I made a couple graphs comparing power output vs speed for the S2000 2.0L and 2.2L models for 10-100 MPH (based on power/torque curve and MPH at redline numbers posted here and at caranddriver).

The 2.2L ought to be more livable at low speeds, but at high speeds it doesn't look like it'll have much of an advantage:

(EDIT: Added in S2000 with 4.44 primary ratio, and graphs comparing power/speed vs speed)

 

It's very hard to get a subjective feel from these graphs as they only show full throttle peak power outputs . What we really need to know is what the partial throttle outputs look like.

The number I would be interested in seeing is the power / torque figures at partial throttle openings at 2500 - 3000 revs in 4th gear. These are the revs and gear most drivers are using when driving around town, and therefore what we want to measure is how quickly the car picks up speed when the throttle is pressed without changing down a gear.

 

1500 RPM in an S?

I think I drive around town at 4K or so. 1500 is almost idleing.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by thereisnospoon
I think I drive around town at 4K or so.

 

Whoops typo - my post is now corrected.

 

I doubt the gearing will be different enought to even allow you to reach 1500 rpm and not be idling.

 

looks like the 2.2 get's to it's peak first, but the 2.0 stays at peak much longer.

Hmm......

I don't know about everyone else but i drive around town in 3rd most of the time, I almost never use 4th.

-Ed

 

Hey can you run these numbers on an 2.0 with 4.44 gears? Just wondering how that would change things.

Thanks,
-Ed

 

I agree. Being too low in the RPM's/wrong gear will not help you avoid an accident. I'm not saying wind it out, but you need to be defensive when driving a smaller vehicle amongst all the flippin' SUV's we have around here.

 

Thanks Deslock. I was hoping someone might do this! You should use the gearing numbers and make a similar graph showing torque and/or HP at the wheels of both cars.