Quote:
Originally Posted by Rampage
There is a very vocal group that will defend the s2000 to their dying breath. Many of them have never owned or driven the car. They just "heard" it was the best ever. The Toyota Supra and the 2JZ engine has the same type following. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that or feeling like that either. (Yes, I do see you own one.)
I had an Integra GSR.....loved it. I have a 2ZZ MR-S.....love it. I went and test drove an s2000 back in 2001 when I had the opportunity to buy one new. I didn't love it. Back then I was lusting over a 1995 RX-7 for a bit less than what they wanted for the s2000 and I thought the s2000 did not measure up in comparison. That and the fact that I just did not fit very well in the Honda. In the long run, I ended up buying neither. I kept the GSR for a while and then bought a 350Z a couple years later.
It is funny in a way because I constantly read on here about guys that are comparing used s2000s to the FR-S/BRZ/GT86 and it reminds me of what I was doing 16 years ago.
By the way, I did own 2 Supra including a turbo. I didn't love them either so maybe it is just me.
|
I don't believe that the S2000 is the best car ever, nor that there is such a thing as a best car ever at all. I love my S2K, but I'm well aware of its flaws.
1. Despite having an incredible engine, it's underpowered due to its age and the fact that it didn't come with forced induction.
2. Limited production, therefore a lot of parts are kinda pricey compared to other similar Japanese tuner cars
3. Weak drive train..... the diff and transmission are very easy to break if you add forced induction.
4. The stock aero is rather terrible.
5. Steering response is GREAT, but steering feel is numb.
However, for what it is, the level of engineering you get for the price is quite good. Incredible suspension and handling. Very little body roll. Stiff chassis. Extremely well built and reliable engine that makes a lot of power with forced induction. One of the best feeling manual transmissions to ever come in ANY production car. The overall fun factor is off the charts, and it's a very rewarding car to drive hard.
I also love the FD RX7, and it is much more powerful due to being turbocharged..... However, the steering isn't as responsive, the chassis isn't as stiff, the engine isn't anywhere near as reliable, good used examples still cost just as much if not more than used S2000s, despite being a much older car and usually being in worse condition, etc....
The MR2's suspension isn't as well designed. The Integra is a great handling FWD car, but it's still a FWD car, has less power, etc....
All of these cars, and all cars, in general, have downsides.