Hey all,

I test drove a 2003 S2k today and it was a blast. It had the 2.0 engine however and I am curious if anyone can tell me how the my03 stacks up against the my04 in terms of performance and drivability since the new car has a different tuning. Not that I wasn't happy with the 2003 I drove, I just want to know how different the new car is. If this was posted on already I missed it, but a link would be great too.

Thanks,

 

you should just go test drive one yourself to find out. if you ask the people here, you'll just end up hearing endless controversy as to which performs better, handles better, etc.

 

I had a chance to test drive a new '04 and here is my take on it:

I didn't get to really get on it, but just from a daily driving stand point, i can honestly say i like the '04 better than my '02. The changes they made to the exterior and interior are pleasing and the car just feels a little bit more refined. The lower-end torque is definitely noticeable and makes daily driving a breeze.

 

I agree with StinkTofu...

I'd also like to add that while the '04 is generally dubbed the better car for daily driving, I would not at all say that it would be a downgrade for the track. While people on this site have argued up and down about which car is a better performer, the fact is neither car has an advantage worth arguing over. Sure a particular car may have a particular advantage in particular conditions. That's why adjustments made to race cars are often greater changes that the difference between an 03 and an 04 S2000 (to take advantage of a partilcular condition - e.g. gearing for a given track).

My advice??? Take the opportunity to drive both. Decide based on YOUR OWN opinion of what you like the best. Do not let yourself get caught up in differences. Rather make a choice, don't look back, and enjoy the car. Either way you can't go wrong.

 

I also test drove an 03 before purchasing my 04. Coming from V8 domestics they both felt devoid of low end torque but the 04 was noticeably better. I think that torque helps drivability and the fun factor and as such the 2.2 liter 04 is worthwhile. However, neither car is a torque monster and some feel that the pre 04 cars with their 9k redline are a little closer to the purist car the S2000 was meant to be. So get whatever you like. However, from a drivability standpoint the 04 does offer an improvement.

JeffA

 

I've had my '04 since February, and it is MUCH more refined than my '00. Quieter. Smoother ride. Absorbs bumps better. Slightly nicer interior materials. A little more flexible.

HOWEVER, it seems slower to me. When my MY00 went into VTEC (I was going to say got on the cam), it seemed to take off. My '04 accelerates, and the fuel shutoff is more gradual, it just doesnt' seem to have the urge. Haven't tested it with a stopwatch though.

In day-to-day use, the MY04 is MUCH more pleasant than the MY00. When I want to play, I think the MY00 was better partner. The difference between a wife and a girlfriend. (Ooo, I hope my wife doesn't see that!!!)

 

[QUOTE=VTEC_Junkie,Jul 25 2004, 02:00 AM] you should just go test drive one yourself to find out.

 

All the years still have the same performance figures, the 04 has just a lil more power before VTEC for the 04 but then you don't get 9k redline. Just go back a few pages and tons of answers, this question is asked alot. Just don't turn this in a big debate and its all good

 

Get an '04...you will be glad you did. I love MY00 but I know I would be much happier with MY04 because the "s" is my daily driver. MY00 is fun to drive and handles like a dream but it's a very bumpy ride and doesn't have the interior qualities of the MY04. Plus the 04 rims just look better

 

At the track (out of the box in stock form) the '04 is faster. On the street, it is definately a better daily driver.