Thinking of changing the 3.0l M3 for an S2000 (w reg) and test driving one next week.

Will I be disappointed. Anyone have experience of both cars and how they compare particuarly on performance and handling.

cheers

 

2 seats or 5?

ones a fast barge, the other a spirited RWD screamer!

not much help, am i?

personally, i would go for the S2000

 

Make sure you rev it. I used to have one, loved it but, as with any car, it's down to the individual. Only you will know if it's right for you. Regardless, it's certainly an enthusiasts car. Come over to www.s2ki.co.uk for tips when viewing s2000's (what to look for, things to ask etc.).

 

Na got it all wrong .....out the M3 forget the s2000 get a 350Z. You will have more fun in the 350 than any S2000 could produce

 

I kinda like the S2000 i have to say. Im not sure i like the idea of screaming a road car to 9000 revs though, makes me feel almost sorry for it. They also have a habit of reversing into road signs, lamp posts etc. For the money a great car though.

I think the person hit it on the head when he said are you looking for a 2 seater or 5 seater. You just cant compare the two.

 

I think you will like this page, some excellent vids in italy:


http://www.teamgt.it/video.htm

Have a look at un po de ferrari 360 under the section Video Varano 28 agosto 2004
which is in the middle column near the bottom of the page. Watch what a good driver does in an S2000 vs several ferrari's.

 

Not that bothered about how practical it is, just which is the more fun to drive. Find the M3 has a great engine but the handling could me more responsive. Im sure the S2000 will be better in this department.

 

thanks SteA
great site!!

 

The S2000 is fantastic though the better model came in about March 02 when Honda changed the suspension and put a glass screen in the soft top. I have owned one and they area good car with excellent reliability. They handle the abuse from high revs no problem though you have to get them above 6,000 to make them dance and they do sound good once the VTEC kicks


Not sure about the "You will have more fun in the 350 than any S2000 could produce" comment. I test drove them both (and an elise and rx8) and found the s2000 simular in performance but a lot better handling and more nimble and left a grin on my face that the 350 failed to. My mate had a 350z and he could not keep up on the numerous short straights and roundabouts near my work though the nissan is a good car, felt very solid and sounds really sweet and if I wanted a more stable car than the S2 then I would have gone for the Z (it was my second choice)

 

Honda engines are one of the next on the market if not THE BEST, and the S2K engine is a peach. Its designed to be revd upto 9K, so dont feel sorry about that.

Regarding reversing into road signs, the s2k is a pure RWD and demands a driver with skills if been pushed. If one cant handle that then its no fault of the car.

 

Got very close to buying an S2000 but pulled out at the last minute. The latest ones looks stunning especially in that nurburgring blue colour.

I'd suggest fitting you M3 with AC Schnitzer susp and getting it decatted - it will give it a new lease of life and you'd be pushing 300bhp then

 

Mmmm S2000 - I am still reisting it but suspect I will have one towards the end of summer when the rich houswives are selling up

If I like it - it will probably end up with a blower on it

MB

 

Decieded to keep the M3 for now as Im still enjoying it may look at an S2000 later in the year.

Its already got a bilstein/eibach setup. Will decatting make much difference on these engines as theyre quite highly tuned as is.

 

I have a friend with a 3.0 M3 that has supersprint race cats and full system with BMC cotton air filters and it certainly keeps my CSL honest and matches my M5. Usually 3.0s are bantha fodder Needs a friendly MOT dealer though or you will have to keep refitting the original exhaust every year!

 

Surely the point of fitting race cats means it can still get through the test, otherwise whats the point having them? Might as well have decat!!

 

Sorry should have phrased my post better - i meant a decat would not pass the test. Race cats are borderline.

 

Aha!