[QUOTE]Originally posted by shingles

If one honestly thinks that the S2000 handles in the same league as a Mustang GT... well, I think it's time to wake up.

A Z06 is a Chevy... I am not fond of Chevy's... sure it's fast, but being happy about a car isn't about going fast in a straight line.

 

QueRAM, my comments on the 99 Mustang GT vs. S2k were that the posted #s for the "g" they each would pull were comparable, which kind of surprises me, because as I noted, the s2k fells a lot tighter. Perhaps the s2000 #s are better than had been initially posted, due to first times out with the s2k. I'd love to have the s2k tightness in my GT. As for acceleration, I think everyone knows that the torque difference means that the GT will have the jump on the s2k but that's not a good comparison. The GT is a muscle car, the s2k is a sports car, they're just different. The Z06 really straddles the border, and has both the muscle car and sports car #s. If you want a convertible, get the s2k, if you want the better acceleration and a bit better handling, get the z06 (provided your budget doesn't matter).

FYI, for all of you out there running against Mustangs, do consider that they easier to modify for performance (product availability since they've been around and there is lots of them) and therefore more likely to be modified, so you might want to listen for any differences before you run them.

 

S2K_CLS,

I can't agree w/ you more...my friend's C5 (6 sp./Z51 w/ BFG G-Force tires) felt like it was absolutely glued to the road. W/ competition mode engaged on the active handling, it was almost idiot-proof for fast driving. I bought my S2K for many reasons, but have no illusions that it's serious competition for the C5. Still like the S2000 better since I think it's more fun to drive on the road. IMO cars like the Vette have such high levels of performance that things will go wrong very quick if you exceeed their limits, w/ consequently more serious results. Part of the appeal of the S2K is that it's fast, but you can use most of its performance on the street.

 

Hey Chris, how is Austin?

I lived there many years (like 14) and moved up to the PACNW just about 3 years ago...

My C5 was basically stock (6sp, Z51) on the run-flats, which of course are hard as rocks compared to any decent performance tire.

Yes, the Vette's level of performance means that if things go wrong, its usually bad news... But, the S is a pretty serious car too... I haven't yet had the S on the track, but I've done some "skill enhancement" on empty roads around industrial parks in the wet... The S certainly is predictable in its handling at the wet limit. It will bite if you push too hard, but it you respect it, it will respect you.

A HUGE part of the stability in the C5 is the long wheelbase... it also contributed to the roominess of the C5. But, the long wheelbase also makes the turn-in a little less immediate.

All in all, the C5 is really a bang for the buck, and the Z06 is as well. I think a lot of people comment on the C5 who have actually not ever driven one. To me, its almost as much a technical accomplishment as the S2000. I'm sure that comment will get flames, so let me explain...

the C5 offers a LOT of technology at a reasonable price... Sure its not making huge amounts of HP from small displacement, but the technology in the entire car is truly amazing. About my only "complaints" were that the radio did look like any other GM car... As for a solid, great handling car with a comfortable ride to boot, the C5 was great...



[QUOTE]Originally posted by Chris S
[B]S2K_CLS,

I can't agree w/ you more...my friend's C5 (6 sp./Z51 w/ BFG G-Force tires) felt like it was absolutely glued to the road.

 

I have raced a new stang conv. recently. I was first at the light (right lane by myself) and a black stang convertable rolls up next to me and gives me a very angry rev. I look over and its 2 guys (20's) looking at me smiling. I very seldom street race but I could not resist this one. The devil made me do it! So I'm sitting there waiting for the light to change and it seems to be taking forever....... I glance to light to the side of me to see if its about to change and about that time I heard the stang laying rubber and leaving me. So I give it so revs as fast as I could and dump it but not enough rpms and it bogs, shit!!. So we take off and he's got 1 and 1/2 cars on me. At the end of first I made up no ground. At the end of 2cnd my front bumper is even with his rear. At the end of third my rear bumper is even with his front and I let off after that (95 mph). I was also driving with a big ass mcdonalds coke between my legs! Thankfully I did not spill any on my seat but It did look like I pissed myself a little. His car was a manual because I heard him slightly grind in between one of his shifts. I bet a hardtop with 1 person in the car would be way close and prob would have lost because of my crap reaction time.

 

Mike,

Austin is still great, just unfortunately more crowded than the good 'ol days. Maybe the economic slowdown will influence some folks to leave for greener (or cheaper) pastures.

We also have a cool group of S2000 maniacs here, which adds to the fun of owning this car. Let us know if you're ever in town!

Glad to see someone else accept the Vette for what it is instead of being lumped in w/ other GM products. When the S2K came out, I ordered both a C5 and a S2000 at the same time not knowing which one I'd take delivery of. While waiting, I picked up a Supra Turbo. The Honda dealer wanted to rape me on the S2K, and the Corvette took nearly a year to arrive...though it was only $1,000 over invoice, I had to pass on it.

I like the S2K better for my usage, but if I had to use a sports car as a sole vehicle for everything, I'd take a C5 over any other sports car on the market.

 

Chris,

yeah, even in my visits once a year, I'm amazed at how much more crowded it has become...

I used to be a FREQUENT participator in those illegal street races

A C5 really is a world apart from the rest of the GM stuff... thats why its so funny to hear people talk about how the Z28 performs almost as well in acceleration for less money... there is more to life than going fast in a straight line, as stated by shingles...

A Supra Turbo???? you cheater

Talk to ya later!



[QUOTE]Originally posted by Chris S
[B]Mike,

Austin is still great, just unfortunately more crowded than the good 'ol days.

 

While the C5 (particularly Z06) has established itself as the "best bang for the buck", for everyday use both the NSX and Porsche 911 are superior.

 

So do you still have the C5? If not, why did you buy a S2000?

BTW, my point is I would spend $32k on a Chevy, not becuase of it's performance, but becaue it's a Chevy.

I think it's personal taste like most things... Perhaps you perfer the way the C5 handles... I've not drive the C5, but I have the previous gen, I know it's not a fair comparison, but that exprience made it such that I wouldn't want to own a vettte. Plus, like I said, I enjoy having to rev the living day lights out an engine... so the S2000 is my cup of tea.

-Shing

[QUOTE]Originally posted by S2K_CLS
[B]And the S2000 is a Honda... whats your point?

Sounds like you haven't driven a C5...

I'll step out on the record to say that my C5 Vette felt MUCH more stable than my S2000 did in the turns.

 

With a good launch the S2000 should be able to take a GT. Cobra is a different story. I've raced both. Beat the GT by 2 cars, Cobra by half. Too skeered of the Saleen.