Is there a higher fatality rate for s2k owners?

If yes, then I'd agree with you.

If not, then you've just based your decision on unfounded fears.

Look at it this way, if you drive on the road, there's a chance of you crashing and dying... no matter what you drive.

I know Miata has one of the lowest fatality rates... there's lots of data to back this up since it's been out for a while. Now, if a Miata can be this good, I don't see how the S2k can do that badly.

Of course, one of the reasons why miata drivers survive better could be because they are better drivers to begin with... Now, for sure S2k owners on the averages will probably be superior drivers compared to other lame drivers on the road. I'm sure we all will do the best we can to avoid crashing our babies.

 

I can understand your concern about this car because I'm facing the same doubts. Being a high horsepower rwd roadster, it's inherently less safe than a lower powered fwd or awd sedan. In spite of that, I think I've reached the conclusion that some risks in life are worth taking if you want to enjoy your existence before your time runs out. It's a risk just walking out your front door every day. Instead of living in fear, you could tell yourself that you're just moving the line of what you consider an acceptable risk out a little further by buying this car.

 

After my accident, I'm convinced the S2000 is invincible. I believe if I had been in any other car when it happened, I would've been crushed.

 

The S2000 was recently crashtested by euro-ncap and got very god results.
Read more about the results and how the test was made here
www.euroncap.com

Jonas

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by CosmosM3
[B]Anyone have any factual information on the cars safety ratings that they could provide or experiences they want to share... would be great.

 

The S2000 is a safe car. The recent offset frontal crash test results done in Europe gave the S2000 four stars and with a score of 27 a better rating than 85% of the cars tested. It was pointed out on this board that it also passed the roll-over test which convertibles are exempt from taking but Honda has done a fine job with the roll bars and windshield supports. Dan Carney in his book relates that the S2000 received top grades from crash tests performed by Honda. All that being said, this type of vehicle is involved in more accidents because many drivers tend to take more chances and end up paying for it in the end. If you are a decent, careful driver this car may be for you.

 

Hmmm, I have heard that the current 3 series is not stellar in crash tests itself.

But whatever.

 

There is a very important point being missed here. I was first made aware of this fact about 40 years ago...really. The famous comedian Ernie Kovacs died in a single-car crash driving some sort of "compact". The papers said "if he had been driving his Rolls he would not have died". In the same incident maybe not. But then-World Champion Phil Hill pointed out in an expert answer to that opinion that it isn't weight, but weight distribution that matters. A smaller, more agile car (like, say, an S2000??) is way more likely to AVOID the accident due to superior braking, steering, and handling than perhaps a large vehicle.

I am TOTALLY and 100% convinced that the perceived invincibility of an Excursion, Suburban, Navigator etc. is what causes more death and injury than someone exceeding their capabilities in an S2000 or a Carrera or any other vehicle. If you are afraid of the chance of encountering something bigger while driving an S2000 than the only logical thing to really do is get a Kenworth or maybe one of those things that moves the rockets out to the launch pads down at Cape Canaveral. Might as well ensure you are bigger than EVERYBODY!

I do admit when I drove my S2000 back from San Diego to SF when I first bought it I was amazed at the overwhelming number of sport-useless vehicles everywhere. But with the top down and the stares all around I did not give a rat's ass.....

 

Same here. I had an accident a month ago and while the car suffered $20000 of damages, I walked out with just a tiny scratch. As for safety ratings, at least the insurance institute thinks its a very safe car - my insurance went down after I traded in my 98 Prelude for the S2000!!

[QUOTE]Originally posted by autechre
[B]After my accident, I'm convinced the S2000 is invincible.

 

YOU ARE SOOOOOOO WRONG ABOUT THE S2000 BEING UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!!!!

LISTEN.... I was driving about 60MPH in the rain, was rear-ended, did three 360 degree spins.. slammed a gaurdrail.... then slid back 100 feet....

I hit the gaurd rail on the drivers side and I walked away with no injury!!! The police and ambulance that came to the scene said that they could not believe the car sheltered me so well and that I actually walked away with out a scratch!

I am not the only one with this kind of experience... THE S2000 is the safest roadster/sports car out there. If I was in my old camaro I would not want to know what the outcome would have been.

--Jim