What do you guys feel about the low end torque of '00 to '03's for regular
city traffic around town? Does the low end torque still make the F20C feel
like it has 240 hp? I test drove one a long time ago and have forgotten what
it feels like. I come from a '03 M3 Coupe with SMG. Trying to sell the M3 now
and thinking about picking up a used S2K. Ofcourse I am not expecting
comparable low end torque in the S2K, but was wondering how you owners
feel. Is it still easy to catch up to traffic on on ramps without having to
downshift to gear down?

Thanks!
Jimmy

 

if you're going to compare to an M3, you're bound for dissappointment. My opinion is that there's more than enough grunt in the 3K rpm range for city driving.

 

Why is this a bad thing?

 

03 AP1,

Tks. So, is there a gear that you can tool around town with all day long?

 

Woodson,

No, not at all. But, perhaps I've just been really spoiled by SMG... hehe.

 

no...prepare to shift often

 

I sold my 01 M3 6spd and bought a MY04 S2K. I do miss the low end torque, but the S is a lot more fun to drive. I suggest finding a dealer that will allow a long test drive bfore you commit.

 

F02K,

Woah, another M3 to S2k convert. SO you are absolutely more happy with
the S2k than your M3?

 

i agree there is certainly not one gear you can keep the s in to accelerate. but half of the fun of the s is the shifting. the miata and the s have the best stock shifters in the business as far as i know...well maybe an ford f350
the first time i drove an s2000 i was really disappointed with the power of the car...but the more i drove it the more i enjoyed the overall experience of driving the car. it is not a blistering fast car by any stretch but man it's a blast to drive...and if you want to go fast you have that capability if you want to tach it up pretty high.
for city driving it's great...a super light clutch and smooth shifter. the m3 is in a totally different class than the s...i find it interesting that several drivers are switching to the s from the m3...but i guess i can see why. the thinking that a really nice luxurious car with all of the bells and whistles that is made well with a great engine...but you feel the weight of that car i am sure...i've never driven an m3 personally.
it's nice to hear you're converting...you won't be disappointed unless you are a 1/4 mile man.

 

Yeah, I wrote about this a while back, you may be able to do search.

The bottom line is that the M3 was not that exciting to drive. To get any real feel of speed you had to be over 100mph. It was a great car, fast, smooth, comfortable. But as I had mentioned in my last post, the M3 is not a sports car. It may be the best GT car ever built, but I wanted a sports car.

Another consideration, resale on the S is a lot better.

I lot of people said I was crazy for giving up the M3, but these were all wanabe M3 owners. The M3 does have a lot of glamour and is a great car, but it's apples and oranges comparing the two.