track/autox = ap1 (w/ 17" wheels of course)
street = ap2

jm2c...that said, I track my AP2 and love it, but an AP1 with 17"s is going to have a slight edge. If you like the refinement of the ap2 and do mostly street driving, just get an ap2.

Honestly...I want BOTH!

 

 

They're both nice cars. I got what was in my budget (AP1). I would've gotten either one for the right price. If you're the kind of person who gets into a nasty argument over AP1 vs. AP2, get a life, for reals.

 

+1

Drive enough cars and you'll see the difference is just splitting hairs.
Ride some motorcycles and the novelty of an 800RPM higher redline loses its appeal.

 

I'm probably one of the few who doesn't have a real preference. I appreciate the differences and love the look of both! I do prefer the AP2 wheels but that's not a big deal.

 

minor changes thru the years. in the end, same car. S is an S. best dam sports car for the buck. bar none! you know how you can tell? look how many people on this forum have had,sold and came back to the S numerous times. that very fact says a lot about this car. ap1 or ap2.

 

Have had both. The AP1 was louder and more sensitive handling wise. Everyone debates the 9k rpm thing, and to be honest, it's nice knowing the AP1 I have now does indeed go to 9k rpm.

If I drove the car everyday then yes, AP2, but for a weekend warrior, AP1.

Plus I actually like the AP1 carpet center console, makes it feel like an older sports car with the bare essentials.

 

To me, there was not enough of a difference between AP1 and AP2. An AP2 is a capable track car and the AP1 is still comfortable enough to be daily driven. Neither cars are considered "extreme." I think I would have been fine either way since both versions are fantastic.

 

i had a chance to buy a 2000 AP1 with only 16,000 miles for $16,000, but chose to buy my 2007 AP2 with 28,000 miles for $23,800. I didnt care much about the 9000 vs. 8000 rmp redline, but it did want the stability control ( seen too many AP1 with smashed up rear bumpersnfrom spinouts. Not sure if its really an issure with the difference in low end torgue either.

Buy what you want and what you can afford.

 

I choose the ap1 because it was cheaper and found an amazing deal (02 63k, $12k) and quite frankly engine wise the ap2 is more powerful however outside of the retainers nothing has use to me considering I'm planning on the f24 (k24 crank) build. I may or may not invest in a rear subframe from the ap2 (different geometry from ap1). the cosmetic things like headlights, taillights are all subjective to your own taste. I did upgrade to ap2 bumper when i was hit/accident, because I preferred it.

The ap2 is slightly faster and slightly more refine however on the larger vehicle spectrum abroad both of these cars are still s2000's. From the intake box to the exhaust tip to all four tires, the varying models aren't that much different.

The most important research is for you to know what you want to do with the vehicle specifically.