Hi
I am new to these boards and am currently saving up/looking to purchase a used S. I already used to search function and read the basic differences between MY. As far as just performance goes, what would be the differences, pros, cons, between the 00-01, 02-03, and 04+?

 

its not the model year. Its the color.

 

The models with the 6 speeds are the best.

 

Well, I test drove the MY02 and MY05 before I purchased my MY00, and they all performed pretty similarly. The 04+ are supposed to be slightly faster and less tail happy, but I didn't really notice any difference. I suggest just looking for slightly used older S2k thats cheaper rather then splurging on a brand new one, if its just pure performance you're looking for.

 

look around first
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=154011

 

Get a New Formula Red,if you want the fastest one.!!!

 

Get the one with the maintenance free battery.

 

Ask yourself what you want out of the car. Are looks more important? I love my AP1, but the AP2 is better looking in my opinion. Is suspension tuning important to you? Later model years supposedly exhibit a more forgiving rear end on the corners.

I offer you this:
I have zero regrets saving mucho money on a used car. Getting an AP1 saved me thousands, and yielded an odometer with only 7k. Suspension tuning can only get you so much. A co-worker of mine with relatively extensive racing experience showed me how a stock '01 S2k with 5 year old SO2 street tires can get a better time than most of the competition at your local autocross event.

Leasons Learned:
Save your money and get a used S2k...even an AP1. Look for that good deal. Don't worry about the "performance improvements" between model years. Improving your own driving skill on the track can do more for you than an added 0.2 liters of displacement and a tighter suspension.