Convertible Talk

[artsfartsyjanet]

I am seeking to buy a convertible... possibly a pre-used S2000 (2001, 2002, or 2003). What do you think about this car in terms of drawbacks and pluses.

[Chester]

I am seeking to buy a convertible... possibly a pre-used S2000 (2001, 2002, or 2003). What do you think about this car in terms of drawbacks and pluses. Well...the fact that you're a girl lessens the chief drawback: that the car makes you look like a girl.

But seriously, it's a hot car. I thought it was astounding when Honda found a way to crank out 200+ HP out of a 2.0L four-banger. Then again, it's power band exists at high RPM rates, so you're really going to have to drive it hard to take full advantage of it.

I think the rep on the car, in general, is that it's really aimed toward enthusiasts. If you're a mellow driver, you might not appreciate the noise and stiffness of the ride.

[ren28]

Noise level is high and depending on what sort of idiots are around, stuff might get stolen.

[stunninglyAsian]

+looks good
+fun to drive
+relatively cheap for a sports car
+honda reliability (but 2x check consumer reports)
+guys will find it hot that a girl drives a S2000
+you only live once

-rwd, so it's a bitch in snow and ice... and I've heard you have to exercise some caution in the rain, esp. with the tires it comes with
-no space, it's a 2seater and the trunk is a joke
-apparantly, the europeans think the chassis is a bit snappy
-it's a convertible, so getting into a rollover is a no-no
-if you don't rev the engine to 9000rpm every single time... it will feel sluggish. Think of the VTEC engine as a turbo engine

[Colorblind]

-if you don't rev the engine to 9000rpm every single time... it will feel sluggish. Think of the VTEC engine as a turbo engine
Uh, think again. Variable timing and forced induction have NOTHING in common beyond the fact that they deal with engines.

[Chester]

Uh, think again. Variable timing and forced induction have NOTHING in common beyond the fact that they deal with engines. His point was that the S2000's power comes at very high RPM rates and so, somewhat analogous to a turbo engine, there will be "lag." Of course, one could keep the revs way up there, but, any which way, he wasn't trying to say that VTEC is a turbo or even turbo-esque technology.

[stunninglyAsian]

Uh, think again. Variable timing and forced induction have NOTHING in common beyond the fact that they deal with engines.

Exactly, but they feel similiar- just like Chester said. There is VTEC-lag. Try driving a S2000 without going over 4, 5000rpms- it's gonna feel slow. You gotta rev to infinity and beyond to get power.

[537]

Exactly, but they feel similiar- just like Chester said. There is VTEC-lag. Try driving a S2000 without going over 4, 5000rpms- it's gonna feel slow. You gotta rev to infinity and beyond to get power.


They feel nothing like each other.

[mrazntre]

I think stunninglyasian was just trying to make a generalized statement.

But for the unfmamiliar, NO, VTEC is not the same as a turbo.

The S2K has high HP output, but very low torque numbers. This basically makes an unfun car for city driving, it's not gonna be zippy. AND forget about uphill mountain driving, it just ain't gonna happen. You will have to rev up high in the RPM band to break out and realize the motors high rpm HP output.

I've also heard that the car has a lot of rattles and poor road noise suppression, but hey...what convertible is quiet inside.

Having driven one of these suckers, I can tell you that visibility is extremely poor out the rear (which can be said for any convertible) and I was unable to get acclimated, but perhaps you will over time.

BTW, the term is pre-owned, not pre-used. Those asshole dealership guys might have a good laugh over that one if you don't use the right term.