Interesting story, Tonky. As for sports cars, I think a distinction should be drawn between sports coupes, sports sedans and open top sports cars, all generally "sports cars" but all have unique and different experiences about them. Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe BMW came up with the term "sports coupe/sedan" and it most definitely describes the M3/5. Sports sedans are cars like the IS300, the 4 door M3, M5, S4, etc. Open top sports cars are the S2000, Boxster (yes, there is an "s" in Boxster, folks, it's not Boxter), Z-variants (except the coupe), Miata, MR2 Spyder, old Alfa Romeo Spyder's, any car with an open top and two seats fall into this category, IMO.

I think the frustration evident in this thread about all the comparisons of "apples to oranges" is interesting mainly because the fact is that if a person is trying to decide between an M3 or an S2000, for example, they don't really have a clear picture of either what they want or what either of the two cars are all about. Both are fine examples of fantastic automotive technology (c'mon SMG!), but to the driver present very different, even contrary, driving experiences.

Comparing one type of sports car, and all the categories I mentioned fall under the rubrick of "sports car" is valid, IMO. No, 0-60 ain't everything, it's only one piece of the mosaic. Comparing cars which seemingly are in different classes presents challenges, but seriously, what cars do compare to the S2000 if you use such a strict definition of what a sports car is? You really have 4, 5 tops. The Miata, The M Roadster and the Boxster, TT Roadster (sort of, only because the Roadster is a convertible, but for no other reason). Perfromance wise, the S2000 walks the MR2 Spyder as well as the Miata, in most performance categories, but the comparison is still valid if it gives the person doing the comparison something tangible to work with so they can understand something more about the cars in the comparison...

I'm rambling...

I think Palmateer offers some terrific advice here. Try it, you might like it...!

 

Spelling was never one of my fine pointz.

 

Definition of a "Sports Car"?
A car that inspires passion when you drive it.

Of course, once the passion exists, it can easily become love, and as we all know, love is blind.

Now that one is blind and in love with a car, everyone else's car is less than the loved one, no matter what logic you may apply.

sousleau

 

Sportz Kar = S2000!

 

Which is pretty well what Mr. Honda wanted as I understand it when he gave the go ahead to the s2000 project. He said he wanted "A racing car suitable for the road" If we had to have an updated definition of 'Sportscar' that might be as good as any It would clearly be too narrow a view for many.

 

Cedric
Car and driver uses an almost identical definition to yours original one in their first two s2000 articles
Don

Nice photo behind the wheel- you have an appropriate grin- must have just been in vtec in some esses!

 

Actually my expression is caused by the antics of my wife Jan trying to take the friggin' picture

 

Besides 0-60 times, and other numbers, not enough people take into account the 'feel' of the car when driving it. My current summer job is a valet (yes, i'm sure you all hate me now, but honestly, i've never scratched a car!) at a hospital so i've driven many different makes and styles. (except an S2K )

Every time when people say things such as: "A Camaro would toast an S2K off the line!", my immediate responce is to ask if they've driven this camaro, because they drive like crap! I know this is an opinion as well, but a lot of faster cars just can't compare to the control and safe feeling you get in a honda.

Given the choice to take home my integra or the Z28 I drove the other day, i'd take my integra hands down. It's not all about speed, it's about how it feels under your hands.

 

There have always been "car guys" (of both sexes) and "penis guys" (of both sexes). Of course, the former loves machines. The latter loves to believe that his is the biggest.

They really don't have much in common.

 

Outside this board, I have never had negative comments thrown my way about the car I drive with the exception of 1 guy at an autox that called it "gutless". But i feel sorry for him because he's obviously never had the chance to drive one.
eg.

this past Friday night a completely souped up Mustang Cobra, bright yellow, parks next to me at a Papa Johns. He gets out, gives my car one look and tells me he's sure that the S2K could beat him, and that it is absolutely beautiful. "Truly you must be kidding, you would hand me my ass in a drag anyday", i replied. We both love cars and can appreciate the others vehicle for what it is.