Ok, I dont want to start another ap1/ap2 contest, but let me pose a question to you guys who have driven both. If you were offered both cars, factory brand new, which would you take, the ap1 or ap2?

I've done my research, and have driven both cars, but I'm a bit biased because the 06 I drove a while back was brand new and not broken in, so I didnt vtec. I know the pros and cons of both, but if someone offered it for free, which would you choose and why?

And more specifically, which year? Obviously 02-03 would be most desirable for ap1's, but for the ap2's, is dbw preferred over the alternative?

 

ap3 f.t.w

 

I would take AP1 drivetrain with AP2 exterior (04 rims) and interior (04-05 seats, 06-07 gauges)

 

another one!

AP2 looks wise but they need to make the rear bumper plug for single exhausts J's!

 

AP2 tailights > AP1 tailights for sure as well

 

That's honestly the only thing I don't like about the AP2 exterior. The interior of the AP2 is better in every way IMO...but I chose an AP1 cause it was cheaper, and I liked the fact that it revs to 9k rpms. Plus you can make it look like an AP2 for way under what you'd pay for one.

Still though, both versions of the S2000 are beautiful and they should both be respected by everyone here.

 

I'm probably the opposite of everyone on the forum - I'd take an AP1 body with AP2 motor.

 

Different strokes for different folks.

I've modded my MY00 to move it exactly the opposite way from the direction Honda has gone with the later MY cars, so my stroke be obvious.

If I could buy a brand new MY00 car I'd jump on it in a heart beat, and keep my current car as a driver. A new, early production S2000, will bring a nice price when our daughter is my age. That's enough of a given to sell even my bankers.

Generally the decision isn't that hard. Most people buy the newest car they can afford. The one's who buy older cars by choice have their own ways of determining a cars value, and it's not even always related to fair market value. I don't really understand why anyone would even be asking this kind of question unless they were pressed to buy an MY04 and were considering an MY03 as a cheaper alternative.

Give me a specific case, and tell me enough about the driver, and I *MIGHT* be able to make some kind of recommendation, but your question here is far too broad and vague for any kind of meaningful answer. Norrow it down to something reasonable and I'll see if I can come up with some kind of meaningful response, but as it is, I have no answer for you.
Sorry.

 

choice was easy for me. After hours and hours of testdriving 15 different AP1s, i went straight to the dealership and signed on an 07. I was literally ll this close to picking up an 03 with 10k miles in absoloutely perfect condition....but i kept on going to the 07 and i was sold.

 

I do like the AP2 motor, better potential for an all motor build?