I have been planning to purchase a S2000 for a weekend car but after test driving the S2000, I feel the engine is major turn off partly because it is a bit harsh (compared to say a BMW I6). But the chassis is first rate and the car is just on rail. I supposed there are other people like me who probably turned off by the engine.

 

Funny, I went from an STi with 300hp/300lb-ft. torque...to an S2000 as my daily. I like the S2000 so much better, no comparison IMO. Keep in mind the STi was my dream car for years because my previous car was a WRX. But what turned me on most about the S2000 was the handling...and I have so much fun with VTEC I don't know how you couldn't. It's true what everyone says that the car doesn't feel powerful at all when in low rpm, but it all depends on what you like. I personally think that for the money, the S2000 is the best buy over the 350Z or any of its other competitors. I wouldn't really want to change much about it, nor a different engine. But maybe you should check out the forum where they swapped a 2JZ from a supra in it...pretty sick. Take care.

 

vortech....

 

Yes, the engine sound in the S2k can be quite harsh. I find that with the top up, the engine note could even be called thrashy; something that does not seem the case when the top is down.

After a little over a year of ownership, I've come to the realization that I love my car. Yes, in comparison to other cars it could be a little more of "this" or a have little more of "that" but I think the biggest discovery I've made is that this car is a niche within the niche. There is no other "direct" comparison product out there. This car is definitely not made to suit all comers.

You are either passionate about it or you are not. I would think many people would like to like this car and then fall out of love very quickly with it and sell it shortly after buying.

I think my theory is pretty sound given the low mileage S2k's I've seen for sale and on the other end of the spectrum, all the owners who have kept their S2k's for a lot of miles.

 

With the amount of money you're gonna spend to swap a TL V6 into an s2k, you might as well buy an M3.

 

If the S2000 is not for you ... step on over to the auto industry's othre great offerings.

I won't claim the S2000 is all things to all people -- and it shouldn't be. It is what it is.

 

If you put a TL engine in an S, send me your F20.

 

Buy a used Boxster / Boxster S if you want the harshness dialed down a notch.

But there are some of us who prefer even more extreme and move on to Lotus Elise/Exiges...

 

The engine isn't harsh...this is not a GM 4 cyl engine. The engine is high-strung. It is high-strung because...well gosh darn take a look at the redline!! Its practically a race motor....exactly what Honda intended it to be. Would you call an M3 harsh? A Ferrari 430 harsh? I doubt it. The S is a for true sports car ENTHUSIAST's. It's spartan, lightweight, razor sharp, and high-strung. Exactly what a sports car should be....VISCERAL! Since you aren't a true enthusiast of them...I suggest a BMW 330ic or Z4 for you as a weekend car....2 great cars that are more to your subdued taste. Don't take it as a knock, the S is not for everyone...and I am glad that is the case.

 

[QUOTE=GPMike,Nov 12 2006, 11:21 AM] The engine isn't harsh...this is not a GM 4 cyl engine.