Honda claims the new car(2004 S2000) can accelerate from 20-50 mph in 4.5 seconds (using only 3rd gear), vs 5.1 seconds for the outgoing model. In the 15-45 mph (2nd gear only) sprint, the '04 runs 4.5 seconds vs 5.0 seconds for the outgoing model. (www.vtec.net)

Does it mean it's 1.1 seconds faster from 15-50mph?


Somebody please explain this.

 

No. The tests were done in different gears. You can't infer anything about 15-50 mph times from just those numbers.

Steve

 

It could be the 04 is quicker by about 1/2 second to 50

 

If you only accerate in one gear, it means the '04 would be faster. But since there are six wonderful gears to choose from, it means absolutely nothing.

 

Originally posted by GHS2K
Honda claims the new car(2004 S2000) can accelerate from 20-50 mph in 4.5 seconds (using only 3rd gear), vs 5.1 seconds for the outgoing model. In the 15-45 mph (2nd gear only) sprint, the '04 runs 4.5 seconds vs 5.0 seconds for the outgoing model.

Does it mean it's 1.1 seconds faster from 15-50mph?
Somebody please explain this.
.......


They are quoting two very specific tests involving low to mid rpm acceleration in second gear, and in third gear. The 2004 model should be significantly faster, since it has greater torque at these lower [read: non-VTEC] rpm's. If I were trying to maximize 15 - 50 mph acceleration in my 2002, I would drop it into first gear, hit the throttle, and then shift into second gear at near 45 mph, which is the redline. I have found no difficulty at all downshifting into first gear at 15 mph, as long as I do it gently, and not too rapidly. It might be interesting to compare 15 - 50 acceleration for the 2004 model with the current one, given the higher torque, but lower rpm limits, and identical maximum horsepower. If we all can wait a couple of months, this group will be filled with comments from 2004 model owners.

 

Try 40 mph to 65 mph in second gear (if the 04 can even go that high) and my bets would be on the pre 04 models..

 

Hope you didn't bet too much, because the numbers say that the '04 will murder the '03 in second gear up to rev limiter around 58 mph...

http://forums.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.p...threadid=150496

Steve

 

No, I haven't placed the bet yet

Actually, my point was that with the shorter gearing the MY04 wouldn't be able to reach as high as 65 mph but somehow I managed to lose it somewhere (my point that is ).

I'll rephrase my statement: "Try 40 mph to 65 mph and my bets would be on the pre 04 models.. " ..since the MY04 will have to do an extra shift.

It will always be possible to choose a speed range where one car will be faster than the other.

 

I know when the gear ratios are factored in, max mph at 8k in 2nd gear is 58 mph, BUT I dont understand why Honda would make it under 60 mph if they are supposed to try to sell more s2k's. Requiring another shift to make it to 60 mph would certainly put the car behind the 350z in the minds of the magazine reading, 0-60 loving, American public. UL at one point had said perhaps that the fuel cut on the engine was at 8300-8400 rpms, this would allow the S2k to reach 60 mph would it not? If the fuel cut is indeed 8200, then I dont think it would make it to 60 mph.

Reaching 60 mph doesnt really matter from a performance perspective I know BUT in the sales world, it does matter. Also, a fuel cut at 8400 would be nice, cause obviously it would allow the driver to hold a lower gear, longer.

 

Wow, I know it's partially release hype, but the new car seems awesome. I'd miss my 9k Redline (Believe me, it makes a great license plate ), but EVERYTHING that they've done seems to have inproved the car for the hard core track and maybe autocross guy. I'm not a Honda flunkie by anymeans, but if this is the way they improve a car, I might just buy another. Hmmm, once I see how the 04 does at autox next year, and I'm out from the horrible 1st year deprecation.....

Hope they still have "8000 RPM" plates in NY......