BMW z8. He noticed that I had a picture of a S2000 on my computer screen as well as my scale model AP1 on my shelf...

First thing he asked was if it was the one that revs to 9000 and I said yes. As a car enthusiast, he knew all the specs and importance of what Honda accomplished with the S2000. RESPECT

The more the AP1 vs. AP2 debate drones on and on and I continue to contribute, the more I realize how at the end of the day it doesn't really make sense.

If you are a "purist" and want to own the car that took industry by surprise and by storm.... if you want the original incarnation of what Honda and Shigeru Uehara envisioned as a truly unique car.... If you want to know you have the engine that was regarded as truly a marvel of engineering..... BUY the AP1


However, if you want an upgraded and more refined roadster with more neutral handling and don't care about the history of an automobile...... Get an AP2...... A "better and more evolved" car than the AP1. but at end of day...... Not remembered by people like the retired doctor I met today.........

 

I think rather than getting sentimental and living in the past, get the car that fits your needs and budget. And of course, get the best maintained car with the best price you can find and roll with it.

It's nice that this retired neurosurgeon remembered the s2000 but that would never affect my decision on a car. There are dozens of cars out there that were the first in many different categories when they came out years ago. Can't own or remember them all. For me, I knew I loved the look of the s2000, especially the ap2. I also knew I wanted to supercharge. The AP2 with Flashpro fit the bill best....

 

oh yes because that extra 500rpm yields such fantastic power! Add the flashpro and you can change the redline from 8200 to 8500.

AP2 + Flashpro = Better. Facts are facts.

Im not bad mouthing the AP1 because i still have my 03 AP1 but it has nothing on my AP2/CR.

 

You miss the point of what I posted. I even conceded that the AP2 and CR are more refined and improved cars than AP1....


Point was that the AP1 was truly a "special" car when it was introduced. The F20c engine won awards and accolades that the AP2 never did because it didn't set the bar like the F20 did.

Ap1 was on Car and Driver 10 best list 3 years in a row.... Ap2 only once. And as you all know.... F20c was rated by C&D as Best Naturally Aspirated Engine of all times. So the extra 500 rpms represented more than just a few revs......... It was a new benchmark.....
Fait Accompli

 

Not trying to fan the flames here... This is a real question because I simply don't know...

Was Shigeru Uehara involved in the improvements in the AP2?

 

Yes... He worked on the CR and then retired....

 

Key word you mention over and over.... WAS. All that you mention is in the past and is somewhat irrelevant because sentimentality takes a back seat to practicality when deciding between AP1 / AP2. It's what you want the car to do that's more important. Another pointless thread and point that's been made over and over. It's like me saying AP2 is better than AP1 because I have one and it doesn't burn oil and has a rear glass window. Lol... People buy one or the other for different reasons... Otherwise everyone here would have an AP1 lol

Or AP2

 

Never had an "impure" experience motoring in my AP2. For that matter, I've never had an impure experience in any car that was built for handling and fun. How can a driving experience ever be impure I wonder

So I guess I don't care about the history of an automobile (plebe that I am) and prefer the evolved (or is it refined) dual cupholders in my AP2 that allow me to carry dual espresso shots from Starbucks in comfort and more importantly don't care for my car to be remembered by prominent people like retired neurologists.

Perhaps I need to talk to the Anesthesiologist, that owns an S800 Roadster and Coupe or the guy down state that owns a Honda S600. They'd probably say, the only purist's car is an early S car with a chain drive to the wheels and even frown on later S800's that came equipped with a diff.

BTW - is that Z8 still structurally sound or have the panel gaps started to show?
http://www.bloomberg.com/bw/stories/...nancial-advice

 

Car baiting much....? Lolol

 

Nah... I was totally transparent in original post when I said:

"The more the AP1 vs. AP2 debate drones on and on and I continue to contribute, the more I realize how at the end of the day it doesn't really make sense"

When anyone who remembers the s2000 comments on my car, they always mention the original specs of the AP1. I will almost guarantee the casual car enthusiast will assume that when they see an AP2... it still has the F20c engine....

You guys are the ones that have to explain that Honda toned down the engine and suspension for you less talented drivers...