thanks for clearing that up RED MX5. Because that is a concern to me as I am planning on buying a used s2k and have pretty much limited myself to the ap2's because I didnt want to buy it and then later have a valve drop because of the previous owner. thanks.

 

Yea, don't let retainer concerns be the deciding factor. With the F22C you know instantly if you over rev enough to do damage, but the retainers on the F20C's are easy to inspect. There is a host of information here on what to look for, and if you can't find it using the search function you can always just ask for more info.

The F22C is more tolerant of missed shifts, for a number of reasons, and with the S2000 shifter's short throws it's not terribly hard to miss a shift once in a while, so you might want to take that into consideration.

All the cars are cool and fun to drive, so just don't over spend, and make sure you get a car that has been well cared for and is in top condition. Full service records are a big plus.

 

AP2 with dbw.

1) Cost less because I wouldn't need 4.77 or new rims.
2) Wouldn't have to worry bout my wife doing donuts in intersections.
3) Interior!

 

Drove both and agree that the AP2 is a more well-rounded car for everyday use. It's a little more redined, a little more civilized. Still...I bought an AP1 because I felt like there was something missing after 8K RPM in the AP2. Both are fantastic cars, no doubt about it and the debate can go either way.

 

In the earlier part of this thread there was some discussion of the "fact" that most of the people who have owned both AP1 and AP2 prefer the AP2, and I myself have said the same thing many times, but the discussion started me thinking that there is something I had not considered.

I would expect anyone who traded their AP1 for an AP2 to like the AP2 better, becasue if they didn't, they'd have kept the AP1. How do we account for the people like XViper and myself, who have an AP1 and decided, every hear, NOT to upgrade to an AP2. We don't have any way to know how many AP1 owners even have that option open, so there is no way to know how many AP1 only owners still have the AP1 because they don't like the same things the guys who traded for AP2's like.

I honestly don't see how we can come up with meaningful statistics on something like that, so it seems that the argument might be weak. STILL, I think most people do indeed like the AP2 better, and until that's proven wrong I'm going to keep telling those who ask that most people prefer the AP2. If that's not right somebody needs to explain why so I don't keep telling folks something that isn't actually true.

We don't have any reliable "statistics," but does anyone really believe that more people prefer the AP1? Maybe it's just my opinion, but I find that highly unlikely.

 

I did not mean to imply in any way that your choice of an AP1 was a mistake or that your reasoning is wrong in any way. I too have an AP1, by choice, but I really believe that most people have at least a small preference for the AP2. Hoepfully it did not appear that my last post was a response to your post. That wasn't my intent at all. Our two posts actually crossed in the mail, and your's just got here first. No real connection. Hope you didn't take it wrong.

 

agreed. 04 rims are nicee.

 

u on crack?

lol, a few posts of decent replies and rest were all garbage flaming

 

[QUOTE=RED MX5,May 19 2007, 02:22 PM] In the earlier part of this thread there was some discussion of the "fact" that most of the people who have owned both AP1 and AP2 prefer the AP2, and I myself have said the same thing many times, but the discussion started me thinking that there is something I had not considered.

I would expect anyone who traded their AP1 for an AP2 to like the AP2 better, becasue if they didn't, they'd have kept the AP1.

 

I traded in my 02 AP1 for an 07 AP2 last month. I used to be an unabashed AP1 sackrider. After driving the AP2, I found it suited my needs appropriately, and I wanted a new car that was under warranty.

I loved my AP1. There's something just RAW about that car. The way it rode and handled was a ton of fun...for a while. In my opinion, the handling felt very twitchy. On the poorly maintained roads in SC, you certainly felt every crack and patch. It was not a comfortable car in the relative sense, not that it was a problem for me, but it was much more noticable after driving an AP2.

Going to the AP2, my first impressions (besides the cosmetic changes, which were not the biggest selling point) were how much easier it was to drive, particularly around town and at higher speeds. Rough patches that used to unsettle my AP1 are hardly noticable in the AP2. I didn't like losing the 9k rpm redline, but the added torque is very noticable in typical driving. I just feel like the AP2 is easier for the average driver to drive fast, whereas the AP1 is more challenging, but more emotionally rewarding to the driver.

In short, they're both beautiful examples of an exceptional car. If I were picking one for solely track use, I'd probably get another AP1...however for everyday driving, cruising, commuting, and occasional autocross and track use...I'm VERY happy with the improvements to the AP2.

cliff notes: AP1 and AP2 are both great cars, neither one is much better or worse than the other. Can't we all just get along?