I like the changes to the '04, except the stratospheric 9000RPM of Formula 1. It is almost time for me to change to another vehicle, but it won't be another S2000. I absolutely love the S but it's time for a new car; probably Z4, Boxster S, C6, etc. When the time comes, I'll test them all extensively and decide.

 

yeh same here once I'm out of school I will keep S around for a bit longer but no new 04 for me.

 

Test drive one. Unfortunately you're not supposed to VTEC until 600 miles, so the test drive is not going to reveal the car's most appealing attribute: VTEC. However, not turning this into a debate once again, I can assure you the car does not drop out of VTEC when you shift from 1st to 2nd, IF you shift at or near redline and don't dilly-dally into the next gear. You'll learn how to drive it. Yes, it may drop slightly below 6k RPM, but it does not come out of VTEC, so who cares? Look at dyno plots and compare hp/torque to RPM between the two motors. This is my first S2000, so I can't say whether or not I regret going with an '04. However, I don't want you making a decision on inaccurate information.

 

Paying more for the '04 than the '01 I had, no regrets. There's nothing I find that make me think that I'm glad I got rid of the '01 either. In terms of preference, it felt like as if there were no changes on the car, just the model year.

You do notice all the changes, such as having lower rpm, softer rear suspension, comfier interior, but at least for me, the changes are so light I don't find the 04 even slightly inferior compared to 01.

For me, the difference between owning an 01 and 04 is like you're going on a 20mile hiking with a 40lbs backpack, but on the 01, you have one of the straps on the backpack folded and causes some discomfort on your shoulder, and on the 04, you got the strap fixed. In the end, people would only care about the fact that you went on a 20-mile hiking with a 40lbs backpack and they won't really give a damn whether you had a folded strap that made you more hardcore or not.

 

I regret not buying one sooner!

.....and not SC the one I have.

 

Hehe. Try this - gently redline the car in first gear. Notice that you're going about 38mph. Shift to 2nd and stay at 38mph. You will be turning about 5500rpm.

 

I LOVE MY S2000

 

I remember the same ~5700-5900RPM crossover from my 04 test drive last October... I'm very surprised about this gearing detail though.. still not a big deal, the power is there with the 2.2. That car will chirp tires @ 4KRPM. It's a whole different ball game. But is it as fun...? I need some time with it.

 

Personally, I love them both. I do not have a complaint about my MY00 except for the plastic rear window. I would not mind having an 04, but I totally enjoy my 00 and don't think I would have anymore fun in a newer one. As long as you have an S your in good shape enjoy it and drive on.

 

hands down '04....

my '00 was good, but this MUCH better...for my purposes (daily driver, including winter).