I have not seen any downside to VSA under normal driving, and consider it to be more or less transparent. There is a different feel with DBW. Overall, I'd say that the engine responds a little more smoothly now, and behaves better leaving and returning to idle (the well known ECU brain fart that causes idle speed to drop is gone on the DBW models). There is also a slight difference in the way the engine hangs on to revs with DBW, but it's minor. About the only thing I don't like about DBW is that I sometimes notice non-linear throttle response, as if it's deciding to over-ride my inputs (which is one capability DBW can be used for). But that's rare. I imagine that I will get used to it as I spend more time with my 08 and start forgetting they way my 05 felt.

 

Either would be a good choice and tire technology is available a lot better than what came from the factory, so that should help in part keep you glued to the asphlat.

 

Unfortunately uneducated BS comments are abundant when it comes to VSA, DBW and automated manuals...

VSA is very useful, even at sunny weather. It saved my ass twice. Once the rear gets out of control, VSA literally pushes it back in line within a split second.

With VSA, you can push your limits further without worrying about consequences, which will make an average driver a better one sooner, safer.

Is VSA is slow and sluggish? This is a funny claim. The slowest thing that a CPU experiences is human input. You cannot move any part of your body faster than a computer can process it.

 

So ultimately it'll come down to what I can get a better deal on. It sounds like both MY has it's Pro's and Con's.

Just gotta get back to the states, time drags over here.

 

I'd say DBW has pros and cons and is pretty neutral--certainly nothing that should make or break a deal.
VSA is a clear plus--a defeatable safety feature is a good thing. And while you may never be one of them, VSA has saved a lot of people an insurance claim when they did something stupid.
Most members prefer the MY04-05 rims over the MY06-07 rims; I haven't decided myself.

There is only one condition where I think there is a very clear choice:
MY06+ with VSA is a BIG plus if you'll ever drive the S through a winter with snowfall. Most owners who have experienced both, myself included, will tell you that an S2000 with both VSA and snow tires is better/safer/easier to drive in snow than a 4WD/AWD vehicle on all-seasons. If you live in the snowbelt and drive in the winter, go with MY06+ for VSA.

If you won't drive in the winter and your car will never see snow, price and whether it has any remaining warranty would be bigger issues than MY05 vs MY06.


And where are you in the meantime, Iraq?

 

Yup, I'm in Iraq right now. I'll primarily be driving in hot weather when I return with the occasional chance of showers. Ice is a rarity as well and I'll have a second car and bike to go along with the S.

 

douchecanoe LMFAO!!!!

 

At this point, I'm not upset that Honda didn't make the car more powerful. Partly because I expected that when I look back at the NSX, and partly because it's already been 9 years.

I don't expect the car to outrun others, and can only expect others to catch up and exceed the S's performance figures. I'm actually quite glad they've bothered with the CR, at least it's an option for those who want a bit more out of an S2000. Sure it's not earth shattering, but it certainly has opened up a bit more options for other S2K owners on the parts department.

I couldn't care less if Honda continues to make the S2000. Because all I care is that I have one myself ...