My conclusion after reading this thread... there is no replacement for the S. I was skeptical when I heard this too when I was looking at the S2000, but now that I've owned one for almost a year, I can attest it's true. I contemplated trading for an Evo or STi, but heard from owners themselves that they are really fast but get really boring to drive. So far the S2000 is still 110% fun! Get the S or you will regret it. Your friends can fight over who gets passenger seat and you won't have to be the one driving everyone everywhere all the time. It's nice not having that responsibility (which I know first-hand).

 

Altho the new one kinda looks weird

 

I would say an old E30 BMW M3 (also available as convertible). if you want the same raw driving experience. about the same HP, RWD 4 cilinder, automotive legend and no pussy electronic babysitters.

I don't know if you have them in the US but you can import it from germany, I'll help you find one.

http://www.bmwclub.co.nz/wp-content/upload...s121_medium.jpg

 

Here is a solution to your problem. lose the friends get the S

 

The S, for me, is my personal indulgence. I could essentially take out the passenger seat as my kids, wife, GF, friends etc all find it too drafty (top down), bumpy (ProKits) and loud (Toda).

 

nicely said