Hey guys im about to purchase a s2000 within the next month and im still trying to decide ap1/ap2, of course ap1 would be easier since it will be cheaper but i like the look of the ap2. is there any UNBIASED detailed comparison of the 2, with a picture of the interior of an ap1 next to a picture of the interior of the ap2 for example. i just want to know everything about each car before i decide. all the threads on here dont really seem fair so i wanna see a decent side to side comparison with photos of these too, does anyone have any?

 

Funny. Red MX5 just posted a thread about these types of threads. We get a new thread about this topic at least twice a week. Most definitely utilize the search button on the top right corner. Here's the most recent thread about it. It's also on the first page of S2000 Talk. https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=490064

Anyone have the Forum Search flash video? This guy needs to view it.

 

again!

 

Yeah reading that is what made me post this topic, sure his point is to stop all this, but he is obviously favoring the ap1 and bashing the ap2 in pretty much every way, talking about its heaver clutch and less power etc.... Obviously because he owns a ap1, all the threads ive searched arent really fair to the other side, if somebody has an ap1 of course theyre gonna favor the ap1. i dont want someone to tell me which one is better in theyre opinion, i want to know facts in detailed about each car so i can make the choice myself. side by side pics of interior and exterior etc....

 

You know, that ius exactly the BS he started his post about.

But on to your question, No one will really be able to give you unbiased info. Very few have owned both.

All of the information you are looking for is posted in other threads. Personally I will tell you to buy the newest, lowest mileage car you can afford. AP1 or AP2 does not really matter. The one you own will be the one you love best.

 

Considering there are changes between the 00-01 and 02-03 AP1's and also changes between the 04-05 and 06+ AP2's, its going to be pretty difficult to find a single thread that details the changes between all of the cars.

If you'd search, you'd more or less find this info (this is what sticks in my mind from reading random threads about this sort of thing the past few months I've been on these boards).

AP1:
-a bit more raw (suspension is slightly stiffer, etc)
-slightly tougher to live with on a daily basis, though many do (even if it was my daily driver, I dont think it would be tough to live with but you may not feel the same way)

AP2:
-better power down low because of changes in gearing, engine, and ECU (no more peak power really, but more useable torque lower in the revs)
-slightly larger interior (so I've heard, can't confirm)
-06+ has traction control

The main thing is to test drive one from each catagory and see what you like better. If you can afford an AP2, I would do that, even though I love my AP1 and its crazy 9k redline. Even 8k can bring a smile to most peoples faces though. . .

 

to me its kinda like
9k vs. 8k !!

and the 8k version is a bit more tame...
the rest of the differences are details-
except that you can not buy a new 9k!

 

I just posted in RedMX5s thread with this simple thought...

An S is an S, regardless of the version.

Stratocaster puts it just as well.

Find the car with the specific features you want. If you cant decide on anything, find a car you can testdrive and see if you like it. Whatever you decide upon, you will love.

I personally prefer the AP1. I like the more raw, high rev, "gutless" torque style. For better or for worse

 

I hear the AP2 comes with an F1 exhaust!

 

Go to the Introductions forum, and there is a FAQ sticky at the top, and in it are three threads that outline in great, objective detail - pictures and everything - the differences in the car throughout the years.

That is your unbiased opinion. Other than that, do a search on "AP1 vs AP2" and wade through the bs to find the goos posts. Most people don't even realize there are four iterations of the S2000, not two.