S2000, TT, Boxster, Miata...
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From: Nashville
TripleH...
I had a RX-7 (90 convertible) and it red lined (I think) at 9k. Granted I have never driven a VTEC engine. I recall w. the RX to get any power what so ever from it you had to stay very high in the RPM. I sucked from red light starts...ok on the highway....
Once you had a convertible .. you have to have one again....
I had a RX-7 (90 convertible) and it red lined (I think) at 9k. Granted I have never driven a VTEC engine. I recall w. the RX to get any power what so ever from it you had to stay very high in the RPM. I sucked from red light starts...ok on the highway....
Once you had a convertible .. you have to have one again....
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Camarillo
I have to vehemently agree with those who've said it before: you just have to drive the S2000 once and your decision should be much easier. It's hard to beat the 
factor. Plus IMHO, the S2000 is much more unique and sexy than any of the others. (Caveat: make sure you get into an S2000 that's broken in so you can VTEC. If you don't VTEC, you won't "get it.")
factor. Plus IMHO, the S2000 is much more unique and sexy than any of the others. (Caveat: make sure you get into an S2000 that's broken in so you can VTEC. If you don't VTEC, you won't "get it.")
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From: Nashville
I called a local dealer, someone traded in a 01 for an o2 (ok..someone clue me in on why...the back glass??)
IF I like the car and they offer MSRP, low % rate... we shall see. If ya'all (Southern thing) see a big posting and an invite to do the Natchez Trace Pkwy its from me.....
IF I like the car and they offer MSRP, low % rate... we shall see. If ya'all (Southern thing) see a big posting and an invite to do the Natchez Trace Pkwy its from me.....
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From: Friday Harbor
The point made re. driving an S2000 that is broken-in is salient. VTEC rpm and above is like going into boost with a Porsche 944T vs 944(NA)......all the difference in the world. As you stated before, but now ignore, the glass rear window is significant, especially in the long term re. wear and tear. There are other changes in 2002 as well. Lastly, I would suggest referencing recent threads re. MSRP and today's pricing reality.
Michael
2002 Sebring Silver/Blk
Michael
2002 Sebring Silver/Blk
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From: Chicagoland
Some of us who are looking at the S2000 are indeed comparing it to the lower end competition. I originally looked at a Miata, but at 5'11" with a 32" inseam I just plain do not fit in any Miata. The new ones (especially with surfboard seats) are the worst. No decent aftermarket seats available. No to Miata. End of story.
I then spent quite a bit of time in the last several months looking at MR2 Spyders. I fit OK in them, but I didn't care for the complete lack of storage space. My ST1100 holds more!! I test drove several. The dynamics are good, but they just felt - well, "cheap". Built to a price. Even the Miata felt like a nicer finished vehicle. Dealers in my area were acting like they were doing me a favor selling me one (in November!), and tried to steal my trade. No thanks.
I was about to give up on affordable convertibles. I knew the S2000 wouldn't fit, since all the car magazines list headroom at 34.7", WAAY less than a Miata, right? I decided to go sit in one just for grins, and WHOA! What do you know - PLENTY of headroom. LIARS!!! It felt like my old Del Slo! So it looks like the S2000 is actually a strong possibility. I test drove one on a rainy night this December. It actually felt great below 6000rpm- much like a strong Miata. At the salesman's prodding I took it to 8000rpm. It was VERY strong up there, but also loud. VRRROOOOOMM!!! Fortunately, I couldn't see the need to drive the car "like you stole it", since I had plenty of power to keep up with traffic below 4000rpm. When I got home I fired up Excel and overlaid the data from dyno runs of an 01 Miata and 01 S2000. This confirmed my suspicions. The S2000 feels just slightly quicker than a Miata below 5500rpm and MUCH quicker above. Keep the revs down and the car is perfectly acceptable in daily traffic. If you need power, just downshift.
The S2000 straddles the line between the cheaper convertibles (Miata, MR2) and much more expensive sports cars (M convertible, Porsche Spyder S, Corvette) quite nicely. It's amazing there really isn't any competition in the $27-36K price range.
I then spent quite a bit of time in the last several months looking at MR2 Spyders. I fit OK in them, but I didn't care for the complete lack of storage space. My ST1100 holds more!! I test drove several. The dynamics are good, but they just felt - well, "cheap". Built to a price. Even the Miata felt like a nicer finished vehicle. Dealers in my area were acting like they were doing me a favor selling me one (in November!), and tried to steal my trade. No thanks.
I was about to give up on affordable convertibles. I knew the S2000 wouldn't fit, since all the car magazines list headroom at 34.7", WAAY less than a Miata, right? I decided to go sit in one just for grins, and WHOA! What do you know - PLENTY of headroom. LIARS!!! It felt like my old Del Slo! So it looks like the S2000 is actually a strong possibility. I test drove one on a rainy night this December. It actually felt great below 6000rpm- much like a strong Miata. At the salesman's prodding I took it to 8000rpm. It was VERY strong up there, but also loud. VRRROOOOOMM!!! Fortunately, I couldn't see the need to drive the car "like you stole it", since I had plenty of power to keep up with traffic below 4000rpm. When I got home I fired up Excel and overlaid the data from dyno runs of an 01 Miata and 01 S2000. This confirmed my suspicions. The S2000 feels just slightly quicker than a Miata below 5500rpm and MUCH quicker above. Keep the revs down and the car is perfectly acceptable in daily traffic. If you need power, just downshift.
The S2000 straddles the line between the cheaper convertibles (Miata, MR2) and much more expensive sports cars (M convertible, Porsche Spyder S, Corvette) quite nicely. It's amazing there really isn't any competition in the $27-36K price range.
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Toronto
A Porsche is a Porsche...there is no substitute, plus they too can handle like a dream.
BMW is very luxurious...nice marque...good torque.
The S2000 is alot of bang for the buck and is the most 'efficient' of the bunch...efficient at speed, handling, cost...etc.
miata is one step away (not above) from the previous 3.
BMW is very luxurious...nice marque...good torque.
The S2000 is alot of bang for the buck and is the most 'efficient' of the bunch...efficient at speed, handling, cost...etc.
miata is one step away (not above) from the previous 3.
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From: Nashville
TripleH.
I am looking fwd to VTECing. I am trying to go test drive a 01 (9k miles on it, so its broken in) Friday night, if not then Saturday morning.
I will report back on Wednesday (Christmas) my feelings.
I am looking fwd to VTECing. I am trying to go test drive a 01 (9k miles on it, so its broken in) Friday night, if not then Saturday morning.
I will report back on Wednesday (Christmas) my feelings.