So what really is the better year ap1/ap2
06-19-2007, 07:13 AM
#22
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I didn't interpret the OP's question as "Which is better, AP1 or AP2?" but rather, "What is the best year for each of the AP1 and the AP2?"
To answer THAT question, it is far more unanimous. MOST people prefer the updated interior and glass rear window of the '02 and '03 for the AP1. For the AP2, it seems like most people prefer the '04 and '05, to avoid the DBW of the later models.
I probably wouldn't buy an '00 or '01 S2000, just because I would hate maintaing that plastic window, but aside from that I wouldn't hesitate to buy any other model year. I prefer the '02 and '03 (obviously) but made an offer on an '05 before I bought my '03. I was really just looking for the best value red one I could find, regardless of vintage.
To answer THAT question, it is far more unanimous. MOST people prefer the updated interior and glass rear window of the '02 and '03 for the AP1. For the AP2, it seems like most people prefer the '04 and '05, to avoid the DBW of the later models.
I probably wouldn't buy an '00 or '01 S2000, just because I would hate maintaing that plastic window, but aside from that I wouldn't hesitate to buy any other model year. I prefer the '02 and '03 (obviously) but made an offer on an '05 before I bought my '03. I was really just looking for the best value red one I could find, regardless of vintage.
06-19-2007, 07:14 AM
#23
It seems to me from the original post that pli wants to know more about which is the best year for the AP1 and which is the best for AP2. NOT is the ap1 or ap2 superior. Seems pretty clear he understands this is a matter of taste.
At any rate, among AP1s the 03 has the updated AP1 tail lights (don't fade, chrome rings), the glass rear window, the aluminum dead pedal, the two-post driver's floormat, the center console was covered, and maybe a few other tweaks. Of course it is the newest AP1 as well. I have heard there were some modifications to the timing and fuel maps over the first four years so presumably this improved drivability a bit.
I'm not sure when each of the above changes were introduced. To me the big one is the glass rear window which was added in my02 iirc.
At any rate, among AP1s the 03 has the updated AP1 tail lights (don't fade, chrome rings), the glass rear window, the aluminum dead pedal, the two-post driver's floormat, the center console was covered, and maybe a few other tweaks. Of course it is the newest AP1 as well. I have heard there were some modifications to the timing and fuel maps over the first four years so presumably this improved drivability a bit.
I'm not sure when each of the above changes were introduced. To me the big one is the glass rear window which was added in my02 iirc.
06-19-2007, 07:16 AM
#24
Great minds think alike.
06-19-2007, 07:45 AM
#25
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i went from an 03 to an 07...
the o3 did have that OMG I can rev to 9k factor..but to be honest it didnt matter to me because i didnt hot 9k too many times. The 07 and 06 DBW is hardly noticeable and VSA can be turned off. The car stock vs my 03, the 07 is more refined and a bit faster.
The updated styling on the exterior and interior sold me on getting another S.
the o3 did have that OMG I can rev to 9k factor..but to be honest it didnt matter to me because i didnt hot 9k too many times. The 07 and 06 DBW is hardly noticeable and VSA can be turned off. The car stock vs my 03, the 07 is more refined and a bit faster.
The updated styling on the exterior and interior sold me on getting another S.
06-19-2007, 07:49 AM
#26
The best would be a 02-03 S2000 with the wheels, red/black seats, headlights and tail lights from the 04-05 and the traction control and rollhoop speakers from a 06-07.
06-19-2007, 08:51 AM
#28
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I'm slightly biased since I own an '03, but the 2002-2003 AP1...or AP1.5 has the (relatively) nicer stereo (4 speakers), center console cover, and glass rear window. However, there are a small number of S2000 owners who like the slightly more raw feel of the 2000 and 2001 years. You save probably 3-6 pounds with the plastic window. Easily worth .0008 seconds on an autocross right?
As for the AP2s. I've driven both, and I can't tell a difference between an 06-07 and an 04-05. The DBW may impede some modifications, but an oil minder is nice.
As for the AP2s. I've driven both, and I can't tell a difference between an 06-07 and an 04-05. The DBW may impede some modifications, but an oil minder is nice.
06-19-2007, 09:35 AM
#29
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The only benefits in my mind in owning an 02-03 over an 00-01 would be the leather center console (even though I don't mind the carpet.. purely visual), leaned out fuel map, maybe the oil jet bolts. I like the larger plastic window, even if it is plastic and takes some work to keep in good condition.. top should be down anyway. I much prefer the 00-01 tail lights. There was a recall since they were fading so this is NOT a problem. 00-01 lights are my favorite.. the chrome rings look cheesy. I can't comment on the stereo since mine has tweeters and new speakers installed. I enjoy the raw feeling I get from my 00 and I wouldn't have it any other way. If I wanted a refined roadster I'd buy an BMW or a Porsche.
06-19-2007, 11:09 AM
#30
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AP1= 03
AP2 = 04-05
just think of it this way, if you really want the 9k, but like the looks of an ap2, just do the conversions that everyone does to the ap1s later on.
AP2 = 04-05
just think of it this way, if you really want the 9k, but like the looks of an ap2, just do the conversions that everyone does to the ap1s later on.