Hello mates.

I have been a very curious observer of this board for some time. So my first statement is one of great enthusiasm when I say:

This is by far the best laid-out, most organized, informative board on the internet.

I mean that with utmost sincerity.

Next, I will share with you my dilema. Currently, my daily driver is an E46 M3 (the new shape model). I absolutely love the car. However, I long for a convertible. So now I am considering:

Honda S2000
Mercedes SLK 320/ SLK 32
BMW Z3 3.0/ M Roadster
BMW 330Ci Cabriolet (M variant is too pricey)

While I was waiting for delivery of the M3, I drove a Prelude which delightfully surprised me. I thought it was a tremendous auto. However, I didn't care for the front-wheel drive layout, or the ridiculous lack of torque.

I wish for you, the wonderful S2000 owners, to convince me why I should opt for a new S2000 (preferably in Blue). Thank you for the help.

Regards,
matthew

 

The forum itself is reason enough

Actually, if you're a big fan of low end torque, this may not be the car for you. The pros, for me, outweigh the cons by far. True, low end torque is lacking, but the VTEC kick, in combination with excellent and responsive handling, makes for one of the most fun rides I've ever experienced behind the wheel. Bang for the buck, it can't be beat.

Like most things, it's all about compromise. I highly suggest that you try one for yourself and make your own assessment!

 

Consumer Reports rates the S2000 the most fun to drive car of 2001. I'm sure a local owner will take you for a drive and demonstrate.

 

IMHO,

I've driven the E46 M3 and S2000 back-to-back The S2000 feels like a go-cart after the M, both in good and bad ways.

The S2K has much lighter, crisper handling, but noticably less refinment and much less low-end grunt. The M-coupe will give you the grunt without the crisp handling. The Z3 3.0 (and 330 Ci) will give you still more grunt than the S2K, but not that silly, can't stop smiling power that the latest generation M motor delivers, and significantly duller handling. The SLK and will dissapoint in all performance areas, but it's a nice blvd. cruiser.

If you don't like screaming through fast mountain curves, shifting at redline you might want to consider one of the tamer, less hard-edged options you listed.

Oh, and the S2000 is significantly less costly than any of the alternatives you mentioned.

 

Thanks mates!

I have driven the S2000 briefly. One problem that I face is that my local dealership, Greg May Honda, conduct themselves with little to no regard for their customers. In short, they are wankers. I went to take a look at the S2000, and they wouldn't even let me look under the hood because they were closing. Just my thinking, but I would think that a college kid in a 50K automobile would be a hot prospect. So, basically, it will be hard for me to drive the S. Also, they mark theirs at 6K above sticker.

Basically, I am looking for an ownership summary. Your comments have been fantastic, but I would really like for someone with experience driving other cars to tell me both the pros and the cons of the other automobiles. Again, my gratitude.

matthew

 

Well, being the owner of both cars (I got my S2000 about 6 weeks ago and I finally got delivery of my M3 1 week ago after 8 months of waiting) they compliment each other very, very nicely.

The S2000 is the closest thing you will get to that go-cart feeling. Although lacking in the low-end torque department, the car outperforms and outhandles most car in its class and is comparable to cars twice its price. For me, it was the fun factor that made my decision easy.

By the way, did you get your M for MRSP?

 

M3, if you're serious about wanting an S2000, drop me a PM and I'll find you one in Austin for MSRP...

 

The car sells itself but lots of people who buy one don't end up loving it. If you've driven it and aren't convinced, maybe its not for you. For me, it was love at first drive.