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Coupes & Convertibles Honda S2000 Honda S2000 vs Saturn Sky/Pontiac Solstice
15 messages, Last post on Nov 12, 2007 at 5:53 AM
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Replying to: trucktricks (May 21, 2007 8:30 am) Have you ever driven a fully broken in S2000? Although obviously less powerful in absolute terms, the S2000 redline, and ratio of torque to horsepower is essentially identical to a Ferrari 360. If you're a Ford/GM fan and think that 6,000 rpm is where you need to start picking up the pieces off the road, you should consider adjusting your vision of a "sports" car. The S2000 - especially the 9,000 rpm 2.0 liter 2002 model I had - is an absolute hoot to drive for those that like to work a high revving engine with a world class short throw 6-speed gearbox. I now have a 911S. A more docile 7,200 rpm redline with nearly double the torque of the S2000. I have absolutely no complaints, as it is the perfect sports car that doubles as a family car with our daughters in the back. But there are times that I slightly miss the point and shoot visceral feel of the S2000 revved up to 8,500 rpm. If anything gets me into a 8,400 rpm GT3, it will be that preference. One thing for sure, I wouldn't take a Corvette Z06 if I was given one. Gobs of torque, but gearing that is totally screwed up for any kind of fun outside of the Bonneville Salt Flats. Those brilliant GM engineers have a 6th gear that lugs along at about 1,300 rpm at 65. It might fool the EPA for enhanced gas mileage ratings, but it's an idiotic way to gear a "sports" car, IMO. The gearing of the S2000 (and 911) are perfectly matched to the engine. If you don't like to shift, get an automatic muscle car and call it a day. But if you do, there is nothing more rewarding than having 9,000 (or even 7,200) rpm to play with and a car that is engineered for precision. The proof is in the pudding. There is another poster in another forum who is a Corvette track junkie. Even he admits the "paltry" S2000s frequently beat the 400hp/400ft lb Corvettes around Willow Springs. I don't think they would allow the Solstice on the same track. |
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Replying to: habitat1 (May 22, 2007 2:53 am) 
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Replying to: habitat1 (May 22, 2007 2:53 am) I think what you are telling me is that the audio sensation of 9000 RPM is high on your list of wants from a sports car. Personally, I put the G's of acceleration, braking and cornering at the top of my list. One thing for sure, I wouldn't take a Corvette Z06 if I was given one. If someone offers you a Z06, I suggest you take it. They hold their value very well (I know this to be true, I have owned three new Corvettes) and the cash when you sell it could come in handy for your daughters college tuition. I will let you know how I like the 2000 after I do my test drive.
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Replying to: trucktricks (May 22, 2007 8:10 am) The sound of 8,500+ rpm probably had something to do with it, but by "visceral" I mostly meant the direct "connected" feel of the S2000. Also, there are a fair number of cars that, thanks to supersized rubber, can post pretty decent maximum g's and braking. The S2000 has such tight steering and exceptional balance, that you really need to drive it in twisties with a lot of transitions to appreciate it. It feels like a go cart and is almost effortless in its ability to handle quick "S" turns. Far more so than the Z3/Z4 and SLK's and right up there with the Boxster S. The 350Z feels like the Love Boat by comparison. "the cash when you sell it could come in handy for your daughters college tuition." You didn't think I'd have splurged on a 911 without first pre-funding their 529 accounts, did you? As long as the market doesn't crash or the Ivy League decide to bump tuition by 15% per year, they should be covered. But I think you may get my point after driving the S2000. There are some people, a few I even call friends, who worship torque and love raw power. One such friend had a Buick "SS" Gran National, or something to that effect in the 1970's that could do a 1/4 mile in the 11 second range. I suspect in his hands, the S2000 would dissapoint. He's a IHRA and Nascar kind of guy. A straight line or a counterclockwise oval are his metrics for a sports car. I'm a Formula One and Grand Prix kind of guy. I have a tough time getting excited by a 2 minute horse race around an oval, let alone a 2+ hour car race around one. Show me Monaco. I look forward to hearing about your test drive. |
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Replying to: accelerator (May 22, 2007 6:02 am) Solutions have included twin scroll impellers (like the Solstice), ceramic impellers and even plastic impellers. BMW has even gone to using two small turbos like on the 335i. Interestingly enough, the 3.0 liter in the BMW with two turbos produces 300HP. This is 1.63 HP/cubic in. A far cry from the 2.1 HP/cubic in. of the Solstice. And this coming from a manufacturer known for their engines. I would suggest the GM boys have one-upped them on this one. At any rate, my somewhat brief (10 mi.) drive in the GXP revealed no noticeable turbo lag and very, very snappy shifts.
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Replying to: trucktricks (May 23, 2007 8:14 am) I've driven a couple of BMW (none were boosted) at demonstration events in the past and aside from the way a BMW looks (which I love the exterior lines), they just don't "fit" me. Even despite that, I prefer to be a bit more unique. I live in a pretty prominent part of town and everyone has a BMW or Mercedes or Lexus. The Solstice/Sky/S2000 are far more unique and rare. Does that say something about how I view myself? Of course it does! That is why I want a roadster!  I'm on day 5 and 500 miles into my new S2000 and am 110% satisfied with my choice; And I've NEVER been able to say that about any car I've owned in the past except my 2000 Toyota Tacoma (but that is for another thread). I may still take a Solctice/Sky for a test drive in another year once more tweaks have been made. But I do have to say, the power top of the S2000 is a fantastic feature. I was heading home Friday after work with heavy cloud cover and I didn't think I would make it home before the bottom dropped out. In the solstice, I probably would have left the top up since it is a bit more complicated to put up/down. In the S, I knew I only needed 4 seconds and I could have the top up. So, on a Friday evening after a long week and a hectic day, I left work with the top down enjoying the cool breeze on my face, with the radio cranked up. Good times... ... and yes, it did rain but I managed to stay dry. 
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O.K. guys we are all going off of motor trend reports and commercially recognized opinions. what about what is real, there are alot of things about the solstice that i love, some people see the long gears as a flaw. but i think it's a step up. it's good to get away from those 1 second shifting ricers like the miata and civic, honestly... one thing the civic may be reliable but people who focus on performance like me... who really cares about reliability. and as of power. my solstice pushes about 375 Hp give the united states a chance we are all too use to these squeeky little japanese toys, that we think all compact sports cars should perform like them... the solstice is a roadster not a ricer. it's going to be deeper in tone and have longer gears that is its nature. get use to it. if you want toy go buy and integra or mazda-3 know the difference people.
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Replying to: solstice375 (Nov 12, 2007 12:53 am) Also, I'm sure it was an innocent oversight, but you forgot to mention that the GXP weighs 500 lbs more and costs $5000 more than a Miata, and also lacks the Miata's telepathic steering, neutral chassis, large trunk, high quality materials, and simple/quick operating cloth top. What happened to GM's promise of a world-class, lightweight, affordable, back-to-basics sports car? Instead, we got a "traditional" American sports car - mediocre parts-bin mechanicals/underpinnings covered up with good looks and horsepower.
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Replying to: fedlawman (Nov 12, 2007 4:44 am)  "squeeky little japanese toys" LOL, My S is going on 4 years old and it doesn't squeek on bit. Still tight as a drum.
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Replying to: anythngbutgm (Nov 12, 2007 5:12 am) Americans have been describing Japanese cars with these terms for 30+ years - mostly out of insecurity. I'd feel insecure too if I spent $30,000 on a Solstice. |
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