As an S2000 owner I would easily say to you to get the S2000, but so far I have driven the M3 and the Elise as well.

If you want the best grip, cornering, handling etc get the Elise. This car turns like a train but really fast! The interior is simple as that! Actually is empty!

The M3 is very nice and handles great as well, and turns very smooth. I like it a lot.

As for the S2000 I can only say the best words for it!

And finally as you have understand I am once again confused of what I started to talk about so I will just tell you plain and simple to get the S2000!

 

Here are some of the differences between the S2000 model years off the top of my head.

'00/'01 to '02/'03
- glass rear window
- softer F/R swaybars, ?softer rear springs?
- tweaked ECU settings reportedly giving +5 HP
- 2 to 4 hole oiling bolts
- added front tweeters to stereo
- stereo has a built in clock
- leather center console, leather covered shift knob
- small wind deflector between roll hoops

'02/'03 to '04+
- stroked 2.2L engine w/ lowered redline (North America only, reportedly +5-10 HP)
- carbon syncho transmission w/ higher ratios 1-4, lower ratios 5-6 (? ratios only changed in North America ?)
- softened rear swaybar, softer rear springs, harder front springs, changed rear suspension geometry
- additional stiffening of chassis, stiffened differential housing, ? stiffened transmission housing ?
- more aggressive brake pads
- 17" wheels and RE050 tires
- restyle of headlights, taillights, bumpers, exhaust tips, dashboard, interior trim

 

If you want a roadster rule out the M. If you want a roomy car that can carry stuff and more than one buddy rule out the Lotus and S2000.

The 2005 S is the pinnacle of the car to date. More low RPM torque. Do you really want to spend all your time over 6K RPM to feel like you're moving down the road ?
The earlier S2000 are pretty gutless until you hit VTEC at 6K RPM. Once there they pull really well and yes, have a 1K higher redline than the 2005.

The Elise is faster and clearly handles better, but is difficult to enter and exit. It also carries no golf clubs in its trunk where the S can carry two sets. The Elise is about $17K more expensive.

If you want a weekend toy for track or canyon drives the Elise is the best choice. If you want to use the car for weekend trips out of town or daily commuting the S is the best choice. In my opinion the Elise could not be a daily driver or an only car.
The S2000 could.

I have driven all the mentioned cars

Steve

 

I had a MY00 S2000 and moved to an E46 M3 Convertible. Two totally different cars. The M3 fit my life better than the S. It has more room in the front, back seats, a larger trunk, more useable down low power, better quality paint job, a nicer top that doesn't rip from poor framing, more options and interior features, larger tires, nicer rims, it's quicker, and the engine pulls much better at higher speeds. The only thing you give up is the rough ride and the nimbleness of the S. I don't miss the rough ride, but I do miss the nimbleness a lot. But I never track my car so it's no big deal. I feel like i gained more than I lost.

I think that you should check out the E46 M3 Convertible. You won't be disappointed. I can't imagine giving up my car. There's nothing out there under $80,000 that I'd rather have.

 

I think he's referring to a BMW M Roadster (based off the Z3), not the M3.

Just looking at his list of cars and how he stresses that he wants to put the top down, that's just my guess.

Ok, back to the discussion.

I'm actually looking for the same thing...either a 2000 M Coupe or a 2005 S2000.

The thing that S2000 has going for it is the reliability and cheaper maintenance costs. The M has a MUCH nicer interior and it's unique.

 

[QUOTE=encoreman,Apr 29 2005, 05:58 PM]

I cruise around for a little while and decide it is too nice a day to ride around with the top up. Pull over, turn a knob. Top down. Wow. I

 

How about a used C5 Z06?

Are you a consultant? Being that analytical signals "consultant" to me.

 

Yeah, what M are you talking about?
Is this your daily driver/only car. If so, you might want to go for the M3 it being more practical. Or the M5 or M6 if that's the M you're talking about

Otherwise, between the M roadster/coupe, Lotus Elise, and S2000 as weekend cars - I'd go with the Elise over the S. Read the Car and Driver comparison article. As for the S vs the M - I think you get more bang for your buck from the S.

Also, consider Boxster S (not regular boxster though...S2K is better IMO).

 

If you have to ask, buy the other car.

 

Thanks for all the input...
Yes it is an M Roadster I'm comparing here. I guess it would be the 315 hp model or the S2000. It looks like I'll have to travel across the country to get one though. Can't find any here for even a test drive.

It looks like I'd have to pay more for an '02 M than a new S2K.

I don't think the Elise will be too practical. So I'm homing in on these two. Probably an '04 S2k or the M.