Hi all!

I've been perusing this site since last month. There are some really interesting & informative threads here, and the civility between users is very impressive. After reading Sebring Silver's thread "I was driving my new '02 out of dealership today, and I was struck..." I got a strong sense that this board is really a worthwhile site to spend some time on, and I decided to register. Anyone that hasn't read that post, I highly recommend it.

I'll be making a purchasing decision early next year and am very inexperienced with newer model sports cars. I have read so many good things about the S2000 on this site that I am really tempted to get one. Besides the actual performance of the car, it is the passion and joy that exudes from many posters (even some non-owners!) that impresses me. There is so much enthusiasm and loyalty surrounding this car - a very good selling point in itself.

After some research, my first choice right now is the new E46 M3. However, it might be in my best financial interest to get an S2000 and a second car. I was wondering if people with some experience with either car might voice an opinion... and for that matter anyone's thoughts no matter how random and wild will be greatly appreciated. Would any of you replace your S2k with an E46 M3 if given the opportunity?

Here are the factors on my end:
previous stock performance cars: none - my first sports car purchase
roadster/convertible factor: never owned one, convertible factor not important (presently)
RWD: must-have
prestige: not really important
styling: like the M3, love the S2K
location: Arizona
test-drive: not a factor, love both cars
kids: none
s2k rev's: not a problem, love it
SCCA/track racing: never done it before, no plans to start
gas economy: don't care
'park it and worry' factor: don't care
reliability: important
warranty: very important

insurance: anyone know ballpark cost differences?

I love straight line acceleration, and freeway passing power, but is it really worth the extra $20K for the M3? That's one dilemma...

Thanks in advance,
Patrick

 

Patrick,

Drive both cars then come back to us. For the money, both vehicles offer a lot of performance (for MSRP, that is). However, they are both in different price leagues.

 

To me, the M3 might be the perfect "responsible" sports car. Not nearly the flash of a 911, but offers similar performance. What it lacks, for me, is driving experience. Admittedly, I have only taken one test drive in an e46 M3, but thats the conclusion i've come to.

While owning the S2000, my motorcycles, which are damn fun to ride in their own right, languish, because the S2000 is often even more fun!

If I had an M3 in the garage and no S2000, I think I'd be taking out the BMW R1100GS motorcycle today instead. More fun.

For me, alternatives to the S2000, in terms of driving experience, would be a Boxster S, 996 C2, 993 C4S, Lotus Elise, and of course all the true supercars that are beyond my means (Ferrari, Aston Martin, Jag XKR, MB SL500, etc.) This fun factor is also the same reason I would likely take the keys to a well set up Miata over the much more technically "competent" WRX just about any day for a drive through some mountain twisties, unless it's snowing of course!

Ultimately, you need to decide what will give you the most smiles per mile/dollar, and buy it!

 

Your comment about the miata is notable... my friend went from a chipped Audi A4 to a Lexus GS400, and now wants to buy a Miata. The salesman (he buys most of his cars from) thought he was joking. The dealer my friend goes to sells high-end cars. But he wants the Miata. He says its the most 'fun' car he has ever driven since his 80's NA MR2 with the mid-engine 4AG motor.

I'm curious what the price point and performance will be on the new STi WRX.. but i'd still probably get an S2000 for similar price ranges.

Thanks for the comments!

 

I love both the prior & current generation M3, but the S2000 is still more fun IMO. Here's my quick take on the relative benefits of each (E46 for this comparo):

Power: M3
Handling: S2K
Reliability: ?
Operating costs: S2K
Room/practicality: M3
Neat electronics/gadgetry: M3
Visceral experience: S2K - as PFB noted, it's more comparable to a motorcycle than other cars.
Cost - S2K - I got the S2K & a loaded Tundra for what my neighbor sold his M3 for!
Bang for the buck - S2K by a mile


I almost bought an E46 instead of the S2K and would have been very happy w/ either choice, but the $20+K cost difference relative to their pros/cons makes it an easy choice for me.

 

My 2 pennies -

I love the New M. Beautiful. Beautful. Beautiful. In the short test drive that I was allowed, I was very impressed with the power and the handling. My only problem... price. The car I want is stickered at $52 large. Add to that the bullshit dealer markup of nearly $20 grand and you're into the stratosphere, IMO.

If I lived in AZ, I'd buy the S with the optional hardtop and a beater SUV (mid 90's 4 runner or the like). I'm willing to be that your all in costs would be significantly less than the BMW (even at sticker) and you're long-term costs are likely to be lower as well. Plus, you have a vehicle for all occassions. If it's perfect outside (like most of the winter months are in AZ) drop the top and enjoy. If it's pouring or you've got a dust storm to deal with, take the beater. Need to go XMas shopping and you need the space and you don't want to worry about some clown dinging the crap out of your car at the Paradise Valley mall, take the beater. See my point?

Either way... enjoy.

PS - welcome to the board.

 

I've combined the my s2000 with a Dodge Durango SLT in our house and found that it is an awsome all-round driving solution. The s2000 is great for running to work and back (when I find another job) and the Durango is great for all of those 'hauling' activities seating 7 people and generally having the ability to pull a large tree out of the ground if needed (350 lbs of torque - hmmmmmmm).

I picked the Durango up used for 20k with 50,000 on the clock, 1 owner and mint condition, my wife loves it (and looks funny driving it as she is 5'2").

They have proven to be a wonderful combination and a refreshing change from each other, it's nice to swap rides now and again.

Joel

 

Patrick,
should you get a S2000, get in contact with me (PM or email) as we have a local club here on Oahu and have events every so often. Also, check out our Hawaii Forum on this board too.

 

off topic: shoyu burner, LOL, that's a GREAT name!

 

I've been on the M3 list for almost a year and still have at least six months to go (btw, are you already on a list?). I bought my S2K this past summer to tide me over until I get my M3.

The M3 and the S2000 are very different cars so I think you need to decide what is most important to you:

M3:
Luxurious interior
Speed and low-end torque
Back seat and decent trunk
"Snobby" image
Gadgetry (SMG II, Nav, etc.)
More practical overall

S2000:
Visceral driving experience with top down (no sunroof can make up for this)
Great performance for the price
Limited trunk space
No back seat
Ya gotta rev it to get the power

I have really enjoyed my S2K over the past few months but love BMW's. You really can't go wrong with either car so, like I said, it really comes down to what is most important to you. Good luck!