What's up everyone. I've been thinking about trading in my z3 2.8 for a 02 or 03 s2000, but I have a few questions/concerns.

1.) I hear s2000's are pretty slow off the line compared to the z3's. I was even thinking about getting an 01' M edition Z3 which are I think 315hp, but they are in the $30,000 range while an 02 or 03 is in the 25k range.

2.) I want to get a power top.....but is it possible to get an aftermarket alarm that I can push a button on a remote to put the top down? I've seen this on some Porsches before and it just looked reall cool.

3.) Do you guys think insurance would be lower on an s2000 than on a z3 considering the Z is a 6 cyl and the s is a 4?

Thanks alot for any information you guys can give me. Please email me at bbussells@comcast.net if you have time. Thanks again!!!

 

1) S2000's are pretty slow off the line if you don't launch it high. But if you do its a lot faster then a Z3.

2) The S2000 top is latched. You need to unhook them before you can put the top down. An automatic system would work if you didn't latch your top or if you have a lot of money to invest and design a mechanism.

3) Insurance maybe a bit lower but probably not due to the number of cyclinders. Insurance cost is usually more based off of how many accidents occur with that car and the cost of repair.

 

I have a '99 2.8 Coupe and an '04 S2000.

1) Yes, a 2.8l Z3 has more torque down low and in the midrange, but the S2000 pulls much harder at high RPM. It's hard for people who aren't used to VTEC to understand what it's like, but basically it's like having 2 completely different engines. If you shift below VTEC, you end up out of VTEC in the next gear. Plenty zippy, but more of a Miata/MR2 Spyder type of zippy. If you shift at redline, you overlap back into VTEC, and then the car is seriously fast. This can be good or bad, depending on how you look at it.

2) Probably not worth it

3) Granted my S2k is 5 years newer than the Z3, but the insurance is a bit higher. I'd say they are close, but the S2k probably has a higher claim rate. The only real way to know for sure is to call your insurance agent.

Other- These two cars are very different. The Z3 is more laid back, and quiet. The S2000 is loud and cramped, but also more fun than you can imagine.

Peter

 

Yes, it is possible to get an alarm that will lower the top. i have one, the only thing is when u wanna do that, u have to leave it unlatched like they said. My alarm cost about $220 for instal and everything, its a viper, and then i went back later and paid $60 for a relay and labor to wire the remote top down thing.

And yes, s2000's are a bit sluggish off the line, but only in 1st, and only till u hit 6k, then its on like donkey kong!

 

German cars are typically more $$ to insure..parts are more money so repair costs are higher. I priced insurance on an Audi TT when I bought my S...the Audi was DOUBLE

But as stated get quotes from your insurance company first!

 

Good luck finding the S you want, are you looking for any specific color?

 

Err shop around. My german cars are not any more expensive than my Japanese cars. For what it's worth, parts are about the same. Your statement is a stereotype that is perpetuated by threads like this -- but is not true.