset. also, i have to turn the stereo's volume up to anywhere between 16 and 24, depending on the music.

the 350Z and the Z4 are more GT, and it's nice to have the big V6 spinning at like 2,500 RPM at highway speeds.

still, S2000 has too many other great qualities that caused me to choose it. i just wish it were better for long trips. ::sigh::

 

I used to own a Miata, and have some experience with daughters M3, and own an S 2000. Top up on the freeway, these three are all about the same -- and that is pretty noisy. Mainly wind noise that is the result of having a soft top that is not insulated or padded on the inside. The engine noise is pretty tame, as is road noise. I think it is about the same on wind noise as any convertible with similar top construction.

 

I dont hear any wind/engine noise at all.....

I have amuse single R1 non-resonated exhaust btw......