Wow what a fun car.

There is absolutely nothing on that car that doesn't make it go faster.

It would make quite a fun car to autoX.

Does anybody have any input about these cars? Good or bad.

I am considering buying one as a daily driver.

 

an s2000 took ftd at a pca autocross last sunday

 

I didn't know that you could run other cars besides Porsche's at PCA events.

 

I wouldn't want one as a daily driver. The thing makes no power and sounds like a sewing machine under normal driving. Now when you get up on the VTEC at > 5000 rpm it's a different matter, but realistically how often can you do that on a daily basis?

Stef

 

stef is right, around town that car will get annoying (if you have traffic and if you move up here to charlotte you will have a lot of traffic). I totaly agree with you as well that it is a very fun car to drive around in, they are tossable and letting that motor wind out is incredible. And if you are willing to put up with the annoying lack of torque and power town low then go for it.

Also I think on the S2000 board people have been having some problems with the logevity of those motors. They have to be built to some exacting tolerances to rev that high, and I guess some of the owners have lost thier motors.

Another car you should go out and drive, the BMW M roadster, my god are those fun, tossable, and also fast as hell (I would buy and M-coupe, but that is a love it or hate it styling that I just happen to love).

 

Well I for one love the M Coupe as well. I don't know of any issues with the Longevity of the S2000 motor. I just assumed that it was a Honda and my experience with those motors is that if you change the oil you are cool.

I want something to AutoX and drive daily. I don't mind the lack of torque in the S2000 and man do I love it when that VTEC comes on.

M Coupe would be nice. But what about reliability? I would be supporting my plant too.

What about maintenance between the two cars?

 

Ian

email me I have a lead for you.

 

Mark,

I accepted a job with BofA last friday, and I start on the 15th. Yippee.... So My job looking days are over for a while.

As for the reliability of the BMW, well if you buy the early M Coupe it comes with the motor out of the e36 M3, if you buy a late M Coupe the motor is from the e46 M3. The earlier motors are proven to be very reliable, the later motors are having some issues with rod bearing failure (sound familiar). I would not pay the preumium for the later motor, sure they have more hp, but they also have less of an aftermarket.

BMW and Honda both build quality cars, the S2000 motor and e46 M3 motor both have had a large number of failures and worry me a bit. Given the choice I would go for an early M coupe and know that I have a reliable built proof motor and drivetrain underneath me.

 

I had an M-roadster for 3 years (lease ran out). I loved that car. It totally seduced me the first time I drove it. HAD to have it. Lot's of torque everywhere, very quick. I would have gotten a coupe, but I wanted a ragtop. I still love that engine, which is why there's now a '97 M3 sitting in my driveway - next to the 944. No reliability problems in 3 years and that engine's been around since '96.

Stef

 

i agree, the early would be much better. i know of a guy who had a new e46 m3 and threw a rod at the track. he then traded it in for a 996 TT

 

What about an E36 M3 c0onvertible. I know that I give up handling but what a gorgeous car. I really want a ragtop.

 

I vote for the M coupe also - ugly as a possum on a white picket fence, but supposed to have very high torsional rigidity.

 

[quote]Originally posted by Kool:
<strong>What about an E36 M3 c0onvertible. I know that I give up handling but what a gorgeous car. I really want a ragtop.</strong><hr></blockquote>

You really don't give up that much handling. The car is reinforced to make up for the lack of roof. Besides you won't be tracking it. I got the coupe, so I could take it on the track (ofcourse then I got my track 944 - DOH), but I think the M3 conv is awesome. I'm already plotting to possibly get one in a couple of years - In case I ever find a ****ing job that is.

Stef

 

[quote]Originally posted by special tool:
<strong>I vote for the M coupe also - ugly as a possum on a white picket fence, but supposed to have very high torsional rigidity.</strong><hr></blockquote>


i agree, she may be ugly, but the performance makes up for that. i saw a pair of them at a DE event, looked good on the track.

 

e36 M3 drop top would not be a bad way to go, it give you a bit more room over the M roadster (and it is not quite as much fun to drive, but still lots of fun).

So you want fun, handling, decent power, and a drop top. There are not that many cars but you do have some choice.

M Roadster
M3 Convertable
Audi TT convertable with the 225 hp motor
SLK w/ the AMG package
Corvette convertable
S2K
Boxter

I have an article down stairs from Road and track that compares the Boxster, SLK, M Roadster, and corvette if you want to read it. (can't scan it, no scaner, but next time you are in Charlotte I can give it to you)