Had any one done similar trade? Pros and Cons? I have done many track events and as my skill progress and I start to "venture" I feel more and more uncomfortable risking a very expensive car on a track. I am in SF area so I only have parking for one car. I never belive in owning a weekend car anyway. So, I decided to trade in one for the other. It' also saves a bunch of money so I can get my wife a nice car which she deserves.

So, what can one expect?

My big concern is right now that, I have heard a lot that the S2K is very oversteer happy. They supposingly have fixed this in the 04, correct?

 

Buy a 944 for a track beater....

Hell buy a 951 (944 turbo) and do a few basic mods and then you will have a great track beater!...

 

Porsche 996 cab for an S2000 seems crazy, but if it saves you money and makes your wife happy its probably a good idea.

2004 does have suspension changes to help the back end stay put but in terms of suspension I think a pre 04 would make a better track car.

Isn't a porsche oversteer happy too?

 

Somehow, the idea of getting an old beater for track doesn't appeal for me. First, a friend of mine did it and it turned out to be a real money pit and not reliable. Second, I live in a downtown area with no extra parking. This means I have to pay probably $80-100/month for storage.

The dealer let me test drive a brand new 04 S2K today. I didn't want to rip it hard since it was broken in yet. But one thing seems obvious... you pretty much need to be above 6000rpm for it to pull any punch. On the other hand, it seems really easy to shift at high RPM (compared to the Porsche)... and comfortable crusing/standby rpm range is probably a couple thousand RPM above the Porsche as well.

THe exhaust / engine sound is much less appealing than a Porsche. Is there aftermarket upgrade that significantly improve the sound?

The 996 is actually quite planted and you have to work quite hard to break the tail loose. And even then it's quite predictable. I keep hearing about the "snap" oversteer that is supposed to be fixed in 04.

BTW, I also test drove the 350Z Track today. Dismissed it right away. The car seems rough and driving position is sub-optimal.

Paul

 

Have you considered going to a performance driving/racing school? That might help you feel more comfortable with your car at the track.

I personally don't believe that the S2000 is very oversteer happy. I believe majority of this comes from drivers that are not experienced with a RWD car or they are driving in poor conditions or with worn tires.

There are many aftermarket exhausts available. Here is the S2000 Exhaust Library: http://s2000library.com/

Good luck.

 

A 996 for a s2000?? wow .. i think that the s2000 is no way comparable to the 911.. in just about every aspect,,speed, handling, comfort. I say keep your Porsche only if it makes you happy and get ride of your wife..

 

not to say That the Porsche is too much money.. just saying what both cars can do. I say if you can afford the Porsche STAY WITH IT...

 

This is my first "performance" car so I don't have a lot of relevant experience, you can take what I say with a grain of salt. That being said, I have taken my '04 out on two tracks now (Lime Rock & Watkins Glen). The car will only come around on you if you are being ignorant. It's no secret that the power comes on in a burst when VTEC kicks in. If you're powering thru a turn near the capacity of the tires and there is a sudden surge of power they will break loose. The main issue is that it's not unpredictable. The VTEC surge is also not as pronounced in the '04 as it was in earlier models.

 

I have had many track days experience and have gone to two high perf driving schools. This is my 3rd 996 so may be I under-appreciate what I have. In all honesty, I think for the money you pay, the Porsche 996 (and even the Boxster S) is over priced. I am leaning toward the S2K and if I make a mistake and want to switch back later, it's not an expensive mistake. The annual depreciation for a S2K is probably no where near a Porsche 996 (about $10-12K / year).

My wife wants a Porsche Cayenne, so I have a unique opportunity to get a good trade-in price for my 996 (they are eager to get rid of the Cayenne).

My choies were down to WRX Sti and S2K. The Sti is probably closer to the performance of a 996, but I really really hate the boy racer look. The S2K seems like a fun car and is still quite "pure". I am 95% decided, hopefully I won't regret.

BTW, I read on that new Sport Compact Car article now that the 2004 S2K consistently UNDERSTEER. I am not sure if that's a good thing. I have had many RWD car and I can handle oversteer. (just was concerned about the press's report about the "snap oversteer of the old S2k") . But understeer is no fun. May be I should look for a MY03, what do you think?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Paul_SF
BTW, I read on that new Sport Compact Car article now that the 2004 S2K consistently UNDERSTEER.