RE: PH Heroes: Honda S2000
Discussion
I loved mine. A 1999 JDM.
Had a few "interesting" near misses with various static objects, but overall great fun.
Granted not the fasted 0-60 but the the gearbox was sublime and hitting that 6000rpm level for VTEC to kick in never got boring.
God I really fancy getting another one now...even with the ridiculous insurance premiums.
Had a few "interesting" near misses with various static objects, but overall great fun.
Granted not the fasted 0-60 but the the gearbox was sublime and hitting that 6000rpm level for VTEC to kick in never got boring.
God I really fancy getting another one now...even with the ridiculous insurance premiums.
petrolhead888 said:
Hahaha! this is so funny to read, I cannot handle rear drive?????I noticed you said it never snapped on you?? Flat out pace? There will be a difference between your flat out pace and mine without sounding cheeky....
My second car at the age of 18 was an RS2000, then I got a Chevette HSR 2.3, and ever since all my cars have been rear drive i`m now 40 next week.
A certain good friend of mine is very famous in the british drift championship and at the time we used to entertain crowds at shows with our drifting before he entered that me in an MR2 Turbo.(which are supposed to be twitchy but it had feel)
I have had bike engined kit cars, Lotus elises, Skyline GTR`s, Nissan 200sx with 400bhp
I am racing a 120 mph 125 gearbox kart this season (watch youtube if you want to see what an attack on the senses and 450bhp power to weight ratio feels like an inch off the ground)
I KNOW how to handle and slide a rear drive and id be open to any one to prove so
Current car is a Supra
My S2000 may have been a bad example...
But all S2000`s have no feel.........and as I said anyone on here who says they have, really haven`t driven a communicative rear drive proper sports car
I`m not one of these awkward posters who just want to be heard and cause a fuss or big myself up, I just want you to know that I do know what im talking about and not some internet troll or bulls
tter.
I have worked in the motortrade for many years and get to try lots of cars all of the time last car being a 997 C2 manual I had for a weekend which absolutely lived up to the hype , what a car!!!
i`m not comparing the S2000 with the 911 that is unfair, but fact was my S2000 and every other I have driven were a major let down as im used to rear drive cars that communicate, Hell even a little MK1 MX5 had 200% more feel.
Wow, you're awesome, I wish I was you.....My second car at the age of 18 was an RS2000, then I got a Chevette HSR 2.3, and ever since all my cars have been rear drive i`m now 40 next week.
A certain good friend of mine is very famous in the british drift championship and at the time we used to entertain crowds at shows with our drifting before he entered that me in an MR2 Turbo.(which are supposed to be twitchy but it had feel)
I have had bike engined kit cars, Lotus elises, Skyline GTR`s, Nissan 200sx with 400bhp
I am racing a 120 mph 125 gearbox kart this season (watch youtube if you want to see what an attack on the senses and 450bhp power to weight ratio feels like an inch off the ground)
I KNOW how to handle and slide a rear drive and id be open to any one to prove so
Current car is a Supra
My S2000 may have been a bad example...
But all S2000`s have no feel.........and as I said anyone on here who says they have, really haven`t driven a communicative rear drive proper sports car
I`m not one of these awkward posters who just want to be heard and cause a fuss or big myself up, I just want you to know that I do know what im talking about and not some internet troll or bulls
tter.I have worked in the motortrade for many years and get to try lots of cars all of the time last car being a 997 C2 manual I had for a weekend which absolutely lived up to the hype , what a car!!!
i`m not comparing the S2000 with the 911 that is unfair, but fact was my S2000 and every other I have driven were a major let down as im used to rear drive cars that communicate, Hell even a little MK1 MX5 had 200% more feel.
I don't think you mean to come across as egotistical as you sound, so I'll respond.
The S2000 has a stiffer chassis than pretty much anything else on the road, it was designed that way. It handles more like a race car than pretty much any other road car I've owned except for perhaps the Elise and Exige, but even they were more forgiving of certain types of driving.
The S2000s strength is also it's weakness however as when a chassis is as stiff as the S2000's the transitions are done mainly by the suspension and very little by the chassis flexing making the car feel 'snappy' if you don't like that or 'direct' if you do.
As someone (funnily enough another race car owner) said above, at speed you need to understand what a stiff car will do before you commit as the signals will be far more subtle than in a more forgiving one. Road cars are not usually set up to be as direct which has caused a lot of people to mistake a deliberate trait for a failing on the part of the designers - they're meant to be 'twitchy' because they're made to appeal to enthusiasts - unfortunately not all enthusiasts like the same thing, and they just don't appeal to the drifting crowd or those who like a 'dab of oppo' on the way to work, it's simply not that car.
But I wouldn't drive my G20 race car at 10/10ths on cold tyres in the wet either, neither do I worry about whether I can drive everywhere in clouds of tyre smoke looking out sideways, it's not that kind of car. Instead, I accept that it handles like a dog on a polished floor until it finds enough grip, then it's an absolute beast - pretty much the same characteristics (albeit magnified several times over) as both the S2000s I've owned.
They do appeal to a lot of people though - I've never come across as enthusiastic a bunch of owners as S2000 owners - it seems that if you do 'get' it, you're committed long term. If you don't, you tend to go on internet forums and tell the world how bad the car is and if they don't agree they must not be as awesome as you are
I don't think you'll find anyone who disagrees that the steering isn't great for feel, but it is there - when I first got my car back in 1999 I was of the opinion that it was as uncommunicative as stirring porridge - a day with Don Palmer soon disabused me of that opinion, it's all about being able to listen to the signals you're being sent.
I'm only joking, by the way, you probably are awesome....:P
Had one - loved it when I was in the mood, and found when it had the geo set up it was quite easy to read (
However, I was frustrated by the (relative) lack of power below 5500-odd rpm, when VTEC kicked in (yo). This meant that the only 'fun' gears were second and third, and to stay in VTEC on a twisty B road meant mainly second... Changing gear was a pleasure - but most of my time was spent in 3rd, or 6th.
However, I was frustrated by the (relative) lack of power below 5500-odd rpm, when VTEC kicked in (yo). This meant that the only 'fun' gears were second and third, and to stay in VTEC on a twisty B road meant mainly second... Changing gear was a pleasure - but most of my time was spent in 3rd, or 6th.
I've driven a number of S2000's and really enjoyed the experience. At the time I preferred having rear seats to throw my bike in the back, so kepy my Civic Type-R.
It's amazing how well the 04-55 plate cars have held their money due to the tax increase from 06 onwards. If I was looking to buy one now I'd want a GT spec 55 plate in Moon stone grey or Silverstone Silver. It would have to have black interior, because the blue or red dashes look hideous IMO.
I really, really want an S2k
Had my first passenger experience in one the other night, and was left somewhat disheartened. Didn't seem as fun as my Integra and that was coming from a passenger!
Also, I'm "only" 6ft 2 and 15st, but I struggled to get comfy in it.
Still I'll own one no doubt, silverstone grey and red leather please sir
Had my first passenger experience in one the other night, and was left somewhat disheartened. Didn't seem as fun as my Integra and that was coming from a passenger!
Also, I'm "only" 6ft 2 and 15st, but I struggled to get comfy in it.
Still I'll own one no doubt, silverstone grey and red leather please sir
ghibbett said:
ALways liked the idea of one of these. I think they still look good today.
However I remember a fair few years back, whilst darting around in the Fabia vRS I had at the time, one of these latching onto my rear bumper as we entered a known slippery left-hander with mid corner bump. Looking back in my rear view, I was shocked at how quickly the back end came round and it lodged itself in a hedge.
OT, but those Fabias were great for that - I had one. I once overtook a Merc SL55 AMG on the sliproad from the M6 S to M56 West. He took offence at being overtaken by a mere Skoda and in fairness, it was impressive how quickly he caught me up. Then I pitched the VRS into the right hand bend at a speed I knew it could do and watched the rear view mirror with interest. The SL55 owner had an enormous brown trouser moment. He didn't crash, but he thought he was going to!However I remember a fair few years back, whilst darting around in the Fabia vRS I had at the time, one of these latching onto my rear bumper as we entered a known slippery left-hander with mid corner bump. Looking back in my rear view, I was shocked at how quickly the back end came round and it lodged itself in a hedge.
Prof Prolapse said:
mikey k said:
Prof Prolapse said:
I'm only picking that bit because it's the only bit that deserves a bit of light hearted mocking... It's like saying an S2000 has a rubbish towing capacity.
There are actually quiet a few US guys who trailer wheels and tools to autotests and track days
Mark Benson said:
petrolhead888 said:
Hahaha! this is so funny to read, I cannot handle rear drive?????I noticed you said it never snapped on you?? Flat out pace? There will be a difference between your flat out pace and mine without sounding cheeky....
My second car at the age of 18 was an RS2000, then I got a Chevette HSR 2.3, and ever since all my cars have been rear drive i`m now 40 next week.
A certain good friend of mine is very famous in the british drift championship and at the time we used to entertain crowds at shows with our drifting before he entered that me in an MR2 Turbo.(which are supposed to be twitchy but it had feel)
I have had bike engined kit cars, Lotus elises, Skyline GTR`s, Nissan 200sx with 400bhp
I am racing a 120 mph 125 gearbox kart this season (watch youtube if you want to see what an attack on the senses and 450bhp power to weight ratio feels like an inch off the ground)
I KNOW how to handle and slide a rear drive and id be open to any one to prove so
Current car is a Supra
My S2000 may have been a bad example...
But all S2000`s have no feel.........and as I said anyone on here who says they have, really haven`t driven a communicative rear drive proper sports car
I`m not one of these awkward posters who just want to be heard and cause a fuss or big myself up, I just want you to know that I do know what im talking about and not some internet troll or bullstter.
I have worked in the motortrade for many years and get to try lots of cars all of the time last car being a 997 C2 manual I had for a weekend which absolutely lived up to the hype , what a car!!!
i`m not comparing the S2000 with the 911 that is unfair, but fact was my S2000 and every other I have driven were a major let down as im used to rear drive cars that communicate, Hell even a little MK1 MX5 had 200% more feel.
Wow, you're awesome, I wish I was you.....My second car at the age of 18 was an RS2000, then I got a Chevette HSR 2.3, and ever since all my cars have been rear drive i`m now 40 next week.
A certain good friend of mine is very famous in the british drift championship and at the time we used to entertain crowds at shows with our drifting before he entered that me in an MR2 Turbo.(which are supposed to be twitchy but it had feel)
I have had bike engined kit cars, Lotus elises, Skyline GTR`s, Nissan 200sx with 400bhp
I am racing a 120 mph 125 gearbox kart this season (watch youtube if you want to see what an attack on the senses and 450bhp power to weight ratio feels like an inch off the ground)
I KNOW how to handle and slide a rear drive and id be open to any one to prove so
Current car is a Supra
My S2000 may have been a bad example...
But all S2000`s have no feel.........and as I said anyone on here who says they have, really haven`t driven a communicative rear drive proper sports car
I`m not one of these awkward posters who just want to be heard and cause a fuss or big myself up, I just want you to know that I do know what im talking about and not some internet troll or bulls
tter.I have worked in the motortrade for many years and get to try lots of cars all of the time last car being a 997 C2 manual I had for a weekend which absolutely lived up to the hype , what a car!!!
i`m not comparing the S2000 with the 911 that is unfair, but fact was my S2000 and every other I have driven were a major let down as im used to rear drive cars that communicate, Hell even a little MK1 MX5 had 200% more feel.
I don't think you mean to come across as egotistical as you sound, so I'll respond.
The S2000 has a stiffer chassis than pretty much anything else on the road, it was designed that way. It handles more like a race car than pretty much any other road car I've owned except for perhaps the Elise and Exige, but even they were more forgiving of certain types of driving.
The S2000s strength is also it's weakness however as when a chassis is as stiff as the S2000's the transitions are done mainly by the suspension and very little by the chassis flexing making the car feel 'snappy' if you don't like that or 'direct' if you do.
As someone (funnily enough another race car owner) said above, at speed you need to understand what a stiff car will do before you commit as the signals will be far more subtle than in a more forgiving one. Road cars are not usually set up to be as direct which has caused a lot of people to mistake a deliberate trait for a failing on the part of the designers - they're meant to be 'twitchy' because they're made to appeal to enthusiasts - unfortunately not all enthusiasts like the same thing, and they just don't appeal to the drifting crowd or those who like a 'dab of oppo' on the way to work, it's simply not that car.
But I wouldn't drive my G20 race car at 10/10ths on cold tyres in the wet either, neither do I worry about whether I can drive everywhere in clouds of tyre smoke looking out sideways, it's not that kind of car. Instead, I accept that it handles like a dog on a polished floor until it finds enough grip, then it's an absolute beast - pretty much the same characteristics (albeit magnified several times over) as both the S2000s I've owned.
They do appeal to a lot of people though - I've never come across as enthusiastic a bunch of owners as S2000 owners - it seems that if you do 'get' it, you're committed long term. If you don't, you tend to go on internet forums and tell the world how bad the car is ...
Ever the diplomat I agree with both petrolhead888 and Mark Benson above. 888 you don't like the S2000 as it's snappy at the limit. It is if you drive it like other road cars. It certainly can be drifted if that's what you want it to do, plenty evidence out there as well.
Here's one example. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahJKy47l7AA&fea...
I do reckon you had a duff example as you know what you're doing yet it wasn't playing ball. I found my first gen great on RE050's with spot-on pressures and good geo. It came to me on worn So2's with old geo and it's wasn't half as good to drive really hard.
For prospective buyers the thing you need to check are:
- Seized bushes (mostly from salt during winter driving), if seized they will need to be cut off to do the geo. You WILL want to do the geo by the way
- Scrupulous interrogation of the owner about how regularly they check the oil level (on average they use 1 litre per 1,000 miles) as if it gets low, engines can and have gone bang!
- Has good tyres, preferably OEM with the correct load rating, or at least good options like T1R's.... S2000's are very tyre sensitive, different tyres will alter the handling a lot.... You will also be able to tell when a tyre is down 1 or 2 psi as the handling really changes. I tried the original S02's (great dry, poor in wet). RE050's, really liked these, transition was smoother, car felt more forgiving, yet lateral grip was higher. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric, altered the handling in the dry to have less grip but great in the wet, especially standing water which can be a real issue in the S as many owners will tell you, it likes to aquaplane, especially at around the speed limit on motorways.
- Hood tear at the join where the door opens, original cars that weren't garaged should be on new hoods by now. If you can get a new hood with a glass screen all the better as the original has a plastic window which isn't great, clouds up and can crack if you are a noob and open the roof when it's too cold!
- MAF's can cause kangarooing, as can CAI. Many here have suggested modifying the air intake but these can give problems... not all the time but it's not unheard of
- Sticking brake calipers are very common, all 4 of mine went at one stage or another, but can be refurbed.
- Headlights can mist up form the inside, it's a front bumper off job (up to a 6 hour job for a newbie) to take them out, open them up and clean them
Did 52,000 miles in mine in just over 2 years so spent a lot of time in it on many different types of road. Driven easy it would do 33mpg, yet I saw 162mph on the digital speedo (yes it doesn't mean I was doing 162mph but still it was still pulling). Drove it round the Ring, to Spa and back, to Monza and back (from Ireland) and used it as my daily in the winter, rain, sleet and snow.
It is pants on the motorway!
I think you get the feeling from this that I rather liked the S2000.
If you get one, please look up 'take the airbox off'.
Best of luck to all! http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/imgs/2.gif
Here's one example. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahJKy47l7AA&fea...
I do reckon you had a duff example as you know what you're doing yet it wasn't playing ball. I found my first gen great on RE050's with spot-on pressures and good geo. It came to me on worn So2's with old geo and it's wasn't half as good to drive really hard.
For prospective buyers the thing you need to check are:
- Seized bushes (mostly from salt during winter driving), if seized they will need to be cut off to do the geo. You WILL want to do the geo by the way
- Scrupulous interrogation of the owner about how regularly they check the oil level (on average they use 1 litre per 1,000 miles) as if it gets low, engines can and have gone bang!
- Has good tyres, preferably OEM with the correct load rating, or at least good options like T1R's.... S2000's are very tyre sensitive, different tyres will alter the handling a lot.... You will also be able to tell when a tyre is down 1 or 2 psi as the handling really changes. I tried the original S02's (great dry, poor in wet). RE050's, really liked these, transition was smoother, car felt more forgiving, yet lateral grip was higher. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric, altered the handling in the dry to have less grip but great in the wet, especially standing water which can be a real issue in the S as many owners will tell you, it likes to aquaplane, especially at around the speed limit on motorways.
- Hood tear at the join where the door opens, original cars that weren't garaged should be on new hoods by now. If you can get a new hood with a glass screen all the better as the original has a plastic window which isn't great, clouds up and can crack if you are a noob and open the roof when it's too cold!
- MAF's can cause kangarooing, as can CAI. Many here have suggested modifying the air intake but these can give problems... not all the time but it's not unheard of
- Sticking brake calipers are very common, all 4 of mine went at one stage or another, but can be refurbed.
- Headlights can mist up form the inside, it's a front bumper off job (up to a 6 hour job for a newbie) to take them out, open them up and clean them
Did 52,000 miles in mine in just over 2 years so spent a lot of time in it on many different types of road. Driven easy it would do 33mpg, yet I saw 162mph on the digital speedo (yes it doesn't mean I was doing 162mph but still it was still pulling). Drove it round the Ring, to Spa and back, to Monza and back (from Ireland) and used it as my daily in the winter, rain, sleet and snow.
It is pants on the motorway!
I think you get the feeling from this that I rather liked the S2000.
If you get one, please look up 'take the airbox off'.
Best of luck to all! http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/imgs/2.gif
haha! I like it! loving the banter!
ok ok ok... I will take it on the chin that just maybe I had a bad example, As a lot of you guys are saying they can be slid around,
Indeed mine did have not new Bridgestones on the car and who knows if the bushes etc were on the way out (seemed ok though but who knows)
I did try with different wheels and tyres on but by that time had lost interest because of the steering. I maybe need to drive a much later car on decent rubber.
And to be fair maybe I was spoiled by the Elise having sublime steering etc.
But do you guys not think that yes its a challenge to get a car that wont do what its told, take it by the scruff of the neck and make it do what you want, but im sorry The S2000`s that Ive driven don`t do that as well as a lot of other rear drive sportscars and thats what im getting at! Yes you maybe can get them to handle better to have a bit more feel etc etc etc, but the car always has that sense of doubt that one day, it will snap and just maybe you will not be quick enough to react and it WILL come round before you know it? Its the steering not telling you enough info, yes its a quick rack but is it tactile...no.
Im going to say something else controversial too....
The Elise was a very nice car and could be played about with,and that steering is lovely but it was a bit understeery with the stock suspension layout, only way for a neutral cornering stance was a big turn in then lift of the power to get the front in, then the problem of not enough power to overwhelm the chassis on exit! neat was the name of the game so ever so slightly boring.
Best handling car I have ever driven was my old mk1 MX5 on Tein suspension a torsen LSD, Half Cage ,under chassis bracing,and A really good geo setup with Toyo T1r`s I could enter corners at silly speeds and it would just stick, or I could be a loon and just throw the car into corners at daft speeds and hold a neutral to oversteer slide on the way out! you could be really neat and fast or showboat!
Ive always said a totally sorted Mk1 MX5 with decent power like turbo or supercharger would be a real hoot to drive!
Oh and incidently.......
As all race drivers think...
Of course I think I am awesome! hehe! maybe a 3rd place at the Autosport Celebrity Karting challenge at NEC in 2010 helped along the way!
ok ok ok... I will take it on the chin that just maybe I had a bad example, As a lot of you guys are saying they can be slid around,
Indeed mine did have not new Bridgestones on the car and who knows if the bushes etc were on the way out (seemed ok though but who knows)
I did try with different wheels and tyres on but by that time had lost interest because of the steering. I maybe need to drive a much later car on decent rubber.
And to be fair maybe I was spoiled by the Elise having sublime steering etc.
But do you guys not think that yes its a challenge to get a car that wont do what its told, take it by the scruff of the neck and make it do what you want, but im sorry The S2000`s that Ive driven don`t do that as well as a lot of other rear drive sportscars and thats what im getting at! Yes you maybe can get them to handle better to have a bit more feel etc etc etc, but the car always has that sense of doubt that one day, it will snap and just maybe you will not be quick enough to react and it WILL come round before you know it? Its the steering not telling you enough info, yes its a quick rack but is it tactile...no.
Im going to say something else controversial too....
The Elise was a very nice car and could be played about with,and that steering is lovely but it was a bit understeery with the stock suspension layout, only way for a neutral cornering stance was a big turn in then lift of the power to get the front in, then the problem of not enough power to overwhelm the chassis on exit! neat was the name of the game so ever so slightly boring.
Best handling car I have ever driven was my old mk1 MX5 on Tein suspension a torsen LSD, Half Cage ,under chassis bracing,and A really good geo setup with Toyo T1r`s I could enter corners at silly speeds and it would just stick, or I could be a loon and just throw the car into corners at daft speeds and hold a neutral to oversteer slide on the way out! you could be really neat and fast or showboat!
Ive always said a totally sorted Mk1 MX5 with decent power like turbo or supercharger would be a real hoot to drive!
Oh and incidently.......
As all race drivers think...
Of course I think I am awesome! hehe! maybe a 3rd place at the Autosport Celebrity Karting challenge at NEC in 2010 helped along the way!
Oh and by the way almost forgot...hehe!
A stiff car surely is EASIER to slide than a softer one???(unless you like Roll oversteer?)
Hence why drift cars are set up to be really hard at the rear than at the front?
To get traction you need a softer rear and as you point out a softer car is more forgiving I agree with that
But If you drove a race car on the road then first it would understeer because the front tyres would be pattering on the unsmooth tarmac because of the stiff front end and a bit of front roll also = turn in as the front being softer helps the nose turn in so therefore a stiff car would not grip as well at the front and as people have said the S2000 has very little understeer so have to disagree with the statement it is stiff because of being like a race car as if it was that stiff then it would understeer then oversteer in a reasonably controlled manner.
Then on exit a stiff car at the rear would slide very easy and not be able to get the power down very easy because of minimal travel on the rear under load thereby on a bumpy road running out of ideas very quickly.
The S2000 if it was a good race car would respond to driver input, whether that is being neat or being lurid.
The S2000 has a rear bump steer issue ( toes out under compression ) ... This is what makes the S2000 snap oversteer ...Maybe the later cars are so much better
The fact that it goes from neutral to snap oversteer very quickly, yet is not rear or mid engined is a flaw and no race car I have ever driven has electric power steering with no feel either
Sorry...
A stiff car surely is EASIER to slide than a softer one???(unless you like Roll oversteer?)
Hence why drift cars are set up to be really hard at the rear than at the front?
To get traction you need a softer rear and as you point out a softer car is more forgiving I agree with that
But If you drove a race car on the road then first it would understeer because the front tyres would be pattering on the unsmooth tarmac because of the stiff front end and a bit of front roll also = turn in as the front being softer helps the nose turn in so therefore a stiff car would not grip as well at the front and as people have said the S2000 has very little understeer so have to disagree with the statement it is stiff because of being like a race car as if it was that stiff then it would understeer then oversteer in a reasonably controlled manner.
Then on exit a stiff car at the rear would slide very easy and not be able to get the power down very easy because of minimal travel on the rear under load thereby on a bumpy road running out of ideas very quickly.
The S2000 if it was a good race car would respond to driver input, whether that is being neat or being lurid.
The S2000 has a rear bump steer issue ( toes out under compression ) ... This is what makes the S2000 snap oversteer ...Maybe the later cars are so much better
The fact that it goes from neutral to snap oversteer very quickly, yet is not rear or mid engined is a flaw and no race car I have ever driven has electric power steering with no feel either
Sorry...
I love the S2000. It was on my mind when I was deciding what car to buy to replace my Audi A8 with last week (though in truth, my mind had already been made up). There is a lot to love about the S2000 though. It's definitely a 'cult' car. It doesn't have a poseur badge it can rely on.
I would have thought it would have found real favour with the British sports car buying public though, saying as most sports car drivers love to coast slowly round the corners before nailing it on the straights. Is there any two seater sports car in the same class that delivers straight line joy like the S2000 does? I doubt it. Therefore, the S2000's amazing engine and slightly less amazing handling and steering feel shouldn't be an issue for most!
I would have thought it would have found real favour with the British sports car buying public though, saying as most sports car drivers love to coast slowly round the corners before nailing it on the straights. Is there any two seater sports car in the same class that delivers straight line joy like the S2000 does? I doubt it. Therefore, the S2000's amazing engine and slightly less amazing handling and steering feel shouldn't be an issue for most!
I love mine. I bought it back in September 2011, to replace my Factory JCW whilst my wife had our little girl.
The plan was to buy something outright, and save the cash for the finance towards the mat leave. I was only supposed to have the car for 12months, then move on to something with back seats so that I can do my bit with the school run etc.
18months on, I'm reluctantly looking to make that change.
The car has been epic in the time that I've had it. Other than servicing costs, and new rear tyres, I've not had to change a thing, nothing has broken and it has been truly brilliant. My 8year old daughter loves to drive everywhere with the roof down, my wife loves it for the same reason and I love it because I can drive it like a real car. I too have enjoyed the droptopability, and have been known to drive with the roof down in the snow. There's something right about open air driving, even in the UK.
The back end can catch you out, but to be honest, if you're driving like an arse, then you should be expecting the unexpected. I've had near misses in the snow, on ice and in the wet, but only when I've been pushing on and deliberately provoking it.
The ride is firm, but not uncomfortably so, the gearbox is fantastic, with a wrist action change that snicks between cogs, and the engine is a truly brilliant piece of engineering. It's tractable enough, and the lack of torque means that the tyres put the power down but don't easily break traction low down the rev range and allow the manic VTec to engage properly from 5.6k. This is noticeable when being pursued by TDI's, as the longer gearing and extended rev range mean less shifts. In the right conditions, 3rd is good for 90+, and it rapidly gets there (achieved on private land officer). Get in the zone with your entry and exit speeds on a dry road and there are not many better feelings - the car rewards good driving, but equally only punishes the idiotic.
I'm now looking to get back into a Factory JCW (Clubman), but know that I'm going to struggle with things like the understeer that is inevitable with a fwd'er, the relatively long throw of the gear lever, and the laziness of the torquey turbo engine.
If this is an itch that you want to scratch, I would highly recommend it. Only 1800 left in the UK according to 'How Many Left'.
The plan was to buy something outright, and save the cash for the finance towards the mat leave. I was only supposed to have the car for 12months, then move on to something with back seats so that I can do my bit with the school run etc.
18months on, I'm reluctantly looking to make that change.
The car has been epic in the time that I've had it. Other than servicing costs, and new rear tyres, I've not had to change a thing, nothing has broken and it has been truly brilliant. My 8year old daughter loves to drive everywhere with the roof down, my wife loves it for the same reason and I love it because I can drive it like a real car. I too have enjoyed the droptopability, and have been known to drive with the roof down in the snow. There's something right about open air driving, even in the UK.
The back end can catch you out, but to be honest, if you're driving like an arse, then you should be expecting the unexpected. I've had near misses in the snow, on ice and in the wet, but only when I've been pushing on and deliberately provoking it.
The ride is firm, but not uncomfortably so, the gearbox is fantastic, with a wrist action change that snicks between cogs, and the engine is a truly brilliant piece of engineering. It's tractable enough, and the lack of torque means that the tyres put the power down but don't easily break traction low down the rev range and allow the manic VTec to engage properly from 5.6k. This is noticeable when being pursued by TDI's, as the longer gearing and extended rev range mean less shifts. In the right conditions, 3rd is good for 90+, and it rapidly gets there (achieved on private land officer). Get in the zone with your entry and exit speeds on a dry road and there are not many better feelings - the car rewards good driving, but equally only punishes the idiotic.
I'm now looking to get back into a Factory JCW (Clubman), but know that I'm going to struggle with things like the understeer that is inevitable with a fwd'er, the relatively long throw of the gear lever, and the laziness of the torquey turbo engine.
If this is an itch that you want to scratch, I would highly recommend it. Only 1800 left in the UK according to 'How Many Left'.
The S2000 while damn good for a convertible isn't *that* torsionally stiff. It's certainly no race car.
Early ones suffer from bump steer, no one should have to piss about 'correcting' suspension geometry (as different to improving it) or worrying that 1-2psi under or over inflated tyres will see them backwards through a hedge. Other manufacturers manage it.
Same goes for steering feel, you don't see anyone complaining about the steering feel on the RX-8, yet that has Showa EPAS and I'm willing to bet quite large amounts of money that Showa also make the EPAS for the S2000.
Simply put the S2000 is a fantastic yet flawed car as stock, anyone who excuses it on the basis that "well all RWD cars are like that", they aren't. Although anything on cold RE040/50's on an icy day can be somewhat of a handful. ;-)
Early ones suffer from bump steer, no one should have to piss about 'correcting' suspension geometry (as different to improving it) or worrying that 1-2psi under or over inflated tyres will see them backwards through a hedge. Other manufacturers manage it.
Same goes for steering feel, you don't see anyone complaining about the steering feel on the RX-8, yet that has Showa EPAS and I'm willing to bet quite large amounts of money that Showa also make the EPAS for the S2000.
Simply put the S2000 is a fantastic yet flawed car as stock, anyone who excuses it on the basis that "well all RWD cars are like that", they aren't. Although anything on cold RE040/50's on an icy day can be somewhat of a handful. ;-)
MIP1983 said:
I love mine. I have changed bits over the years, got KW v3 suspension and a different exhaust. Definitely worth using a reputable place for four wheel alignment, makes a world of difference to the grip and feel.
Have a gratuitous video of it screaming round Nur:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dJiuI-C6yg&lis...
S2000 @ Nur .. don't mind if i do ..Have a gratuitous video of it screaming round Nur:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dJiuI-C6yg&lis...
Was miles better handling than my old MR2. Was so easy to slide about and get sideways.
Never bit me at all and infact saved me a few times where I'd over cooked it.
Roof occasionally leaked (solved by silicone spray and proper cleaning all the rubber parts), and the plastic screen split (swapped it with a late spec glass screen).
Mine lived it's life on the limiter, and eventually the engine expired (stretched timing chain, shot big ends, broken piston seals, bent crank, scored bores, and lots of pre-det signs on the pistons).
I miss it.
Edited by Bibbs on Tuesday 26th February 02:08
Owned an 02 in Monte Carlo Blue way back when. Loved it.
Best gearbox I've ever experienced by far, made a subsequent Porsche feel like a bus (only fixed with a short shift kit and still didn't feel as "connected")
Unlike others I found the RWD snappiness predictable, as in the threshold for it occurring was very low. I was running the OEM Bridgestones though which were as remarked non functional in the cold or damp.
Best gearbox I've ever experienced by far, made a subsequent Porsche feel like a bus (only fixed with a short shift kit and still didn't feel as "connected")
Unlike others I found the RWD snappiness predictable, as in the threshold for it occurring was very low. I was running the OEM Bridgestones though which were as remarked non functional in the cold or damp.
IME it's something of a Jekyll and Hyde car - doesn't really work around town where it's largely unremarkable, but get it out onto the open road and give it free rein and it's a totally different car. The noise, the handling, the gearbox, the steering - all come together to be greater than the sum of its parts.
The only thing is, it's not always possible or desirable to drive like that, so it can end up being a 'meh' at normal speeds.
The only thing is, it's not always possible or desirable to drive like that, so it can end up being a 'meh' at normal speeds.
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