S2000 reminds me of E30 M3
10-26-2002, 07:59 PM
#1
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S2000 reminds me of E30 M3
I've had my 2001 S2000 for almost a week now, and had my first properly enthusiastic drive this morning. The experience really brought back happy memories of my E30 M3. I was the proud owner of that car from 1988 to 1993. The S2000 has the same agility and that tossable feel of the M3. The two cars weigh about the same and ride on modestly sized tires. The 2.3l four in the M3 lacks the smoothness of the S2000 motor and only revs to 7,250 rpm, but requires the same driving style of keeping engine speed high. The S2000 definitely feels stiffer than the M3. The M3 counters with more communicative steering.
Anyone else have experience with these two cars?
Anyone else have experience with these two cars?
10-26-2002, 11:19 PM
#2
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I've said it before and I'll say it again. The S2000 is the real successor to the E30 M3, eventhough BMW will have you believe the E36 and E46 M3's were successors. S2000 owners know better.
10-27-2002, 07:45 AM
#4
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I agree that the E36 M3 Lightweight is an awesome driver's car in the spirit of the E30 M3. However it was produced in such limited numbers.
I still argue that there are stronger similarities between the S2000 and E30 M3.
I think the (non-Lightweight) E36 M3 is a great car (I own a 95), but it traded away some raw driving appeal for improved refinement and luxury.
I still argue that there are stronger similarities between the S2000 and E30 M3.
I think the (non-Lightweight) E36 M3 is a great car (I own a 95), but it traded away some raw driving appeal for improved refinement and luxury.
10-27-2002, 08:33 AM
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When I took my S2000 to the track for the first time last month, I let my instructor take me out for a session driving my car. He told me that the S2000 reminded him of the E30 M3. He said it was a very neutral handling car that didn't have tons of power, but you could easily keep your momentum going through the corners. He absolutely loved the S2000 and thanked me several times that weekend for letting him drive it.
BTW, he had a supercharged Acura NSX that was very nice.
BTW, he had a supercharged Acura NSX that was very nice.
10-27-2002, 08:33 AM
#6
The S52 M coupes (z3 based, same rear setup) are very similar in dynamics to the old E30's. Of course they too are heavier and produce power differently, but both are fundamentally raw, visceral sports cars.
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10-28-2002, 01:48 AM
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Originally posted by steve c
The S52 M coupes (z3 based, same rear setup) are very similar in dynamics to the old E30's. Of course they too are heavier and produce power differently, but both are fundamentally raw, visceral sports cars.
The S52 M coupes (z3 based, same rear setup) are very similar in dynamics to the old E30's. Of course they too are heavier and produce power differently, but both are fundamentally raw, visceral sports cars.
but with much more power (S54 or S52)...
10-28-2002, 02:18 AM
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Btw, those that have access to Janpanese version of Best Motoring Videos...
You should check out 2002 May issue... they raced modified S2000 and modified
E30 M3 along with R32 and bunch of other cars..
You should check out 2002 May issue... they raced modified S2000 and modified
E30 M3 along with R32 and bunch of other cars..
10-28-2002, 03:41 AM
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I have a modded E30 M3. It runs quite well. Engines individually bench assembled. Nearly everyone has their cars chipped to a 7800-8200 RPM redline. It has a lot more torque and lower down than an S2k. At the moment my car turns comparable accel. times. One thing that I find similar about the two cars is that they are both hard core. If the S2K was not a convertible many fewer would be sold IMO. It's much better priced as a new car than was the E30 M3. Those went for 35,000 list in 1988. About 5000 came to the US from 88-91 and about 2000 still prowl the streets. One downside is that nonenthusiasts suspect you added a body kit. Only the hood is shared with a regular 3 series of that era. They have an unusual individual throttle body intake: one throttle for each cylinder. I think that this would help the S2K - a bit more oompth and better response.
Stan
Stan