I had a chance to follow a modified ITR that was trying to run away from me around 40 MPH...I kept up with him, but wasn't gaining much. The ITR will definately give you a good run when you guys are already moving.


[QUOTE]
Posted by joe_s2k:
Where's ITR or Kibro? They were both previous ITR owners who have since purchased the S2000.

 

why did this degrade itself to straight line performance discussion?

 

Don't forget the fact that is is convertible (with motor) is worth at least 4k.

3k for a great little stick on a RWD......is more than reasonable. I didn't even mention the engine.
Note that I only mentioned what comes with the car, not what the car does. If you consider what this car can do....I don't think 3k is too much to ask over ITR, is it?

ITR is a great car, and the car I would consider as a beater. It's not because it's 7k cheaper. It's only because it's a coupe and FWD. It's much safer to drive ITR in the winter (while enjoying some of the traits of a stook).


[QUOTE]Originally posted by El Pollo Diablo
[B]While i agree with most of your points that the S2000 is better in almost of all the performance aspects over the ITR, it is important to keep in mind that the ITR sells for less then $25K,

 

Well...these have all been really good points. I currently own a 2001 Type-R and love it but, I can't stand the FWD...the wheel constantly jerks me in different directions and that is one of the main reasons that my new S2000 will be arriving at my dealer next week. All I needed was about 3 minutes of driving in the S2000 before I knew that it was the better car for me. Alot of you import guys like the FWD and more power to yeah..but, the Type-R was my first import and I have always had american Hot Rods (2000 Trans-AM WS.6) so I was to used to the RWD feeling...and I love it. So guess it's just a matter of opinion.

 

The only answer is to own both.

And a few more thoughts:
*) It's easier to go fast in the TypeR, but maybe more FUN to go fast in the S2000.
*) The TypeR doesn't have a 6th gear (as I found out by forgetting that detail last winter when I tried shifting into 6th after driving the S2000 for about a week - OUCH)
*) I can't get a tan in the TypeR (except for my left arm).
*) I get LOTS more attention in the S2000.
*) The TypeR transmission and clutch seem to be bulletproof compared to the S2000 (with notchiness, etc...), but the S2000 transmission is the most short-throw-snickety transmission I've ever driven.
*) The TypeR is a great all-year driver (with winter tires in snow), and the S2000 is great when it's above 50F.

In all - both cars are great. So one of each is the perfect combination.

 

To reiterate, I wasn't knocking the Type-R (Personally, for only $25K its damn near perfect ). . . I was just pointing out differences. . . To clarify, we would have run the cars into 4th & 5th gears (and 6th for the S ) but we ran out of straight away. . .

Anyway, regarding the handling, after several conversations with my friend (who owns the ITR) we can up with this conclusion. . .

The S2000 (w/ its RWD set-up & tighter suspension) will handle better than an ITR, in the hands of a professional driver (i.e., Zanardi, Andretti, etc). . . However, because of the RWD vs. FWD set-up its much easier for your average driver to reach (and NOT EXCEED) the limits of an ITR. Knowing that a FWD car is much less likely to "spin-out" makes it easier to drive an ITR aggressively.

Case and point: While at the Meadowlands, someone was driving an NSX. . . On virtually every run, he "spun-out". . . I'm certain that a professional driver given the same car could have posted better times in the NSX (versus the ITR or S2K). . .

Bottomline, Honda has put two excellent cars on the road. However, the S2K is slightly better in the end (though it probably should be, given the price difference). . .

 

Just on my lunch break...

I agree that the S2000 definitely feels faster with the top down (wind blowing in the hair). Overall, don't doubt the ability of a Type-R, they are quite fast. I've always told Phantom that I felt the ITR to be faster than my current S2000 before my car was fully broken in. I think in reality the S2000 is only marginally faster than the ITR. 195 hp with 200-300 pounds less than the S2K is a huge advantage. Also, it is much easier to get more power out of the 1.8L motor than ours. Most people who buy the ITR are probably going to mod it with some stuff...mods are also so much cheaper.

One thing I have distinctly noticed is that the S2K's body structure feels 1000x stiffer than the ITR which in turn is 1000x stiffer than say a integra GS-R. I think the S2K is slightly stiffer sprung than the ITR. What makes the ITR feel like it's rolling in a turn is that it is too high off the ground.

Overall grip is very high in both cars. I would have to say they are equal. You would be surprised to find how much grip those 195s can have! I think both cars can take a turn as fast as each other. In fact, keep in mind it is easier to drive the ITR faster especially in the street.

The shifter in the ITR is quite good, very light throws but does not compare to the S2K's. The S2K's tranny was designed from scratch to be a performance tranny with short precise gears.

Both cars have very good steering feel. I just remember I hated the damn ITR's huge steering wheel...

As for the Best Motoring videos, Phantom and I have watched a few...in one race the S2K started behind the ITR but eventually overtook the ITR. Once it passed the ITR, the S2K made huge gains on the ITR in the next few laps. The driver commented that the ITR was limiting the S2K's abilities when he was behind but once it got some open space, it really took off.

I think you will realize that the ITR is probably a better autocross and track car for tighter circuits. But if there is a big straightaway, the S2K will probably take off. You will notice that ITR's are always autocross champs, not so for the S2Ks. The S2K's are better at bigger tracks with fast sweepers.

Back to work...


[Edited by ITR on 05-21-2001 at 12:55 PM]

 

Wet down the track, run stock tires on both, and the Type R might just win. I don't like torque steer and I don't like FWD dry traction. But the Type R is a great FWD car. The LSD makes a world of difference versus the Teg GSR (25 more HP is not the big deal to me).

 

For those who say the S2000 is only slightly faster than the ITR in a straight line race, why don't you put up some 1/4 numbers (stock v. stock)? But then that still wouldn't provide the overall straight-line picture as the S2000 would pull hardest at higher speeds.

 

In stock form , the S2K would pull a 14.0 quarter mile, or 13.7 with a good driver. the ITR would pull a 14.5 with a good driver.. However modded ITR r different, having own one prior to my stook, a ITR with I/H/E and toda spec B cams could pull low 13's with a good driver and high 12's with slicks ..