You guys ever feel like your feeble driving skills are not worthy of an S2K? Of all the cars I've driven, the S2K seems to be the hardest (and scariest) car to drive to its limits (or anywhere near them). There have been 3 times where I've had the back-end step way out on me... one time I was able to save it, the two other times I wasn't. The scary thing is that it happens so suddenly that I often find it hard to judge how hard I can push the car. Of course, I'm driving on public roads so obviously I shouldn't be trying to push the car to its limits, but there are times where I'm taking an offramp at a decent rate and wonder to myself how much faster the S2K could actually take the ramp at. I guess it's time I go to an auto-x event or something to see what this car can really do.

 

just remember not to lift off the throttle on a sharp turn, then you should be fine. that is the worst mistake someone can do when they drive any rwd car.

 

What do you mean by "life off the throttle" ?

 

The S2k is a delightful handler compared to some cars I've driven... mainly MR2s with mismatched tires. Now those will step out on you in a very rapid fashion...

When I drove (on a track ) my first S2k I was pretty nervous because I'd heard the car had a reputation for being hard to control at the limits. I found it to be putty in my hands. But then again I've been autocrossing and doing track days regularly since 1999. I do recommend autocrossing with some regularity to get familiar with what this car (any car for that matter) can really do.

 

Lifting off the throttle means taking your foot off the gas. If you're not expecting the rear tires to get loose, it can be your natural reaction to take your foot off the gas when the car starts rotating. However, doing so transfers weight to the front, causing the rear tires to have even less grip, thus making the situation worse. So...you have to train yourself to keep your foot on the gas pedal (keep it there, not apply more gas) while you attempt to regain control.

For the original poster: yes the S2000 can be a bit intimidating. I know I had my share of unexpected thrills when I first got the car . Really, the best thing you can do is go autocrossing, or, if you have a bit more time and money, a driving school. If there's a large empty parking lot near you, that could be useful too. If you can find the space to do some big loops/figure-8's/steady-state turns repeatedly, that can help you get a feel for how the car behaves near the limit. Have fun, and be safe .

 

Tedow,

Thanks for the info. Honestly this is my first RWD.
I used to own VW GTI. I pushed that car to the max. I don't feel same confidence when I drive S2000.

 

Just keep your rpm high like 5 grand or so..

 

I know I have alot to learn about this car but never would have thought that I have to keep the car above 5k rpm and leave the foot on the throttle when the car is about to lose control?

Natural instinct will be to step on the brake or leave your foot off the gas pedal. Anyways, could someone explain why this is the case?

I really need to take Auto X course next season.

 

Going auto-x'ing is a great idea.. you learn alot about your car and how to drive it . i am really planning to get into it soon as i get my tie-rod fixed and get some cash together.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Globetro
You guys ever feel like your feeble driving skills are not worthy of an S2K?