370Z v. S2000

[Papadoc]

Hey guys and gals. Newbie here. Looking for info. My current ride is a stock 05 S2000. It's my daily driver. Most fun car I've ever had. Great handling and feel. Reliable. But old. Honda never showed interest in updating the model, and now it's discontinued. So I'm looking for a modern replacement. The only choices, as I see it, are the MX-5 and the Z Roadster. The Mazda would be most like the S in terms of handling, size, weight, etc. But no power. The Z has power, much more low-end torque. I drove a Z Coupe at the local store a few days ago and like it, but it was WAY different from the S. I don't know if the handling is "worse" than the S, or if it's just that I'm accustomed to the feel of the lighter car. So, I'm looking for feedback. You guys (and gals) are Z enthusiasts. What do you like about your Z's? Is anyone here a convert from the S? Let me know, any opinons are helpful.

[bryan d.]

I would keep the S because its discountinued..... and of course buy a Z

[NSRsheets]

The s2000 is definately lighter. The main point with the 370z is the handeling. The 370z vert looks really good. I saw one at the local dealership and liked it. If your worried about the weight I would get the coupe, but I assume you want a convertable. The Z definately has more power than the miata, but its all about what you personally want.

[Papadoc]

The s2000 is definately lighter. The main point with the 370z is the handeling. The 370z vert looks really good. I saw one at the local dealership and liked it. If your worried about the weight I would get the coupe, but I assume you want a convertable. The Z definately has more power than the miata, but its all about what you personally want.

I assume you have the Z. What is it you like about your Z? Why did you pick the Z over the S? Looks? Handling? Do you race? (I don't.) And yeah, I'll definitely be looking hard at the Z Roadster with the performance package. I like open cockpit driving. (But I'll tell you that new Nismo looks REALLY cool!)

[dasoupdude]

The Z33 roadster models are nice, a member on here takes his to the track on occasion and it holds up pretty well with a few modifications.

Stock for stock the Z roadster is definitely a performance slump down from the s2k, not to mention its also a bit heavier than the coupe.

(I have driven one auto 350z convertible)

A friend of mine has an Ap1 (2000), I've driven it twice, its safe to say it feel a bit more awake and lively inside it compared to the Z. The only problem I have is that I just did not feel very comfortable in it.

As for handling I know the s2k has a skidpad of .90 compared to the Z's .84 (coupe .93) (370z vert .94, coupe .97)

Verdict for me, if you plan on keeping the Z roadster stock I think you would be happier with the s2000.

I just wish one of the other Z mods was still here. Ryan had an s2000 before his friend totaled it, thus landing him with the 350z. He would have been able to help you out a great deal.

This old comparison thread may help a little bit too:

zerothread/349218

[Papadoc]

Thanks for the input. I had seen the previous thread. I was surprised how many seemed to prefer the S, since this is a Nissan board. But on that thread no one articulated their reasons for preferring one car over the other. One thing I like about the Honda is reliability. I drive it every day and have never had a mechanical problem with it. Are Z's reliable as daily drivers? I'm 6'2" and old and stiff, so getting into and out of the S is a bit of a chore. The Z was more forgiving.

[BusyBadger]

My big problem with the S2K is the gutless engine. No torque at all.

Something you may want to consider, though it's a step up in price, is an older Boxster. More lively than an S2k and more nimble than a Z, a Boxster S is what you're going to want to look at. But, I'd still take a Z out of all three.

The Z's skidpad numbers can reach S2K like levels far cheaper than an S2K motor can reach the power curve of the Z.

[NSRsheets]

I assume you have the Z. What is it you like about your Z? Why did you pick the Z over the S? Looks? Handling? Do you race? (I don't.) And yeah, I'll definitely be looking hard at the Z Roadster with the performance package. I like open cockpit driving. (But I'll tell you that new Nismo looks REALLY cool!)

Yes I do have the Nismo. I occasionally auto-x. I'm really not a fan of convertables becuase of raceing. I can't really compare them because I haven't driven an S2000 yet. Like easybadger stated I like it because of the more power and the engine is just as reliable as the honda engines.

[BusyBadger]

Like easybadger stated...

Sounds like you've been talking to a few of my old girlfriends.

[dasoupdude]

easybadger

[Papadoc]

What specific mods would make the Z's skidpad comparable to the S's?

[dasoupdude]

Sway bars, coilovers, and using the "same size tire method," as opposed to the Z's factory staggered wheel set up.

[RCAnismo]

When I was shopping for my Z I also looked at the S2000 and the Audi TT.I ended up with the Z for the fact that I got the most bang for the buck in HP compared to the other 2. I also liked the styling of the Z a little more than the others. I don't go to the track but I love the way mine handles especially after I put on the coilovers.

IMHO I would go with the Z vert. Let us know what you get.

[Retired Chief]

Sway bars, coilovers, and using the "same size tire method," as opposed to the Z's factory staggered wheel set up.

What's the "same size tire method"? Exactly the same size?

[Papadoc]

When I was shopping for my Z I also looked at the S2000 and the Audi TT.I ended up with the Z for the fact that I got the most bang for the buck in HP compared to the other 2. I also liked the styling of the Z a little more than the others. I don't go to the track but I love the way mine handles especially after I put on the coilovers.

IMHO I would go with the Z vert. Let us know what you get.

I really like open cockpit driving, even in the winter so long as it's dry. So assuming I can afford it at the time I buy, it will likely be the Roadster with the performance package. And I guess I'll have to look into the sway bars and coilovers.

[BusyBadger]

Sway bars, coilovers, and using the "same size tire method," as opposed to the Z's factory staggered wheel set up.

There's all that too, but I was just thinking about super sticky tires.

Depending on the which coilovers you're talking about, some start approaching some decent engine modification prices (I'm thinking Moton or Topline 3-way adjustables).

[Gumby Gone Wild]

OP have you seen the roadster with the top up? I only ask because I don't particularly like the Z with the soft top up. To me it looks like more of an after thought, as opposed to the s2k with the soft top looks more like part of intended design. Just my opinion though, but best of luck with whatever you decide!

[dasoupdude]

So assuming I can afford it at the time I buy, it will likely be the Roadster with the performance package.

Nice,yet another righteous member of the Z forums

Funny fact, there's a member who frequently goes on gen chat and has been on NiCO for some time already. Owns no Nissans but drives a black s2k.

[Papadoc]

Gunby, I did not like the 350 Roadster at all, top up, top down, whatever. But the 370 is a beauty. Dasoup, love your new sig. Very nice.

[dasoupdude]

Gunby, I did not like the 350 Roadster at all, top up, top down, whatever. But the 370 is a beauty. Dasoup, love your new sig. Very nice.

Yeah him lol

Thanks man

[DownfallX9]

Gunby, I did not like the 350 Roadster at all, top up, top down, whatever. But the 370 is a beauty. Dasoup, love your new sig. Very nice.

Well, the 350 was never meant to be a convertible, so it was not styled to look good as one, while the 370 was.

But anyway, I love both cars, i would love to own ether one of them, but if you are looking for a car with an open cockpit go with the S2000.

[simplewon]

I test drove several z's, one s2k and a z4. I love the way the honda looks. It rides a bit rougher than the z roadster mostly due to lack of weight. Using the hidden horsepower of the honda requires a manual transmission. I do not want a manual. I want a computer shifting with an option to manually shift. I wanted the z8 but could not find it reasonably priced. I dream of a viper, that's not happening either. Older convertibles I've owned are a 94 vette cobalt blue six speed, an 83 mustang 302 carb headers with 4:11 gears, a 01 limited seabring. Out of those three the seabring was the best convertible. The mustang was the quickest to 60. The Vette would be good for a track, suspension to tight for country roads, tires leave the ground just before dangerous turns bringing fear factor to....sell the car. I bought a 98 5.9 limited in late 98. Added thorley headers and k & n. Its much faster than the vette yet tops at only 137 with 32 x 9.5 bf goodrich ko's. I still have the jeep, none of these others. Would not get into any of them again.
The s2k is somewhat of a myth in it's documentation. Kind of like an old rx 7. The hp and 0 - 60 are truthful on both the s2k and old mazda rotary's if driven according to the tachometer yet both can be pushed to 10,000 rpm and it makes them a whole new car outside the manufactur
specifications(hp/0-60). The mazda can be pushed on past 11k rpm.
Now, why did I buy the z roadster? Reliability. I can push the z hard and it still lives. Bought my after it's large depreciation three years ago with 35k miles on it. It now has 101k. I have an occasional air bag light that requires a reset, also had a sub woofer that turned itself on and off, fixed that by repairing a relay on the sub amp and that is it. I do expect the same report on my z after another 100k.
Had I bought the s2k, how long do you think it would last winding up to 10k rpm to equal the performance (0 - 60, as I do not run on a track or drift or want to though I will run from red lights and rolling starts on interstates) of the z.
Why would have interest in anything other than a roadster?
Rule #1: There is no replacement for displacement.
Rule #2: Mass tonnage prevails provided hp to weight ratio equals or is greater than the lesser weight car.

I will keep my all wheel drive 5.9 limited, just for fun. I will keep my z roadster, just for fun.

If I were interested in track performance I would either find a viper I could repair and build, buy a kit viper or swap a 502 chevy for the small block on a late model vette. Not much price difference between any of them unless you buy new. I'd go for summit racing for the 502 and that is all I would buy new.
each to his own.
http://www.my spammy website.com/car-videos-10/04 ... arison.htm

[wingFeather]

Never been a fan of the S2000. Yes, I drove one.

Get the 370Z. You won't be disappointed.