I am partial to the S2000 at this point, but one thing is stopping me - the mod potential of the F20C. People complain about how difficult it is to mod the 350Z, but with some cost effective drivetrain and airflow mods, it is possible to keep up with M3s.

Obviously, I won't be able to run with M3s in an NA S2000. But I'd at least want to put a lead on a stock Z. The only worthwhile NA mod seems to be the 4.XX gears. Is this true?

 

Get the 350Z.

You sound like a "straight line speed, stoplight to stoplight" kind of guy, you need a 6 cyl at least.

For the S2K, if you wanna run with M3s (on a straight line, off the line etc), you need an SC and 4.44/4.55 etc..

 

I'm going to be Solo II; I'm more of a handling type of guy, which is why I am partial to the S2K at this point. However, I think a bit better straight line performance would be welcome. And I don't want to run with M3s...I just want to put a decent lead on a stock Z.

Sorry if my question sounds noobish, but I have done a lot of searches and it appears that 4.XX gears are the only thing short of a SC that noticeably improves the S2K's straight line performance.

 

If you're doing Solo II, I can't think of a class where the S2000 would really be competitive, other than stock class... and that doesn't leave much that you can do to the car to make it faster. I'm not sure what all you can do in the SM classes, but I doubt the S2000 would be too competitive there.

It really does sound like the 350Z might be the car for you. They're much more "mod-able".

 

What are the rules and regulations of Solo II? Its hard for me to imagine that the S2K wouldn't be competitive in any form of competitive racing...against cars in its class anyway.

Irregardless, I would take an S2K over a 350Z anyday of the week...even if the Zed performed significantly better, which it doesn't. The Zed I 'lived' with for near half a year was nice, but doesn't compare to the S2K in the overall scheme of things IMO.

 

LOL. just get an 04 s2k. you wont have any problems with a stock Z. there will prob be 800 haters on this topic by suinrise, but trust me, i can give you people to call on the phone if youd like, that have watched me walk Zs again and again, dig or roll. go with VTEC, you wont have any complaints. laters dave

 

your basing your decision on how to spend your money primarily on how you will pull on a certain type of car (unmodified of course)? Thats just stupid

 

You should go with the Z simply because you dont understand a true all around sports car. Getting the s2k for you would be a waste.

 

have you considered an EVO?? Quicker than the 350z and s2k, and costs probably less. Also, its very Mod Friendly..

Will-

 

Wow, some harsh words guys...relax! He should just get whatever he wants to, whether he understands a 'true all-around sports car' or not is irrelevant...its his money he is spending, not yours.

Shivak, the best way to determine which car you should buy would be to go on back-to-back test drives of both. Try to find 2nd-hand versions (to test drive) so that the salesman won't mind too much if you hit VTEC or redline the Zed. Outline what you really want in a car, and then determine which one suits your needs best.

Personally, I found the Zed to be a bit too 'clumsy' when cornering, it felt heavy and for lack of a better word, fat. It still carried fairly high cornering speeds, but that was more the work of its thick rubber, rather than its balance and poise. The S2000 is the exact opposite of this. On the plus side, the Zed's sound system is great, it accelerates well, and its relatively torquey...so lazing around in 6th gear is easy. The heated seats is also a pretty cool gimmick, but that wears out after a day lol. I had extensive seat time in the Zed, and the RX8...but at the end of the day the S2K was the car I chose. Maybe you'll think differently, who knows...