Which should I go for AP1 or AP2?
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Originally Posted by JackS' timestamp='1322848127' post='21204935
You could look at it like this- in a straight line race, the AP1/AP2 would have a visual yoyo effect flying down a track in which distance weren't a factor and time was meaningless. 8300rpm vs. 9000 ,rhe difference is 700rpm or about 8%. Each shift would come sooner with the AP2 by (0.5sec arbritrary and averaged over a total of 5 ,2nd through 6th. The winner could only be determend by drawing a line or assigning a specific time period. Each of these cars would enjoy an advantage at different spots in this imaginary race based on these two factors. If the race were infinite, I would predict a dead heat.
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From: phila
Drive a few of each and see which one you like better. I liked the AP1 better. Some like the AP2 better.
x2 ....imo ...imo ...ok ...and i have driven both many many times ...ap1 is how the car was first build and IMO should it should have stayed that way ...somethin about 9k just makes me say Ap1 ALL THE WAY
x2 ....imo ...imo ...ok ...and i have driven both many many times ...ap1 is how the car was first build and IMO should it should have stayed that way ...somethin about 9k just makes me say Ap1 ALL THE WAY
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From: phila
MY00-01: plastic window. That's really the only bad thing. It is the S2000 as intended, though. It has an ugly carpet console, but leather upgrades are abundant.
MY02-03: glass window, 2.0L, better, but still crappy, sound system
MY04-05: 2.2L engine, new bumpers and a softer suspension. IMO, the AP2 does look better.
MY06-08: Stability control, drive-by-wire throttle, 2.2L engine, even softer suspension. This will be out of your price range most likely.
The MY00-01 is the most "raw" car. It's the most challenging to drive, and rides harder than the others. MY02-03 a little less so, but it's noticeably more aggressive than the MY04-08. In a low-speed autocross, the AP2 has an advantage. One can throw "APX is faster 0-Y" all they want, as either car is going to have it's spot where it's quicker.
The AP2 is quicker around town, but all models seem to be equally quick when you go all-out. It also has a little more peak horsepower, but the 2.0L has a wider powerband and a 9K redline. The AP2 is the "Americanized" S2000.
If I had to buy today, I'd probably get a MY06-08. MY06-08 can be flashpro'd, so that's a plus. Stability control is also a good addition, and it's one of the few cars where it can be completely de-activated. Not sure about long term reliability of that system...could be an expensive repair if it breaks.
If you find one you like, buy it regardless of year. The extra torque is 9 pounds...it is not "night and day". IMO, the extra oomph is more due to the shorter primary reduction than it is the engine. An AP1 can have an AP2 transmission or a new final drive added.
Ultimate? MY02-03 with a blower, b/c that's what I have
Any MY02-03 in excellent condition is going to fall in the $13-14K area. I wouldnt' get a mediocre MY05 over a tip-top MY02, for example.
MY02-03: glass window, 2.0L, better, but still crappy, sound system
MY04-05: 2.2L engine, new bumpers and a softer suspension. IMO, the AP2 does look better.
MY06-08: Stability control, drive-by-wire throttle, 2.2L engine, even softer suspension. This will be out of your price range most likely.
The MY00-01 is the most "raw" car. It's the most challenging to drive, and rides harder than the others. MY02-03 a little less so, but it's noticeably more aggressive than the MY04-08. In a low-speed autocross, the AP2 has an advantage. One can throw "APX is faster 0-Y" all they want, as either car is going to have it's spot where it's quicker.
The AP2 is quicker around town, but all models seem to be equally quick when you go all-out. It also has a little more peak horsepower, but the 2.0L has a wider powerband and a 9K redline. The AP2 is the "Americanized" S2000.
If I had to buy today, I'd probably get a MY06-08. MY06-08 can be flashpro'd, so that's a plus. Stability control is also a good addition, and it's one of the few cars where it can be completely de-activated. Not sure about long term reliability of that system...could be an expensive repair if it breaks.
If you find one you like, buy it regardless of year. The extra torque is 9 pounds...it is not "night and day". IMO, the extra oomph is more due to the shorter primary reduction than it is the engine. An AP1 can have an AP2 transmission or a new final drive added.
Ultimate? MY02-03 with a blower, b/c that's what I have
Any MY02-03 in excellent condition is going to fall in the $13-14K area. I wouldnt' get a mediocre MY05 over a tip-top MY02, for example.
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From: phila
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Pawtucket, RI
I'd rather have an early AP1 with the AP2 engine (w/ 9000rpm rev limit).
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I just bought an 06 yesterday for $17k. Laguna Blue Pearl with around 63k miles. It is all stock except for the K&N filter in the stock housing. The car is perfect! The steering and suspension are really resposive and feel like new, so I would not get too hung up on miles unless you are planning on the sale already. I'm 43, so not quite retirement geezer age, but the traction control and softer, better controlled suspension were appealling to me. The 8k redline is fine, and the car just gets onit when you are full throttle. I did not notice any hesitation with the DBW throttle, so to me that is a non issue. I say get what appeals to you, but the newer the better in my opinion. The AP1 looks a little outdated to me, and the problem oversteer is something I did not want to experience.
BT
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Originally Posted by FluKy15' timestamp='1311336140' post='20804437
[quote name='purplemonkeydishwasher' timestamp='1311335307' post='20804411']
[quote name='FluKy15' timestamp='1311323606' post='20804169']
I would never buy an 04-05 for the lack of flashpro use. If I were to buy a new s2000 all over again it would be 03 or 06+. Currently have an 07 with a flashpro. No ap1 can take me unless it has gears in it. This "soft suspension" thing I don't believe either. I haven't tracked an ap1 though so I could be wrong, but I bet I can get a better time on a track with an ap2 over ap1.
[quote name='FluKy15' timestamp='1311323606' post='20804169']
I would never buy an 04-05 for the lack of flashpro use. If I were to buy a new s2000 all over again it would be 03 or 06+. Currently have an 07 with a flashpro. No ap1 can take me unless it has gears in it. This "soft suspension" thing I don't believe either. I haven't tracked an ap1 though so I could be wrong, but I bet I can get a better time on a track with an ap2 over ap1.
? There was a video though where the drift king was able to hold a higher speed through corners with ap2 suspension, over ap1 suspension.[/quote]
Just to let you know, that video with DK comparing the AP1 to AP2, the AP2 set slightly faster lap times. It was determined that this mainly was due to the bigger wheels and tires on the AP2. Once they bolted the AP2 wheels and tires onto the AP1, the lap time was virtually the same.
All in all, from a driving dynamics standpoint, the AP1 is more engaging and raw to drive where as the AP2 is less sporty, but much easier to drive quickly. Basically, the driving experience in the AP1 is better, but the practicality and refinement in the AP2 is better.
[/quote]
I know this is an old thread but I just wana clear this up for anyone stumbling on this thread. This did not happen on the bmi video. When they switched the bigger tires to the ap1 the times were not identical. The ap1 clocked a faster time by .5 seconds , but still not identical to an ap2. The ap2 was still .5 seconds faster with the ap1 running the bigger tires. Also keep in mind the ap2 on the bmi video holds a 2.0 motor as well. They determined the better suspension setup was the true factor why the ap2 was faster than the ap1
AP1 time 1'12"120
Ap2 time 1'11"151
AP1 time with ap2 tires 1'11"646