And according to: http://www.track-challenge.com/main_e.asp

The 350Z has a faster lap time then the S2000 at the Nurburgring track by 15 seconds.

So... what does that mean? I always hear people saying the s2000 is a corner beast... I can only conclude that the s2000 excels in go-kart like parkinglot autoX? While the 350Z excels at a real race track?

 

we can't really tell you which car to get... go test drive them and see which one you like better...

 

and braking too!

 

Being that I just got a used 2003 Track 350Z and my buddy, Geno, Just got a used 2003 Honda S2000... I will give some insight.
The cars from a stop are about the same, from a roll theyre about the same (both of our cars are stock for now... we're both competent drivers).

I've driven both and my response is this... the S2000 is lighter, but doesn't necessarily FEEL lighter. The Z feels just as agile and give the driver more confidence in my opinion.
The torque is WAY more useable in the Z for daily driving. You can drive at 45mph in 6th and not need to downshift to 4th to accellerate, like you do in the S2K.
If you get a Track model Z, you'll stop VERY well because of the Brembo brakes. Better than an S2K. Can't necessarily say the same for the Base/Touring/Perf/Enth models however as I haven't compared them, because I don't own one.

Conclusion, if you have the drive the car everyday, in traffic, etc. I'd take a Z. The torque and VQ burble is just too good in the city and too much fun to drive on the highway. Nissan has adequate reliability as far as I'm concerned, and if you're getting an 04 you will likely have some warranty left to get anything that is wrong with the car fixed. And you can alway purchase an extended warranty.

One last thing to consider, How tall/big are you. My knees hit the wheel/dash of the S2000 because I'm 6'1. But I fit in the Z perfectly, and I'm glad for that because I like it better. Geno is about 5'10 and fits, snugly inside his S2000. That might seal the deal right there.

Hope this helps.

 

yes, the z 'breaks' the speed of light and they break time-attack records

 

damnit, i told myself that i would never spell it like that.

 

Mmmh, does next summer mean this summer (2006) or the next next summer (2007)?

If you're not graduating in 2006, just go back to your books and comme back to us next year!

Otherwise, drive'em both and take the one that feels the most right for you.

 

Have you thought much about an EVO or STI? I would get one of those before I even thought about an S2000.

 

Same here, I'm 6'3 215lbs and the s2000 was not comfortable. The Z I felt l fit very well.

 

I bought the Z.
Can't recommend the S2000.
Good luck and keep your flame-on suit strapped on tight,
considering this is a 350Z forum and not an S2000 site.

 

If you want stock super handling and a good gearbox get the s2000. If you want a useable powerband more comfortable car and great handling get the Z.

 

In all honesty, you should get the '04 Z. 1) I have an '04 in SS, manual. 2) I'm planning to sell it. 3) I think you would look better in a '04 SS.

 

I sat in the cockpit of the S2K and found that getting close enough to the clutch pedal (I am 5'2") ended up with my knees jammed against the steering column. You would need to sit in them and drive them both and just go for what "feels" right for you. I chose the Z because I loved the way it looked, plus it was damn comfortable and fun to drive. I never drove the S2K because of my position in the car. Had I the money, I would have likely purchased a Z4, but dollar for dollar my bet was on the 350Z to be the best sports car out there for me.

It really is a personal choice.

 

 

Stop

Separating

All

Your

Damn

Sentences

It

Just

Makes

You

Look

Stupid

 

I think I'm repeating people here... but...

1) Figure out what you want the car for.
2) Research.
3) Test drive both.
4) List what you liked/didn't like
5) Go back to step 1.

Both are great cars with different characteristics & advantages. You're gonna have to figure out which one's right for you. Just remember to respect these cars; they're entirely different beasts than what you're driving now. HPDE was the best money spent when I bought my Z... moving up from a Mazda Protege.

 

I own both a 2001 S2000 and a 2004 350Z Touring. I drive both frequently on a daily basis... highway/city... and spirited.... I also autoX my S2000 in mulitple regions but have recently attended an AutoX evolution school phase 1 with the Z. So, I have a pretty good perspective on both cars and love them both for different reasons.

Net/net:
The 350Z:
...more comfortable
...more pratical daily driver, as it is a hatchback... but both are two seaters so this is a relative statement
...easier to drive faster on the road (torque vs. having to thrash it to get performance)
...having traction control is helpful to someone that is not used to RWD (but 2006 S also has this... not the 2003)
...very solid (read heavier) feel
...wonderful exhaust note
...I will likely get more tickets with the Z as I'm frequently surprised that I'm going way to fast on the interstate.

but...
...the Z pushes like a pig, and compared to the S it feels a little out of place on the autoX. Note, I've learned to compensate / workaround it by drifting the rear of the car and let it all hang out. Very fun!


The S2000:
...Nimble/agile/tossable... handles like a dream
...convertible (relatively affordable)
...wonderful engine sound as it hits vtec and then bounces @ 9K RPM
...challenges the driver to be a better driver (or you will pay)
...killer on the autoX and the track
...the best tranny on the market!!
...Comes from the factory tweaked about as good as you can get
...Smile per mile is higher

But...
...Under 6K RPM, it feels like a Miata (low torque)
...challenges the driver to be a better driver (or you will pay)
...very little inexpensive performance upgrades worth buying... (as Honda already did the work for you)

With all that being said:
I agree with undercat on the Evo or WRX. :-)

Again, I absolutly love both the S and the Z!!

-D

 

Very well and consicely said!!

-D

 

Z

Handles well for it's weight, but doesn't feel as sharp as the S.

Out accelerates the S, is faster, and has a more useable power band.

Better brakes, especially on the Track model.

It comes in a Coupe.

It looks better, to me.

It makes a wonderful V6 sound.

S2000

It's a Roadster, if you prefer that.

It has a sharper handling feel.

It's lighter.

The fit and finish are better.

The gas mileage is better.

Motor Trend did an excellent comparison a while back, so I would check that out if you really want an unbiased comparison .

 

I autoX as well. I've only seen a couple of S2000s race and their times weren't that great. I assume it had to do with the inexperience of the drivers and as daverx7 described as the challenge to the driver. It seemed hard for them to stay in their powerband, either staying in first gear and not going as fast as they should or going to second with no power. Again I'm sure it was because of the drivers. I have seen Evo's and STIs just tear up the track. Where an Evo with just race tires can often pull in FTD if not come very close. Now, I wouldn't give up my Z for an STI (I like the STI better than the Evo), but I would take one as a second vehicle . That's one "sedan" i wouldn't have a problem with driving.