I've got a 03 model, with the 02 and onwards models, the car goes into under steer first if you try and corner to fast, so you've got some warning. I've never really pushed a 99-01 model so I can't comment. The 02 onwards is a bit easier to drive fast though and the 04 is even easier to drive at speed. The trouble with S2000 is it doesn't give you much confidence to push the car and it's not until you take it to a track you find the limits are really high and grip from the backend is immense. The 04 is probably no faster, but easy to drive fast than the 99-03 models. You get right in, and not feel like the backend is about to come round if you corner hard, it didn't on the 99-03 model, but sometimes it felt like the backend was about to let go, the 99-01 were more prone to lift off-over steer though and a few drivers came croppers, this has been reduced in the 02-03 and even more so with 04. The actual cars are all about the same I reckon in terms of performance, just the earlier model punished mistakes more and wasn't as easy to drive like a lunatic

The standard UK turbo is a great car (I used to love mine) and is a match for the Impreza in the dry with the right driver at anything below 95. After 95 the S2000 is faster at the top end and is better at high speed cornering. If you start adding things like PPP and various other modds to the Impreza then the deference swings towards the Scooby. Stock for stock I'd take the S2000 on a dry day, but throw a little rain in and I'd go for the Impreza if we are taking about speed being the issue. Then again, Impreza's are ten a penny; you can't have the roof down and are not the best looking thing.

Regards

 

Cheers, the S2000 I think has to sit top of the list.
Only thing is, whats going on with insurance on them? I got a quote for £1280 on the S2k, whereas a Boxster 2.5 (another option) is only around £980, and the TT 225 coupe is only £780!!
It does make a Boxster or TT an option, scarily, althou I can understand its not a driving tool like the S2k, known more as posers cars, but they are both quality cars, that hold their value well, and go okay im sure, so cant completely discount them.

 

I was folliwing a member of our management home from work in his 02 plate 2.5 boxter tonight. We both came off a roundabout at about 30 onto a very long straight dual carriageway.

I slowly cruised passed him when I hit 60 ish, and we were both flat out. Decided the STi is a bit weak and need more modding, the 3.2 Boxter S might have embarrased me. I know its boring straight line stuff, but I can't tolerate being beaten

Same situation with the S2000 in my old 270 bhp MY99 scoob, and same outcome. Dusted the S2000 off, but not really a punishing

MB

 

Read all about it here: http://forums.s2ki.com/forums/showth...hreadid=181443

Model Year differences

There are a few differences between the MY99 - MY01 models and the MY02 - MY03. The MY04 has further changes and a slight facelift.


MY02 differences

The following changes were made to the MY02 car

Wind deflector as standard
Glass Rear Screen
Cd player with tweeters built into the door
Slightly restyled polished alloys
Chrome rings around the rear lights and chrome front light surrounds
A softer suspension setting which makes the car slightly less "pointy"
Repositioned highlamp washer switch

Some like the suspension changes and others do not, it is probably best to try both cars if you are in the market for a used S2000.


04 Differences

New front and rear bumper design
17" wheels with different Bridgestone tyres
New front and rear lights
Facelifted interior
Some suspension changes which include a slight ride height change and a little softening of the rear end.
Colour coded headlamp washers
New colours...

 

I would still like one

MB

 

The stock is S2000 is very close to the Boxster s in performance terms, the Boxster having a higher top end, and pulling away at 125+

 

Just looked on the trader, cant believe how expensive they still are

If it was me, I would be looking at the M3. For 15k, you can get a lot more car. maybe a bit more common, but all those horsies!

MB

 

Oh BTW,the S2K has a reputation as being ultra reliabe...which it is but...

The thing about no engine claims under warranty is being economical with the truth, they actually mean the VTEC itself. There have been engine warranty claims, albeit very few...

But...early S2K's suffered from clutch and gearbox problems, so anyone buying one should look to see if the work has been done. Not a recall but most UK cars will have been fixed.

The clutch problem is an annoying resonance. The gearbox problem is a metallic notchy feeling usually going into 2nd/3rd gear, very obvious given the amazing gearchange, which can end up with synchro problems in some cases. There has also been the odd problem with syncho on 5th gear.

Nevertheless, amazingly reliable cars

 

[QUOTE=Dark Blue Mark]I was folliwing a member of our management home from work in his 02 plate 2.5 boxter tonight.

I suggest you're doing your Scoob down. The 2.5 litre Boxster was replaced by a 2.7 litre in 2000.


787b. Not a locomotive. Honest.

 

Ah, I feel a little better now.

MB

 

Okay the Boxter may be common as muck and a lot of drivers are either young poseurs or retired old men, but I would never discount any Porsche as not being a drivers car. (even the SUV). They are very refined, reliable and underpowered, but the handling is sublime and you can really give them stick for hours on end. A little bit heavy for serious trackwork, but they are sportscars. Straightline performance is adequate, albeit only on par with current hot hatches.

TT on the otherhand is a very atractive Golf based derivative, much like the new Beetle. The vehicle architecture is a hatch back and although straightline performance may be better than many hot hatches, its handling and steering feel is actually worse than most hatches. Ignoring driver skill, a TT round a track is about as good as a Z3 roadster, i.e. absolutely rubbish.

Andy

 

[QUOTE=scrappydog]A little bit heavy for serious trackwork

The new 911 GT3 RS has replaced the metal badge with a printed sticker to save weight. Only in Germany...

Can't agree about the Cayenne though. It's an ugly sell out.

 

I would say an S2000, having spent last summer and winter getting in and out of an elise!
They are good cars, but, broke down on me three times (RAC jobee), is a nightmare to get in and out of - esp. with the roof on.
I will admit that it was a real novelty at first but it soon wears off, and as for parking - multi storeys are a definate no go!!
You need a mother and baby space to have enough room to hoik yourself out!!

The choice is yours.....
Let us know what you decide

 

Having lived with an S2000, own an S2, test drove many S1's my conclusion is.

S2000 if it is mainly going to be a day to day fun car for a sunday blat, S1 if you want a light weight fantastic handling, fuel efficient track/road car, S2 if you want all that plus better interior, knocked together far better. VX220???

On the S2000 front, my mum owns the car and I have driven it a fair, bit, my Mum, mid 50's prefers the Elise looks, the handling she complains the suspension is harder in the S, and doesnt find the seats give enough support, tyres are expensive, and ware very quickly, big steering wheel.

On the plus side boot space isnt massively different just a different way of packing with an Elise (Tesco's bags ) but able to put longer objects in, S has a better roof, doesnt leak at all, better built, more toys, engine sounds fan bloodytastic, good dealerships, good warrenty.

I would also like to add my car as been 100% reliable since May 03 when i bought it, and it has done a fare few trackdays, training days, I love it and my only grown is when Im tired and it is raining and I know I have to do 150+miles its a drag but on the plus side in June Im doing 2000 miles around France and stopping at Le Mans, and I simply can't think of a better car to do it in that I could afford.

 

I still want one

Someone get some pics up.

MB

 

One more



MB

 

Plenty on my home page: http://www.e4lution.com