I searched and did not find anything so here is my question.

I am buying a S2Ki within the next few days. This will replace my motorcycle, so I am looking ofr something fun to drive. I have read about the changes between the 2003 and 2004 but I am looking for seat time experience/opinions.

Thanks for your help.

Santa Tom

 

2003 is a bit rougher around the edges. The 2004+ has been refined up a bit and is a little easier to drive around town.

In terms of raw performance, they're about the same in a straight line. The 2003 might do a bit better in the corners though.

 

i too went from a motorcycle to a s2000 after i was t-boned by someone blowing a light.

i would say i have good experence with driving s2000's im a mechanic for honda since tthe s2000's first came out.

you will like how the engine revs high and the handling and the open top. its as close as your gonna get to a bike

the 2004 is a little bit more refined. nicer looks, but the 2003 revs higher makes it more fun to drive, i have a ap2 but i will admit the ap1's are more fun to drive.

if you could find a nice well taken care of ap1 go for it!

 

I love my 03 and the fact that it's more rigid plus the 9k redline if I wanted more comfort I would have bought an infinite. I'm not trashing AP2's but I drove both and AP1's are more of a drivers car. Nothing better than bouncing off the limited past 9k forged internals FTW

 

I drove 03s and 04s back to back when I was looking to make up my mind - I'd do the same if I were you and make up your own mind.

I ultimately chose an 04 for the revised interior, shorter gearing, better power delivery below vtec, 17" wheels, suspension settings, and revised taillights - lots of other factors.

Honda made over 2000 changes to the car in 2004, so if you read up you can see many of the tweaks that were made to increase durability and control. Long term, I'd go with an 04, but you don't really miss out on anything major between the years.

 

neither have better looks, or are refined. they are same car just few minor differences.. IMO.

some like the look of AP1, and other like AP2 better.
frankly I like the AP2 front with lip but love my AP1 interior. Love the AP1 seats with hole in head rest and 9k rev

that's why I got a 03 instead of 04, even though prices are similar.

 

Fwiw, 04s and 03s have the same seats. They didn't change until 2006.

 

Drive them for yourself, you're going to get 50/50 opinions in this thread...and start the great AP1 v AP2 debate (again). Go for the test drives and let us know what you think. Either way you go, you'll win with an S2k. Interested to see what you pick...

Good Luck!

 

all good points made so far.

I wasnt aware that the 06 seat was different.

Saki pointed out the big differences with the gearing, redline, rims and suspension.

My 01 has the carpet center console, but i kinda like it becuase it makes the interior all the more spartan... plus who else has rough carpet on their center console??

while I haven't driven an AP2, I do love my car and think you will too no matter which one you get.

Also, 00-01 have plastic window... FTL

As for the front and rear bumpers, it's personal preference. I like the AP2 front with the Ap1 back but you can prob find people on here to trade with or buy them new from HardtopGuy or HandA, or go aftermarket... like the Amuse!

 

My 1971 MG (R.I.P) had a carpeted center console. It was cool. Easy to maintain, no chance of 'cracking'. Too bad the engine wasn't as reliable.