I test drove the s2k before I bought the Z and I won't lie, the s2k is a better handling car and it has the standard Honda quality fit and finish (unlike the fanbois here, I can call it like it is and say that Honda makes very decent cars, probably better quality cars overall than Nissan).

Still, the s2k has its drawbacks, namely no low end torque, shoddy cramped interior, etc. Without bias, I find the Z more fun to drive but try them both and decide for yourself.

 

I chose the Z, but I still have love for the S2000 since it's a dedicated sports car and roadster. The Z has more headroom and interior space. I dont really even need to tell you about Hondas and torque, do I? I actually plan on buying the S in a few years depending on how it looks then. The Z isnt quite as raw as the S, it's more of a gt type car. I love the Z to death though. I think both cars are great pieces of machinery and do a great job of putting a smile on the drivers face. Now, that I've told you about my opinion, GO DRIVE BOTH AND DECIDE FOR YOURSELF.

 

Thanks, everyone is very helpful here. For a daily driver, I honestly think the Z fits into that catagory better. The S is more like a fun weekend car. More opinions would be great.

 

Oh, alrighty. Sounds good.

 

agreed.

here is a little info.

S2000-An impressive 237 hp at 7800 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 6800 rpm gives an advanced lesson in acceleration. Factor in performance-oriented gearing, and the S2000 driver is treated to high-revving adrenaline.

350Z-Horsepower 306 hp @ 6800 rpm
Torque 268 ft-lbs. @ 4800 rpm

I hope that helps. These stats came right from the companies website

 

What do you want from the car anyways? Because, honestly, if I wanted a strictly "fun" car, I'd go with a Lotus. Why stop at an S2000? The 350 makes a terrific daily driver, roadtrip car. I can put 3-4 large travel bags, some backpacks a dog and a chick in the car, and not compromise visibility. Plus, with my Zeal suspension, sways and a-arms, the car handles better than an S2000.

 

Get the S2000 for sure. We dont need anymore Zs on the road.

 

+1.. Although in all likelyhood he is looking at used where you can get a 350Z or s2000 for about half of what you can even a used Elise. Btw, since we are now talking S2000 and Elise, the Elise is a VERY fun car to drive with the F20C engine swap from the S2000 and a supercharger.

 

I used to drive an NA B18C integra ( JDM type R) integra and it was one of the best things i did. Honda motors rock and almost nothing in the same line competes with them. How many naturally aspirated four cylinders do you know of that do wonders like honda?
My integra was stolen from me and i test drove the S2K and the Z but i just felt i was getting a little bit more class out of the Z they are both awesome on handling and honestly i dont care how much bigger the Z is its all about the driver in both cars they design em that way. VTECH is one thing i will never be able to get over, when it kicks in its like getting kicked in the crotch and is mainly the reason i won most of my races.
So like most people have told you its really up to you, what are you looking for?
I went with the Z by the way.. just thought i would venture out and see what else the car scene has to offer and im actually really happy with my Z.. but in the end theres nothing like a honda.. so ulitmately its what you REALLY want.

 

+1000000000000

 

I faced this same dilemma about 2 months ago, before I bought my Z. As far as the drivetrain is concerned, the s2000 is about the most beautiful transmission i've felt. Again like everyone else, the lack of torque is a killer. If it's a daily driver you want, you need to have the right kind of roads to enjoy the s2000. The Z you can enjoy in bumper to bumper traffic, or open roads on the freeway.

Plus, if you've never owned a convertible, it's not fun when things start to go wrong with the top, and hard tops are $$$.

I drove an s2000, RX-8, WRX (non STI), and a Z. Hands down, the Z was the best.

Just my 2 cents....

 

When I was buying a car, I was also stuck between the S2000 and the 350Z. Prior to that I owned a Honda Civic and those cars can run forever. Anyways, I test drove both cars and this is how I came up with my decision to buy the Z. Bear in mind this was back in 03

S2000: A sharp looking convertible that has a 9000rpm redline, easy to toss around the corner and feels nice when the VTEC kicks in. The ride was a little too harsh for my taste, but that's why it is a sports car. The interior felt too cheap (the interior door handles is the same as my civic).

350Z: When I first saw the concept I wasn't really impressed with how it looked. The look eventually grew on me once the production version came out. The Z had great low-end power, which immediately caught my attention. Although, the interior is pretty plain, I felt it was better than the S2000. The Z doesn't handle as well as the S2000 but I've since done some suspension work.

In conclusion. The Z had the low-end power to put a smile in my face.

 

Get a 350z....... Ive driven a S2000 and it does not compare in anyway! Im 6'0 and the s2000 was small as hell!

Jeff

 

This is so redundant, but whatever. I narrowed it down to the same two cars as well, and I obviously went with the Z. To be perfectly honest though, I didn't fully realize that I made a good choice until after having the Z for about a month. I realized that the hatch is infinitely more usable than that tiny trunk (I skimboard), and I daily drove a newer prelude for a year and a half and loved it, but the torque on the Z makes everyday driving so effortless. I know you keep hearing that over and over, but its the truth. The S was nice as hell though, for being a single minded purist sports car. The shifter on that thing alone is almost worth a purchase.

The fact is, you know the differences between them already, and you're on a Z forum, so you can just assume that we all know the same differences and decided that the advantages the Z has were more important than those of the S. Either way, you will be loving it, but the Z has a tad bit of practicality at least.

 

After my Integra Type R was stolen, I was all set to upgrade to the S2000. At the last minute I decided to test drive the Z and never looked back. The instant torque is just so awesome. The Z has power available anytime, any rpm. With the S2K, you have to rev all the way up past 6000 before the power comes on. While I still enjoy driving my brother's S2K from time to time, I'm glad I bought the Z. The test drives will make all the difference for you.

 

Well put it this way if i had enough money to own a second car it would be a s2000.

 

i test drove a s2000 just for kicks a few weeks ago, the lack of torque was really evident, it felt really slow, and for the $30,000+ price tag it really wasn't worth it, it costed more than the brand new 07 Z's in the next lot.

The honda salesman was retarded, the Nissan dealer and Honda dealer are side by side, he kept going on and on about how the s2000 is a faster car than the 07 z! (both cars were 07's)

Do you ever plan on tracking the car?

 

get an S2000, we need more hondas to run off the road.

 

go for s2000 and help make the z population less

 

buy the s2k and leave us. kthanx bye.