Honda S2000 Honda S2000

test drove an S2000

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 18, 2007 | 05:44 PM
  #1  
lux's Avatar
lux
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
Default test drove an S2000

it was an '07 model. is it just me or does the S feel a bit slow? i know honda's sportier engines like the F22/20 and the K20 are all torque-weak, but they're still a hoot to drive when you get at it.

S owners say the AP1 is considerably more raw (both suspension and engine-wise) and ive never driven an AP1, so i cant compare the two, but i do own an '06 Si. i was disappointed at the lack of punch when you hit the throttle, even in WOT. the Si felt much more lively and exciting (however i do have an intake and exhaust, so this may play into it). this was a strange feeling considering the cockpit and overall feel of the car seemed to express otherwise, but the engine was a large disappointment. maybe it was the hot weather numbing the senses? with all the rave behind this car's engine, i was hoping for a thrilling experience, but i was a little underwhelmed.


Modified by lux at 6:55 PM 2/18/2007
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2007 | 06:07 PM
  #2  
s2kdre's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,438
Likes: 0
From: Skmotoring.com
Default Re: test drove an S2000 (lux)

the S gets really fast when u put miles on it, my AP2 got faster and faster when i hit 30k miles on it, all brand new cars feel weak.
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2007 | 09:31 PM
  #3  
SuzukaBlueAP2's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,778
Likes: 1
From: BeaveRun, PA, USA
Default Re: test drove an S2000 (s2kdre)

If you think the Si was more fun then go buy one of those.

How can you compare a 50/50, 240HP RWD car to a 65/35, 200HP FWD car?

oh that's right, you can't (at least not in any sane capacity).

No S2000 owner is going to tell you they were underwhelmed by it. Period.
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2007 | 09:49 PM
  #4  
lux's Avatar
lux
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
Default Re: test drove an S2000 (SuzukaBlueAP2)

if you knew how to read, you would see that i have bought one.

any people that have driven both generations chime in? is there a substantial difference between the AP1 and AP2?
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2007 | 10:05 PM
  #5  
Mr. Projekt's Avatar
* B A N N E D *
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,291
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, CA, USA
Default Re: test drove an S2000 (lux)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by lux &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">if you knew how to read, you would see that i have bought one.

any people that have driven both generations chime in? is there a substantial difference between the AP1 and AP2?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Substantial? No. Does it require a different driving approach? Yes.

The 00-01 AP1 is raw, sensitive, and high strung. The 04-05 AP2 is progressive, direct, and stable. The difference between the two is less than a second per minute per lap, with the same driver. It comes down to preference and driving style.

If you're going to DD the car, the AP2 would be a better choice.
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2007 | 10:11 PM
  #6  
lux's Avatar
lux
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
Default Re: test drove an S2000 (Mr. Projekt)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mr. Projekt &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Substantial? No. Does it require a different driving approach? Yes.

The 00-01 AP1 is raw, sensitive, and high strung. The 04-05 AP2 is progressive, direct, and stable. The difference between the two is less than a second per minute per lap, with the same driver. It comes down to preference and driving style.

If you're going to DD the car, the AP2 would be a better choice.</TD></TR></TABLE>
do you think the DBW makes the car feel noticeably different? i know honda implemented it in '06.
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2007 | 10:15 PM
  #7  
Mr. Projekt's Avatar
* B A N N E D *
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,291
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, CA, USA
Default Re: test drove an S2000 (lux)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by lux &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
do you think the DBW makes the car feel noticeably different? i know honda implemented it in '06.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Driven an '06 twice, noticed the DBW butting in was when I heel-and-toed it; there was a slight delay when I jabbed the throttle. The other time was when I tried to get sideways with VSA on. It backed off the gas quite a bit when I was tryin to spin the rear wheels.
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2007 | 07:55 AM
  #8  
frankdatank's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,066
Likes: 0
From: midwest
Default

your si might feel faster, but its not. its probably because your used to the quicker revs.
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2007 | 08:48 AM
  #9  
Sean Juan's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,602
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, FL
Default Re: (frankdatank)

Since you were test driving, you probably didn't experience the car where it actually IS fast-- turns.
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2007 | 12:51 PM
  #10  
the soL that could's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 897
Likes: 0
From: South California
Default Re: test drove an S2000 (Mr. Projekt)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mr. Projekt &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Substantial? No. Does it require a different driving approach? Yes.

The 00-01 AP1 is raw, sensitive, and high strung. The 04-05 AP2 is progressive, direct, and stable. The difference between the two is less than a second per minute per lap, with the same driver. It comes down to preference and driving style.

If you're going to DD the car, the AP2 would be a better choice.</TD></TR></TABLE>

is this the truth? where did you obtain that information so i can take a look at it.

i purchased an ap2 and have spent countless hours trying to figure that out. people make the ap2 seem like it's a civic compared to the ap1. go figure...
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2007 | 12:56 PM
  #11  
Shy_GuyAP1's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
From: Williamsburg, VA, USA
Default

I didn't get much of a test drive in the AP2 but I got to open it up

I've driven 5 AP1s and I like them a lot more because of the kick in the *** it gives you when you get higher in the RPMs. The AP2 was just smooth.

So if you are looking for a more comfortable powerband go AP2
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2007 | 01:50 PM
  #12  
lux's Avatar
lux
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
Default Re: (Shy_GuyAP1)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Shy_GuyAP1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The AP2 was just smooth.

So if you are looking for a more comfortable powerband go AP2</TD></TR></TABLE>

that's exactly what im talking about. it just felt too mellow; wasnt what i expected.
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2007 | 01:55 PM
  #13  
Mr. Projekt's Avatar
* B A N N E D *
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,291
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, CA, USA
Default Re: test drove an S2000 (the soL that could)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by the soL that could &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

is this the truth? where did you obtain that information so i can take a look at it.

i purchased an ap2 and have spent countless hours trying to figure that out. people make the ap2 seem like it's a civic compared to the ap1. go figure...</TD></TR></TABLE>

Personal experience. Forgot to write it down, but you can check my lap timer.
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2007 | 02:59 PM
  #14  
iam7head's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,222
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
Default Re: (lux)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by lux &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

that's exactly what im talking about. it just felt too mellow; wasnt what i expected.</TD></TR></TABLE>

softer suspension, much softer clutch, clutch delay and for 06/07 more electronic nanny.

ap1 just begs you to mesh the gas and beg for second but the ap2 felt softer which has alot to do with the revised gear ratio, which requires less efforts to get around town.

Reply
Old Feb 20, 2007 | 06:11 AM
  #15  
triple's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: Alberta, Canada
Default

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuTtLYhFJT4

Heres a comparison of the F20 vs F22, you can really see the F22 just pull away after corner exits but besides that they are pretty close.

As for suspension in AP1 vs AP2, the AP2's suspension is more refined for less twitchiness at the limit.
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2007 | 09:13 AM
  #16  
jerk's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: pretty much kentucky, but not quite.
Default

theyre not fast cars. ive owned one and can admit it. theyre great, driver oriented cars, but big power isnt their thing. look elsewhere for that, but stick with the s2k if you want a good handling, all around sporty, weekend warrior.
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2007 | 02:07 PM
  #17  
B serious's Avatar
Cool Cool Island Breezes. BOY-EE
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,953
Likes: 9
From: TRILLINOIS....WAY downtown, jerky.
Default Re: (triple)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by triple &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuTtLYhFJT4

Heres a comparison of the F20 vs F22, you can really see the F22 just pull away after corner exits but besides that they are pretty close.

As for suspension in AP1 vs AP2, the AP2's suspension is more refined for less twitchiness at the limit.</TD></TR></TABLE>

More refined : see "SOFT". lol no ....i guess i have to agree. The AP2 is more forgiving. With the right driver, though an AP1 ...especially an early AP1 can be much more effective.

As for the engine not feeling as "punchy" as the SI...do you think it may be that the SI's powerband is narrower than the S2K? I dont know if it is or not...but that would explain it. lol when i had a B16 hatch with a VAFC, i used to put the VTEC at 7000 rpm and the car would spring into action like crazy when it finally came to VTEC. I did it just to be a jerk...no other reason. My point is that maybe the SI is weaker down low and has a larger power delta when it enters VTEC. maybe? iduno for sure.

The AP1 has that surge feeling at VTEC like crazy. I've driven an AP2, and it seemed really mediocre. Im not trying to rag on the ap2, there are a few advantages, but i think that the AP1 was much more of a raw driver's car. Do you want a new one for sure? I wouldnt mind trading my AP1 in for an AP2 in a few years (lol till im OLDER), but i think i'd stick with the 05 since it has no DBW. Im sure its more responsive than other DBW systems, but i just hate DBW. stupidest idea ever IMO.
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2007 | 03:55 PM
  #18  
Miss_Bitch's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 704
Likes: 0
From: Bellevue
Default Re: test drove an S2000 (Mr. Projekt)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mr. Projekt &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The 00-01 AP1 is raw, sensitive, and high strung. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Best description I've ever read.
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2007 | 04:05 PM
  #19  
Sean Juan's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,602
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, FL
Default Re: (triple)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by triple &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
As for suspension in AP1 vs AP2, the AP2's suspension is more refined for less twitchiness at the limit.</TD></TR></TABLE>

The AP2 has a thinner diameter rear sway bar and softer suspension in the rear... refined in some people's books, but in my opinion it's less aggressive.
Reply
Old Feb 22, 2007 | 11:52 AM
  #20  
ITR#00-1077's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,502
Likes: 0
From: Central Cali, CA, USA
Default Re: test drove an S2000 (lux)

It's funny how these threads always come up...like most of the guys have told you... the car never really feels fast when it's brand new... I have an '06 AP2 and I can tell you this.. it is more driver oriented, but is it any slower than an AP1.. NO!!!!

I'm not the best driver in the world, but after having tested my 06 and my buddy's 06 against other AP1s -- track, autocross & even the drag strip... our STOCK 06s are quicker in every category... now this is stock for stock no mods.. the only difference would be that the AP1s had more mileage and their motors being more broken in... but they have not been able to be any quicker or faster than our cars.

Yes, the 06 & 07 have the VSA, DBW and clutch delay, but what do these things do but better the car. The VSA can be turned off with a push of a button, the DBW system is probably one of the best out right now, the throttle response is much improved as compared the systems that were in the Acura line up. This is coming from Comptech, not from my own personal experience. As far as the clutch delay is concerned, with a little bid of modding, and some have already been done, that can also be removed. As for me doing it, not at the moment, I see no need for it currently.

Also, the whole thing with the SI feeling faster.... feeling faster and being faster are two different things. For example, driving my S and then driving my R... my R feels faster, being that it is lighter and I have an intake makes it SEEM like it's faster, but after doing a couple of boonie runs and freeway runs against my buddy's S... the S is faster and quicker... so maybe your SI is faster, but is it any better.. that's preference... for me, I feel more comfortable driving my R faster than my S... because the R I've had for over 5+ years and it being FWD... and the S, my first RWD....

The you tube clip with the 2 AP2 comparisons... doesn't really mean much, just for the simple fact, if us here, in the US, were to test the same cars, we would get different results. Although the 2 cars were close in the vid... our US cars would be different... the 2 cars were both AP2s... meaning the reinforced and newer rear ends... although different motors (displacement).... our US cars don't have that... AP1 -- old rear end..... AP2 -- new rear end (less twitchy)....

Anyway.. I could probably go on and on.. but why.... a S is an S regardless of year... and these are my opinions and some fact.... flame if you'd like.. I don't care, but oh well.. that's HT life.... my thing is, if the car was already perfect then why would Honda make these additional changes.... and if you're better than Honda R&D.. then maybe you are that good....
My 2 cents!!
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Tight-R
Vehicles for sale
2
May 2, 2019 01:27 PM
niceprelude
Honda S2000
30
Mar 22, 2009 04:07 PM
square_1
Honda S2000
39
Oct 24, 2008 08:53 AM
mvitachi1
Honda S2000
26
Mar 15, 2007 08:40 AM
WhiteS2000
Honda S2000
5
Mar 15, 2003 07:27 PM




All times are GMT -8. The time now is 12:05 AM.