Honda S2000 Beats out New Civic Si in Comparison Test

Progress?

Generally speaking, time brings progress. We as a society learn more each passing day, and in turn apply those learnings to technology, which in turn results in better, faster things. But that isn't always the case in the automotive world, where sometimes, an automaker comes up with something so special that it subsequently has a hard time topping it. Case in point - the Honda S2000.

Photos: Honda

Superior Product

Since acquiring an S2000, Road & Track's Mack Hogan has quite simply been enamored with it. To the point where he recently test drove a brand new Civic Si and declared it an inferior product to his nearly 18-year-old roadster. Well, at least in terms of how fun it is to drive.

Photos: Honda

>>Join the conversation about these S2000 renders right here in the S2Ki forum.

Better Car

The Si is a better car, per say, with obvious benefits like more interior and cargo space, a quieter and more comfortable ride, and much better experience on the highway. "It is objectively very good at being a car, in that it will diligently putter along for hours without complaint, help you steer, try to automatically avoid collisions, and keep you connected with CarPlay and a touch screen," Hogan said.

Photos: Honda

>>Join the conversation about these S2000 renders right here in the S2Ki forum.

Enthusiast's Choice

"But you do not buy either of these cars because you simply need a car to do general car things," Hogan said. He's right in that regard. The Si is supposed to be the zippy, performance-oriented model, one that enthusiasts will gravitate to in Honda showrooms.

Photos: Honda

>>Join the conversation about these S2000 renders right here in the S2Ki forum.

Not Memorable

The Si is relatively quick, with a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds, though obviously slower than the S2000. "It is planted and predictable around corners, its front tires never seemingly overwhelmed by the power. Trouble is, it just isn't all that fun," Hogan declares. "It is no doubt sharper than a standard Civic, yet not much more memorable."

Photos: Honda

>>Join the conversation about these S2000 renders right here in the S2Ki forum.

Fun Quotient

The S2000 isn't perfect by any means but delivers in the fun department, which is what Hogan believes customers are looking for. "Its gearbox is among the best ever built, it's steering fast and precise. Mostly, though, it's just about the engine. There's no reason the Civic couldn't be like this. It asks nothing of you, providing headache-free ownership yet not great for fostering much emotional attachment."

Photos: Honda

>>Join the conversation about these S2000 renders right here in the S2Ki forum.

Sad Reality

Of course, as Hogan points out, the Civic Type R is there for those that want a more hardcore experience. It is most certainly an excellent car, but the truth is, none can truly match the experience provided by the S2000. And that's not all on Honda, of course, but rather the sad reality that the average modern car buyer is not an enthusiast like us.

Photos: Honda

>>Join the conversation about these S2000 renders right here in the S2Ki forum.