As I was driving along tonight....I started to think...what other cars are out there that can beat the S2k for less than $40-45k??? Any comments? Or are we just smarter than the average driver?

 

you'll have to define "beat"

for less $ than the S2000, a manual transmission equipped LS1 F-Body will beat the S2000 in a straight line...

Also, do you mean new or used?

a used C5 Corvette costs about what an S2000 does (or less in some cases) and will also beat the S2000...

As for new cars, aside from the F-Body, not much else... I think the Cobra 32v has an edge. Around a race track, its largely up to the driver...

 

There aren't any new cars in factory condition that I can think of that have the same combination of power and handling for under $40K USD. I don't know how much they cost, but the Lotus Elise is fairly comparable, but alas, not available in the USA ... yet . If you go over that $ limit, the BMW M3 & M Roadster and Porsche Boxster & Boxster S are in the same class of performance. Also, don't underestimate the newer C5 Corvettes, especially the ZO3.

For well under $40K (like $22-25K) the Miata and MR Spyder are in the same class for handling, and as mentioned above, the high performance versions of the F bodies and Mustangs (~$30-35K) are quick in a straight line. Any of these cars can be brought close to the S2000 with aftermarket tuning. No, the American iron won't feel as nice around the turns, but they can be made to be fast in the twisties, and the Mazda can get close to S2000 quickness with forced induction (and there's a V8 upgrade that will blow us away, but that is pricey (~$45-50K complete) and messes up the handling balance). There isn't much out yet for the MR Spyder, but I'm sure it's coming. Of course for under $40k we could buy the S2K, add a Comptech supercharger, and raise the bar higher ourselves .

 

It also depends how you define "stock" The Z28 SS is actually a Z28 thats been shipped to SLP and modded there... One of their options, a Bilstein suspension supposedly makes the F-Body REALLY handle. I've never ridden in or driven one equipped this way, but it was the one that lapped quicker than the S2000 in R&Ts comparison test...

The regular F-Body suspension does produce grip, but poor feel. I don't know how much the Bilstein changes the "feel" of the car...

 

Nobody even comes close to the piston speed of an S2000 at 9000 RPM, or has 120 hp per liter w/o forced induction & offers a warranty, at any price.

 

I sure hope you don't beat (re: original post what other cars are out there that can beat the S2k for less than $40-45k??? ) people at lights with that information

 

S2K_CLS,

You are forgetting one fact: the Z28 SS IS UGLY! Who would ever want on of those. No wonder they're going away. I think the new Mustang looks good (not as good as the stook), and I'm happy to see vehicles like it on the road. But the person who designed the current Z28 should be fired. I'd like to see the Camaro and Firehawk stick around, but PLEASE redesign it!!!

It's one thing to go 0-60 in 5.5 seconds, and it's another thing to do it in style (stook style!! )

Jason

 

For the the money the S2000 is a great car, for $15,000 less the new miata is a very close second!

 

I don't think a Miata is $15,000 less, it's closer to $10k. BTW, this question is really limited. I think the best bang for your buck performance car out there today is the Z06 Vette...it's about $50k but performs almost as well as the Modena.

 

Jay Li, I don't know about that. When you compare 0-60 times, combined with the amount of looks you get (probably pretty close to the same), I think the Stook is right up there...

The Miata is a Roadster, but you won't get people gawking over your car, like you do with the stook. Miata's are OK, but the styling is not as aggressive, and it is nowhere near as fast. I don't think it'll stir up raw emotion like the stook does.

Jason