Sports Cars Forum Members Considered Before the S2000
Even if you're a loyal S2000 owner, chances are you considered similar cars out there that caught your eye, before finding the right Honda. Check out some of the cars that forum members say they almost bought or used to own before buying the S2000.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
If you know anything about the S2000, there shouldn't be any surprise the Mazda MX-5 Miata would end up on this list. The Miata and S2000 have been each other's primary competition since the beginning. Although the S2000 is generally considered the superior vehicle with more power and sharper handling, the MX-5 has outsold it, being the best-selling roadster. Die-hard fans in the Mazda and Honda camps have their respective reasons for picking one over the other, however, the Mazda is generally less expensive and easier to find.
Porsche Boxster
If you prefer German beer to Japanese sake, and a rear engine to a front, you may have considered buying a Porsche Boxster instead of a Honda S2000. However, most people who have considered a cheap Porsche have reconsidered it when they see that the service needs are just as expensive as those for a 911. It's good to know that consumers still have a European alternative if they want a car like the S2000 with comparable design and performance standards. Too bad it also comes with a Porsche price tag.
Nissan 350/370Z Roadster
Mazda may be Honda's chief rival when it comes to the sleek roadster department, but don't forget Nissan and the 350/370Z coupe and roadster. This larger Japanese sports car has a sharp design, and a sweet V6 motor, plus you can choose a hardtop or a convertible. With a roughly-comparable performance, it wouldn't be sacrilege to have bought one over the S2000. On the track, or in tight road driving, the S2000 will always out corner the heavier Nissan though, despite having less power.
Toyota MR2 Spyder
As far as performance goes the S2000 can fairly easily outrun an MR2 in a straight line, but the MR2 fairs a little better in the handling department, though not by much. One S2Ki member who has owned both was very impressed by the MR2. He acknowledged that it was fun, handled well, and was pretty cheap to run since it essentially had a Corolla/Matrix 1.8L engine. His only criticism was the interior. It was a little too cramped. Another member was unimpressed with the reliability of the MR2 turbo. They were constantly working on the car and nearly replaced the entire cooling system, which needs a better intercooler because it suffers so much from heat soak. A third forum member said this about the two cars, which he owned: "I would rather have a bone stock beat to death S2000 over it any day of the week."
BMW Z4
Car buyers looking at the BMW Z4 and the Honda S2000 will have a really hard time choosing a winner. Or maybe not. Because really it comes down to who you are deep inside your soul. While the BMW Z4 is very polished and has more aggressive styling, the Honda S2000 offers better overall performance at a more reasonable price. Both are reliable and fun to drive but the BMW is faster, sounds better, and comes with that BMW badge which is hard to overlook. At the end of the day, the S2000 is lighter on its feet and handles the road better, and out-duels the BMW in lower fuel consumption. Two great cars, but really, if you are into looking impressive, take the BMW. If you're more secure and dollar savvy, the S2000 is the way to go.
Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S/Toyota GT86
This trio of Japanese sports cars premiered just a few years after the S2000 was canceled. The Toyota developed, Subaru powered hatchback may not be as fast as the Honda roadster, but it does boast some sweet handling abilities. The BRZ/FR-S/GT86 doesn't have the same iconic status of the S2000, but it's remarkably easy to drive and deceptively innovative from a technical standpoint. The biggest reason someone chooses this newer Japanese sports car is practicality: It has a small back seat, a hatchback for cargo, and a hard top for cold weather climates.
Chevrolet Corvette
We couldn't help but include the ultimate American-made sports car to this list, especially considering how inexpensive they are used. Although Japanese automakers have arguably outshone the Americans in recent decades when it comes to big power from small motors, the Chevrolet Corvette line has always had amazing performance from its big V8. Corvettes from the C5 generation are now selling for less than $10k, and even the C6 is available for about $15k. These cars are much faster than an S2000, and surprisingly nimble handlers, but if you plan on track days, you ought to know tires for a Vette are spendy and how you will trash a set quickly with all that power.
Honda Civic SI
If you love Honda, love to drive, but need room for the family, Honda has you covered with the Civic SI, even offering four doors if you prefer. You still got a sweet shifting Honda manual transmission and a high revving 4-cylinder, but you did lose quite a bit of power. Still, driving a Civic SI from the 8th generation doesn't feel like you are being punished for needing room for four or front-wheel drive. The Honda S2000 is a laser-focused sports car, but Honda's bread and butter has always been cars like the Civic and they do them extremely well.