Then Vs. Now part 14

[Raghavan]

I like these threads.

I voted S800 BTW, something unique and very fun to drive in.

[280Z Turbo]

The S800 sounds too old and weird, even for me. I'd rather have a Triumph Spitfire or Datsun roadster before that thing.

I chose S2000.

[The Pirate]

S2000 for me, though I'd rather have the 2.0L version.

[Raghavan]

S2000 for me, though I'd rather have the 2.0L version.

Same here. I like the 2.0L better.

[93JC]

S800. Looks like a knockoff of countless English roadsters, but I'd rather something more unique than the one of the ricer-with-money cars of choices.

(I still like the S2000)

[850CSi]

Neither.

[Michael Estorol]

the S800 for the engine alone.  it's a bloody work of art, mate.

[565]

S2000 for me, though I'd rather have the 2.0L version.

I think that is the 2.0 liter version, since it's got a european plate, and the european S2000s are still using 2.0 liter engines.

[The Pirate]

I think that is the 2.0 liter version, since it's got a european plate, and the european S2000s are still using 2.0 liter engines.

Good eye.  I just saw the '06 in the caption, and assumed it had the F22C1.

[Secret Chimp]

S2000. S800 is just too much slow for me.

[Payman]

S800... with a Honda Fireblade engine conversion. 

[chevyguy06]

S2000

[sportyaccordy]

An S800 with the CBR 1100 motor would be nice. The 1300 from the Hayabusa would be better. I'm hurt to know that the Hayabusa motor isn't too far off from my car's motor power-wise.

In any case, I've driven the S2000, and while it doesn't have the raw VTEC thrill of my car it is pretty good modern sports car. S2K for me.

And you guys dump on the 2.2L... trust me, 8300RPM is still plenty high to rev to. My car goes to 7.5K or so and is a screamer.

[the Teuton]

Wasn't the S800 chain-driven?  If so, that would make for an interesting car for a 'Busa conversion.

[JYODER240]

S800. Looks like a knockoff of countless English roadsters, but I'd rather something more unique than the one of the ricer-with-money cars of choices.

(I still like the S2000)

How is the S2000 a ricer-with-money car?

[Rupert]

It's made by Honda and there was one in the Fast and the Stoopid movie.

[Rupert]

S2000. The S800 is pretty cool, but I think the S2000 is one of the coolest modern cars.

[goldenlover1101]

s800 for me

[sportyaccordy]

How is the S2000 a ricer-with-money car?

I hate when people say stuff like that. My roommate says he wouldn't drive an E46 M3 because they're usually driven by 'douches whose parents bought them for them'. Meanwhile he drives an S2000 his parents bought for him.

Still, the 2002 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> the E92; again, the E92 would have made an awesome Mazda or Hyundai, but it seems to have lost that German utilitarian feel.

[SVT666]

S800 for me.  It's just cool looking...and I want that piece of wood.

[MidnightDave]

I'm trying not to reply to every one, but there's so much to say! ;-) The S2000 is on my short list every time I buy a car, and if they ever get more torque than my mower, I'll own one.

Also, until you've driven a vintage car, bought/fabricated parts for it and the like, it's a romantic vision--once you've faced the realities you may still be interested, just not me...

[sandertheshark]

S2000 if I had to pick.  There's quite a few roadsters from both eras I'd rather have.

[MrH]

S2000.

The better question though, why is everyone taking the 2.0 over the 2.2?

[Raza]

S2000.

The better question though, why is everyone taking the 2.0 over the 2.2?

Bragging rights over revs?

I'd take the 2.2.  It seems everyone complains about the S2000 not having enough torque, then they choose the engine that doesn't have as much and has a peakier curve.

[Onslaught]

S2000 for me. There are many other older roasters I would rather have than the S800.

[SVT_Power]

S2000.

The better question though, why is everyone taking the 2.0 over the 2.2?

higher redline? 

[Raza]

higher redline? 

Wow, 9000 vs. 8000.  You complain about torque and then want the the one that doesn't have as much.

[ChrisV]

Wasn't the S800 chain-driven?  If so, that would make for an interesting car for a 'Busa conversion.

No. The S800 was a normal live axle car, designed to be cheaper to produce than the earlier chain driven IRS S600. And as for being chain driven, even the S500/S600 had a traditional transmission and driveshaft back to a centrally located differential. The chains were in trailing arms back from the solidly mounted drive axle to the wheels, a very unique and compact way of getting IRS and copious trunk space in a tiny car.

I picked the older Honda for being more unique, and an appreciating classic that is very fun to drive.

[ChrisV]

Also, until you've driven a vintage car, bought/fabricated parts for it and the like, it's a romantic vision--once you've faced the realities you may still be interested, just not me...

I've restored numerous vintage cars, both as personal cars and for customers. This was my latest: http://mywebpages.comcast.net/cvetters3/fiat_spider.htm

It's not that hard. But it's soooo much more satisfying.

[Soup DeVille]

S2000.

The better question though, why is everyone taking the 2.0 over the 2.2?

The actual performance differences between the two are minimal: Just ask Tony Snow who spent an entire season in T2 in an AP2 S2000 chasing around earlier 2 litre cars.

The chassis on the 2.2 litre car is a little more sedate, and a little more forgiving at the limit. The engines are so close to each other in most ways its almost a mystery as to why honda even bothered changing it. The smaller engine sounds better. IMO, the earlier car looks better.

The later car has a bit more room, and has traction control with an open diff- but the early car has a helical torque sensing limited slip diff and no traction control. To me, thats the biggest difference.