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Honda S2000 vs. Nissan 350Z

183 messages,  Last post on Sep 08, 2007 at 11:04 AM

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What is this discussion about? Honda S2000, Nissan 350Z, Coupe, Convertible


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#86 of 183
Re: Z Vs. s2k [fedlawman] by donquixote30
May 13, 2007 (5:14 pm)
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Replying to: fedlawman (May 13, 2007 1:34 pm)

Thanks a lot for the info. Yes, I was aware of the article and indeed bought the MT June issue because of it. At any rate, I just viewed the videos once again and the GT3 in particular brought back a torrent of adolescence emotions.
This is pure therapy for an old person.
 
Thanks again and take care.
#87 of 183
Re: Z Vs. s2k [fedlawman] by dat2
May 13, 2007 (7:16 pm)
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Replying to: fedlawman (May 13, 2007 1:34 pm)

That MT test was about the most worthless comparo I've ever seen! How can you compare a 20g honda civic over cars costing several hundred thousand? C/D did a more realistic comparo in a similar vain a few months back where they broke all the cars into categories but still compared the segments too.
#88 of 183
Re: Z Vs. s2k [donquixote30] by habitat1
May 13, 2007 (9:10 pm)
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Replying to: donquixote30 (May 13, 2007 1:07 pm)

Funny, I asked my dealer about the GT3 when I was in for service a couple of months ago. His response was "how many times have you been to the Porsche (or other) Performance Driving School?". It is his opinion that, unless you really learn how to drive a 911 from professionals, that 97% of most drivers would not be able to push a 997 C2S to it's limits. And only a small fraction of the other 3% could handle a GT3. He has received three (3) GT3's so far and actually talked one of the buyers out of taking the car because they "wouldn't have known how to use it". He sold him a 911 Turbo instead, which is more civilized and forgiving.
 
I'm curious as to what you consider "massive depreciation". I bought my 2005 S Cab with an MSRP of $102k+ for $92k in September 2005. Today, 19 months and 13.6k miles later, I think I could sell it privately for close to $80k. Maybe I'm being optimistic, but there are still people in the DC area that think a $3k discount on a new 911 is a good deal, and would be looking at a 2007 MSRP of over $105k for a comparably equiped car.
 
As I've exhibited, I'm a big fan of the S2000. That said, it would be a little tough going back to one from a 911S. Especially for me, because I'd be trading a "family car" for a two seater in the eyes of my daughters. Actually, same holds true for the 2-seat GT3. So neither of those are realistic temptations for me.
 
Good luck with whatever you decide. But if you do go for the GT3, I would budget an extra $6k for a couple of sessions at the Porsche driving school. I'll join you for one of them.
#89 of 183
Re: Z Vs. s2k [dat2] by fedlawman
May 14, 2007 (5:33 am)
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Replying to: dat2 (May 13, 2007 7:16 pm)

Well, I didn't take much stock in all the computer graphs they published, but I would hardly call it worthless. The detailed descriptions of how the cars feel on the road and track (ride, turn-in, power, etc.) was interesting, and the lap times did make for an interesting comparison.
 
The videos on the website are also entertaining.
#90 of 183
Re: Z Vs. s2k [habitat1] by donquixote30
May 14, 2007 (7:36 pm)
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Replying to: habitat1 (May 13, 2007 9:10 pm)

Thanks for your reply. Correct, after driving a 997S, it would be difficult to be satisfied with almost anything else. I have experienced that already. However, I enjoy going back and forth from one vehicle to another and experience contrasting design quality and dynamic character. Further, I view the S2000 as a suitable and relatively economical track-training tool.
 
By "massive depreciation" I mean a current 22% hit on a 2006 997S delivered on August, 2005. Your case is a bit different, you bought a 2005 convertible in September, after the 2006s 997S began to arrive. As a result of these timing differences, I got only a 2 1/3% discount as oppossed to your 10% discount. Naturally, I'm impacted more dramatically than you do.
 
Insofar as the 997 GT3 is concerned, it is not my intention to push it even close to its limits but rather to experience its character (sound, purity of feedback, power/torque, etc.)on both street and track environments. As you know, not every GT3 owner is necessarily a
hard core, track-oriented person.
 
I'm still undecided with respect to buying a 2007 S2000. However, I probably will. The lowest quote I have received is $29,500.
#91 of 183
Re: Z Vs. s2k [donquixote30] by habitat1
May 16, 2007 (2:41 pm)
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Replying to: donquixote30 (May 14, 2007 7:36 pm)

"I'm still undecided with respect to buying a 2007 S2000. However, I probably will. The lowest quote I have received is $29,500."
 
I paid $32,000 for a 2002 S2000 in November 2001 and thought I got a heck of a deal. The Edmunds "TMV" at the time was $36,800, $4,000 OVER MSRP. So $29,500 seems like a no-brainer, if you like the car.
 
"As you know, not every GT3 owner is necessarily a
hard core, track-oriented person."

 
I would have said that about "regular" 911's and even Turbos, but the GT3 does tend to appeal to the more hard core drivers. According to my dealer, the settings on the PASM are dialed up a notch or two on the GT3, making for a jolting ride over rough streets even in the "regular" mode. "Sport" mode can be downright painful, except on a track or very smooth highway. I am pretty sure the GT3 would be a hoot to drive - for all the reasons you cited (especially the 8,400 rpm redline)- but I doubt I'd have driven it daily the way I do my 911S. As long as the buyer is aware of that, it's their money. But it's not exactly an easy car to find to test drive. Every one of the dealers I've asked has sold out their allocation way in advance and they only way to get a test drive is to bribe an existing owner.
#92 of 183
Re: Z Vs. s2k [habitat1] by donquixote30
May 16, 2007 (5:20 pm)
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Replying to: habitat1 (May 16, 2007 2:41 pm)

Yesterday I gave a deposit for a new 2007 S2000. I'll sign up the papers tomorrow. I got it for $29,300. As you have noticed, the current supply appears to be dwindling and I didn't want to continue searching at the risk of missing the opportunity to buy a new one in the silverstone/black interior combination I wanted.
 
By the way, if you are interested in driving a 997 GT3, I would suggest joining Rennlist. The core 997 GT3 forum participants are very committed to their beloved track toy and I have no doubt would let you drive their GT3s. Indeed I have been invited to drive a couple of them without solicitation. These enthusiasts are very friendly, extremely knowledgeable about their sport, and have a great sense of humor to boot.
#93 of 183
Re: Z Vs. s2k [donquixote30] by accelerator
May 17, 2007 (5:28 am)
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Replying to: donquixote30 (May 16, 2007 5:20 pm)

Where are you located? There is a dealership here in town that is selling their S2000 at $28,500 (and they have two reds and two silverstones). Let me know if you are interested in the dealership name and who to contact to get this price. This dealership does have the Presidents Award and are top notch dealer (but of course you do have to watch the numbres at any dealer so don't get in with blind faith that they wont fudge somethinge).
#94 of 183
Re: Z Vs. s2k [donquixote30] by trucktricks
May 17, 2007 (7:47 am)
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Replying to: donquixote30 (May 16, 2007 5:20 pm)

Hey don - I am very interested in your selection of the S2000. I am considering a purchase of the Solstice GXP. Since these cars are nearly identical in size and weight, I ran a comparison of the Solstice with the S2000. In all due respect, the Solstice is a landslide winner in this comparison. For example:
 
Solstice vs S2000
 
260HP vs 237HP
260 lb-ft 2500rpm vs 162 lb-ft 6800 (WOW!)
22/31 MPG vs 20/26 MPG
P245/45R 18 tires vs P245/40ZR 17‘s
100,000 mile powertrain warranty vs 60,000
XM radio vs not available
 
Now here is the clinker:
 
$25,057 vs $31,637
 
Now styling of course is an entirely subjective thing but the Soltice looks much more up-to-date to me. What am I missing here???
#95 of 183
Re: Z Vs. s2k [trucktricks] by accelerator
May 17, 2007 (10:09 am)
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Replying to: trucktricks (May 17, 2007 7:47 am)

trucktricks:
 
You are missing the weight difference of the two cars, the Honda reliability, S2000 proven track record, and residual value.
 
If I may chime in here, I don't think you can get a Solstice GXP at $25,057, can you? That is the invoice pricing and you haven't added any options yet. There is more to than just numbers on paper, the subjective factors. Personally, the S2000 fits me. I'm fairly slender (140#, 5'9"). In the S, I'm planted; in the SOL, there was not enough bolster support for me, I slid side to side.
 
The nice thing is that all three (S2000, Sky, and Sol) are all produced in limited numbers so the uniquness remains in tact.
 
I did stop a guy on the street who was more than happy to talk about his Sky R/L. He was a considerably larger man, height and width wise and said he preferred the Sky because he thought it looked like a mini corvette, not the mention he could fit better in the Sky. He got the 5speed automatic and said it was smooth. I haven't heard that the stick is very smooth; perhaps that will be addressed in 2008 models.
 
Either way you go, let us know what you think after you drive them.

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