First post here. I currently own a 2000 Audi S4. Thinking of switching to an S2k. It will not be my only car but I will likely spend a lot of time in it. I drove one the other day, salesman was cool, took me to some twisty roads and let me wring it out. Problem is, I was so caught up in hauling butt (saleman was insisting that I not shift below 8500) that I really didn't pay a whole lot of attention to comfort. I did not get to drive on the highway at all. So I'd really like to hear some comments about your 500+ mile trips and extended around town driving. After several hours on the highway do the seats or noise get uncomfortable. How about 2 hours of around town driving? I know about the torque issue and that will take some getting used to comming from a car with about 350lb-ft of torque but I'm most interested in suspension harshness, road noise, and wind noise. How much does the hard top help? Is is it a must for long trips? I've done some searches but haven't found definitive answers, any help would be appreciated.

 

The car is quite comfortable for very long distance drives. Being a convertible it's a bit noisier than a regular car, even with the top closed, but it's not that bad. If you get an aftermarket exhaust system that could change.

I've had ~20 or so drives of 500 miles or more, a few of those 1 or 2 thousand continuous miles. I always arrive comfortable and loose.

Around town, there is a bit of a blind spot with the top up, but it can mostly be avoided by leaning your body around. But that's no big deal, the car is meant to be enjoyed top down!

 

I find the S2000 to be very comfortable and quiet, considering it is a roadster and convertible. I drive mine as a daily driver and find it to be a lot of fun and invigorating. Compared to your A4, you may need to make some adjustments, however, I think you will fall in love with all aspects of the car after driving it for a very short time.

 

I use mine as a daily driver (provided no rain's forecast!) and have an hour and a half drive to work - with construction and a LOT of stop and go! When I finally arrive at work I am SO not ready to get out of this car!!! I miss it until it's time to go home and always take the long way back!

Sorry, I've gotta go for a drive now... LOL!

 

It's ok on the highway. However, if you plan on driving heavily in the city (especially NYC), the manholes, potholes and uneven roads will eventually take a toll on your neck. The seat is very very comfortable but it's the stiff suspension that might get to you. But of course with a car like this, stiff suspension is your only option.

 

Mine's a daily driver, mostly freeways, & about 30 miles each way. Absolutely love the car. Handling is awesome- truly like a big go-kart. The only potential negative difference I can think you might notice is the stiff ride, & you'll have to get a feel of that for yourself. It's very similar to the Boxter's ride, both of which are stiffer than the A4s and TTs for sure. City driving is great, too, as the nimbleness & quickness of the car are virtually unmatched. Nice, easy clutch, & the shifter is a joy to use. Happy hunting!

 

I'm in Charlotte, NC. The roads aren't bad here but I do have plenty of stop and go driving to and from work. The weather is pretty mild, only occasional ice and snow. I have a Jeep for the bad weather so that's not much of a concern.

Can anyone speak to the comfort difference between the soft top and hardtop? Is it worth getting or will it just wind up sitting in my garage all the time?

 

I took my s2k across country this summer - I put about 9000 miles on it in 3 weeks. Comfort was fine IMO - better than I expected in fact. Did a 30 hour pull from new orleans to ca, and only had a little back pain from the ordeal.

I think the hardtop makes the car a lot more manageable on long trips. The better visibility out the back is nice (much bigger window, and its glass instead of the plastic my '01 has), and the noise at high speeds (75+) is much better. It's still not as quiet as a luxory car of course, since you still get quite a bit of engine and road noise, but it does eliminate the buffeting right behind your head of the convertible top.

 

The S2000 will never be as comfortable as the S4 on the highway. Your best solution is to keep the S4 for those highway trips and the rainny days, and get the S2000 as your sunny day / weekend canyon carving.

 

I have no problems using mine as a daily driver.....
I have replaced my stock mufflers with the magnaflow 14822's and there is a low drone to about 4k rpm which changes tow a bowed tone that sounds for all the world like the sound we used to try to get from a french horn in symphony class....that is overpowered by the intake noise at about 5k.
On rough roads you will feel the veins in a butterfly wing but the bumps don't send you skittering all over the road.
If you like driving a car that gives you constant feedback and updates on road conditions, you should have no problems.
the seats and seating position are perfect for me.....
Buddy of mine swears that if you could watch 'em being built they would be unpacking parts from the recaro company.