i currently have a G35 right now as well .. but im also looking into getting an 02 or 03 S2K .. the luxury parts of it is just for crusing around town .. but im looking into picking up an S2K for track reasons .. so the S2K is definitely more of a driver feel car and it doesnt feel dumb and heavy like the G

 

The AP2 motor is the better motor There is someone that has been asking around about selling an AP1 (better performance/looks) with the AP2 motor (better motor - lower redline allows you to keep the car in the power band easier).

Something to think about.

 

I've owned both an AP1 and AP2 like a lot of other members of the board. In my opinion, especially coming from a more comfortable G35, an '04 or greater would be a much better choice for you. AP2 is much improved. Unless you're an SCCA novice of greater, you'd never know the difference in handeling between the two.

 

When I was looking to buy, I looked and test drove the G35 as it was one of my all time favorite cars...never even considered the S. I loved the way you could recognize the G35 by the sound when it drives by.

That all changed when I jumped in to an S2000 for the first time at Carmax. By the way, I'm 6'1" and 190lbs, didn't fit in it all that well.
The wife thought I was being crazy when I told her I was going to test drive it as I didn't really fit, plus it was about 100 degrees and the car was parked outside. The S was an 03 parked right next to the G35 we just drove.

When I got in, I felt claustrophobic as the leather was burning right through my clothes. Took the top down, and headed off. That second, even I thought I was crazy and took the test drive as a joke. The minute I hit 6500, everything changed. Looked over at the Carmax dealer in the passenger side and even he had a grin on his face.

Got back to the Carmax lot and while I pulled up the wife was rolling her eyes. Told her to give it a try and she took it out to the road with the Carmax employee. When she got back I saw the same smile on her face. The Carmax guy told me she took it up to 8500..in first, second, and third.

For the next 4 days, all our conversation of getting a G35 changed to getting the S. Few days later, got an 03 used from a private party. Got everything checked (retainers, brakes, all fluids changed) and have had a smile on my face ever since.

I use it as a daily driver and it never seems to amaze me that however crappy my day went, a drive in the S always made things better.

Get this, I talked my wife into getting a sports car since we didn't have kids yet. We have an Element and we had just totalled a Civic because some numbnut dropped his bumper right infront of me at around 70mph. The plan was to get the G35...when we have kids, sell it for an Odyssey.

Since getting the S...we will be parting with the Element for the Odyssey when we have kids.

 

Yes i love the sport/luxury of the g35. I always had my eye out for the s2k ever since it came out. but really not that use to luxury... even though its great and all. i had to drive a 99 4-door accord around for awhile before i got the G. The G is just a CLEAN ride. I want a more arressive car/ sporty car . I WANT TO TURN HEADS . lol not that i don't turn heads with the G. All and all I like the G but the S just makes me melt . I can't wait to test drive the S that i am about to get next week It doesn't matter to me if it has stiff suspension and is loud all the time. Thats why we got it in the first place right??? I'm just gonna test drive it and take it through 9k through 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.........then i'll come back and tell you guys which car i picked!!

 

I don't think you can really compare the two cars. They're designed for different functions. I used to own an 05 G35 Coupe six speed with navigation. I liked the torque of the engine, the unique exhaust note, and the luxury part. It looks good too. On the other hand, the G coupe didn't give me a goofy smile every time I drove it. The S handles better, brakes better, steers faster, and of course, you can feel and hear the road better . Also, there's nothing like driving a convertible on a nice sunny day.

Also, if you plan to track your car, keep in mind that the S is about 700 lbs lighter than the G coupe... less wear and tear on brakes, tires, etc.

 

I wouldn't give up my S2k for a G35!

 

I think since you are looking at an AP1 03, your just a model year away from an AP2 04 which is a good buy at this moment. You could get one for around 18-24 depending on mileage. I like the AP2 better in my opinion for a daily driver(since mine is). But if i was going Force induction i would have probably gotten an AP1 since its got a higher redline.

The AP2 feels luxurious compared to the AP1 because of the minor upgrades. The AP1`s right now are very inexpensive to acquire, which is a good thing. I test drove the G35, 350Z and Evo 8 along with the s2000. And the biggest attraction was vtec, topdown and the best gear box period!

I just got done test driving an Evo IX MR($32000) trading in my Acura 05 RSX TYPE S. But neither one of them have the same feeling as the S2000`s gear box. Reliability is one of them as well had my s2000 for 2 years now and knock on wood not a single problem. You do have the change the rear tires at around 20K miles.

Good luck with your purchase... Keep us posted...

P.S. I do love the exhaust note the G35 and 350Z!!!

 

Since you like that 9k redline- pick up an AP1. They are a blast. There are differences between the two, but nothing that a non-S2000 owner would pick up on.

 

Omg i wish i got silver just so i could put some unpainted CF parts on !!!!