Tracked an AP1, then CR, then AP2. Really depends on your goals.

Dual purpose weekend/track car just for fun? Doesn't really matter. You'll have fun in both. AP1's are typically less expensive than AP2's, so if you want something that is disposable (or at least not financially devastating if you hit a wall) then there's money to be saved there. You can make an argument for an AP2 if truly a dual purpose car though - bit nicer interior, bit easier to drive on track and street. But, if you really build it up, those things don't matter - for example, a glass rear window does you no good if you gut the top.

Competition car? AP2 - specifically 06+. Flashpro is great and really opens up the mid range and bring your redline up to 8500. N/A power benefits in an S2000 really requires a tune and the 06+ AP2 is the easiest way of doing so.

Ultimately though, you can build an AP2 to be faster than AP1, but you can't build either to be significantly more fun than the other.

FWIW - my NASA TTC 2006 S2000 is always for sale

 

Crown Wheel and Pinion

 

like speed really matters? what are we talking here, .5 on a minute , minute 30 lap with the stig driving? Get the best S2000 you can find

 

Stock for stock the ap2 is a better track car! But not by much. You can justify which one to buy based on how much you want to spend. I think if your planning to keep the car/build it, 06+ ap2 for sure. If you want to run a few track days/weekend toy ap1. It's cheaper.

It's not like the ap1 is bad. The ap2 is just a better platform.

 

At the end of the day, get which one you want, and get some seat time. Driver mod is probably enjoyable whichever s2000 you choose.