| Author | Message | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 852 Registered: 6-2002 |
Am I the only American left who can drive? Use that darn little shifter-thing! This car can really sing if you don't drive it like Grandma Jones. So what if it's gutless outside of 6k-9k, the shifter can keep it there quite nicely! Sad sad sad to see the redline drop. Insures the 00-03 cars will be the ones to have. An S/C S2k currently owns the lap record (mod suspension, on slicks) at sears point in a track group I belong to. It's not too much like a Ferrari though. More like what the Miata should be! Best! Ben. | ||
| Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Member Username: Hardtop Post Number: 670 Registered: 1-2002 |
Has anyone driven an S2000 with the optional hardtop? I tried one out a few years ago, but found it to be "wiggly", so I was wondering if the hardtop stiffens the car at all. I liked it other than that although I thought it would be more "raw" than it was from reading reviews. I guess if you are moving from a Bimmer it would seem raw but certainly not campared to any Fcar. It had more bottom end than I was led to believe, but when you are used to Fcars which also don't have much bottom end, that should not surprise. Dave | ||
| Aaron Williams (Aawil)
Member Username: Aawil Post Number: 317 Registered: 8-2002 |
Here's some pics of the freshened 04 S2000. Redline has sadly dropped to 8000rpm. http://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=148656 | ||
| Nebula Class (Nebulaclass)
Member Username: Nebulaclass Post Number: 438 Registered: 11-2002 |
While I've never driven an S2K, I must say that increasing low-end tq at the expense of the 9000rpm limit is a good idea. From what I've heard, unless you are above 7k, the car feels like a Civic. Again, I've never driven one, so I can't say from experience. While 245hp from a 2.0l is fantastic, when it's at an unrealistic 9000rpms (who drives around at that range more than 30 seconds a week?), what good does it do? Increasing the low-end tq, in order to give the car mre usable oomph, is definately a good idea. | ||
| Robert McNair (Rrm)
Member Username: Rrm Post Number: 652 Registered: 5-2002 |
Mark,there really weren't any major changes made to the S2000. In 2002 it received a glass back window and speakers in the doors both due to customer complaints. The suspension was softened up a tad and new chrome bezels were placed around taillamps. The drivetrain has remained the same. Dealers used the "this car is only going to be sold for a few years" line to increase sales. Rumor has it that there will be some mechanical changes for 04 with an increase in torque and a decrease in the redline. | ||
| Modified348ts (Modman)
Member Username: Modman Post Number: 707 Registered: 11-2001 |
Don't like the overplastic of the 350z interior, plus when you get the Lousy Bose system, you can't upgrade without pulling the entire system out! The 350Z does have decent power though. | ||
| philip (Fanatic1)
Member Username: Fanatic1 Post Number: 416 Registered: 2-2003 |
David, The 350Z roadster, Enthusiast curb weight is 3197.bs.......the S2k's wieght is 2810....difference is 387 pounds. The s2k is definately lighter, that's why it was #1 in the road and track article. I mean that the weight could be manipulated on the Nissan side.....wheel size, 6 speaker Bose Stereo system with amp., DVD based Navigation system......all those things add a lot of weight......probably not 400 lbs., but certainly could bring the cars a little closer to equal weights...........liked the s2k, but a little plain for me | ||
| David Sorrells (Notorq)
New member Username: Notorq Post Number: 1 Registered: 7-2003 |
philip- The S2000's weight can't really be altered with options, there are none except for a few dealer installed plastic exterior pieces (lip, spoiler, etc.) and the hardtop(44lbs). The 350Z vert weighs 600 pounds more than an S2000. There's not much you can do to change that through factory options. Personally, that's just too much extra weight. I'm surprised that you think the 350Z feels more like a sports car than the S, you're the first person I've ever heard say that. I have yet to drive a 350Z though, I've always been a fan of Nissans cars but the 350 just doesn't click with me. To each his own, enjoy your Z! | ||
| philip (Fanatic1)
Member Username: Fanatic1 Post Number: 414 Registered: 2-2003 |
I just got the 350Z Roadster...not to hijack the thread, but I tested the S2k and decided on the 350z....thought the 350 felt much more like a true sports car, liked the top and hard teanu cover, and I haven't raced either one, but I think the Z just feels more responsive......the S2k looks too much like the Z3......but in a Road and track shoot out, they rated the top 5 convertibles and the order was.....I'm doing this from memory...... 1.S2k 2.350Z 3.Porsche Boxter 4. Z3 or Z4 can't remember 5.can't remember.........but I'm sure I'll be correted soon!  One of the major things that brought the S2k to #1 was it's light weight....however, that weight can be manipulated on the S2k and the 350Z due to options and stuff like that...... | ||
| Modified348ts (Modman)
Member Username: Modman Post Number: 704 Registered: 11-2001 |
Mark, I don't know what the future plans are for the S2k but the one I noticed is that in the 02 model is the glass back window instead of plastic. Mine puts out 290 at the wheels and with the after cooler it will be over 300hp at the wheels. The car has more potential than what most people can handle and on these cars you have to watch the rear end as it gets loose real easy, it's a car that's really tossable through turns but to an unexperienced driver who don't know the limits of the cars handling, beware for the tail spin. I finally got the car to spin out and that was at a local autocross event, fortunately throughout the day I never once toughed a cone and the car stayed mint to this day. | ||
| John (Cohiba_man)
Member Username: Cohiba_man Post Number: 253 Registered: 1-2003 |
QUOTE:"Never ridden a donkey either but I know it ain't no racehorse." As they say, don't knock it till you've tried it, I rode along with my friend and I was very impressed. | ||
| LC (150shot)
New member Username: 150shot Post Number: 47 Registered: 6-2003 |
S2000 will not even come close. I wote for the NSX too, not because of mine, but you at least get the screaming 8k rpm engine behind you. S2000 is more of a 350Z, Z4 Comparison, IMHO. | ||
| Mark (Study)
Member Username: Study Post Number: 789 Registered: 10-2001 |
I drove a s2000 when they first came out and the handling wasn't that great. Same as a BMW Z3 just didn't give me a good feel for the road, suspension needed some major tuning. s2000 guy told me they were only making them for three years. Must be longer then that now? For you s2000 owners.. do you know what they upgraded over the years? And what are future plans? | ||
| neal (95spiderneal)
Member Username: 95spiderneal Post Number: 251 Registered: 3-2002 |
my sister in law had s2000 for a while and if ferrari made a 4c engine this would be it. rest of car has much too light a feel to compare to fcars esp clutch and shifter. maybe ferrari should try to get that light shift feel though as it was pretty nice | ||
| Robert McNair (Rrm)
Member Username: Rrm Post Number: 651 Registered: 5-2002 |
I bought an S2000 this June and after putting a little under 4k miles on it I would heartily recommend it. It's not really comparable to any other car out there, it is in its own niche. I would compare it to a Ferrari performance wise but as far as sound, sight and even smell IMO Ferrari is in a league of its own. | ||
| Nebula Class (Nebulaclass)
Member Username: Nebulaclass Post Number: 427 Registered: 11-2002 |
Mike, I swear I've seen your car. Well, I've seen an x1/9 with a 500ci Caddy motor. Must have been yours, because there can only be one person crazy enough to do that at one time on this earth! | ||
| Mark Eberhardt (Me_k)
Member Username: Me_k Post Number: 679 Registered: 5-2002 |
I had an x1/9 with a 500 ci, 500hp caddy engine in it...talk about young and stupid..I had to make the car 13" wider and 6" longer...the Fiatillacarosa I guess because I had TRish scoops on the sides, just awful. I'll see if I can find some pics. They have strut suspension and drivelive from a fiat 128, nothing like a 308, it does work well though. However, Yugo parts do fit on an x1/9 since it is also a fiat 128. | ||
| Nebula Class (Nebulaclass)
Member Username: Nebulaclass Post Number: 425 Registered: 11-2002 |
Hubert - I'm planning on keeping it street legal! I'm going to keep the cat, so the car should pass smog no prob. I'd like to run it in SCCA classes, but I would have to dump probably another 4k into engine, suspension, and brake mods, which I don't have the money for or the time to race. And Don, as far as I know, all X's used 308 suspensions. I could be wrong, but that's what I've read and been told. The block is also a Lampredi desing, and some people say it's essentially half a 308 engine. Of course, I could be totally wrong here.... | ||
| Don Norton (Litig8r)
Junior Member Username: Litig8r Post Number: 235 Registered: 6-2001 |
X 1/9's had 308 suspension? Or just the one you've got? | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Intermediate Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 1376 Registered: 1-2002 |
Hey , nebula, what class can you run in w/ that? Auto-x only , or open track , too? 3k? That's awesome. Talk about "grassroots." | ||
| Nebula Class (Nebulaclass)
Member Username: Nebulaclass Post Number: 423 Registered: 11-2002 |
Oops! Lemme give you a clearer picture:  | ||
| Nebula Class (Nebulaclass)
Member Username: Nebulaclass Post Number: 422 Registered: 11-2002 |
BTW - It should end up looking like this, only in yellow/black. | ||
| Nebula Class (Nebulaclass)
Member Username: Nebulaclass Post Number: 421 Registered: 11-2002 |
Speaking of the Fiat X 1/9, LOOK AT MY PROFILE! Talk about a mini-Ferrari! It's got 308 suspension, and at a measly 2400lbs, it's a fun car to drive. I'm currently in the process of: 1. Removing the windshield and a-pillars 2. Installing a rollcage 3. Milling and porting the head 4. Installing an exhaust system 5. Widening the track and installing h/p shocks 5. Putting it on a SERIOUS diet When all is said and done, I'll have a car that weighs about 1900lbs with maybe 100hp, and it'll pull maybe 1g on the skidpad. All for less than 3k, including the cost of the car. | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Intermediate Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 1373 Registered: 1-2002 |
>>Never ridden a donkey either but I know it ain't no racehorse.<< That's uncalled for. | ||
| Lee Hamner (Tennlee)
Junior Member Username: Tennlee Post Number: 221 Registered: 2-2002 |
I love the S2000. It drives great! Very enjoyable. Drive it like you want the pistons to ventilate the block. Low RPMS and its boring. Now, I'm not trading my 308 for it, but I will admit the 20+ years of engineering advantage would allow it to handily kick my car's butt! | ||
| Don Norton (Litig8r)
Junior Member Username: Litig8r Post Number: 233 Registered: 6-2001 |
Never ridden a donkey either but I know it ain't no racehorse. | ||
| Aaron Williams (Aawil)
Member Username: Aawil Post Number: 315 Registered: 8-2002 |
I've just about settled on getting a S2000 as my next car. I was thinking of maybe getting a 3.2 mondial because they seem to be the best bang for the buck. But the electrical problems and high service costs will keep me from being able to enjoy it at this stage in my life. For the most part i really want to just get in and go. I use to knock the S because of it being only 4 cyliners but I've found i really want something that handles well and has decent power. And the F1 style digital dash adds to what i've always liked about it. It would be my first manual but i test drove one and didn't seem to have any problem with it. | ||
| Andrew-Phillip Goalen (Andrewg)
Member Username: Andrewg Post Number: 363 Registered: 9-2002 |
Have been in a s2000, great car but a little toooo much for the Girlie who owned it!!!  (nobody was hurt and the car is "all better now") should have know there would be problems when it took 3 attempts to leave the show room! X1/9 are great especialy with the eurosport wide arch kit and a 2litre alfa engine stuffed in the back (happy memories from my youth!) | ||
| John (Cohiba_man)
Member Username: Cohiba_man Post Number: 252 Registered: 1-2003 |
QUOTE:"Ummmm....not. Of course I suppose a Yugo at one time was the closest thing to a Ferrari for the money, too." So you've driven both an S2000 and a 348/355? | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Intermediate Member Username: Whart Post Number: 1628 Registered: 12-2001 |
Not long ago, i saw a fully restored (?) FIAT X 1/9 that had a few rice-inspired additions. I would consider that to be a mini- F car. | ||
| Modified348ts (Modman)
Member Username: Modman Post Number: 700 Registered: 11-2001 |
Talking about Yugo, when was the last time anyone seen a Yugo? I haven't seen one since they first came out. | ||
| Don Norton (Litig8r)
Junior Member Username: Litig8r Post Number: 232 Registered: 6-2001 |
Ummmm....not. Of course I suppose a Yugo at one time was the closest thing to a Ferrari for the money, too. | ||
| Chris Horner (Cmhorner17)
Member Username: Cmhorner17 Post Number: 280 Registered: 4-2002 |
Driven both (S2000 and F355) , nope, they are totally different. The S2000 is a very fun car, handles great, revs high, best shifter I've ever used, but it's not a Ferrari. For the $$$$ though, it's a great deal. | ||
| Modified348ts (Modman)
Member Username: Modman Post Number: 688 Registered: 11-2001 |
I had a 348 and also have a S2000, they are not alike, the S2000 will outmaneuver the 348, but the 348 I had gripped more predictably. The S2k is more fun to toss around, I liked the sound of the 348 at full throttle over the S2k. Which car I would most prefer on the track, well that depends, the 348 shifter sucks ass but is do able, the S2k does better on autocross the widetrack at high speeds the 348 feels better. Between the 2 cars the S2k is better esp. in the reliability dept., I only like the Ferrari because for it's looks and sound, handling is nice too but other than that I like them both for what they're worth. My S2k is set up pretty nice with the charger on it with the suspension mods and more, it is the most tossable car I have driven and that brings the fun factor high in my books and for as little money you can get one for, you just will have a hard time to beat it. Please don't bring talk of the WRX and EVO, I've driven them both. Mits. quality is disposable, STI comes bone stock and I haven't found myself yet to get into off road rally racing at least not yet. | ||
| Byron (Bmyth)
Intermediate Member Username: Bmyth Post Number: 1244 Registered: 10-2002 |
Anyways...I'll see if I can remember... Nope. My sister has a S2000. They are not mini ferrari's. I have a 348 and can attest to that! However, it's not to say that they aren't quick cars that perform well on the track! (I've had a few highly modded S2k's ride my A$$ recently on the track! LOL) If anything, the NSX is a closer match. The engines are vastly different though. I used to have a NSX...and to compare the two would be comparing apples to oranges. | ||
| Byron (Bmyth)
Intermediate Member Username: Bmyth Post Number: 1243 Registered: 10-2002 |
huh? where did my post go? | ||
| John (Cohiba_man)
Junior Member Username: Cohiba_man Post Number: 250 Registered: 1-2003 |
Hey, I haven't driven one personally, but a friend of mine who just bought an S2000 says (he has driven my 348 a bunch of times) that it is the absolute closest thing to a Ferrari for the money. Anyone else feel the same way or disagree? |