Honda S2000 vs. Subaru BRZ: Street and Track Showdown
This is Honda-Tech, so we already know your answer when it comes to the “S2000 vs. [insert sports cars here]” argument. However, say you have a friend who wants something sporty and fun to drive, in the neighborhood of $20,000. That kind of money will buy a mint, later-model AP2 Honda S2000, or it could just as easily buy a much newer, “gently-used” [insert laugh track here (we know the truth)] Subaru BRZ or Scion FR-S.
Let’s look at the headline features: both are front-engine, rear-wheel drive; have four cylinder engines that rely on revs to make power; both have limited slip differentials; both are relatively lightweight, and both cars have massive aftermarket support and can be modified into oblivion.
While that’s all fine and dandy on paper, there are some semantics we need to cover: namely that the S2K is a drop top and the BRZ is a coupe, so two-seats vs. four. Yet it should be noted that the S2000’s X-frame technology makes the chassis extremely rigid, negating one of the typical downsides of a convertible. The Honda is using wishbones as opposed to the Subi’s strut front and multi-link rear suspension. The Honda’s F22C motor is kicking out an extra 40 horsepower (240 vs. 200) to the Subaru’s naturally-aspirated FA20, about 10 lb-ft more torque and nearly an extra 1000RPM to play with. But, but, but, the BRZ weighs about 300 pounds less than the Honda! So, how do they stack up?
Fortunately for us, Mr. Jackie Ding is here to answer that very question. Ding, a racer and enthusiast, gives his perspective on what really matters: the driving impression, on road and track.
-via Jackie Ding
