For what it's worth, I suspect most "test drives" are going to be of limited use. When I was test driving cars, the salesmen didn't want me getting anywhere near redline. Also, when it's your first time in a car, there is so much to take in that many of the little nuances get lost. Ap1 vs Ap2 differences are fairly subtle to anyone who has never driven either car before. However over the long haul, these differences can be substantial once you really become accustomed to what a car can do.

That said, I preferred the AP2's torque over the extra 1000 revs in the AP1. If you are zinging around a race track near redline, they are going to be about equal. However in nearly all real world situations, the AP2 is going to be the faster car.

 

While this is true...it doesn't help the OP...because the EDM S2000's still have the F20C engine in their AP2's.

 

Test drive is key. I never test drove an AP2 before I bought mine. Did drive one a while after I got mine however and definitely prefer the 9k redline. I'd prefer an AP2 if I adjusted the redline to 8700 or so I believe. 8k feels waay too low of a redline after owning an AP1 and makes it feel slow imo.

 

As always: test drive, test drive, test drive.

Reading various people's preference for one or the other is of no use and it still comes down to actually driving the options to determine your own preference.

Proper etiquette on any forum site is to read the FAQ's, stickies and relevant threads first. There's a ton of information already out there to reference.

 

ap2 - DD
ap1 - trackstar

 

The way I look at it is this: the only thing the AP1 has going for it is the 9k redline. Everything else about the AP2 is better--more torque, better gearing, better interior, exterior looks (this one may be subjective I suppose), overall reliability is slightly better with updated parts such as in the valvetrain, etc. Just what you'd expect from a newer model of a given car.

I'm going to be reflashing my AP2 to have an 8500 redline and call it a day. Then the AP1 only has 500rpm on me.

That said they are all great cars and they are all rather reliable. You can't go wrong.

 

Then again AP1 has stiffer springs/shocks, larger sway bars, lighter weight etc. Not so cut and dry. AP1 is more track oriented, AP2 is close and more daily driver friendly imo.

 

I personally drove both a 2003 and a 2006. They were both really nice however the 2006 was $2,000 more, and the 2003 had less miles (Imagine that) I found that the 2006 drove much smoother and was more refined. The 2003 was much more aggressive and wasnt as smooth as a ride. They are both beautiful cars in their own way. Well based on my name you can see what car I went with. But to be honest if I had the money, I would go out and buy a CR if and only if I could afford it with my current AP1..I am crazy like that

When it comes down to it ask yourself if you want a smoother ride, or a more agressive car, and that will answer it for you at least in my opinion.

 

I think that if your not a car enthusiast than any of s2000 will do..... ap1 or ap2. The average person wont be able to tell the difference of the two.
Both cars are very similar and if your planning on modding the car than it realy wont matter whjat model you get. Just get one that is taken care of and low mileage. It will be a great car no matter what.

 

Agreed.

In a nut shell, the AP1 set up is sporty. From what I remember, some people complained at how the AP1 was too stiff (suspension) and not a good daily driver.


Where the AP2 became more driver friendly. Suspension not being soo rough.

This is just one thing.

But couldn't agree more with test drive! test drive! test drive!