The only S2000 I've ever really driven is my MY'04, but I can say absolutely that VTEC is a kick in the pants, even in fourth and fifth gears (haven't experienced it in sixth yet). In first and second, it shocks people who aren't expecting it (and, better yet, annoys my daughters and delights my son when I go into VTEC). I think that the MY'04 is faster and quicker than the previous years, by a bit (not surprising considering the higher torque and apparently higher actual HP).

If you're disappointed, it most likely is the particular car; you may have a lemon. I'd go back to the dealer and talk with them. Considering how they worked to resolve the previous problem, they probably are reasonable, and should work with you.

 

But you're not biased, right?

 

I'm sorry to hear your 04 is not what you were expecting.

I agree that the S is a little "tail happy", but it seems to be be easily correctable. The S does not seem as neutral as some cars in corners, but knowing this in advance will allow you to anticipate the rear coming out. A minor steering correction will fix the problem.

When I hit VTEC in my MY04 it is certainly adrenaline producing (and I used to own a E46 M3).

Maybe you do have a problem with your 04, but don't count on the dealer giving you any help. Find someone who has an '04 and let them drive yours and get their impressions.

Cars are extremely subject to one's perception of performance. Go to an autocross and see how stock Miata's do against the S, or drive them back to back and check your times if you get a chance.

 

 

My friend has a MY03 Berlina he traded it in for a MY04 GPW,he liked the pre 04's performance a lot,the only reason he traded his 03 is because of the Color (YES it does matter a lot.. ) and the cosmetic changes for the 04(Headlights,Taillights,bumper,wheels etc,) which i totally agree the 04's are HOT!!!,anyway im not being biased here,but i definitely like the Pre 04's as well.But its always a personal preference just my 50 cents.

 

And a good evening to you, too, Mike <g>

I have read in a number of places that the '04 is a bit quicker than the previous versions. See, e.g., http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/ro...0403scc_s2000/

Also, as I said, it seems universally accepted that the MY'04 is a bit more powerful than the previous versions, and even Honda admits that it has more torque, so it hardly would be surprising if it is quicker than the previous versions.

Also, I spent last Thursday at the track, and had the opportunity to follow closely a MY'00, driven by someone who knew what he was doing, who maintains his car well, and whose car has almost exactly the same number of miles on it as mine (his is only a track car; mine's a daily driver), and we both agreed that my car was clearly faster on the straights--all of them.

BTW Mike, I'm thinking seriously about the Spokane school. I need to convince myself that two five hour drives over the pass will be worth it, and I need to convince my wife that it's ok and safe (she's not enamored of my new passion for driving on the track).

 

22mpg is about what I get on both '00 and '04 models. What did you get on your older car?

Why doesn't it give you a "screaming adrenalin hit"? Is slow? Does VTEC not engage?

My personal experience is that while the '04 definitely tops out 1st gear much sooner, the butt-dyno suggests the actual thrust is about the same.

My '04 is definitely more understeer prone than the '00. Several things you can check... 1) Spring spacers. 2) Tire pressures. 3) Your driving - the S2000 has a fair bit more rwhp than the Miata, plus an overall different suspension setup.

 

Well I'm not the right one to tell you it is perfectly safe. Maybe I am the right one to tell you the S is tough and protects the driver, though.

No way does it take five hours to drive to Spokane. 3.5-4 hrs. Well, unless you are driving one of those slowpoke '04s I suppose.

 

Very nicely done (and kept it on topic also)!

 

what a tool, pre04 are relics?


Oh and 124, sorry don't read times. They are pretty much dead on in performance. Go read your magazines and you see they are all the same 0-60 1/4 but thats going by your "magazine" racing.

Nowif you look at time slips of pre 04s you see lots of 13s from goo d drivers stock. How many times have I seen 04s hit 13s...Not saying they can't but they are about the same.

So go to the track and prove if you think your faster stock formy our magazine times. Are you willing?