My thoughts as an S2000 owner and advice for potential owners:
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Camarillo
Excellent write-up. One comment: do you believe the lack of being able to feel the tires give way is due to numb steering ... or is it because of the S02's themselves? The S02's give NO warning before they're going to lose grip, but others have said different tires change that situation significantly.
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Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Bay Area
A rather new set of S02's should give warning before breaking loose. Because there's so much grip in this car, there's a fine line between squeeling tires, and breaking loose. I've found approaching the limits gradually makes the car much more predictable than being overly aggresive with the steering wheel. Probably a result of the excessive toe that can make the back end somewhat twitchy.
Better track times can be had with smooth driving, even though it feels slower.
The EPS steering is good but not perfect. Terrifically fast with good weighing, but lacks some of the road feel you get with cars like the Boxster, E36 M3, and my miata.
Better track times can be had with smooth driving, even though it feels slower.
The EPS steering is good but not perfect. Terrifically fast with good weighing, but lacks some of the road feel you get with cars like the Boxster, E36 M3, and my miata.
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: monadnock region, NH
Nicely thought out write up: your personal observations seemed objective where needed and subjective where appropriate. I've never noticed the "lack of feel" with the S2000. I've owned several RX-7s, a 280Z, and a Corvette, but with regards to road manners and speed, the only one that ever came close was the 280Z (MY1975). I thought the S2000 a bit twitchy when I first drove it, but after I added 18" rims, wide low profile tires, and a Di Grappa X-Brace, the grip and control seemed to improve for me. Don't know about "driving at the limits" ( have no track time on the car), but I drove in the FC2002 at Bear Mountain, NY (with a hundred other lunatics), and thought the car was perfect at speed over bumpy two lane back roads and at triple digit speeds on a smooth interstate. 
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Dana Point, CA
Great write up Iceman and I agree with 99.9% of what you said.
The only thing I don't necessarily agree with is your comment that the S2000 is no longer the screaming bargain it was in 1999. I think its as much if not more of a screaming bargain. What other new roadster comes close for the price point???
The only thing I don't necessarily agree with is your comment that the S2000 is no longer the screaming bargain it was in 1999. I think its as much if not more of a screaming bargain. What other new roadster comes close for the price point???
