Now we are going to compare a Miata with the S2K? None there either. That is closer to comparing a Sunfire with a Trans Am than anything else. I will accept the 350z comparison as much closer, but you cannot say that it is way cheaper even though they are advertized at around $26k for a base model. You don't get much for a base model. Plus even if the two are dead evenly matched, the styling and limited production of the S2K tip the scales in my opinion. Besides, this thread is about trading a WRX for an S2000. There are already WAY to many threads on S2K vs. 350z to even touch this topic here.

 

I had a WRX and wondered if this would be worth it (upgrading to make it faster than the s2k).
I can tell you no amount of HP would have made the WRX more fun than the s2k is for me.
I really like the top down driving, and even do it in the winter if it's above 30 outside. Just some gloves
and a spring coat and I'm off.

As for the supposed inability of S2k's to be driven in the snow, it's complete BS. Just get some Blizzaks
you'll be fine. I find my s2k to me much more enjoyable in the snow than I did my WRX.

Keep in mind that I like driving cars that require intense concentration, the s2k requires all the more in the snow
but that is what gives ME joy. It's very drivable with snows, you just need to be mindful of the rear end. Learn
to countersteer

The WRX is very easy to drive, esp if you have the 5spd and learn to lift off the gas to have fun.
Driving the WRX at the limits for me meant scrubbing the tread of the tires. I didn't want to do clutch
dumps so that was out.

The s2k is much more rewarding in terms of feel, it feels and sounds like a race car (looks good too).
Hit the apex ease in to the gas as you unwind the steering. Fun

Some people try to knock the s2k in terms of reliability, check consumer reports if you have any doubts.
It's very reliable.

Now how long are the parts going to last on a WRX with 400hp? Almost 2 times stock? Not long.
Test drive the s2k and hit switchover under a bridge / tunnel with the top down. You'll get it.

-Ed

 

Would you put dedicated snow tires on that WRX? Because if you thing you can drive a 400 HP WRX as is with it's summer performance tires in a Canadian Prairies winter, you will be sadly mistaken. But if you equip it with snow tires and don't mind driving UGLY, go ahead. I somehow doubt a stock WRX power train could take daily use with 400HP anyway.

 

it really depends on where you live, your profile su2ny just says you are from california. if you are in socal, screw the WRX. but because this is even a question for you, i will presume you live in norcal.

its not that a s2000 is completely useless in bad weather, but it is a handful for sure. anyone with common sense will exersice extreme caution, and eventually this becomes a real pain in the ass. like xviper said, in the snow, a stock wrx let alone a 400hp would still require proper tires and because your name isnt colin mcrae, i bet you still wont be pulling your e-brake and drifting corners at speed. cars are expensive as we all know.

now, if i may explain myself to dangarza and sireousrex. let me break this down for you.
a) snappy is snappy, no matter if you know your car or not. if you dont know your car it can be dangerous, if you do its not such a problem. but it is still a characteristic of the stock s2000, and not a necessarily good one. for example i have extensively driven both the s2000 and the new 350z, and they are two great cars. both have very high limits, but the trouble comes when you exceed those limits. lets say you take a corner a little fast. in the 350z, you get slight understeer, you lift off and prevoking a little oversteer, you countersteer, and give it the exit shot. its really quite predictable and natural. for the most part the s2000 behaves the same, except there is less feeling in the car. what can and has happened to me once was that i did not realise the extent of my oversteer and had to massively correct. to my surprise the s2000 very quickly snaped into an overcorrection and i shit my pants because i was looking at a phone pole. i corrected again and pulled it off. but damn that was scary.

now i know that this mistake was caused by my (then) lack of time in the car. but the point is that the 350z never did that to me (with the TCS off, even) because in general it is more predictable and reliable. the s2000 is great by all means when kept in its limits, but for me, i must push limits (responsibly on a track) and in result i exceed the sometimes and i like it when the car can help me, not hurt.

b) the miata is an amazing handling car (in my opinion better handling that pretty much anything sub $80,000) and while not matched in power, far exceeds the s2000 on a purely handling basis.

c) the 350z at base price has all the performance of the track model except for the LSD and the brembo brakes. same motor, transmission, carbon prop shaft, suspension. the LSD is a big deal, but just buy it aftermarket.

sorry if this post was long, i hope i didnt distract all of you from the all important 400hp wrx vs s2000 debate. laters

 

Understeer followed by lift off = Easier to drive at the limit = not as exciting. If a car is easy to drive at the limit there is way less of a learning curve. Good for some, but not me anyway

If you don't want any oversteer get a fwd car. Nice and easy to control at the limit. Or get a AWD / RWD with a bad weight bias 60/40 will do fine.


-Ed

 

YOU DON'T HAVE AN S, SO WHY PRETEND?!!!

 

The same question over and over again...

 

We get plenty of snow here too, Thats why I have 2 4x4 beaters to drive. I guess I might consider the WRX for a winter beater, but never would have it take the place of the S.

 

Who is this in reference to?

-Ed

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by NoMoreWRX
[B]Understeer followed by lift off = Easier to drive at the limit = not as exciting. If a car is easy to drive at the limit there is way less of a learning curve. Good for some, but not me anyway

If you don't want any oversteer get a fwd car. Nice and easy to control at the limit. Or get a AWD / RWD with a bad weight bias 60/40 will do fine.