S2000 or BRZ, I want your personal opinions

[jrcoreymv]

Hey guys, not sure if this belongs in the VS subforum, but I thought it'd be good here.

I have an opportunity to inherit a 20k mile AP2 s2000 at no cost, or spend approximately 10k dollars to get a BRZ. My father owns the s2000 and babied it, so I know it's condition and service records. Now I realize that it comes down to whether the extra practicality is worth the 10 grand, but what I'm more curious about is what you'd do given the choice. I know both cars would be amazing, but I don't want to be sitting in the brz and regret spending the extra money for an arguably similar car. For what it's worth I'm 23 and the extra cargo room would be very useful, but not sure if i can justify the cost.

Updated with pics (old ones):

[carbonBLUE]

well how about this, inherit the AP2 drive it for a while, test drive the BRZ and if you like both, make one a dedicated weekend warrior and have both but pay insurance on 1...

[Dave-ROR]

A free S2000 is pretty hard to beat IMO.

However I've owned both and it depends on what you are using the car for. I didn't enjoy the car around town all that much, not much space, small trunk, tons of road noise, not much steering feel compared to my other cars at the time. On the flip side it's a roadster which, depending on your roads/mountains in the area (not sure where in Cali you are) could be a ton of fun!

The BRZ actually reminds me a fair amount of the S2K, just tons more steering feel, a little bit better driver position (seat height adjustability, wheel tilt/telescopic adjustments), nicer seats, "back seats", a larger trunk, lower RPM on the highway and less road noise. In other words, for a DD it's the better car IMO. For an all out track car or more dedicated autocross car I'd probably say S2K, especially if it's a CR.

[carbonBLUE]

BRZ/FRS will be the most track ready car out of the box, and you can fly solo to events with all your gear, s2000's are still awesome and faster in a straight line, but there is something about the FRS and BRZ... i dont know how to put my finger on it, the car is so fun I forget that its not the fastest thing in the world, even in the most minuscule tasks it puts a smile on my face, when you move the steering wheel its like the car, the car come back and tells you "i know you though the handling was great in your last car, but THIS is how its done..." and it surprises you, i love doing quick 80 mph lane changes for no reason when there is no one around me, i drive more street now than highway, ive caught myself taking an exit or two early just so i can get a couple more upshifts/down shifts some acceleration and cornering in before my destination, lol

[Dionysus]

As a previous owner of the AP2 s2000. I wouldn't recommend it as a daily driver. Unless you drive to work on twisty mountain roads. The seats were just not comfortable for me (im 6ft 2), my elbows felt constricted, it's just not a very forgiving car.. the gas mileage isn't stellar either. It's a weekend car for blasts around curvy roads, but putting up with it on the daily is rough. That being said, I haven't driven the BRZ/FRS yet.

[jrcoreymv]

hmm, thanks guys, and that was some good insight Dave. I'm sort of irrational in that I tell myself that I don't need practicality, comfort, quiet-cabin, etc, but those are likely going to be the things that bug me as soon as the honeymoon period wears off.

The other part of the equation is what I could do with that money should I go with the s2k. That could be a lot of nice modifications, and a new computer. Or save it...psh.

[viper_driver]

I daily drove an S2k for 6 years and thought it was very comfortable and practical. Two cross country trips and 70K miles later I only sold it to get a back seat.

Take the free S2k. Here are my tips for using it as a DD....first, remove the tool kit and foam holder from the trunk, that gets you a lot more cargo space. Roll the tools up in an old T shirt and store them in the center of the spare tire. When you really need cargo space, just remove the passenger seat. I know it sounds weird, but I did this a few times and there's a ton of space over there if you're willing to spend 5 minutes removing the 4 bolts to take the seat out.

If you're driving cross country, fill the trunk and passenger footwell with as much clothing type baggage as possible. The more stuff you pack in both those areas, the quieter the car is at cruise. It makes a noticeable difference.

Enjoy it, fantastic car. It'll likely return about 28mpg and probably never require anything other than routine maintenance.

[thill]

It really depends on your financial situation. Do you have a good job? Are you in school? I am inclined to tell you to take the free car, build up savings and then you could probably pay cash for your next car. The S2000 is no slouch . It is not like you are getting a hand me down Corolla...

Also once the hype dies down for the BRZ they were be selling closer to invoice. So even driving the S2000 for 6-12 months may save you a bundle.

[zberch]

Originally Posted by viper_driver

When you really need cargo space, just remove the passenger seat.

haha this says it all! As much as the s2000 was the funniest car I ever owned, and would buy another for a summer car I would never get it for a DD!
A ride with a buddy is fun but I still haven't meet a women who likes to ride in it. It's like a motorbike, fun as hell but impractical as hell.

IMO, get the BRZ

Also check insurance rates! S2000 is very high. Also if you plan on parking the S2000 anywhere other then a garage don't get it!!

PS: you are far more likely to kill yourself in a S2000 over a BRZ, you can push the Honda to its limits but once you F%*# up you will not be happy.

[exmayol]

Free S2000 > BRZ, no matter how you look at it. Yes it's likely more expensive to ensure and is more demanding skill wise yet you have a luxury of driving a fun car: while:
- BRZ hype will wear off
- Early issues will be sorted out
- Modding community will learn a lot about proper setups

Go for S2000 now, get a BRZ in a year or two for less money, with less issues and with more knowledge on how to properly mod it without ruining its magic balance.

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by zberch

Also check insurance rates! S2000 is very high. Also if you plan on parking the S2000 anywhere other then a garage don't get it!!

PS: you are far more likely to kill yourself in a S2000 over a BRZ, you can push the Honda to its limits but once you F%*# up you will not be happy.

FWIW I'm paying a fair amount MORE for the BRZ in Insurance than I did for the S2000.

If you take off TCS/VSC in the BRZ you are just as likely to put it in a ditch.

[Mr. Mcoupe]

Woah. S2k now. BRZ in 6 months. Done.

[grst1]

Get a free S2000 indeed. It is an amazing car to own. It will give you a great bottom line for what true roadster should be. You will be much more selective in your car choices after having a truly refined car. Somebody said "if you don't like S2000 you haven't driven it hard enough"...

I currently have both - my S2K at this point is track warrior only with gutted interior, racing seats etc. The reason I got BRZ I wanted something which will have the same/similar fun factor as an S2000 which I was missing as DD. And BRZ delivered! I have zero getting rid of our '10 STI SE for it. And I feel like I travelled 5 years back in time when I first got my S2000.

Having said that I wish I can own another bone stock S2000 to drive around with top down on nice days. I miss it a lot and BRZ doesn't do that.

Get an S2K - and you won't be disappointed!

Originally Posted by exmayol

Free S2000 > BRZ, no matter how you look at it. Yes it's likely more expensive to ensure and is more demanding skill wise yet you have a luxury of driving a fun car: while:
- BRZ hype will wear off
- Early issues will be sorted out
- Modding community will learn a lot about proper setups

Go for S2000 now, get a BRZ in a year or two for less money, with less issues and with more knowledge on how to properly mod it without ruining its magic balance.

[ayau]

I was never a fan of convertibles, which was why I sold s2k for the brz.