Pappy

I'm just curious. Would you buy one over an S-2000?

Beltfed

2 different cars, but I would take my buddy's S2k over a Z......fun to drive, think it looks better, conv't is nice. Also think the interior quality is better, nicer materials. The S2k is also more exclusive, they only build 5k a year, vs. like 30k new Z's. The S2k got a glass rear window in 2002, which was the most annoying thing about the car (plus they made the center console a bit nicer).

Although, if they ever do a Turbo/SC Z.....that would probably sway me in the Z direction.

torqueaholic

try asking folks on this site: www.s2ki.com :flamer:

gavriil

Here is my review of the 2 cars.

http://www.acura-cl.com/forums/showt...threadid=89721

einsatz

Personally, I'd pick the S2k over the Z any day.

DtEW

Well, the Z will come with factory Nismo support soon.

Considering the premium King motorsports puts on Mugen parts, which can be seen if you compare it to other factory efforts such as TRD, I think the lack of a middleman markup is something in favor of the Z.

TypeSKid

Tough choice Papster.


I really LOVE the design of both cars, but the Z is a bit better in my opinion for several reasons.


First, you're dealing with a 6 cylinder, that is torquey, versus a four cylinder that requires near redline RPM's to get that same kind of power.

I don't care what anyone says, a 4 cylinder just doesn't have the same potential OVERALL as a 6 does.

Also, the S2000 has been out now for a few years, and I have yet to see bolt-on's with HIGHLY successful gains. Conversly, the Z will have a massive amount of aftermarket support, as opposed to the S2000. Many companies are in the design stages now, or have already designed TONS of mod's for the Z.

It's 2 completely different cars. Personally, if I had a choice, I'd take the Z over the S2000. More functionality for daily driving too with the Z. I'm just not comfortable with the idea of driving a rag-top as a daily driver.

lou_RENAMED

Not many cars where taken from stock condition and made to unbelievable sport cars. The Toyota Supra comes to mind and I honestly think that the Z is similar in that regard in which its a great platform to start on. The S2000 is what it is u can prob. dump 15K in mods and won't get much out of it.....its been perfected from Honda already. Our cars failed to do this because of the FWD, 3500 lbs. weight, auto trannys. I wouldn't mind buying the cheaper 350Z and dumping a good $8k in mods. and see what you end up with....I would think it would be very close to the Porsche 911 range performance.....non-turbo of course.

Nashua_Night_Hawk

I would wait for the RX-8!

nandowong

danny25

I'd go with the Z for all the same reasons TypeSKid mentioned.

Red Rider

From everything i've heard the S2000 is a great track car or weekend type due to the high rpms necessary to squeeze out the performance, whereas the Z seems to be a very strong sports car for everyday use. Personally, i'd get the G35 coupe which i think is better looking than the Z.

sidemarker

i say wait till next year when they work out all the bugs on the Z. only problem i see with this car is the paint. washed my dads car again and spotted more paint chips. now this is with about 2300 on the ODO.

sidemarker

SilverCL225hp

The only reason I would pick 350Z over S2000 is that the Nissan has hardtop, I just can't stand the open top car. I really like the headlights and tailights and over proportion of S2000, just that it doesn't have the body-colored A-pillar and a hardtop.......But still, I think 350Z is a very good deal.

Pappy

Maybe you'll change your mind when you hear that there will be a hardtop for the '03 S2000 with a few more HP.

CLUofI

i have never riden in a s2000. but the sound of it is more exotic than the Z. But in pure drivability, the Z wins. Pulling away from 25mph in 5th something you would never want to do in the S2k

Pappy

Well Gavriil, you certainly wrote an interesting column on the comparison and thanks for taking the time to do that. I test drove an S2000 but not a 350Z. Actually, after reading your comparison, I feel like I test drove the Z. I think I would be swayed to the S2000 because it's a convertable. I wish it had things like a power seat, auto a/c and an adjustable steering wheel. I think I would feel too confined in the Z because it's a hardtop and small. At least with the convertable, and top down, it wouldn't be that bad. Also, I put more trust in Honda than Nissan. If the Z came in a convertable, that...would be an interesting comparison.

BIG POPPA

Why wud u want to buy a motorcycle engine strapped into a honda chasis. The Z is by far a better car. You have alot more options too. There are 6 different packages that provide different ride and comfort, all your pick. Think about the $ too

23wt

I'd go for the Z... in Japan there is already tons of stuff for the Fairlady Z

gavriil

I agree with most of the above. 2 things though:

1. During 2003 we will see the Z in a cabrio form...

2. With the top up, the S2000 is way more claustorphobic than the Z. The Z has a lot more space inside in all directions.

I would personally go with the Z if I had to chose between the 2 cars (with no other options given to me). The engine and the suspension are friendlier for every day driving.

Pappy

When I drove it, I didn't feel like it was a "motor cycle engine." It's actually a 4 cyl. engine developed from racing. Face it, it's faster then most 6's and some 8's and it's only a 4. I give Honda alot of credit for the development of that engine. It's unique.

Pappy

You may be right Gavrill, but I sure thought the S2000 was alot of fun to drive. Small...yeah, but sometimes you have to sacrifice. I don't know about Nissan...how would you compare their reputation to Honda?

topdaytrader

Pick the Z. Its a no brainer. 350Z is all around better car.

TL_Type_S

Preliminary reviews (per C&D issue (two issues ago?)) weren't very impressive... put the estimated 1/4-mile @ 14.7 w/ the manual tranny .. something seems odd... virtually similar torque to the S2k

CLS2001_97124

Eventhough I've only driven the S2K, I agree with most people here on the fact that the 350Z is useable daily car along with the performance, and the S2K is for sure more a Sunday car. But if the question was rephrased a little and asked if you already have a daily driver, whick one would I pick.. than I would pick the S2K. That car is just too fun to drive. Especially I looking into some AutoX this year.

1SICKLEX

I went looking at 350Zs and they are smoking crack trying to sell all their models at 37k. I'd rather a G35c for that price.

What happened to the sub 30k models????

dfreder371

I have driven neither car, so no opinion from me. But I will tell you something that I saw that I considered rather remarkable. On 9/24/2002 I was driving my 02 RSX-S to Indianapolis for the powder coating convention. On the way down, I passed a semi full of 350Z's. I looked them over and thought they were OK.

Ten days later, I went to my local Acura dealer, looking for a 2003 RSX-S to replace the 02 (I wound up buying a 3.2 CL-S six speed), but the Acura dealer is next door to a Lexus dealer, and there, on their lot, prominently displayed, was a 350Z! Someone must have been pretty unhappy with the Z to trade in that short of a time frame. Probably not the Z's fault. I've seen this happen before. I've also seen BMW's, Audi's, Lexus and mercedes, all relatively new on the Acura lot of used cars. And I'll bet you, we will find an Acura or two on their lots. I guess the point is: some people have more money that brains. I'd never do that. Conclusions are what people come to when they are tired of thinking!

1SICKLEX

Actually, dealers put cars like that on their lots cause it attracts attention and more potential buyers.

SicK TypeS

i thought the 2003 s2k's were already out...only change was white/tan instead of white/red..