s2k vs m3

[COSMOS_530]

never posted in any forum besides offtopic and e39, but here goes!

s2000

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/2656/hondas20006spdmt2007450lj5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

vs
e36 m3

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/2434/springm3ut9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


I know the s2k has gone through many changes in its 7 years of production(AP1, AP2), but the core of the car stays the same.

So i guess my Q's are...

Off launch? which will pull?

which car has better handling? i'm not talking about subjective, fanboy based answers... but actual taking wide sweeping S turns and the like.

and finally, does it matter what brand of car you drive? hypothetically speaking, if the s2000 and M were without badge and prestige, which would you take?

looking for those who have either driven both, or one or the other :) k thx.

[xxvr6corradoxx]

it depends on the years of both cars. the 95 m3 is the lightest but not the best motor... the 99 is heavier but much better motor. i dont know anything about the s2k so it depends on driver and cars....

[v33_n0d3]

The cars are very very close, so it's more of a drivers race than anything.

[320what?]

I'd take S2000, but never driven either of those cars so my opiinon ain't worth much here. :)

[xxx008xxx]

never posted in any forum besides offtopic and e39, but here goes!

s2000

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/2656/hondas20006spdmt2007450lj5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

vs
e36 m3

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/2434/springm3ut9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


I know the s2k has gone through many changes in its 7 years of production(AP1, AP2), but the core of the car stays the same.

So i guess my Q's are...

Off launch? which will pull?

which car has better handling? i'm not talking about subjective, fanboy based answers... but actual taking wide sweeping S turns and the like.

and finally, does it matter what brand of car you drive? hypothetically speaking, if the s2000 and M were without badge and prestige, which would you take?

looking for those who have either driven both, or one or the other :) k thx.

i've driven both and i would take the e36 any day...i also raced a s2k, we both only had an intake and exhaust at the time and we were right next to eachother the whole time, then i looked down and i had my A/C on and asked the guy to race again and he wouldn't (and my cars only a 328is). everyone i know that is really into cars and buys an s2k sells it cause it's not what they thought it was (performance wise).

[COSMOS_530]

hmm...i think im gonna cross link this to s2ki.com and see their responses...should b interesting

[VTi]

I would take an AP1 over the M3 IMO, although the S2k is a terrible daily driver.

[Pirate_copy]

hmm...i think im gonna cross link this to s2ki.com and see their responses...should b interesting

Please dont....:)

We had a cross forum discussion last week and it ended badly!!

[VTi]

Please dont....:)

We had a cross forum discussion last week and it ended badly!!

The S2ki.com guys are cool, IMO.

Only the DSM & Foxbody owners are complete nutswingers :rofl:

[Pirate_copy]

cool cool

I personally am a big fan of the S2000

[xxx008xxx]

cool cool

I personally am a big fan of the S2000

i like the way they look and everything, don't get me wrong but...definetly rather have an e36 m3

[Pirate_copy]

Especially if it was the 3.2 version M3 :)

[COSMOS_530]

http://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=517921

hmm the S drivers say the m3 is a better DD, but on the track the S shines

[VTi]

http://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=517921

hmm the S drivers say the m3 is a better DD, but on the track the S shines

Fully agree

[Admiral-Awesome]

Probably the S2000 is faster, but it's a stiff ride and is actually more expensive to maintain than a BMW (imagine that). Someone I know just had his seats stolen out of his S2000 and was quoted $6000!

[brakefade]

Probably the S2000 is faster, but it's a stiff ride and is actually more expensive to maintain than a BMW (imagine that). Someone I know just had his seats stolen out of his S2000 and was quoted $6000!

Theft is not maintenance. How much would it cost to replace a set of vader seats if they were stolen?

I’ve owned both (negcamber on s2ki & bimmerforums)…can tell you hands down the Honda is less expensive to maintain. Just being able to get an oil filter at any parts store is nice (same filter as for the Accord), instead of ordering a cartridge online or getting raped at the dealer’s parts counter.

[Vornado]

Both are great cars, love the smoothness of the Honda. I'd go for the M3 for the ride and prestige factor, because, lets face it (and not to sound snobby or fan-boyish b/c I'm not) you'll always look better in a BMW ///M.

[cwsqbm]

The biggest hit against the S2000 is the lack of low end torque for daily driving. The other downside is a lot of tracks shun convertibles without cages.

[v33_n0d3]

Theft is not maintenance. How much would it cost to replace a set of vader seats if they were stolen?

I’ve owned both (negcamber on s2ki & bimmerforums)…can tell you hands down the Honda is less expensive to maintain. Just being able to get an oil filter at any parts store is nice (same filter as for the Accord), instead of ordering a cartridge online or getting raped at the dealer’s parts counter.
Not sure where you get your stuff from. I get oil filters for my E46 for like, $11 a pop.

[sexycheto88]

and oil filter for the s2k is 6 bucks.

also another low end for the s2k, is its over ability to tailslide.

but like someone said earlier, losing yourseats isn't maintance, those seats are 6k for a good reason, they're light as heavenly clouds, with nice leather, plus they're bucket seats.

the 60k maintance for a s2k is around 200-300 bucks. idk how much it is for a e36 m3, not sure i would like to know.

also, something no ones brought up on both forums, the s2k is hands down the easier car to monkey around in the engine bay, there is tons of room, and its very spacious. the bmw however isn't as spacious. thats really nice when u just wanna tinker with your car.

also the price for upgrades for the bmw is double that of a s2k, exhaust alone costs 2 to 3 times that for an s2k.

.02

[SewerSideUp]

I wouldn't even compare both cars. There in totally different classes.
The S2000 lacks the suspension stifness of the M3 while it has a better advantage in weighing less. The S2000's engine has nothing compared to the torque of the M3's but revv's much much higher !

On the track, I can't say much till Top Gear does an episode on them !!! lol !!!

But, there two different cars aimed at two different customers.

Heres one thing I'm certain of though, It all goes back to the driver !!!

[brakefade]

and oil filter for the s2k is 6 bucks.
and can buy it at any local Wal-Mart 24hrs a day rather than driving across town to the dealer before 6pm M-F (and if your lucky, before 12pm on Saturdays).

[Vornado]

and can buy it at any local Wal-Mart 24hrs a day rather than driving across town to the dealer before 6pm M-F (and if your lucky, before 12pm on Saturdays).

And you can get the oil changed at the SAME WALMART.. ZOMG the convenience!! Roffles!!!

[Admiral-Awesome]

I forgot to mention that the guy I know may also have a lemon--the cost of ownership seems to be a little through the roof, and I know quite a few reviews have knocked the S2000 in a few cases. I was assuming without knowing--sorry for that.

[sexycheto88]

uh to who said the suspension lacks stiffness... what? maybe the AP2 models but my 02' is horrible. its so stiff. i feel every hair on the road. its stock suspension. have u ever riden an AP1 s2k?

well i wouldn't reccomend getting anything but a honda filter. u can buy packs of 6 for cheap off the internet or just go there for 6 bucks and a dollar for the washers. and i wouldn't personaly use walmart oil. the thing revs like a bat out of hell. last thing u want is cheap oil.

but i dont think they two cars are aimed at two different consumers. i think the s2k meshes what the m3 offers and the feel of a miata. its a mesh, but the same people who want m3's want s2k's. just the s2k brings more BANG to the table while the m3 brings more growl.

*edit* i dont mean by growl that it doesn't have bang, the m3 is a little more intimidating then the s2k is. more torque i feel the thing, plus everyone knows an m3. people often mistake the s2k with the miata so while the s2k doesn't have as much bark it has a little more bite.

[Pirate_copy]

Why are we comparing completely different cars??

[brakefade]

I forgot to mention that the guy I know may also have a lemon.

Must have been a lemon...JD Power just named the s2000 as one of its most dependable cars.


In the compact, compact premium and premium sporty car segments, the Mazda Miata, Honda S2000 and Lexus SC 430 are the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS)SM award recipients.


http://www.jdpower.com/articles/article.aspx?ID=305

[sexycheto88]

the 03' and under typically have more problems then the newer 04+ models.

[ianiac]

Ive driven both. I deff think the S2000 felt faster. Better handling too.

[Chad...]

the S2000 would definatly take the M3 in the corners
off the line-M3
but as for which pulls better at speed I don't know

I think the S2000 is a better "drivers car", I had the chance to drive my dad's friend's S2K, and to be honest the driveing experience, though I've never driven an M3, is definatly superior to my 325i and I can't imagine an M3 being a better drive.
I guess it depends on what your looking for, for a daily driver-the M3, for a secondary/weekend car- the Honda