so im in the run to purchase a s2000, ive been lookin at autotrader, cragslist and etc. looks like the ap1's are a better deal and lower mileage as well.. i was just wondering whats everyones personal experience with the ap1 and ap2? whats the difference? besides the cosmetics of course..i know ap1 has the 9k redline and ap2 8k but was there any difference in engine?power?etc? and should i go for the ap1 instead of the ap2? thanks guys

 

Search there is a topic on here that show what the difference is between the 2 i went with a CR but i was going to pick up a Ap2 but they sold it before i got there and i looked at the CR but thought i could not afford one but i can afford it and still have money to save/spend just do ur research first though

 

There are differences...they are probably bigger in the minds of owners than in reality. But you should drive both and decide for yourself which drives more to your liking.

On the practical side, the AP2 comes with 17" wheels stock...that is nice because there are not many high performance tires available for 16" wheels that come stock on an AP1.

The AP2 on average puts down about 10whp and 10lb/ft more than the AP1. And that feeling of more power is magnified by a tranny with effectively shorter gears. The downside is more shifting, which causes the AP1 and AP2 to have identical 0-60 and 1/4 mile times.

Overall when buying used...you should always buy the newest lowest mileage car you can afford.

Good luck!!

 

08YellowCR - i've been looking around a lot and researching, and have read all the differences in the faq. i just want the owners opinions because in the beginning i wanted a ap2 but i also am trying to save some money so i considered getting a ap1

negcamber - thanks for the info, i read that ap2 had more whp/tq but they both run the same times? is that what i hear you say? the wheels wont matter much to me because most likely ill upgrade to different wheels.

 

Yes...they both run the same times. However, the ap2 will feel faster since it pulls harder in each gear. But since it has to shift much sooner than the ap1, it allows the ap1 to catch up.

But drive both to see which you prefer. The average American driver prefers the ap2...the ap1 is usually considered too raw, harsh and unforgiving.

 

what do you mean as in too raw, harsh, unforgiving? ive read that the ap2 is more of a DD. do you mean like the suspension, ride comfort? i come from acuras and hondas that are lowered, etc. im use to the ride comfort if thats what you mean by harsh.

 

Yes, spring rates and shock valving on the ap1 are very stiff as well as the swaybars. The ap2 does not ride as harsh.

Also, the rear suspension geometry is slightly different between the two...the ap1 transition to oversteer is more aggressive due to rear toe changes. While that is great for a race car driver on a track, in the real world it has some drawbacks...bump steer being one...you may have heard the ap1 being described as "twitchy". It is the more unforgiving of the two cars if you make a mistake. However, the ap2 can bite just as hard if you screw up.

The tranny changes make the ap2 an easier DD...it is easier to launch from a light in normal driving. There are a few other minor changes that I personally don't find all that noticeable having driven both quite a bit...steering ratio is different and throttle stiffness is different for example...but supposedly, both changes were in response to feedback that the ap1 steering was too quick and the throttle too jumpy. Honestly, I have a hard time telling the difference between the two in those two areas because the changes were so small.

 

hmm thanks for the info. as far as im concerned it doesnt seem like the ap1 and ap2 is much difference in terms of what i would be using it for. its going to be more of a dd for me but i wont mind the ride, etc since im going to lower it regardless. little things wont bother me much. i think im convinced to get a ap1 now =] lol

 

Get the color you want.

 

i was also wondering.. whats the difference in the exhaust? was it just the tips that were changed meaning i can get the ovals and screw them onto the ap1's if i wanted to?

im looking for a 2002 white one since i want the glass top. seems to be rare in the bay area though..