Having owned an AP1 and driven two AP2s, they almost feel like two different cars.

I think the higher ratio final drive is what really makes the AP2 feel faster.

It seems that the 2.0 performs well if, and only if, you are in VTEC the entire time. I know this has been discussed a zillion times so I don't want to beat a dead horse. I just got done driving an AP2 and was really impressed with it. It's interesting to see how the 2.2 compares to the 2.0.

Based on ultimate performance, the 2.2 seems like a no brainer (to me). Of course, nothing beats hearing the F20C zip up to 9k.

 

AP1 w/ gears would be best then. But I guess AP2 w/ gears would be even "better".

 

Unless you're getting paid significant sums of money for race results, don't worry about which is faster. Drive them both, and pick which one you find more fun to drive. Some like the torque, some like the revs. We're lucky to have a choice!

 

See the dyno plot in my signature. Taken on a DynaPack. AP1, bone stock.

 

the added power/torque across the rev range seals the deal for me.

 

alot of good 9k does you when the power falls flat on its face after 8400 rpms.


Good thing the 02/03 has the better fuel maps, but does it make power or does it just hold it for longer and not drop off as shaply?

(now we just need a comparison of an 00/01, 02/03, 04/05, and finally 06/07

it would be interesting to see how it pans out.


And if its quite evident that each year the power goes up then why does Honda still rate the engine @ 240 hp?

It looks to me like it should be something like this.

00/01 240hp
02/03 245hp
03/04 250hp
06/07 255hp ?

 

I know I can start a "holy war" for saying this but what the hell... When you speak of the "real" s2000's please only refer to the AP1's. The name of the cars was derived from its displacement (like the s600 and s800). So you are really not comparing the "same" car/engine at all. The real "magic" behind the s2000 engine was the 120HP per liter (which the AP2 lacks ). I really think the AP2 engine was made to quiet the "low torque" critics. It all comes down to what you like. If you like to hear the VTEC war cry a lil more and want a more "raw" car go AP1. If you want a lil more torque and more "civilized/refined" sports car go AP2. In my opinion...if you want a civilized roadster get a wack ass Z4 or a miata Oh...and by the way...the title of most NA power on the planet per liter goes to the AP1...NOT the AP2. All hail F20C the great!!

 

Who really cares? There's no class rules, tax benefits, or any other practical reason in the US to limit displacement. Only benefit to 120hp/L is if you get off on magazine racing.

I love the F20C, but not b/c it has some magical hp/L #.

 

I agree. Its also proven the AP2 is faster on a road course. Hp per liter is a manufacter's boast. Nothing more.

and S2200 sounds lame.

 

120HP per liter is not an easy task. I respect and recognize the engineering that went into making it. Some people dont. Big numbers from small displacement. That takes skill. F**K what a magazine says. I bought my S cause it showed what Honda can do and their skills as an automaker. And I think they did a damn good job.

LOL...