I'm toying with the idea of buying an S2k again, and I've got a couple of questions specific to the AP2 cars. Primarily, what are the differences between the '04-'05 and the '06-'07 cars? From a little bit of searching, it looks like the primary differences are the seats and the wheel styles. Do all of the '04+ cars come with headrest speakers, or are they only on '06+ cars? Do they make any difference? Any other differences I should be aware of?

As usual, I have no idea if this will lead to an actual purchase, but you never know.

 

You're almost worse than me, it took me 5 years to pull the trigger on a S2000

The 06-07 cars are DBW which you may or may not like. I couldn't tell much of a difference driving my dad's 06 and the 00, it's not bad like a VW or Nissan DBW system and wouldn't be a concern for me as the throttle respones is still good. The 06+ also has traction control which you can turn off. The 06's make a bit more power than the 04-05 via boltons and the Hondata reflash. They changed the wheels and I believe seats in 06-07 from 04-05 and maybe a few other minor interior things.

The stereo's all suck without at least aftermarket speakers and an amp, the headrest speakers don't do much. Everything else should be minor. If you're going for an AP2 I'd get an 06+ just my preference. 06-07 cars should be low to mid 20's and 04-05 cars are high teens to low 20's.

 

Miss having a convertible do you Iain?

To answer some of your questions... the '05's don't have the headrest speakers by default, but are available as an option. Also, the '06+ have a passenger side air bag switch which none of the earlier models have.

And yeah... all the stock stereo's suck...

 

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=568555

^ has a link to differences between the model years.

 

Is the passenger airbag in '04-'05 cars triggered by a weight sensor in the seat, or is it always on? I'd like to be able to carry my dog in the car occasionally.

I guess I can always wire a cutoff into an earlier car.

 

My O8 airbag is triggered by a weight sensor. I don't know about the 04-05 cars.

I think the only down side of the AP2 vs the AP1 is the short 1st and 2nd gears. Only important if you want to autocross it.

 

I don't think there's a cutoff at all on the 04-05. Clovis installed an aftermarket one in the 00, I can check to see what brand/model it is if you're interested.

 

thats ****ed up dude, why dont you want your dog to get the airbag also?

 

In the off chance that you're asking that question seriously...

Dogs don't sit in a seat the way humans do. If it's in a transport cage, then obviously an airbag won't do any good. If it's not, then it could still be more dangerous than not having an airbag. Imagine if the dog happens to be resting its front paws on the dash when the collision occurs. EJECTION SEAT!!!

Seriously, airbags are designed to work as part of a safety system which includes the seats and seatbelts. If you aren't using the entire system correctly (which would be impossible for a dog), then the airbags can do more harm than good.

 

I have 2004, and have the optional speakers behind the headrest. IMO, make a big difference.