Not to get off subject or anything, but...

How does the '05 compare to the '02, specifically "daily-driver" wise? Does it really seem to be quieter on the highway with the revised gearing and bigger engine? Is it really torquier and better suited for city driving?

I do a fair amount of highway driving and it's the one thing that makes me hesitant about buying the S. I have a Tacoma 4x4 as my other vehicle and it's not a good highway car either - that's why I'm concerned.

 

I am one of the many that went from an 01 to an 05. And I can tell you that yes the 04's and 05's are better "daily drivers". All of them are very loud on the freeway (although I have never rode in one with a hard top). Do a search and you will find tons of info on this subject

 

The AP2 isn't any better on the highway, it still revs at the same RPM's. The hardtop helps, but that would be the case with the AP1 as well.

That being said, the S2000 in general is quite fine on the highway. I did 12+ hours straight at 85 mph and it was fine.

Around town the 2.2 litre has much more useable power. Venturing into VTEC isn't really "needed," where-as in my '01, I found I was going into VTEC off a set of lights a fair bit, just to get that extra jump in acceleration.

 

CoastieTX

I traded my 2001 in on a 2005 and have found subtle yet amazing differences. I use the S to commute in daily...often as much as 100 miles a day.

While neither car is quiet, I believe the 2005 is much quieter on the highway. The difference is immediately noticeable on rough textured roadway. I feel a major difference in ride quality also. When traversing major bumps the 2005 takes them with relative aplomb rather than the harsh jolt the 2001 would inflict. I miss the 9000rpm redline of the 2001, but overall I find the 2005 much more enjoyable for daily driving.

Be forewarned, wind and road noise are the bane of this car...even with the softened suspension and slightly improved sound isolation. There is no such thing as a quiet S2000 (from the factory), however it is certainly comfortable for daily trips up to 100 miles. You won't be holding cell phone conference calls in the S...even with top up, but you'll be so busy enjoying the drive that you won't care about the calls you miss.

If a comparison helps any, I found my friend's 350Z to be just as noisy as the S.

By the way, my daily commute is in the Coastal Bend region of Padre Island.

 

I guess i had spa on my mind it's rio. The ap2 has much more usable power in city driving and the power transfer seems to be smoother. I didn't think i would miss the extra rpms but i do. The engine seems to rev up faster and the vtec does not last as long as i would like. But the extra tourqe and earlier power delivery are definetly worth it. The ap2 does not make you work as hard but takes some geting use to.