Thought I would start a Vintage thread on diffs between earlier versions of the S (mine was an 00) and the latest one (06 I just bought). Feel free to add your opinions if you have upgraded. So far I'm having trouble keeping it under 5500 RPMs for the break-in period! Really have to watch the numbers. I'm used to shifting at higher RPMs - 6K much of the time. And downshifting to reduce speed, which can push it over, too. The manual actually recommends downshifting, which I prefer, rather than excessive braking.

But I love the shiftknob, glass rear window, the brushed metal stereo door, the grainy leather seats (rather than the old smoother ones). I've also noticed many different things on the display - the layout, for one, maintenance reminders and especially the oil reminders. One is a percentage thing that shows you when it's time to change it. The other is a low-oil indicator. I'm sure that came about from all the #4 cylinder probs. You still need to check the oil often, of course. The clock is a nice addition, as well as the outside temperature display. Still finding new things. The stereo, with speakers in the headrests and on the upper door panel, is much better.

Won't be able to give you my opinion on how the car handles until I can really push it after 600 miles, which means after the Nor'Easter. But I'm having fun with it so far. And I'm getting lots of compliments on the Rio color.

 

Deb, the New England guys were painting up some nice door plugs in Rio yellow just for you, yesterday.

Sounds like you are enjoying the car.

 

I noticed that pic...

 

What about the ride in general? Any big diff? Softer? Bumpy? Smooth? I know it's still early. And where is that second cupholder in relation to the old one?

 

The ride is definitely not as hard...it doesn't have that pure sportscar feel like the other one did. And can't really comment on VSA yet. But I think I will enjoy it. There is a longer space between the seats which can accommodate two cups or just stuff. I have my garage door opener in there.

 

I just knew someone would soon catch on to the best, and you will yet prove, the fastest colour no matter what others say!!! congrats on the new 'S' Deb.

 

Over the last couple of weeks we've been test driving a lot of cars. Our tactic is to drive a BMWZ4, or Nissan 350Z and then go to the nearest Honda dealer and drive a S to better compare the vehicles. I've driven multiple color variations of the S and have found the fastest color....................but you all know what that is don't you.




dvh

 

I'll bet one of your favorite changes is the glass rear window.

 

Deb,

My Si has many of those same readouts in the instrument cluster. I don't pay much attention to the oil interval percent or the low oil indicator, I change and check my oil much more often than Honda recommends. Surprizingly, the thing that I really like best of all, and I never thought I would, is the outside temperature reading. I don't know why I like it, it really has nothing what so ever to do with driving the car, but I really like it. I'd love to have one in my S. A clock would be nice too.

I know you've said its a softer ride, does the steering still feel as precise?

 

We like the clock and we'd love the outside temp reading. I have both in my Jeep.

One thing I'd like in the S would be a simple compass. I'm extremely directionally challenged. A compass does not tell me how to get where I need to be, but on occasion, before I get too far, I realize that I'm heading in the wrong direction.