Honda S2000

[Tfp]

Today I got up close and personal with what used to be my dream car, I got sent to buy one.

Very small cabin, I'm 5' 5" and I felt cramped.

A bit plasticy inside, and the dash instruments looked cheap, although I'm sure in their day they were new and exciting.

Nice thing to drive, the small metal gearknob is nice, the seats felt quality, and had stood the test of time quite well, although it'd only done 47,000 miles.

The hood had perished quite badly, I'd imagine it'll be getting a new one, but overall the car was lovely.

Prices for these cars are not to dis similar to a 2.2 or 3.0 Z3 of low mileage.

Now the interesting bit for us Z'ders, it made me feel our Z3's are a much nicer car. I didn't run it to high revs as the roads were damp today so can't comment on the outright performance, but it's pretty flat at low revs, and very low geared.

The Z3 cabin feels so much more up market.

Also it looked at bit odd under the bonnet, the engine sits very far back in the bay, I'm sure that's good for balance but looked odd. The sight of a six under the bonnet of a Z is far more pleasing.

I took my Chq book with me today thinking I'll probably want to add it to my collection, but nope.

 

[5harp3y]

I'd have one over the zed

epic engine (one of the best NA engines ever) or can be turbo'd to ungodly power easily.
stunning styling
massive aftermarket support
great handling

But they are getting pricey (4k upwards now)

 

[spurs fan in a coupe]

I've always heard good things about them, never been in one though.

The cabin reminds me of a TVR for some reason.

 

[Tfp]

I'd have one over the zed

epic engine (one of the best NA engines ever) or can be turbo'd to ungodly power easily.
stunning styling
massive aftermarket support
great handling

But they are getting pricey (4k upwards now)

Maybe I'd have felt differently if I'd have been able to stretch it's legs a bit, I didn't get the Vtec to kick in, and the dealer said don't worry about it.

This one will be going up for 10k so yes, they must be getting very desirable.

 

[5harp3y]

Unless you are in VTEC you aren't going to experience the car etc.

they are worlds apart from the Z3's ... light years ahead

 

[andyglym]

Apparently a VTec engine has never failed so I read. It's a Honda so it's good. Maybe a great car but very bland and boring to look at for me with little in the way of style, in my view. Better car than a Z3, could be but I wouldn't swap mine as it's so much better Looking, I think.

 

[5harp3y]

Apparently a VTec engine has never failed so I read. It's a Honda so it's good. Maybe a great car but very bland and boring to look at for me with little in the way of style, in my view. Better car than a Z3, could be but I wouldn't swap mine as it's so much better Looking, I think.

The vtec system has never failed but plenty of them go wrong

 

[DavidM]

I have always liked the Honda S2000 - nice lines and sits well on the Road!

 

[andyglym]

The vtec system has never failed but plenty of them go wrong

That's surprising for a Honda. Every day is a school day.

 

[andyglym]

Honda wins v the 2.8 in top trumps. Still take mine though

http://www.zeperfs.com/en/duel178-445.htm

 

[5harp3y]

That's surprising for a Honda. Every day is a school day.

If they run slightly low on oil it can be really bad

Mate of mine had to replace a few vtec parts (at some hefty prices) on his civic type r

 

[andyglym]

If they run slightly low on oil it can be really bad

Mate of mine had to replace a few vtec parts (at some hefty prices) on his civic type r

Are they prone to burning oil due to the manic red line?

 

[Sean d]

I considered one of these when I was looking for a Z, the consideration lasted until I see one, they are about as interesting as watching paint dry, plasticy boring interior and thats the best bit

 

[andyglym]

I considered one of these when I was looking for a Z, the consideration lasted until I see one, they are about as interesting as watching paint dry, plasticy boring interior and thats the best bit

Same page mate. Screeming banashi engines but dull as dishwater, I'd rather have an MGTF, now they look great. Bit slow though

 

[5harp3y]

Are they prone to burning oil due to the manic red line?

Yup exactly this

 

[5harp3y]

Same page mate. Screeming banashi engines but dull as dishwater, I'd rather have an MGTF, now they look great. Bit slow though

They look like melted frogs

Oh and 'headgasket'

 

[andyglym]

They look like melted frogs

Oh and 'headgasket'

Love the looks but a fair shout on the head gasket though they do an upgrade to cure the issue.

 

[Sean d]

Same page mate. Screeming banashi engines but dull as dishwater, I'd rather have an MGTF, now they look great. Bit slow though

I think this would be another option if you are interested in a S2000, just cut the roof off

 

[andyglym]

I think this would be another option if you are interested in a S2000, just cut the roof off
View attachment 71501

A beast

 

[Dino D]

I’d love one but in addition to the Z3, not to replace, very different cars.

The seating position, driver centric cabin and rifle bolt gearshift is something I wish the Z3 had.
Even the 5th gen Prelude I had was an amazing place to ‘do business’ from, everything laid out right. Crap and bland plastics sure but laid it just right.

The Z is by comparison a brute of a thing and that’s fine and what’s them such different Cars.

The main reason I never really considered them when buying the Z was fear of dying. I’ve had FWD VTEC which are fun and manageable but need big revs (and therefore big speed) to be fun. No couple big revs + RWD and I’m thinking of a big fireball in the hedge!

I would love a letter Vtec one day, a proper old school one, light and zero torque but mega revs like the old 1.6 units.