I've owned just about every Prelude model made in the last fifteen years (from a '88 4WS to a '01 SH) and think it's a fabulous car. The S2000 definitely is a rung or two up the latter in terms of performance. Grip is definitely better than non-SH Preludes although I'm still not certain that with equal tires a S2000 is definitely faster around a banked corner than a SH. The S has far superior power, shifting and braking, all of which are in a different league. The S has more precise and responsive steering but the Prelude's steering feel is superior compared to the relatively numb S2000 unit. I think the Prelude has better aerodynamics and stability at high speed / on bad roads. On this last point I think this is simply one of the tradeoffs of a short wheelbase convertible.

Build quality is more or less equivalent IMO. The seats in the S2000 are amazing if you're coming from a Prelude. Also the S really does have superior feature content versus the Prelude; for example the HIDs.

I think it's a better car and a great step up, if the reduced utility is not a problem for you. (Mine is my only car / daily driver; I do miss the back seats of the Prelude whenever I need to move some stuff around.)

 

for 18-20K you will be able to get a 00-01 model. The plastic window is NOT a big deal if you take care of it and simply make sure it folds right when lowering the top. Plus, they do have more visibility. I do widh I had a defroster in mine, though.

In 00-01 you only have the choice of silverstone, the darker silver. the lighter one didn't show up until the 02 model. 00's are in black, red, white, and silver. Yellow was added in 01.

The S2000 attracts so much attention. Most people have no idea what it is when they see it. The insurance on mine was comparable to the rate on my GSR.

 

DoitDoitDoit

Colleen