S2000 an "Exotic"?
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Calgary
S2000 an "Exotic"?
Hey folks,
Here is a very subjective question for you. In your opinion, is the S2000 considered an "exotic" sports car? What exactly is an "exotic" car? I ask this because everyone's answers will be different, and as stated earlier, purely subjective. What makes our vehicles exotic, if in fact they are? Is it the performance? the somewhat exclusive ownership? The price? Not likely on the last, but price often labels a vehicle as exotic by the non enthusiast.
Just a nonsensical, but curious question as I sit here sipping my tea. (yes..another tea drinker here
)
Cheers
Asif
Here is a very subjective question for you. In your opinion, is the S2000 considered an "exotic" sports car? What exactly is an "exotic" car? I ask this because everyone's answers will be different, and as stated earlier, purely subjective. What makes our vehicles exotic, if in fact they are? Is it the performance? the somewhat exclusive ownership? The price? Not likely on the last, but price often labels a vehicle as exotic by the non enthusiast.
Just a nonsensical, but curious question as I sit here sipping my tea. (yes..another tea drinker here
)Cheers
Asif
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: newport beach
Hi Asif
I think the S2000 is a "semi" exotic. It only costs $32,700, so that substantially detracts from its exotic status. However, it revs to 9000 rpms, has the highest specific output of any naturally aspirated production internal combustion piston automobile engine, has not only 50/50 weight distribution, but 25/25/25/25 weight distribution. It is built substantially by hand in the NSX factory. For all that, Honda has made production compromises (hot air intake, marginal clutch and differential) which are clearly sub exotic in character.
The bottom line - the S2000 is a one-of-a-kind of which Honda imports approximately 5000 per year into the United States. A semi exotic contradiction for a semi exotic sports car.
I think the S2000 is a "semi" exotic. It only costs $32,700, so that substantially detracts from its exotic status. However, it revs to 9000 rpms, has the highest specific output of any naturally aspirated production internal combustion piston automobile engine, has not only 50/50 weight distribution, but 25/25/25/25 weight distribution. It is built substantially by hand in the NSX factory. For all that, Honda has made production compromises (hot air intake, marginal clutch and differential) which are clearly sub exotic in character.
The bottom line - the S2000 is a one-of-a-kind of which Honda imports approximately 5000 per year into the United States. A semi exotic contradiction for a semi exotic sports car.
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Santa Monica, CA
As much as I love my S2000 and all of the technology that makes it what it is, I don't think it can be considered an exotic. To me, and exotic car has world-class performance, is very rare (as rare as a Z8, for example), and usually has a pretty high price tag. The S2000 has great performance, but lacks the straight-line speed that true exotics have. Overall, I think that its performance level is just below that of world-class, coupled with the inexpensive (in comparison to cars universally considered exotic, like a Ferrari) price keep it out of the exotic range, IMO.
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Bergen County
I agree, the S2000 is a great sports car, but definitely not what I'd consider exotic. . .
I tend to think the term "exotic" (when referring to a car) has more to do with EXCLUSIVITY, styling, and technology than it has to do with performance and price (though, exclusivity often results in higher prices). For example, an NSX is considered to be an exotic car by many standards because of its styling, exclusivity, technology and performance. However, $90K (while significantly more than most salaries) isn't that costly. In addition, I would consider a Lotus Elise an exotic car even though it only costs 55K (with an ITR engine). . .
During the 80's (and earlier) Porsche and Ferrari were the prototypical "exotic". That being said, by today's standards a base Porsche 911 probably isn't considered an exotic, even though its performance/price/styling would say otherwise. However, a 911TT or GT2 are absolutely exoctic automobiles.
To make this subject even more confusing, take Jaguar. At one time, Jags (any model) were considered exotic. However, not many people would consider a S-type or even a base XK an exotic.
In short, higher salaries, leasing, & financing along with the M&A of auto manufacturers has resulted in greater availability of once exclusive cars (at not such exotic prices). In addition, technology and performance are also not limited to exotics. Subsequently, the distinction between exotic & expensive or exotic & sports/performance has become a lot less distinctive.
A friend of mine once said "$100,000 per year only sounds like a lot of money if you don't make it."
A (fill in the blank) is only an exotic until you drive one every day. . .
I tend to think the term "exotic" (when referring to a car) has more to do with EXCLUSIVITY, styling, and technology than it has to do with performance and price (though, exclusivity often results in higher prices). For example, an NSX is considered to be an exotic car by many standards because of its styling, exclusivity, technology and performance. However, $90K (while significantly more than most salaries) isn't that costly. In addition, I would consider a Lotus Elise an exotic car even though it only costs 55K (with an ITR engine). . .
During the 80's (and earlier) Porsche and Ferrari were the prototypical "exotic". That being said, by today's standards a base Porsche 911 probably isn't considered an exotic, even though its performance/price/styling would say otherwise. However, a 911TT or GT2 are absolutely exoctic automobiles.
To make this subject even more confusing, take Jaguar. At one time, Jags (any model) were considered exotic. However, not many people would consider a S-type or even a base XK an exotic.
In short, higher salaries, leasing, & financing along with the M&A of auto manufacturers has resulted in greater availability of once exclusive cars (at not such exotic prices). In addition, technology and performance are also not limited to exotics. Subsequently, the distinction between exotic & expensive or exotic & sports/performance has become a lot less distinctive.
A friend of mine once said "$100,000 per year only sounds like a lot of money if you don't make it."
A (fill in the blank) is only an exotic until you drive one every day. . .
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From: I make Erock better
Logically I don't consider this car an exotic, I don't consider a Boxster or an M3 an exotic either...BUT
I have to change my stance a bit for my location, given where I live...yes this car is almost like seeing a Ferrari Monster Truck.
I've had my car a month and have only seen 1 other S2K, which was arranged.
So I think putting a label on it is probably subjective to your environment.
Vince
I have to change my stance a bit for my location, given where I live...yes this car is almost like seeing a Ferrari Monster Truck.
I've had my car a month and have only seen 1 other S2K, which was arranged.
So I think putting a label on it is probably subjective to your environment.
Vince