I've been reading alot of threads here lately, I just read one about short shift kits and it had something about the s2000 shifter being the best/smoothest around ( I agree that's it's the best I've driven). My roommate has one and I've driven it many many times over the last 3 years. This got me thinking, many guys here have come from m3s, have many come from an s2000?

The reason I ask is while I agree that the s2000 is a great little track car and loads of fun, I can't stand driving the thing for more than an hour at a time. It's tiny/claustrophobic/dark/dank/spartan inside, the suspension feels almost like there isn't a suspension at all on the car, you have to rev that b**ch to at least 6k to feel like it's going anywhere, the tail will slide out if you look at it wrong, and ingress/egress is a PITA.

I know it's a "driver's car" and I understand many people love the s2000, but it's obviously not for me. As a track car, it's a blast to drive and slide around but as a daily driver, I got sick of it in about an hour on the street.

Now my question is this (since I've still not driven a 996), is the s2000 at all like a 996 in any of the characteristics I've described above? For those that have owned/driven both, what is your personal experience and/or comparisons of the 2 cars? Disclaimer; I realize the price difference of the two cars. I also get that it's a comparison between a Honda and a Porsche , I'm just wondering if the 996 is as track oriented and hardcore ( for lack of a better term) as the s2000 seems to be.

 

I have had a 996 for about 6 years now. It's an excellent all around car. I drive it every day from Spring to Fall. No complaints. In winter, I have a sequoia.

I have a friend who has the s2000. He drools at my car. When we go out, we always have to take mine.

Does that answer your question?

 

LOL I know the 996 is a better car. I just wanted to know if it had any of those little annoyances the s2000 has that makes it an unattractive DD for me. But yes, in a way it did answer my questions. If you didn't have the Sequoia , would you still have the 996 ?

 

My suggestion, go test drive one. The best opinion that really counts is yours

 

You are absolutely correct. Just looking for some advice/opinions before I do. People on this particular forum seem to be pretty well informed/rational compared to some others. Also I'm bored and trying to drum up some discussion.

 

this is a weird post. you dog on the s2000 and then ask people to compare it to the 996? what is your real question?

 

That is my real question. Why is it weird? I don't like the s2000 for a DD, that's all. Do you own one?

 

I owned a S2000 for 3 years. Absolutely loved it - but for many of the reasons you site as negatives...



I loved the cockpit - that small (some say claustrophobic feeling). You have to marvel at the simplicity though - all controls could be accessed (except radio) without moving your hands from the steering wheel.

The handling was superb (the oversteer was very controllable and progressive, if not over-driven)... but yes the downside was a sometimes jittery and firm ride.

The top went down in 6 seconds (after you pulled the latches).

The gearbox = rediculous.

Reliability = never had 1 problem. Not one.

But most of all, it was a lightweight, totally "raw" driving experience. No TC, minimal sound deadening, awesome "bolt-like" shifts. You never felt bad driving this "Honda" (for the brand concious) - b/c no one knew what kind of car it was - and those that knew - gave respect.

The downside: NO TORQUE. NONE.



I now have a 996 C4S, and to me it is far superior - as a GT. Heavier steering (heavier in general), much more luxurious interior with a bunch of gizmos, a stereo I not only can hear - but love, and lots of luscious torque (not to mention a WOT sound to die for). I haven't taken the 4S to the track yet, but I expect it to be different there too.

 

S2000: Loud and clunky....very tail happy....I actually loved revving the thing to the moon (2.0L version that revved to 9 grand)....But with good suspension/tire/wheel set-up, can actually be a great competitive track car. The push button engine start was cool too . Daily driver, not so cool...

996: Loud and what you would expect from a Pcar. With the rear engine and most of the weight at the rear, the tail stays very well balanced and controllable with the right amount of throttle. Comfort, I guess having a daily driver is self explanatory.

 

Nicely said.

 

Thanks. Sorry I had to picture-***** there for a moment.

I'm always suprised how many ex-S2000 owners are now in 996s. Like the OP stated, I always except people to come from M3s > S2000s.

I loved my S2000, but with my 4S at service this last week - I actually "miss" it (even knowing what the bill will be like on pick-up).

 

There you go. Your car is sweet, love that color. I never noticed that you didn't have to take your hands off the steering wheel to get to controls. That radio control on the left IS kind of cool too. Regardless of what some may think, I never said the s2000 was a bad car. I just said it wasn't for me. You worded it perfectly, raw. It reminds me of a Lotus Elise a bit in that way.
It was almost like a little racing car to me. I'm just not a good enough driver to enjoy it on the streets everyday. Yeah, that stereo in that thing was tinny as hell . But I suppose not many owners bought it for the radio lol.

 

I liked revving it when I was on the track but on the streets I often forgot how high that thing revved and just shifted up.

 

Very hard to forget and start short shifting when you can feel that the engine needs to be revved up. Also, the variable valve timing (VTEC) does not even come on till 5800 or 5900 RPM if I'm not mistaken.

 

Yeah on the street in traffic though, It's rare that I got a chance to wring that thing out. My roommate has 64k on it and besides a transmission failure in the first couple thousand miles( which Honda completely replaced and said it was an incredibly rare occurance, which I believe), the car has never been in the shop for anything, just oil changes, maybe a recall. It's freaking bulletproof. That car will probably out live us all.