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      07-31-2012, 10:37 PM   #23
wisesoul
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GammaZeta View Post
I'm pretty sure a E36 M3 would walk an S2000 off the line. Could pull away on the highway.

As far as corners, not idea.

Power to weight ratio isn't everything, and the S2000's isn't that great.
Ok straight line, with the lack of torque, perhaps. But I wouldn't go so far as to say WALK CIRCLES around an S2k. I've driven my friend's S2k at an autocross event. The car is fun and definitely has tons grip. Driven one E36 M3, did not feel as sporty as the S2k. This is only my opinion. In in terms of reliability, well its a Honda. Nuff said.
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      07-31-2012, 10:43 PM   #24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wisesoul View Post
Ok straight line, with the lack of torque, perhaps. But I wouldn't go so far as to say WALK CIRCLES around an S2k. I've driven my friend's S2k at an autocross event. The car is fun and definitely has tons grip. Driven one E36 M3, did not feel as sporty as the S2k. This is only my opinion. In in terms of reliability, well its a Honda. Nuff said.
+1

S2k is a really good car for the price. Not stepping on anybody's toes that own the E36 M3, but the S2k feels much better. Chassis is nice and tight, perfect seating position, amazing gearbox, and reliable. Handling is superb. The E36 M3 I drove (sedan) didn't feel as "special". Very subjective, but there is something about the S2k that is just inherently sporty. It's like it was in its nature whereas the E36 was merely a hopped up 3 series. Perhaps if I drove the E36 coupe, I'd have different views. But just my observation.
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      08-01-2012, 12:42 AM   #25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wisesoul
Quote:
Originally Posted by GammaZeta View Post
I'm pretty sure a E36 M3 would walk an S2000 off the line. Could pull away on the highway.

As far as corners, not idea.

Power to weight ratio isn't everything, and the S2000's isn't that great.
Ok straight line, with the lack of torque, perhaps. But I wouldn't go so far as to say WALK CIRCLES around an S2k. I've driven my friend's S2k at an autocross event. The car is fun and definitely has tons grip. Driven one E36 M3, did not feel as sporty as the S2k. This is only my opinion. In in terms of reliability, well its a Honda. Nuff said.
If you are thinking that a US SPEC e36 m3 is faster in any way to an s2000... Lol. Maybe in incapable hands. It weighed more than 400lbs more. 0-60 times were very close and there's no way it would out handle the Honda. Better yet, On the highway is where the s2k shines in terms of straight line performance and would easily surpass the m3s top speed of 240km. The s2000 is about the only Honda I would respect enough to exclude from the ricer stigma following Honda performance models. Boost one with proper mods and it keep up with damn near
Anything while keeping cash in your pocket from fuel and maintenance savings.

Bottom line - they're both excellent cars but the s2000 presents more value IMHO than the mid 90s m3, is most certainly more driver oriented in terms of its dynamic and looks better too.

My .02
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      08-01-2012, 12:35 PM   #26
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C5 Corvette if you really want to go fast. You guys talk about walking circles, the S2K and E36 M3 are like annoying gnats in comparison. They are reliable too.

Just something to think about.
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      08-01-2012, 04:47 PM   #27
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NemesisX View Post
OP asked for something reliable.
funny, my '99 m3 with a ton of aftermarket installed by me is more reliable than my 2007 335. a lot more.

my m3 has left me stranded once in 3 1/2 years, the clutch slave cylinder linkage broke, so no clutch.

the 335 left me stranded 3 times.

1) steering rack froze up almost killing me at 80mph, I couldnt turn left at all
2) fuel pump, duh
3) fuel pump

oh and

4) totalled by a Viper ACR.....but that wasnt my cars fault.

Quote:
Originally Posted by GammaZeta View Post
Easy, Z3M.

Throw on a used supercharger or turbo onto the S52 engine and you have a beast.
bingo, for 15k you can get a good M3 and a s/c kit and have a fantastically fun car.

Quote:
Originally Posted by wisesoul View Post
Walk circles around an s2000? In a straight line or road corse I don't think so, no offense. S2k has better power to weight ratio. Sure it doesn't have the silky smooth I6, but it's still moves.
for 15k in each, yes. we're talking used cars here not factory fresh. yes a s2000 can be FI'd too.

Quote:
Originally Posted by GammaZeta View Post
I'm pretty sure a E36 M3 would walk an S2000 off the line. Could pull away on the highway.

As far as corners, not idea.

Power to weight ratio isn't everything, and the S2000's isn't that great.
both cars can be set up to handle amazing. go to track days, you see e36's everywhere for a reason. great chassis

Quote:
Originally Posted by See5 View Post
C5 Corvette if you really want to go fast. You guys talk about walking circles, the S2K and E36 M3 are like annoying gnats in comparison. They are reliable too.

Just something to think about.
excellent point, i'm an american muscle guy at heart and the newer vette's are hard to beat and are a true sports car. GTI is not a sports car people.

Quote:
Originally Posted by R3DL1N3 View Post
If you are thinking that a US SPEC e36 m3 is faster in any way to an s2000... Lol. Maybe in incapable hands. It weighed more than 400lbs more. 0-60 times were very close and there's no way it would out handle the Honda. Better yet, On the highway is where the s2k shines in terms of straight line performance and would easily surpass the m3s top speed of 240km. The s2000 is about the only Honda I would respect enough to exclude from the ricer stigma following Honda performance models. Boost one with proper mods and it keep up with damn near
Anything while keeping cash in your pocket from fuel and maintenance savings.

Bottom line - they're both excellent cars but the s2000 presents more value IMHO than the mid 90s m3, is most certainly more driver oriented in terms of its dynamic and looks better too.

My .02
I love s2000s, only Honda I would consider. I almost bought one a few years ago. I agree they are nicer. I've driven both. I prefer the power of the s52 with boost over a little 4 cylinder with boost.

I wouldnt drive either n/a, too slow for my blood.

Bottom line is you can have a lot of fun with 15k in today's car market.

Here is mine against a FBO mazdaspeed 3 on a drag. skip to :50 or so. He trapped in the 103-105 range all day in massive heat so not a slow car.





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      08-02-2012, 05:54 AM   #28
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Porsche 968. Great handling, good power, decent gas mileage, good cargo capacity and can seat four in a pinch; the latter two would be handy for someone in college.
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      08-02-2012, 07:58 AM   #29
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Toyota Camry 4d dx model.





:-)
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      08-02-2012, 08:07 AM   #30
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Originally Posted by Raja Ventureshield
Toyota Camry 4d dx model.





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winner!
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      08-04-2012, 09:30 PM   #31
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I had no idea c5's were so cheap. Very temping. I think my next car is gonna be an e30 though. If I like it enough, 8psi will get my 240hp worth of fun on an m20. Weeeeee.
I just want a turbo
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      08-05-2012, 08:22 PM   #32
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Quote:
Originally Posted by R3DL1N3 View Post
If you are thinking that a US SPEC e36 m3 is faster in any way to an s2000... Lol. Maybe in incapable hands. It weighed more than 400lbs more. 0-60 times were very close and there's no way it would out handle the Honda. Better yet, On the highway is where the s2k shines in terms of straight line performance and would easily surpass the m3s top speed of 240km. The s2000 is about the only Honda I would respect enough to exclude from the ricer stigma following Honda performance models. Boost one with proper mods and it keep up with damn near
Anything while keeping cash in your pocket from fuel and maintenance savings.

Bottom line - they're both excellent cars but the s2000 presents more value IMHO than the mid 90s m3, is most certainly more driver oriented in terms of its dynamic and looks better too.

My .02
The S2000 and E36 M3 are a drivers race and you can throw in the 1991-1996 Acura NSX NA1 as well. With all conditions being equal its a toss up between these 3 cars.

The NA2 Acura NSX up to 2005 is pretty much a drivers race with the E86 M Coupe/Roadster and E46 M3 IMO. I have owned all 3 cars and quite frankly the E86 M felt faster until I picked up the E92 M3. Of course I am talking straight line speed.

Dont be fooled into thinking the E36 M3 US Spec is faster because its not. My buddy and I were pretty much dead even stock VS stock. When I started shedding pounds on the S2000 the E36 M3 became slower.
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Last edited by Endless619; 08-05-2012 at 08:28 PM..
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      08-05-2012, 10:39 PM   #33
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03-09 Subaru Legacy GT

Pretty sporty, nice looks, 4 doors, and a ton of power potential (wrx engine)
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