I had this debate with myself about a year ago. Since I loved the track characteristics of the S2k but have always dreamt of owning a Z.

My decision came down to this:

350z Coupe > S2000 > 350z Roadster

Aesthetics: It all came down to the swooping roofline and hatch on the original design of the Z coupe.
The s2k was purpose built as a convertible and nimble so I couldn't fathom having any MORE weight in the Z by going convertible.

So in short, the S2k influenced my decision between the coupe and the roadster. The S2k is a little too small for my tastes so I had to let her go. I wouldn't mind one as an extra car though.

 

As a pure toy the S2000 wins hands down. I chose the ZR because my wife and I take a fair amount of weekend summer getaways in the car and it is a much better "cruiser". It has a few more comforts, and is significantly better in the wind noise management area with the top down. More than an hour with the top down in the S2000 can get annoying at 80mph. I also think it wins in the looks department (not that the S is ugly, by any means).

Neither the S or the ZR have any function as a real car however. If you have only one car, and can get away with it being a two seater, get the Z coupe.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by cordoor
[B]I have been struggling with making a decision between a 350Z Touring roadster, an '03 S2000, and an '04 S2000.


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I have an 03 s2000 and am selling it and buying an 05 350Z Roadster

WHY? Because I get a new car EVERY 3 years. I like to change things up every 3 years.

I love the car. The S2000 is a great car, great handling, fun to drive. VERY RELIABLE: It's not ben to the dealer for ANY warrantied items in the 3 years I've had it. NONE. Absolute most reliable car I've ever had.

You can try to compare the Z to the S, but Each has it's OWN different positive features. The RIGHT car for you is where your preferences are.

If you want:
Great handling and a Lot of fun driving a car the S is the choice.

If you want:
A little more refinement and comfortable ride and more ammenities, but a bit less handling and fun, then the Z is a better choice.

Acceleration: Which is better? It depends on the situatiuon
If both are at a stoplight, the Z roadster is going to take it from 0-40. because of better low end torque. Of coures, unless the S driver wants to drop the clutch at 5500 rpms. let's asume this is not the way people are going to drive it. I don;t drive it that way.

If both cars are traveling at 40 mph and want to race to 60, and both drivers are in the correct gear to begin with (2nd), then the S is going to take it. The car screams from 40 to 60 with Vtech.

I also looked at:
05 Mercedes 350SLK - Way overpriced and I didn't feel I was changing things up. Too similiar in look and size to the S

05 BMW Z4 - Too similiar to the S in size. Don't really like the look of the car.

05 Corvette Coupe - Not going to pay MSRP for any car, ever. Don't want to keep removing the top and putting it back on.

The Z offered the most ammenities for the money, looks the best to me is slightly bigger and offers a slightly different ride (smoother, quieter) than the S. This was enough of a change-up for me.

 

Let's look at this subjectively....I test drove the S and I own a ZR.
1) The S has a cheesy plastic rear window. The Z has glass.
2) When the top is down, the S's top stows in an empty hole. The Z has a stylish integrated tonneau that blends with the car.
3) The Z has more interior room, the S feels cramped for me (I'm 6')
4) The Z has a nicer interior layout than the S.
5) The performance stats on both cars are about dead even.
6) The Z gets A LOT more looks than the S's do...I can't drive 5 miles without someone complementing it or staring at it.
7) 6 cylinder is smooth. 4 cylinder is rough.

In conclusion, Z all the way.