weight
Originally Posted by xero1
I'm planning on getting a 350z, but the car is heavy. Does the 3200+ lbs affect the 350z handling on a solo 2 track?
but no because the car handles like a fly if you know how to drive
its capable of clocking ridiculous times
yes. i feel like the car does not transition as well as it's counterparts.. ie. the rx8 or even the s2k when it was in bs. but that's like comparing steel to.. alumninum? worst analogy ever! fact is the car could lose a few pounds but i think most of the drivers at nationals were weighing in around +/-3100 which isn't bad. i don't find it's weight to be an issue. it definitely is a very competitive car in bs.. even if the nationals results from this year negate that!! for it to be competitive in bsp i think it is possible to shed even more weight from the car and put some huge 3xx width tires on it.
Originally Posted by jun14scr
yes. i feel like the car does not transition as well as it's counterparts.. ie. the rx8 or even the s2k when it was in bs. but that's like comparing steel to.. alumninum? worst analogy ever! fact is the car could lose a few pounds but i think most of the drivers at nationals were weighing in around +/-3100 which isn't bad. i don't find it's weight to be an issue. it definitely is a very competitive car in bs.. even if the nationals results from this year negate that!! for it to be competitive in bsp i think it is possible to shed even more weight from the car and put some huge 3xx width tires on it.
:\
s2000 is in Class A and its designed to be a weekend racer ... the Z is designed to be a cruiser to begin with...
the s2k is made to be a weekend racer?
right.
where's your evidence of this?
i highly doubt any convertible was made to be a 'weekend racer'
the s2k was in bs until it got bumped to AS for the 2005 season.
right.
where's your evidence of this?
i highly doubt any convertible was made to be a 'weekend racer'
the s2k was in bs until it got bumped to AS for the 2005 season.
Originally Posted by jun14scr
the s2k is made to be a weekend racer?
right.
where's your evidence of this?
i highly doubt any convertible was made to be a 'weekend racer'
the s2k was in bs until it got bumped to AS for the 2005 season.
right.
where's your evidence of this?
i highly doubt any convertible was made to be a 'weekend racer'
the s2k was in bs until it got bumped to AS for the 2005 season.
Umm...
well the s2000 is a more purpose built car than the Z...
you dont want me to get all the stuff i gather for the S lol because i was 99.9999% buying it this summer
MY S2000 Propaganda
-----
Car and Driver
“...what cars could compete with Honda’s new hot rod? ... Mazda MX-5 creeps close to S2000 price territory, but the Honda would eat it for lunch and not even bother to spit out the bones. Similarly, .. BMW Z3.. and more potent 2.8..– don’t have the snort to tangle with this new tiger from Tochig.” The S2000 goes on to beat the Mercedes-Benz SLK, BMW M Roadster, and Porsche Boxster in this comparison article of much higher priced sports cars.
“Its fabulous engine aside, the element that really puts the S2000 on a higher handling plane is its chassis. The Honda’s structure provides a textbook example of how to achieve exemplary rigidity in a roofless unit body, and it may very well be the stiffest roadster chassis on earth.” “A purist’s sports car, and an extraordinary performance buy.”
Trending Topics
European Car
“In the end I can tell how much fun a car is by how it makes me drive. In the S2000, I’m a raging *** hole. I want to hit 9000 RPM at shift, every stop sign requires threshold braking and every corner is a power slide. Owning an S2000 would wreak havoc on my driving record, but that extra $20,000 will pay a lot of legal bills - advantage Honda” (Face-to-Face comparison with a Porsche Boxster S).
Hot Compacts & Imports
“Honda’s Little Miracle” “..that’s 2 hp per cubic inch, or the same output found in a NHRA Pro Stock car.” “...because the S2000 is a Honda, you can expect it to perform with race car intensity every
“In the end I can tell how much fun a car is by how it makes me drive. In the S2000, I’m a raging *** hole. I want to hit 9000 RPM at shift, every stop sign requires threshold braking and every corner is a power slide. Owning an S2000 would wreak havoc on my driving record, but that extra $20,000 will pay a lot of legal bills - advantage Honda” (Face-to-Face comparison with a Porsche Boxster S).
Hot Compacts & Imports
“Honda’s Little Miracle” “..that’s 2 hp per cubic inch, or the same output found in a NHRA Pro Stock car.” “...because the S2000 is a Honda, you can expect it to perform with race car intensity every
Edmunds – first drive review
“VETC kicks in, activating a different set of camshaft profiles. The S2000 magically transforms from vanilla roadster to kamikaze attack plane. Scenery in the windshield whizzes by like somebody suddenly hit the VCR fast-forward button. By the noise, you swear you’re going to blow it up. Time to shift. ... As the engine continues to warp upwards towards 9,000, the snarling and exhaust plumb into your gut and buzz up to your brain. Take the sound of an Integra GS-R engine, add some Honda CBR 900RR motorcycle and a dash of Jordan/Mugen Formula One race car, and you have something close to the sound of the S2000. It’s a feeling that you’re getting away with something truly special.” “As a streetable race car, the Honda S2000 excels.”
Los Angeles Times
“Go figure your chances of walking into your nearest dealer and beating the elbow-shoving to get dibs on an S2000, probably the spunkiest, most satisfying mainstream sports car since the 1962 Porsche 356B.” “Many manufacturers brag of race-inspired engineering. Most of it is race-inspired hype and hyperbole involving old mechanicals barely brushed by racing. Not Honda. When its engineers, even its advertising department, talk of the race-bred technology of the S2000, the reference is to a direct borrowing from Honda-powered cars and victories..”
“VETC kicks in, activating a different set of camshaft profiles. The S2000 magically transforms from vanilla roadster to kamikaze attack plane. Scenery in the windshield whizzes by like somebody suddenly hit the VCR fast-forward button. By the noise, you swear you’re going to blow it up. Time to shift. ... As the engine continues to warp upwards towards 9,000, the snarling and exhaust plumb into your gut and buzz up to your brain. Take the sound of an Integra GS-R engine, add some Honda CBR 900RR motorcycle and a dash of Jordan/Mugen Formula One race car, and you have something close to the sound of the S2000. It’s a feeling that you’re getting away with something truly special.” “As a streetable race car, the Honda S2000 excels.”
Los Angeles Times
“Go figure your chances of walking into your nearest dealer and beating the elbow-shoving to get dibs on an S2000, probably the spunkiest, most satisfying mainstream sports car since the 1962 Porsche 356B.” “Many manufacturers brag of race-inspired engineering. Most of it is race-inspired hype and hyperbole involving old mechanicals barely brushed by racing. Not Honda. When its engineers, even its advertising department, talk of the race-bred technology of the S2000, the reference is to a direct borrowing from Honda-powered cars and victories..”
Newsday
“In all, the S2000 is exactly what Honda intended it to be: A true sportscar in the traditional vein for a special few drivers..”
Porsche (via R&T)
“. . . I dialed up Porsche for a test Boxster (99 percent of the time a successful shake-down). Only to be told, Sorry, but no. No? I couldn’t believe my ears. Apparently, Porsche was suddenly being hit up by every car magazine in the country asking for Boxsters, which could be due to only one thing: the Honda S2000's becoming available to the press. Porsche decided it was not in its interest to facilitate comparisons . . .”
Ward’s Auto World
“You’re convinced you are a hideously overpaid Formula One pilot/god.”
Washington Post
“The S2000 is everything a sports car ought to be – fun, powerful, nimble, and magical in its ability to transport both soul and body to a better place.”
Kansas City Star
“... its 240 horsepower screams like a caged cat. This may be a small package but it packs a good-sized punch. If it surprises you to find Honda and sports car in the same sentence, consider this: Honda racing engines have repeatedly been champions..”
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
“The open-top roadster from the ‘60s is back with a vengeance in the all-new Honda S2000.” “...this Honda roadster brings back the best of the open-top sports cars of the ‘60s but with some ‘90s comforts that don’t spoil the package. Power and road-handling are superb, styling is eye-catching, and driving the S2000 is a dream.”
Road & Track
“The S2000's 64.0 mph romp through the slalom is among the best we’ve ever seen.”
Road & Track Road Test Annual 2001
“No question, Honda has bragging rights, having produced the first 2.0-liter production-car capable of 9000 RPM-and producing an astonishing 120 bhp/liter in the process, with piston speeds that exceed those in Formula 1 racing.” “The S2000 was able to dance through corners the fastest and with the least amount of effort,..” (beating the lap times of the Boxster S ($54,300), BMW M ($43,700), and Audi TT ($43,000).
“In all, the S2000 is exactly what Honda intended it to be: A true sportscar in the traditional vein for a special few drivers..”
Porsche (via R&T)
“. . . I dialed up Porsche for a test Boxster (99 percent of the time a successful shake-down). Only to be told, Sorry, but no. No? I couldn’t believe my ears. Apparently, Porsche was suddenly being hit up by every car magazine in the country asking for Boxsters, which could be due to only one thing: the Honda S2000's becoming available to the press. Porsche decided it was not in its interest to facilitate comparisons . . .”
Ward’s Auto World
“You’re convinced you are a hideously overpaid Formula One pilot/god.”
Washington Post
“The S2000 is everything a sports car ought to be – fun, powerful, nimble, and magical in its ability to transport both soul and body to a better place.”
Kansas City Star
“... its 240 horsepower screams like a caged cat. This may be a small package but it packs a good-sized punch. If it surprises you to find Honda and sports car in the same sentence, consider this: Honda racing engines have repeatedly been champions..”
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
“The open-top roadster from the ‘60s is back with a vengeance in the all-new Honda S2000.” “...this Honda roadster brings back the best of the open-top sports cars of the ‘60s but with some ‘90s comforts that don’t spoil the package. Power and road-handling are superb, styling is eye-catching, and driving the S2000 is a dream.”
Road & Track
“The S2000's 64.0 mph romp through the slalom is among the best we’ve ever seen.”
Road & Track Road Test Annual 2001
“No question, Honda has bragging rights, having produced the first 2.0-liter production-car capable of 9000 RPM-and producing an astonishing 120 bhp/liter in the process, with piston speeds that exceed those in Formula 1 racing.” “The S2000 was able to dance through corners the fastest and with the least amount of effort,..” (beating the lap times of the Boxster S ($54,300), BMW M ($43,700), and Audi TT ($43,000).
Automobile magazine
“...the perfect roadster.”
Top Gear
“... if the Boxster wins hearts in the showroom, it's the Honda that will win souls on the road.” The English road tester, Vicki Butler Henderson, went on to buy one and I’m told she's now on her second one.
Money magazine Best Cars 2001
“Even a true sports car like this one can’t reverse middle age, but it sure can get the adrenaline pumping.”
About Cars Test Drive
“Driving the 2001 Honda S2000 is the closest I’ll ever come to being in the pilot’s seat of a vintage Formula One car.”
Automotive-Review.com, tester -Bettencourt
“..I’m just blown away by the way the thing feels from the driver’s office. . . this is not another half-sporting, half-luxury poseur convertible. This is a serious driving machine.”
Automotive-Review.com, tester - LaFave
“This is it! If you’ve ever dreamed of a race car for the street this is it. Perhaps not in terms of outright acceleration or equipment details but in every other respect it is; brakes, suspension, transmission and 9000 RPM redline.” “The brakes and the transmission shifter are unequivocally the best I have ever used.” “Did I mention this is the most fun car I’ve ever driven!”
Road & Track.com
“If early impressions count, the S2000-priced at around $32,000-may well be the cause of some sleepless nights in Germany.”
The Car Connection.com
“For starters, if you’re driving this car with the top up, the storm outside better have a name.”
“...the perfect roadster.”
Top Gear
“... if the Boxster wins hearts in the showroom, it's the Honda that will win souls on the road.” The English road tester, Vicki Butler Henderson, went on to buy one and I’m told she's now on her second one.
Money magazine Best Cars 2001
“Even a true sports car like this one can’t reverse middle age, but it sure can get the adrenaline pumping.”
About Cars Test Drive
“Driving the 2001 Honda S2000 is the closest I’ll ever come to being in the pilot’s seat of a vintage Formula One car.”
Automotive-Review.com, tester -Bettencourt
“..I’m just blown away by the way the thing feels from the driver’s office. . . this is not another half-sporting, half-luxury poseur convertible. This is a serious driving machine.”
Automotive-Review.com, tester - LaFave
“This is it! If you’ve ever dreamed of a race car for the street this is it. Perhaps not in terms of outright acceleration or equipment details but in every other respect it is; brakes, suspension, transmission and 9000 RPM redline.” “The brakes and the transmission shifter are unequivocally the best I have ever used.” “Did I mention this is the most fun car I’ve ever driven!”
Road & Track.com
“If early impressions count, the S2000-priced at around $32,000-may well be the cause of some sleepless nights in Germany.”
The Car Connection.com
“For starters, if you’re driving this car with the top up, the storm outside better have a name.”
I will post more propaganda... if you request
I have more ^^
but I chose the Z > S is because i need it as a daily driver and the S the suspension is very very harsh and chasis is very stiff for daily use...
*not saying that after my coilover set up my Z isnt but stock for stock the S is stiffer and harder*
I have more ^^
but I chose the Z > S is because i need it as a daily driver and the S the suspension is very very harsh and chasis is very stiff for daily use...
*not saying that after my coilover set up my Z isnt but stock for stock the S is stiffer and harder*
and you could find half those reviewers saying the same thing about the 350z.
you can defend your opinion all you want, but i thoroughly believe that to classify the 350z as a 'cruiser' and a s2k as a 'weekend racer' is a misconception at best.
you can defend your opinion all you want, but i thoroughly believe that to classify the 350z as a 'cruiser' and a s2k as a 'weekend racer' is a misconception at best.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Puyallup, Washington
From what us weekend racers seem to be experiencing, though none of us are magazine writers, the S2000 owns the A/X course (not such a big deal following their reclassification to AS), the Z appears to own the road course. The Z's weight does impact its ability to dominate its class in SCCA Solo II, but doesn't make it a non-competitive car. Look what happens to a dominant B-Stock car... it ends up in A-Stock.
The two cars are hard to compare, aren't they? Light weight 4-cyl roadster vs. torquey 6-cyl coupe (although also available as a roadster, but geared towards a different demographic). I think that's why the SCCA reclassified the S2000. IMHO, the Z & RX are a better comparison.
The Z feels more like a powerful large displacement GT type vehicle than the classic light weight 4-cyl. sportscar. That's not a bad thing. Look at vehicle weights for later model Porsches (Cayman included), Corvettes, etc. They are all in that same weight range... and you can tell you are tossing 3000+ lbs around. But their stiff chassis, combined with ample horsepower make them very satisfying sportscars.
Vehicles that are designed more in the light weight, small displacement theory (but not small horsepower, anymore); S2000, Elise, Miata... they are light and feel light, that's what they're all about.
I think the biggest determining factor is what car are you coming from? If you are coming from a light weight car, the weight will require some getting used to. But you should find counteracting pleasures that more than make up for the car's weight. I've been driving the car for the past couple of seasons, and I find it a very enjoyable car to compete in.
I personally think the Z is very competitive with the other cars in B-Stock. This year's results for Nationals might have been different, had it not been for the rain. I think the wet surfaces gave a minute nod to the RX8.
BC
The two cars are hard to compare, aren't they? Light weight 4-cyl roadster vs. torquey 6-cyl coupe (although also available as a roadster, but geared towards a different demographic). I think that's why the SCCA reclassified the S2000. IMHO, the Z & RX are a better comparison.
The Z feels more like a powerful large displacement GT type vehicle than the classic light weight 4-cyl. sportscar. That's not a bad thing. Look at vehicle weights for later model Porsches (Cayman included), Corvettes, etc. They are all in that same weight range... and you can tell you are tossing 3000+ lbs around. But their stiff chassis, combined with ample horsepower make them very satisfying sportscars.
Vehicles that are designed more in the light weight, small displacement theory (but not small horsepower, anymore); S2000, Elise, Miata... they are light and feel light, that's what they're all about.
I think the biggest determining factor is what car are you coming from? If you are coming from a light weight car, the weight will require some getting used to. But you should find counteracting pleasures that more than make up for the car's weight. I've been driving the car for the past couple of seasons, and I find it a very enjoyable car to compete in.
I personally think the Z is very competitive with the other cars in B-Stock. This year's results for Nationals might have been different, had it not been for the rain. I think the wet surfaces gave a minute nod to the RX8.
BC
Last edited by BA Cutler; Jan 4, 2006 at 12:01 PM.
Originally Posted by 350ZNV
To me the Z doesn't feel like its 3200 lbs. It is a very well balanced car and can be very fast.
your comments don't count 'cuz you have a TT and stripped interior! hahaha.
Originally Posted by Chebosto
your comments don't count 'cuz you have a TT and stripped interior! hahaha.
...for now.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,331
Likes: 0
From: Sactown, California
The S2k is way lighter and smaller then the Z, the S2k can turn better but when you want to power down the straight stock for stock the Z is going to gain that time back in my opinion, no doubt that stock for stock the S2k is better at track racing because it was designed for the track, the Z is designed to be more all around, it can track with the best, and run the straights with the big HP cars, and look sexy and have alot of room on the inside, thats why it was the car for me, and most Z owners.
I drove the S2000, thought it was a great handling lightweight car, the Vtec didnt impress me much, but it wasnt the car for me, the Z had great punch, great sound, and handled damn good stock, its even better now with the Teins, but this issue has been beated to death before, I think if you want a Z to track it, go RickDogg's route and strip the beast, get some lightweight wheels, CF anything you can like the doors and headlights when tracking like he did and some bad *** suspension and you will **** on the S2k :P my opinion.
I drove the S2000, thought it was a great handling lightweight car, the Vtec didnt impress me much, but it wasnt the car for me, the Z had great punch, great sound, and handled damn good stock, its even better now with the Teins, but this issue has been beated to death before, I think if you want a Z to track it, go RickDogg's route and strip the beast, get some lightweight wheels, CF anything you can like the doors and headlights when tracking like he did and some bad *** suspension and you will **** on the S2k :P my opinion.
right...
ths S is a lighter car with nimble handing and very very sparingly decorated interior (steeringwheel, pedals, shifter and seats)
the Zed is more full bodied geared for both sports and cruising...
and Zed vert is a true tourer... nothing sporty in that...
ths S is a lighter car with nimble handing and very very sparingly decorated interior (steeringwheel, pedals, shifter and seats)
the Zed is more full bodied geared for both sports and cruising...
and Zed vert is a true tourer... nothing sporty in that...
I have seen like two people respond with anything positive to the poster. Otherwise they are whining about their decision of which car they bought.
The Z does well on an autocross. While it does feel a bit heavy at times (slow transitions and turns) it can be easily be rectified and stay in a stock class. Better shocks and a larger front sway bar will dramatically improve how the car takes slow transitions and turns. The only other advice is learning to be smooth on the throttle when coming out of corners. Too much will induce unneeded wheel spin which will cost you time.
The Z does well on an autocross. While it does feel a bit heavy at times (slow transitions and turns) it can be easily be rectified and stay in a stock class. Better shocks and a larger front sway bar will dramatically improve how the car takes slow transitions and turns. The only other advice is learning to be smooth on the throttle when coming out of corners. Too much will induce unneeded wheel spin which will cost you time.
The "Zed" (Thanks to jvanquish's post on another thread), to me, was a more liveable combo of DE duty and daily driving. I actually take the Z on weekend camping trips, and pack a bunch of stuff on track days. So, the added trunk space was a big plus. But, that results in added heft and size to the car.
The S2000 may be more nimble and go-cart like, but I like hauling more stuff around than the S can accommodate. Between a Z Roadster and the S2000, I would have gone with the S2000, but I like coupes. The Zed coupe fit the bill.
I'm quite happy with car, and would have done it over again despite the release of half a dozen new sports cars in the past two years.
The S2000 may be more nimble and go-cart like, but I like hauling more stuff around than the S can accommodate. Between a Z Roadster and the S2000, I would have gone with the S2000, but I like coupes. The Zed coupe fit the bill.
I'm quite happy with car, and would have done it over again despite the release of half a dozen new sports cars in the past two years.