RE: Honda S2000
Discussion
quote:
The car looks OK, but only OK. It's still just a Honda. (and way way way over priced.)
Funny... after just a couple years, it already looks very dated.
Give me a real sports car.
True - it is just a Honda, and that is part of the attraction - its not a Boxster or TT. Its also £8K cheaper than the same spec Boxster which makes it good value for money.
I see you own a TVR - I had a look at, and spent a lot of time thinking about a Chimaera (I even bought the bible). In the end I decided against one for three reasons - reliability, running costs and dealers (there is only one in Scotland). It was an easy decision. In three years time I will go through the same process, this time it will be an M3, Boxster S or Tamora/Tuscan...hopefully TVR will have got their act together by then and will be producing cars of resonable quality for the price.
Graham, enjoyed reading the review, informative, fair and unbiased, just what people need when deciding what their next car might be.
Regarding the S2000's power delivery - as you say, the graph is straight so the power delivery is linear! I certainly wouldn't describe the power delivery as all or nothing either, what actually happens is that as you approach the point where judging by the engine note you'd normally be changing gear in any other car, the S2000 enters VTEC and accelerates at an even quicker rate. I think its this complete opposite behaviour to every other car I've driven that makes it so addictive.
0-60 times - yeah I wish manufacturers would measure these accurately and give some 30-70mph times etc. to give an idea of real world overtaking capability.
Display - Wasn't sure about the F1 type rev counter at first, love it now. Would prefer analogue speedo, as others have said, much easier to read the rate of accleration / deceleration. Come to think of it I'd like to have some of the display projected onto the windscreen in a colour of my choice....
Regarding the S2000's power delivery - as you say, the graph is straight so the power delivery is linear! I certainly wouldn't describe the power delivery as all or nothing either, what actually happens is that as you approach the point where judging by the engine note you'd normally be changing gear in any other car, the S2000 enters VTEC and accelerates at an even quicker rate. I think its this complete opposite behaviour to every other car I've driven that makes it so addictive.
0-60 times - yeah I wish manufacturers would measure these accurately and give some 30-70mph times etc. to give an idea of real world overtaking capability.
Display - Wasn't sure about the F1 type rev counter at first, love it now. Would prefer analogue speedo, as others have said, much easier to read the rate of accleration / deceleration. Come to think of it I'd like to have some of the display projected onto the windscreen in a colour of my choice....
Quote "I see you own a TVR - I had a look at, and spent a lot of time thinking about a Chimaera (I even bought the bible). In the end I decided against one for three reasons - reliability, running costs and dealers (there is only one in Scotland). It was an easy decision. In three years time I will go through the same process, this time it will be an M3, Boxster S or Tamora/Tuscan...hopefully TVR will have got their act together by then and will be producing cars of resonable quality for the price."
Only three years? TVR/reasonable quality/ ha ha ha ha ha.
Only three years? TVR/reasonable quality/ ha ha ha ha ha.
quote:
As for whether the digital display is ergonomic or not, that's obviously down to personal opinion. It does look flash though.
Hmm... not sure an Ergonomist would agree with that! There are many recommendations for the dynamic driving environment and without covering old ground, I've mentioned those before. As an interesting aside to that, the easiest area on which to focus is actually not directly infront of you, but an area above the centre console - as per Fiat seicento rev counter or Toyota Yaris speedo...
ATG - interesting point regarding the use of flight deck instruments... the future of cars perhaps? Who knows... although HUD's have been looked into they are a) very expensive, b) can be lost in the driving task and outside world, c) are difficult to cram into such a small space...
"what actually happens is that as you approach the point where judging by the engine note you'd normally be changing gear in any other car, the S2000 enters VTEC and accelerates at an even quicker rate. I think its this complete opposite behaviour to every other car I've driven that makes it so addictive"
Also known as 'The VTEC Grin' And is induced by that wilder cam kicking in, and the exhaust producing the sort of sound usually experienced on a superbike. I only have a SOHC VTEC, but its still so addictive, especially in tunnels etc. I love the sound of a big cc V8 too, but they dont do 9000rpm! Every time my car kicks over 5k it forces you to keep your foot planted, and with a good exhaust and indution set up, it sounds even better :-)
The S2000 is a beutifully engineered car, and a decent competitor to most of the current poser soft tops, and comes with Hondas long service schedules and excelent reliability, and will still do 25mpg+ round town, pretty amazing for an engine that gives nearly 120bhp/L !! For 26k what more do you want?? (and dont say a 2nd hand TVR :-( )
Also known as 'The VTEC Grin' And is induced by that wilder cam kicking in, and the exhaust producing the sort of sound usually experienced on a superbike. I only have a SOHC VTEC, but its still so addictive, especially in tunnels etc. I love the sound of a big cc V8 too, but they dont do 9000rpm! Every time my car kicks over 5k it forces you to keep your foot planted, and with a good exhaust and indution set up, it sounds even better :-)
The S2000 is a beutifully engineered car, and a decent competitor to most of the current poser soft tops, and comes with Hondas long service schedules and excelent reliability, and will still do 25mpg+ round town, pretty amazing for an engine that gives nearly 120bhp/L !! For 26k what more do you want?? (and dont say a 2nd hand TVR :-( )
I couldn't find anything at a similar price to match the S2000 as a daily driver which can be taken out on the track.
The S2000's price-competitors are no match, the TT was dull as ditchwater, the Z3 was clumsy and underpowered and the SLK divorcee-special just wasn't in the running. The only other serious competitor was the Elise.
Having had the car out on the track at Llandow last Friday in torrential rain I am now keener on it than ever. I found it so easy to chuck around and nicely balanced - it's easy to kick the back end out but as Graham Bell says, not to the extent that the car becomes a handful. The steering doesn't have as much feedback as I'd like, but it's nowhere near as numb as say, a TT. But not only does it handle well, it has a degree of creature comfort too, a power hood which doesn't leak and a useable boot - setting it above the Elise on my shopping list as I have a 100 mile round trip to work every day.
Oh, and I got the S2000 as a company car ("it says here I can have any Honda, are you sure....") - just don't tell them about the track days
If money were no object, there are cars I would rather have, but for a car under £30k the S2000 fits the bill for my needs better than anything else.
The S2000's price-competitors are no match, the TT was dull as ditchwater, the Z3 was clumsy and underpowered and the SLK divorcee-special just wasn't in the running. The only other serious competitor was the Elise.
Having had the car out on the track at Llandow last Friday in torrential rain I am now keener on it than ever. I found it so easy to chuck around and nicely balanced - it's easy to kick the back end out but as Graham Bell says, not to the extent that the car becomes a handful. The steering doesn't have as much feedback as I'd like, but it's nowhere near as numb as say, a TT. But not only does it handle well, it has a degree of creature comfort too, a power hood which doesn't leak and a useable boot - setting it above the Elise on my shopping list as I have a 100 mile round trip to work every day.
Oh, and I got the S2000 as a company car ("it says here I can have any Honda, are you sure....") - just don't tell them about the track days
If money were no object, there are cars I would rather have, but for a car under £30k the S2000 fits the bill for my needs better than anything else.
No offence guys, but I think some of you are getting a bit anal! I thought it was about driving?
I’m looking to change my current motor, a ’97 Nissan 200SX. Suppose all you racing drivers out there are gonna slag it off, but I love it. Had it 4 years now, been loads of fun, 200bhp, rear wheel drive, been to 8 countries in it, it’s a great tourer, and 100% reliable.
So, what do I replace it with? It has to be equally reliable, rear wheel drive, 200+bhp, well-engineered, reasonable service costs, and not one on every street corner! And hopefully not depreciate like the Nissan.
I’ve driven the TT and like the BMW are too common/expensive/dull (with exception of M3). TVR/Lotus thing seems too much of a weekend car, (here comes the barrage of abuse from BMW, TVR & Lotus owners)?
My wife has a Civic Type R, which is great fun and dead practical. So, got me thinking about the S2000. Went for a test drive at weekend and loved it! Couldn’t care less about the soft-top, digital dials, or how good the radio is. I’m not a track day expert, I’m just a car fan and love driving and just thought for me, it was a great drive.
Started saving and hoping to change in the spring.
I’m looking to change my current motor, a ’97 Nissan 200SX. Suppose all you racing drivers out there are gonna slag it off, but I love it. Had it 4 years now, been loads of fun, 200bhp, rear wheel drive, been to 8 countries in it, it’s a great tourer, and 100% reliable.
So, what do I replace it with? It has to be equally reliable, rear wheel drive, 200+bhp, well-engineered, reasonable service costs, and not one on every street corner! And hopefully not depreciate like the Nissan.
I’ve driven the TT and like the BMW are too common/expensive/dull (with exception of M3). TVR/Lotus thing seems too much of a weekend car, (here comes the barrage of abuse from BMW, TVR & Lotus owners)?
My wife has a Civic Type R, which is great fun and dead practical. So, got me thinking about the S2000. Went for a test drive at weekend and loved it! Couldn’t care less about the soft-top, digital dials, or how good the radio is. I’m not a track day expert, I’m just a car fan and love driving and just thought for me, it was a great drive.
Started saving and hoping to change in the spring.
stevenrt said: Honda's achilles heels:
- low torque engines
- uninspiring chassis design and handling
Even the NSX didn't manage a proper longitudinal mounting, just transverse.
Incredible quality and value for money, but for the enthusiast they don't make anything worth looking at.
Stick with the Elise!
Utter crap. And as for point one, learn to change gear!
Interesting reading. I have just bought a 2009 S2000 with 7000 miles on the clock. I have had a Vauxhall VX220 for the last three years which I loved but I am now 68, getting stiffer and was finding it harder to get in and out with the roof on. The S2000 is much more comfortable and though I have not taken it out yet for a good thrash (I pick it up in five weeks. Divorce settlement due!!) I have also owned a Griffith and I bet it handles better than that did. Had a few hairy rides in the wet.
This thread is dumb.
I've had a lot of fairly powered RWD cars than an S2000 and its the same story thoughout; learn the car and respect the fact its RWD. Take things smoothly and get used to how the car reacts.
The engine is totally linear. You cant spin the wheels up in a straight line without dumping the clutch and you'd have to be really trying to cause the car to spin out during a turn. Obviously its a lot easier to lose control in the wet, but just respect the fact its RWD with a 50/50 weight balance and you'll be fine.
I got mine in the middle of winter and havn't had any hairy moments and I have the 01 model pre-suspension changes etc.
Its not the fastest car I've owned but its the most fun! The driving experience is just awesome, fantastic car and will hopefully keep mine for a long time!
I can imaging the "posers" who have no idea what they are buying and just want something to look cool in getting in a state, but really anyone with half a clue about driving would be fine!
I've had a lot of fairly powered RWD cars than an S2000 and its the same story thoughout; learn the car and respect the fact its RWD. Take things smoothly and get used to how the car reacts.
The engine is totally linear. You cant spin the wheels up in a straight line without dumping the clutch and you'd have to be really trying to cause the car to spin out during a turn. Obviously its a lot easier to lose control in the wet, but just respect the fact its RWD with a 50/50 weight balance and you'll be fine.
I got mine in the middle of winter and havn't had any hairy moments and I have the 01 model pre-suspension changes etc.
Its not the fastest car I've owned but its the most fun! The driving experience is just awesome, fantastic car and will hopefully keep mine for a long time!
I can imaging the "posers" who have no idea what they are buying and just want something to look cool in getting in a state, but really anyone with half a clue about driving would be fine!
Podie said:
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Actually, this is an example of poor Ergonomics... red and orange are colours most confused with colour blind people, so they would not be able to read the binnacle properly - if at all (a similar problem afflicts Audi's).
As for the digital instrumentation - research shows that it is quicker and easier to assimilate information from analogue dials, rather than digital ones.
If you want references, I can dig some out...
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I'm not disputing your assertion, however, it is impossible to confuse the rev counter with any other display on the S2000...take a look if you get the chance.
As for the speedo - I find it much quicker to read my speed from the digital display on my S2000, than say my previous BMW. What it doesn't give me is the rate of the speed increase like an analogue display....which can be a problem in these speed sensitive times...!
Analogue V Digital ? - I'll take analogue I think.
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Douglasr - it's an interesting area of study (if you're into that sort of thing) but the results of numerous studies have concluded that analogue instrumentation is quicker and easier to read. The issue with digital speedos is that they give an exact speed, and it takes longer for the brain to process that information than to gather an approximation that you're doing "30-ish" (i.e. between 30 and 35)... do we REALLY need to know that we are travelling at 31mph, rather than 30?
Some people like the curvo-linear digital rev counters, but personally I am not a fan, I'd rather have a "clock" - although that's personal preference. It may be difficult to confuse it with another display / function, but again I refer to past research that analogue clocks are easier to read etc etc...
You may be right, but we're talking milliseconds here, and I don't think that it's a statistically significant variable in terms of the overall reaction time. F1 and WRC cars have digital readouts, and those guys rely more on reactions than everyday drivers - which sort of demonstrates that, in reality, the difference is negligible.<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<hr height=1 noshade>
Actually, this is an example of poor Ergonomics... red and orange are colours most confused with colour blind people, so they would not be able to read the binnacle properly - if at all (a similar problem afflicts Audi's).
As for the digital instrumentation - research shows that it is quicker and easier to assimilate information from analogue dials, rather than digital ones.
If you want references, I can dig some out...
<hr height=1 noshade></BLOCKQUOTE>
I'm not disputing your assertion, however, it is impossible to confuse the rev counter with any other display on the S2000...take a look if you get the chance.
As for the speedo - I find it much quicker to read my speed from the digital display on my S2000, than say my previous BMW. What it doesn't give me is the rate of the speed increase like an analogue display....which can be a problem in these speed sensitive times...!
Analogue V Digital ? - I'll take analogue I think.
<hr height=1 noshade></BLOCKQUOTE>
Douglasr - it's an interesting area of study (if you're into that sort of thing) but the results of numerous studies have concluded that analogue instrumentation is quicker and easier to read. The issue with digital speedos is that they give an exact speed, and it takes longer for the brain to process that information than to gather an approximation that you're doing "30-ish" (i.e. between 30 and 35)... do we REALLY need to know that we are travelling at 31mph, rather than 30?
Some people like the curvo-linear digital rev counters, but personally I am not a fan, I'd rather have a "clock" - although that's personal preference. It may be difficult to confuse it with another display / function, but again I refer to past research that analogue clocks are easier to read etc etc...
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