Well, while I do like the 350Z, when I saw, sat, and subsequently driven the S2000, I was in love. It fit me like no other car did, and I just knew I had to have it.

Simple as that. Of course car selection is sort of a religious experience for me, so yeah.

Go with what makes you feel really good about driving. If neither of them do, maybe you should look elsewhere?

 

Just go drive 350z then S2000 back to back.
I guarantee, if you are keen on how sports cars should behave, you would know S2000 is by far superior than 350z in that department.

 

350z is a good car too. But now I believe honda makes better cars than nissan..

S2000 is a REAL sportscar. 350z doesnt feel anything like the s2000. Well I'm not bashing 350z becuase it doesnt "feel or drive" like the s2000, i'm just saying it feels a lot different. But so does the corvette. and the NSX. Feeling different than the s2000 doesnt always mean its a lesser car. But if you want that go cart sports car feel, S2000 is the car for you.

The build quality of s2000 is much better than the 350z too, imo.

The best bang for the buck would be a used, good condition 2002 s2000. You can find one for about 25k.

 

350Z

If you have to ask, the S2000 is not for you.

 

Personally, I think the Z with the soft top is ugley. It makes the car look like it has a fat ass. Also, you can't rest your arm on the top of the door because the height of the door is up to your neck.

 

I asked myself that question when I was attempting to buy my first sports car. I found out that I am happy with the choice I have made except for the fact I can't drive in the snow without fish tailing. However 350 z didn't off the convertible at the time and it was over price to include additional options. So therefore holding off and getting the right price it turn out to be the S2000 was the choice. Not only was the price great but also worth it. It has the performace, style, and what ever else you are looking for a sports car. If you are wanting more horsepower other than the standard 240hp. You can buy a super charger for it to boost your game up to 357hp. I don't know if anyone has done this but would like to know is it worth it and does it require more maintanance?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RiceRocket
You can buy a super charger for it to boost your game up to 357hp.

 

Comtech SC is in my future mod list for sure.
Lets say another year or two. Can't wait.

 

You can't really lose. They are both great cars. If I didn't have either one, I'll be happy w/ either one.

I guess the key question for you is
1. does money matter and
2. do you really want on now?

I know that used MY02 S2K can go pretty low, avg of 22.5K (that's 10K off MSRP) for a 2 yr old S.

I guess the Z convert could go that low in 2 yrs, so you could wait until 2005 to get it at a discount or pay the full price now.

I know that on both s2ki and my350z forums, there are more happy customers than disappointed one w/ there decisions.

I got my S because of every thing, the look, the sound, the feel, etc..., and the BIG PLUS was the cost factor.

Good luck either way, I'm pretty sure you won't regret it!

 

I think it's kind of an oversimplification to say it boils down to just money and that all things are equal.

True each car has its supporters and dissenters, but for the most part:

* This is the 4th year for the S2000, thats three years of refinement. However, the Z is still needing to refine itself and evolve.

* You can't argue with the fact the interior of the Z is very, very cheaply done.

* I have yet to read a bad review of the S2000 by a journalist. Whereas with the Z, I have seen a few...even Top Gear had a scathing review of it.

The two cars are similar in the sense they are both 2-seaters, but that's almost where the similarities end. I think you can very much regret getting either car if it isn't right for you.

The Z is softer and meant to pamper. The S2000 is indeed a drivers car with few toys except the car itself.

Two years ago I was on the S2k wagon, but then I read about the Z and go excited. Forgot all about the S2000 and focused jsut on the Z...wow was I disappointed. I saw one just a couple months before my pre-order was due to come in and finally saw the Z up close and was able to test drive it. And I can say to people, I would not recommend it. Keep looking or give Nissan another year to work on it.

Just my thoughts.