Undercat is correct that inexperienced S2000 drivers will have problems staying in the powerband as it requires down shifting (where the Z doesn't)... Not downshifting will kill their times. Once that is figured out, then watch out. I'm sure that's why it got bumped from BS to AS. It was just dominating BS. (bummer for me as that's when I decided to compete with the S -heh -heh)

I guess the same goes for the Z with its understeering. When you know how to work around the "issues" of each car, times will get better.

BTW, the Z is so much easier to autoX as it is so compliant while the S is quite twitchy when pushed to the edge.

-D

 

You have to test them out first of all. Then later think about convertible vs. hard top and all that junk. but def first drive both of them.

 

I dont fit in the s2k. i barely fit in my z. but im getting new seats.....eventually....

 

I also had a hard time deciding on the S2k or the Z. I have test drove both of them and have decided on the 2006 Touring ZR for the following reasons:

1. Im 5'8 and 175 lbs. and my knees hit the steering wheel of the S2K. NO TILT STEERING! Also, my arms hit the drivers door panel when trying to make right or left turns. Overall, it was WAY TOO SMALL for me. The Z however is VERY ROOMY and COMFORTABLE. I can also recline the seat back more on long drives.

2. Impossible to get a Navi in the S2K. Not even an aftermarket unit unless your planning to cut a big hole in the dash for the screen.

3. No power or heated seats in the S2K.

4. The S2K is DOG SLOW if your not up over the 6k rpm range. Honestly feels no faster than my civic at low rpm. lol I find that I never have to downshift with the Z. Much more fun to drive.

5. The S2K top does not contract into the body like the Z so you always have to put on and take off that stupid boot.

6. The S2K revs higher on the freeway so it makes more road noise. Yes, even the 2004 and up version with the higher gearing. The Z is nice and quiet.

7. S2K has the cheesy digital tach that I did not care for.

8. Z looks better. Even though I had to pay $7k more for my ZR, it was well worth it.

Hope this helps! But again, its really what you are looking for.

 

My dad owns a 04 S2K and ive put about 3000 miles on it since he purchased it a few years ago, so i can share my comparisons. To keep it simple without going off on a tangent, the S2K strengths are light weight, handling, drop top and awesome transmission. Z accels in overall driveabilty, comfort, slightly faster stock and sweet engine note. They feel and drive completely different IMO, and its all up to personal preference. Both are great, well built cars, but i chose the Z mostly for the engine performance and overall look. I did not regret my decision, especially after putting on crawford cats and nismo exhaust.

 

Whoa.... there are lots of replies from lots of you guys...
thanx for you guys' input whether you put very helpful reply or not.

I am leaning towards the Z since I've got the same answers
from the ********* and EVEN S2ki (which was a bit surprise for me)

btw I am 5' 11'' and 125lbs, and i've sat on one of the 04+ S2k
and i couldn't really find it hard to sit it in....

however most of the time i will be driving the car through local traffic,
so i guess it would be better to choose the Z, since i tend to like
the torquier engine better somehow.. (after those diesel-powered F250s pass me by going up to the Big Bear)


I've got some more questions for you guys,
and that is that I heard from the Z owner that if I were to get the 04 model
i should get the later version of 04 since Nissan revised some stuff...
is this true? and if I buy the car in private party instead of the dealership
would I be able to finance the car? My parents will be putting down $5k,
and rest of the car's payment is up to me.

 

yeah i would still recomend test driving both though, you have to find out for your self. Glad to see you would be paying for the car your self because when you have to work for it you will or should respect it more. You should always respect any car let alone a RWD sprots car or you will end up around a tree...

Also you need to realize how much your spending on a car like this, you said your going to college. If your only putting 5k down on a car you will be looking at a car payment well over $300 month. Plus add to that high insurance, premium gas with poor MPG compared to other cars, high maintinance cost (tires, oil changes ect.)

I'm 21, work 40hrs a week and I'm a junior carrying 15hr class load. I drive an 03' touring

Car payment: $320
Insurance: $1100 semi annually
Gas: $3/gal for premium = ~$240mo
Also, this is a sports car and requires high performance tires, this means you will be buying tires pretty often which is not cheap

Just somethings to think about

 

350z has a back seat organizer and hatch cargo net. s2000 has neither one (i think, but not sure) 'nough said.

 

dooh

 

s2000 already comes with a shorty antenna, but on a z, you have to go out of your way and buy one!

 

Or steal one off a s2000

 

As a former Z owner and a current 02 2002 S2000 owner, I would defintely perfer the Z. Yes, the Z doesn't handle as good as S2000 in our housing area, but once you are up to speed, they handle about the same. I usally have to accelerate to about 3-4 rpm to keep up with traffic, but in the Z, i shift at 2500Rpm. I also prefer the exotic tone of the Z exhaust to the revving 4 cylinder of the S. I only purchase the S becuase i was a good deal and it's summer. But I would tell you to get a Z.

 

haha

 

get both. my Z is my daily and my S is my race car.

 

Ok.. not trying to hate on the S2k drivers. The S2k is a nice car but its a 4 banger... and IMO that's not a real sports car. Soo I would say if you want more attention get a Z trust me with in the 1st 2 weeks you have the car ull have people stair and have people talk about how nice your porche (cuz for some reason people like too think the Z looks like a porche) but if you don't like all of that attention go with the S2k.

 

Ok.. not trying to hate on the S2k drivers. but the S2k is a nice car but its a 4 banger... and IMO that's not a real sports car. I would say if you want more attention get a Z ull have people stair and have people talk about how nice your porche is (cuz for some reason people like too think the Z looks like a porche) but if you don't like all of that attention go with the S2k. Just little more help too make your decision easyer.

 

i Just Had A Really Good Race With An S2000 Over A Huge Winedy Bridge... I Was Ahead The Whole Time. I Smashed Through The Corners Really Hard And Kept Great Traction, Got Up To Around 215 Km/hr... Not Sure What That Is In Miles. But It Was A Good Hit`!

 

hey.. my dad helped me out paying for the car...
$1000 dollar :P for that and just because he's my dad, I let him drive my z for a month.... now I need to use that $1000 + some more to get a new wheel as my wheels are badly damaged

 

That's like saying the Evo or Sti are not real sports cars. That is debatable.

 

They are sporty sedans.