Ubetit

I had an 02 S2000 for 6 years. Last year I bought a Loaded 2011 370Z roadster. The two cars are very different, almost as different as Croc's example.

The S2000 is a go cart with about as much comfort and features as one. The car was built as a roadster specifically for the F20C. The engine is the star of the show, followed closely by the transmission. Weight is low, handling is precise and I think it looks great. To drive it well and have some fun you need to drive it on the edge however. For me it got to be a tiring commuter car in the summer.

The 370Z (at least in roadster trim) is a heavier "cruiser." The ride is much more forgiving. The seats are oh so comfy as well as heated and cooled. The 370Z interior made my S2000 feel interior like a Reliant K car. My car has every gadet I wanted and it is implemented well. I've owned manual cars for 27 years but I have a heavy commute so the 7 speed Auto has been fantastic. If i want to have a little fun, i go into manual mode and deactivate the traction control nanny. The Z is tossable but you can feel the extra weight. It is not as confidence inspiring as my S2000 was with the pedal to the floor around turns. The reason I could never go back to the S2000 though is the torque. I've had cars with it before and i never realized how much i missed it. Even though the 3.7 isn't a torque monster like some of the new Ford and Chevy engines, it's nice to have 100 extra horsepower and twice the torque of the F20C. Maybe in a few years i'll trade my 370Z in for the new C7.

WolfpackS2k

Agreed. While I didn't have a oil temp gauge on my S2000 whenever I was at the track the coolant gauge wouldn't budge from it's "normal operating temperature", at least as shown on that gauge. And like ZDan said, regardless of what temp an S2000's engine actually does reach I think it's fair to say that this engine has proven it's reliability over the years.

termigni

lol I track my S2000 without a oil temp guage. my stock S2000 is there for me 100% each track session, whereas 370Z owners limp back to the pits from over-heated oil and brakes. my car hasn't nearly reached 100k miles yet but there are plenty in this board that have 150k+ mi and still running strong on tracks.

one dude in his 370z went straight on to turn 1 at Summit and I later found out his brakes didn't work from heat build up.

nurb2

I traded my '07 S2000 for a 2012 370Z with sport package about a year ago. Very different cars. The S2000 wins in the "feel" department ... feels faster, feels like it handles better ... but in reality the 370Z is much, much faster and has a lot more grip.

The 2012 MY greatly improved the oil temp problem, and I have never had an issue with the upgraded sport package brakes ... in fact the SP brakes are vastly superior to the stockers on the S2000 (which may not be a fair comparison as I have never driven a Z with the base model brakes).

I had a few months of S2000 withdrawals, but at this point about the only thing I still miss about the S is the admittedly much better gearbox. To each his own though ... there is a similar thread on My370Z where all the arguments are skewed towards the Z ... here the S is favored, and that makes perfect sense.

VtecYo!

Never driven a 350, however my mates mum has had one for years. (Track version)
I let his dad drive my S for a little comparison between the 2. He came back with a huge grin saying he wants one. Lol

He also added that in his opinion, the S was/is hands down a better car to drive and thought the build quality is alot better than that of the Nissan.
I honestly agree with him on the build quality. Looked a little 'el cheapo' to me. Before I ever saw an S in person, I was a Nissan fan for many years but that all changed lol


After that I didn't even ask for a test drive in the Z.

wdrx02

Hello,

I guess I will chime in.
I test drove several AP1 in the past.
Owned a 2005 AP2, and sold that about 2 years ago.

Got married, and now have a 370Z (recently purchased).

When it comes down to it is, preference.

Most people have said it all, it really comes down to, you test driving it!

If you want the RAW, track, and road feel. Go for the S2000, from there you will have to decide AP1 or AP2.
If you want an, all around luxery + some sport. Go for the 370Z.

In my case, I miss my S2000. However, I am liking my Z as well.

The Z will give you more options in terms of purchase (I.E: Automatic, and different packages).
S2000, would be standard only... I currently have a Touring + Sport (Roadster version/convertible), and even though I am a Manuel guy. I purchased a automatic (sport shift+pedal) one.

It is nicer for daily, and best of all. Wife approved

If you are into the looks only, well.. this is all up to you.
I however, got the 370Z because it reminded me of my S2000 but more... luxury (sacrifice the mpg for force).

I also, wanted to pitch in the fact that the 370Z is more refined than the 350Z as well.
The interior is better quality, and overall feel. When it comes down to it, test drive all types to find what is perfect for you!

Can't go wrong with both cars! they are both reputable manufacturers, and lovable cars!
Keep in mind where you live too... S2000 has a higher theft rate...