Previous Prelude owners:
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Bergen County
I have a 94' Prelude Si (which I've had for 6 years) and a 01' S2K (which I've had for 6 months). . .
What's Similar:
The suspension - both are tight, but the S2K is noticably tighter. . .
The Steering - Both have great feel, but the S2K responds MUCH faster (2.6 turns-to-lock versus 3.2)
The Seats - Nearly Identical (very sporty and comfortable), however, the S2K's are leather and are a little tighter. . .
Seating Position - Similar, with one exception. . . The door sills on the S2K are higher (which is noticable considering the Prelude's are pretty high). . . However, as with most Honda's the view out of the front windshield and over the hood is excellent. Also, the seat height (off the floor) is nearly identical. . .
Ergonomics - Very good in both cars (with the nod going to the Prelude). The S2K doesn't have the "key off" feature & you can't unlock the passenger side door when the car is on easily. . . Also, with its smaller doors, the S2K is a little tougher to get into and out of. . .
Braking/Cornering - Is great in both cars, but the S2K just takes these features to another level of excellence. . .
What's Different:
Power/Response - The S2K (with its added Hp) responsed much better. However, the RWD makes driving in wet conditions significantly more complicated. . .
Interior Space - Suprisingly, the S2K has a decent sized trunk. But, the passenger cabin is SNUG in comparison(i.e., shoulder & hip space is significantly deminished). . .
Display - Depending on what year Prelude you have, this may or may not be an issue. . . If you have a 92-96', the digital dash of the S2K probably won't seem quirkly (and will probably be a nice feature). However, if you have a 97+, the change from analog to digital may take some getting used to. Either way, the display in the S2K (regardless of what you've read/heard) is excellent and makes sense. . .
Steering Wheel - Is much smaller in the S2K. . .
Shifter - Until you drive one you may have your doubts, but the S2K's shifter is the BEST in production (all cars). . . After shifting with it, you won't want to drive another manual again. . .
Final Thoughts - IMO, the S2K is the perfect "step up" for a Prelude driver (except for maybe an NSX
). . . Its like driving a Prelude but better is virtually every way. . . The only real adjustment is transitioning from FWD to RWD. . .
Good luck
What's Similar:
The suspension - both are tight, but the S2K is noticably tighter. . .
The Steering - Both have great feel, but the S2K responds MUCH faster (2.6 turns-to-lock versus 3.2)
The Seats - Nearly Identical (very sporty and comfortable), however, the S2K's are leather and are a little tighter. . .
Seating Position - Similar, with one exception. . . The door sills on the S2K are higher (which is noticable considering the Prelude's are pretty high). . . However, as with most Honda's the view out of the front windshield and over the hood is excellent. Also, the seat height (off the floor) is nearly identical. . .
Ergonomics - Very good in both cars (with the nod going to the Prelude). The S2K doesn't have the "key off" feature & you can't unlock the passenger side door when the car is on easily. . . Also, with its smaller doors, the S2K is a little tougher to get into and out of. . .
Braking/Cornering - Is great in both cars, but the S2K just takes these features to another level of excellence. . .
What's Different:
Power/Response - The S2K (with its added Hp) responsed much better. However, the RWD makes driving in wet conditions significantly more complicated. . .
Interior Space - Suprisingly, the S2K has a decent sized trunk. But, the passenger cabin is SNUG in comparison(i.e., shoulder & hip space is significantly deminished). . .
Display - Depending on what year Prelude you have, this may or may not be an issue. . . If you have a 92-96', the digital dash of the S2K probably won't seem quirkly (and will probably be a nice feature). However, if you have a 97+, the change from analog to digital may take some getting used to. Either way, the display in the S2K (regardless of what you've read/heard) is excellent and makes sense. . .
Steering Wheel - Is much smaller in the S2K. . .
Shifter - Until you drive one you may have your doubts, but the S2K's shifter is the BEST in production (all cars). . . After shifting with it, you won't want to drive another manual again. . .
Final Thoughts - IMO, the S2K is the perfect "step up" for a Prelude driver (except for maybe an NSX
). . . Its like driving a Prelude but better is virtually every way. . . The only real adjustment is transitioning from FWD to RWD. . . Good luck
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 511
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From: York
I just took my Prelude to its new owner last Saturday. I've owned a 99 Prelude and a 92 Si. I would have liked to have kept both the lude and the s2k, but the money needed to keep it proved unnecessary.
Both the Prelude and S2K handle great. Cornering felt more predictable in the Prelude because I didn't have to worry about oversteer as much. The Prelude definately suited me better being 6'3", but I chose to sacrifice some comforts to drive the s2000.
The S2000 is much more fun to drive, faster, louder, etc. Of course, I hope you can make a 2 seater fit your lifestyle. I don't really need backs seats or much trunk space, so it works for me.
Can't really say much else that hasn't been said already.
Both the Prelude and S2K handle great. Cornering felt more predictable in the Prelude because I didn't have to worry about oversteer as much. The Prelude definately suited me better being 6'3", but I chose to sacrifice some comforts to drive the s2000.
The S2000 is much more fun to drive, faster, louder, etc. Of course, I hope you can make a 2 seater fit your lifestyle. I don't really need backs seats or much trunk space, so it works for me.
Can't really say much else that hasn't been said already.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,307
Likes: 2
From: Austin
Matt just mentioned the height issue, and I remembered something else of note:
My ex was 6'2 and his head was constantly into the roof of the Prelude, with only a little comfort to be had leaving the sunroof cover open. In the S2000, even with the top up, head room was not a problem.]
Just my additional 2 cents worth...
My ex was 6'2 and his head was constantly into the roof of the Prelude, with only a little comfort to be had leaving the sunroof cover open. In the S2000, even with the top up, head room was not a problem.]
Just my additional 2 cents worth...
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,398
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From: Beaverton
I was gonna reply, but Sondra beat me to it again, I'm 6'2", and with a helmet my head was always right at the top of the roof in the prelude, in the s2000 I have enough room to move around (with a helmet)... I get a lot of questions from prelude/civic/integra owners asking how I fit in the car, Leg room is just enough, and head room is more than a prelude or ITR...
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 376
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From: MASSACHUSETTS
I like my 99 prelude too, but I need to get rid of it...any takers...please PM me or visit this site for more info...
http://autotrader.com/findacar/results.jtm...2&x=27&x=91&y=9
http://autotrader.com/findacar/results.jtm...2&x=27&x=91&y=9
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 663
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From: Austin
Great, thanks for the replies.
Why the hell did this get moved to off-topic?????? I'm going to be a new S2000 owner and comparing the 2 is definitely something that has to do with the S2000.
Anyway, I'm sure I'll enjoy the S2000. Thanks!
Why the hell did this get moved to off-topic?????? I'm going to be a new S2000 owner and comparing the 2 is definitely something that has to do with the S2000.
Anyway, I'm sure I'll enjoy the S2000. Thanks!
Registered User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4
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From: a
I just test drove a used S2000 w/ about 5K miles on it and it's a great car. I currently own a 98 base Prelude and to be honest, I wasn't wow'ed by this car. Being used to my car, I can put my car into 4 wheel drifts or even oversteer. Not to mention that I have seriously modded my car - Mugen header, intake, exhaust, Type S cams, DPR port polish, VTEC/fuel controller, and 70 hp shot of NOS. Even w/o NOS my car is much stronger torquewise than the S2K. But during the test drive (with the salesman and 9K RPM shifts) I felt the S2K still faster than my car N/A. As far as handling, there was NO body roll and the grip was incredible. I couldn't get close to the limits of this car on just a test drive. I can see why so many people love this car but why have I been waffling over this purchase for the last 6 months? Three reasons.
1) The Prelude is a great car to start with and modded even better. I paid 21K for it and the S2K is 32K. Is is worth the 11K difference? I'm a cheap guy... Especially makes you think when Acura is coming out with the RSX Type-S soon and may come out with the 220hp Type-R. Also to note, tires seem to wear out very fast. I've seen on this board some guys wearing them out after 8K miles. I'll be one of those guys and tires don't seem to be all that cheap.
2) I need a garage. I live in an apartment with a garage but if I move, I need to find a place w/ one. Basically, this car is just not all that practical.
3) I need a commuter car that holds more stuff than the S2K. I will not commute every day with this car. Although I could, that's not what I would do with it.
Even with all these reasons, I'm still thinking about getting this car. Crazy huh? I really recommend test driving one before you make up you mind. You may come up with the same reasons I have to or not to buy the car. Also , it seems that this car is hard to sell used. I see ads for months for the same car. And seeing so many used cars for sale, it tells you that this car is not for everyone. Good luck on you decision.
Mark
1) The Prelude is a great car to start with and modded even better. I paid 21K for it and the S2K is 32K. Is is worth the 11K difference? I'm a cheap guy... Especially makes you think when Acura is coming out with the RSX Type-S soon and may come out with the 220hp Type-R. Also to note, tires seem to wear out very fast. I've seen on this board some guys wearing them out after 8K miles. I'll be one of those guys and tires don't seem to be all that cheap.
2) I need a garage. I live in an apartment with a garage but if I move, I need to find a place w/ one. Basically, this car is just not all that practical.
3) I need a commuter car that holds more stuff than the S2K. I will not commute every day with this car. Although I could, that's not what I would do with it.
Even with all these reasons, I'm still thinking about getting this car. Crazy huh? I really recommend test driving one before you make up you mind. You may come up with the same reasons I have to or not to buy the car. Also , it seems that this car is hard to sell used. I see ads for months for the same car. And seeing so many used cars for sale, it tells you that this car is not for everyone. Good luck on you decision.
Mark
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 4
From: The Beautiful South
Hi
You have had a pretty comprehensive set of answers to your question, but here is my two-peneth worth:
I had a 93 prelude VTEC until 2 moths ago. Superb car, which I loved to bits and could drive very fast indeed. It never scared me - the understeer when it came was progressive and easily controlable. Predictable even.
I have now driven 2100 miles in my s2k. I am growin to love the car, but I scare myself in it from time to time. For example, there are a series of sweeping left / right turns on my commute to work. Turns I have been driving 10 times a week for the last 7 years. I know these turns! I could really attack these curves in the Prelude. I do not yet feel able to do this in the stook (my exit speed from the last corner is about the same tho').
I guess the s2k takes a little more time to get used too (it is my 1st rear wheel drive car, and it certainly has more power than any other car I have owned). I really like the way the back end tucks in under acceleration in slow/medium speed corners, but I still worry myself from time to time! All part of the learing experience.
You have had a pretty comprehensive set of answers to your question, but here is my two-peneth worth:
I had a 93 prelude VTEC until 2 moths ago. Superb car, which I loved to bits and could drive very fast indeed. It never scared me - the understeer when it came was progressive and easily controlable. Predictable even.
I have now driven 2100 miles in my s2k. I am growin to love the car, but I scare myself in it from time to time. For example, there are a series of sweeping left / right turns on my commute to work. Turns I have been driving 10 times a week for the last 7 years. I know these turns! I could really attack these curves in the Prelude. I do not yet feel able to do this in the stook (my exit speed from the last corner is about the same tho').
I guess the s2k takes a little more time to get used too (it is my 1st rear wheel drive car, and it certainly has more power than any other car I have owned). I really like the way the back end tucks in under acceleration in slow/medium speed corners, but I still worry myself from time to time! All part of the learing experience.
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