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350z vs Honda S2000


sambo

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Hi Guys,

 

What do you all think of the S2000? im torn between this and the Zed. (i know you may all be biased as this is the Z forum :p)

 

I will be using the car as a daily driver, only do about 10 miles per day in the week. I doubt I will be taking the car on the track.

 

The Zed and the S2000 often get compared together, so i would be interested in everyones thoughts on what made you get a Zed over the S2000.

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2 completely different cars IMO. The only things they have in common are rwd and 2 seats.

 

The zed is a gt sports car, heavy and semi luxurious(I say that lightly) and the s2000 is built to get its backside kicked in. The zed has power at any rpm in most gears, the s2k needs to be reamed to get into the power band.

 

I do however love both cars.

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Never owned a s2000 but my mate did and I had they type r so basically the same engine. Great wee car and easy for him to throw about and keep control of, pretty quick reliable, to get the best out the engine you need to thrash it but that's what its designed for! only issue he had was if he used a pressure washer too close to the window water would get in past the roof seal. not really the same as the zed though as its big and heavy and power is more from the torque than having the engine screaming. Depends how you like to drive

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2 completely different cars IMO. The only things they have in common are rwd and 2 seats.

 

The zed is a gt sports car, heavy and semi luxurious(I say that lightly) and the s2000 is built to get its backside kicked in. The zed has power at any rpm in most gears, the s2k needs to be reamed to get into the power band.

 

I do however love both cars.

 

I also like both! When i test drove the S2000 it did sound like the car wanted to change gear at 6k+, it was satisfying that it carried up to 9k. I can see what people say however that if you were doing quite a few miles the S2000 might be a little annoying as its just so loud! For me thats not really an issue though!

 

I'm leaning towards the honda for a few years, and get it out my system along with the convertible and then get an 06+ plate Z!

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I was also torn between the 350 and the S2000, but having owned a rag top for 10 years, I wanted a coupe. I was always worried about leaving my rag tops in strange places as I was always concerned about some little **** sticking a knife through it, and in winter it was bloody freezing.

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having owned both i preferred the S2000 would buy another in a heartbeat. but that's because it suited my driving style better. i found it more rewarding to drive, and more fun. zeds not a bad car, it is a very good car, but for me it wasn't as good as the S2000.

 

I'll now sit and watch a collection of people who either never owned one tell me its a girls car or its rubbish, and all the diehard zed fans tell you the zeds a proper car cos its got a V6 and looks manly. and the zeds faster blah blah blah. etc etc.

 

as neil says they are very different cars. the zed is the better cruiser, has more space and technically easier to use. i'd also say the zed is more beginner friendly for RWD, its more idiot proof than the S2000 which can spit you out if you take the pi$$.

 

best advice. take both out for a decent test drive and decide which you like best. other peoples opinions are a bit like arseholes, everyones got one, and some are full of sh1t. decide for yourself.

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I was also torn between the 350 and the S2000, but having owned a rag top for 10 years, I wanted a coupe. I was always worried about leaving my rag tops in strange places as I was always concerned about some little **** sticking a knife through it, and in winter it was bloody freezing.

 

Yeah i thought about the safety on the rag top, it is a little worrying to say the least, and i'm not sure I like the hardtop to clip on. I would imagine in the summer however (the few actually good days we get!) it would be rather nice!

 

I do prefer the more masculine looks of the Z, as i do think the S2000 looks a little feminine (not that it is a girls car)!

 

The one i test drove was a 2001 from a Honda dealership, had 36k on the clock but it was 8.5k which i thought was a bit steep for an 01! plus it had a little rust on the side skirt

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As per RT's warning I'm the person who hasn't driven an S2000, but loves his Zed. However, I won't flame as described above as I've read enough posts to know he's even handed. And I don't know that much, but...

 

... I was thinking about an S2000 when I bought the Zed, I preferred then, and do now, the look of the Zed - I know this isn't a massive thing, but it counts. When I drive past S2000s I don't feel any envy, maybe some curiosity. I fully intended to test drive a S2000 but I fell in love with the first Zed I drove and bought it. As for how that impulsive decision went? I think the comfortable, laid back, GT drive I have in the Zed to work, with the option of spirited drive when I get the itch - is ace. It's two beasts, controlled by one foot.

 

But don't do what I did, defo drive them both and see what suits your moods. I think everyone will agree they're both strong cars.

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I drove an S2000 with about 5k on the clock way back in 2004 or 2005. Only had a brief drive with a very nervous owner sitting next to me so it's difficult to give a detailed breakdown but my opinions were fairly positive. Certainly had a lovely smooth engine and the car felt tighter than the Zed. The only drawback seemed to be the lack of legroom and the interior seemed a bit cozy but overall it was an interesting experience.

 

 

Pete

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A really hard choice, both are excellent cars!

 

Pro's for the Honda, great handling, legendary Honda build quality and reliability.

 

Con's for the Honda, you have to really rev the engine to get the performance, high insurance cost.

 

Pro's for the Zed, great handling, effortless performance, huge power response whatever gear your in. Simple, straightforward engineering. Easy to service.Great V6 exhaust note.

 

Con's for the Zed, lesser build quality, not all Nissan dealers seem to be able to look after Zeds. But great network of dedicated specialist independents!

 

Having owned a S2000, and now running an Accord 2.4 executive, as my daily drive, so my loyalty to Honda's reliability and build quality still remain. my hobby car is a 350Z, and I love every minute of driving it!

 

As others have said, it depends on your personal driving style, fast and furious, max revs, the Honda, effortless power, easy to maintain, straightforward engineering, and a fantastic V6 engine and exhaust note, the Zed.

 

As an added bonus, a great, friendly and supportive owners club and forum with knowledge members and expert, specialist traders who advise on problems and provide quality service, the Zed edges ahead.

 

Whatever you decide, enjoy your driving!

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2 completely different cars IMO. The only things they have in common are rwd and 2 seats.

 

The zed is a gt sports car, heavy and semi luxurious(I say that lightly) and the s2000 is built to get its backside kicked in. The zed has power at any rpm in most gears, the s2k needs to be reamed to get into the power band.

 

I do however love both cars.

 

Best way to sum it up TBH.

 

I really really like the s2k and it looks like I might get one as a next car.

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I would get a decent test drive in both and then make your mind up, although it's not always easy to get good test drives.

 

I've had my Zed a couple of months, and did consider an s2000 having driven them a few times previously. I am really enjoying the Zed, but in hindsight I think a lighter, higher revving sports car suits me more, so I'd go for an s2000 given the choice again. I'm going to stick with the Zed a bit longer and maybe change to an s2000 next year. They are very different cars. One thing I would say against the s2000, is that they have very high insurance costs for a reason, they can be tail happy, and almost dangerous if vtec kicks in on a wet/cold bend. It is essential to have a good geo and decent tyres on them. This shouldn't be a problem if you drive carefully if those conditions and take time to learn the car.

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DO NOT BUY AN S2000 from a honda dealership!!!

 

Unless you want to have your eyes ripped out.

 

I came very close to being ripped off by honda in sunderland, 9,900 for a 03 average mile AP1 s2000, the car was beautiful and it was the only one anywhere near me and after test driving I put a deposit down.

 

Once checking the market out fully I realized the car was worth about 6,000 max.

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DO NOT BUY AN S2000 from a honda dealership!!!

 

Unless you want to have your eyes ripped out.

 

I came very close to being ripped off by honda in sunderland, 9,900 for a 03 average mile AP1 s2000, the car was beautiful and it was the only one anywhere near me and after test driving I put a deposit down.

 

Once checking the market out fully I realized the car was worth about 6,000 max.

 

Always do your research first... :blush: :blush:

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DO NOT BUY AN S2000 from a honda dealership!!!

 

Unless you want to have your eyes ripped out.

 

I came very close to being ripped off by honda in sunderland, 9,900 for a 03 average mile AP1 s2000, the car was beautiful and it was the only one anywhere near me and after test driving I put a deposit down.

 

Once checking the market out fully I realized the car was worth about 6,000 max.

Bit like the local Nissan dealership asking £5k over market value

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DO NOT BUY AN S2000 from a honda dealership!!!

 

Unless you want to have your eyes ripped out.

 

I came very close to being ripped off by honda in sunderland, 9,900 for a 03 average mile AP1 s2000, the car was beautiful and it was the only one anywhere near me and after test driving I put a deposit down.

 

Once checking the market out fully I realized the car was worth about 6,000 max.

Hardly the dealer's fault. If people won't do their homework, or want the security of main dealer sales plus a posh showroom, then that's up to them.

 

It was the only one near you, so they must've had a captive market somewhat. That's not ripping people off, that's maximising opportunity.

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DO NOT BUY AN S2000 from a honda dealership!!!

 

Unless you want to have your eyes ripped out.

 

I came very close to being ripped off by honda in sunderland, 9,900 for a 03 average mile AP1 s2000, the car was beautiful and it was the only one anywhere near me and after test driving I put a deposit down.

 

Once checking the market out fully I realized the car was worth about 6,000 max.

 

What an utterly ridiculous post.

How on Earth was this the Honda dealers fault?

You were the one who was willing to pay the money. They can advertise a car for whatever price they like.

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