Road Trip in New 04
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From: Madison
Road Trip in New 04
Just returned from a road trip that took 13 hours of driving, mostly day time, some night.
I think the ride is just about perfect for these purposes. Lots of construction on 39. The ride is never jarring, but yet is not lacking in road feel. Obviously, it doesn't communicate like an MR2 Spyder or Elise, but complaints about a lack of road feel would be misplaced related to the 04. It's much improved.
Grip, grip, grip. Someone posted a review of the 04 saying that it's less planted than the earlier version. That claim is patently false. 245 rubber. 215 rubber. It's stable at speed, in rain and dry weather. I love these tires. No unwanted tire spin even in the rain. I'm talking about tight curves through construction as well as straight lines on the highway.
Above 80 mph it was hard to enjoy the stereo. I'm looking forward to trying this with the headrest speakers that are being installed today. Having said this, the car is definately quiter at highway speeds than my Miata was. Not sure how this compares to the Boxster or other competion. But it was not unpleasantly loud. My wife did not complain about taking the smaller car, so this says everything about the cars trip worthiness.
I was greatly impressed with the relaxed hand position in this car. I almost never rested my arms on the door or center tunnel, and yet my arms did not get tired.
I continue to think that this car is a big improvement over the earlier versions, related to its purposes. The critics of the car speak as if they are Spyder drivers. You buy an S2000 because you want a compromise between immediate handling and comfort, with power. It has a power top! This is not meant to be a Miata. Having said this, though, I must say that the real world handling of this newer version is terrific. I don't know which car will handle better at the track, but in the real world the ability of the 04 to not become unsettled by rough roads nor to step its tail out in tight turns will be a great advantage.
I think the ride is just about perfect for these purposes. Lots of construction on 39. The ride is never jarring, but yet is not lacking in road feel. Obviously, it doesn't communicate like an MR2 Spyder or Elise, but complaints about a lack of road feel would be misplaced related to the 04. It's much improved.
Grip, grip, grip. Someone posted a review of the 04 saying that it's less planted than the earlier version. That claim is patently false. 245 rubber. 215 rubber. It's stable at speed, in rain and dry weather. I love these tires. No unwanted tire spin even in the rain. I'm talking about tight curves through construction as well as straight lines on the highway.
Above 80 mph it was hard to enjoy the stereo. I'm looking forward to trying this with the headrest speakers that are being installed today. Having said this, the car is definately quiter at highway speeds than my Miata was. Not sure how this compares to the Boxster or other competion. But it was not unpleasantly loud. My wife did not complain about taking the smaller car, so this says everything about the cars trip worthiness.
I was greatly impressed with the relaxed hand position in this car. I almost never rested my arms on the door or center tunnel, and yet my arms did not get tired.
I continue to think that this car is a big improvement over the earlier versions, related to its purposes. The critics of the car speak as if they are Spyder drivers. You buy an S2000 because you want a compromise between immediate handling and comfort, with power. It has a power top! This is not meant to be a Miata. Having said this, though, I must say that the real world handling of this newer version is terrific. I don't know which car will handle better at the track, but in the real world the ability of the 04 to not become unsettled by rough roads nor to step its tail out in tight turns will be a great advantage.
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From: franklin
Having owned a 00 s for 3.5 years I can say the 04 is a great improvement.I live on some of the most windy roads you've ever seen in the Smoky Mts of western N.C. and the handling is outstanding.I love the power smoothness.The extra kick is very welcome.I really did'nt realize how welcome the improvements were till I got her home and drove on familiar roads where the comparison becomes obvious.I miss my stereo but to really enjoy a truly great system you really need a luxury car.The new TL's setup with dvd surround is awesome.Check it out its to die for.
It makes me laugh when comments are made about the added amenities detracting from the purity of the s2000.Maybe Honda will come out with a "real sport" version.You know crank windows,manual top,no stereo ,heat air or carpeting.
It makes me laugh when comments are made about the added amenities detracting from the purity of the s2000.Maybe Honda will come out with a "real sport" version.You know crank windows,manual top,no stereo ,heat air or carpeting.
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