In fairness, you had me until your last 2 statements. The unique engine... the F20C and F22C respectively depending which gen of S2000 you get are definitely unique and to date the most effective NA 4 cylinder engines ever made. Also, the S2000 in fairness is if anything MORE of a drivers car than the RX8 is. At least the AP1 for sure, it is much stiffer and more of a no bullshit take me to the track car.

Both are great cars, but if you dont need 4 seats and want performance, really there isn't any reason to buy the RX8 over it.

 

There have been plenty of people, reviewers also, have said that the RX-8 connects with the driver much more than most cars...the S2000 included. Also, you can't get any more unique than the Rotary engine...I mean....can you? Just because it's a very good engine that is efficient and fast doesn't really make it unique.

 

2004 Motor Trend comparison

1st - 2004 RX8 MT
2nd- 2004 350Z
3rd - 2004 S2000.

 

My brother and my friend have an S2 AP1 and AP2 and it is a nice car but the drivability is stiff (feel every bump) and loud especially when that vtech kicks in (sounds like) it's struggling not like the smooth RPMS of the rotary. It's too tight for me and I'm only 5'9.

All the way up to 10K there is no sounds of struggling, just creamy buttery smoothness. Also our car can spit fire like in those video games and anime ie (Initial D).

Also, my brother bought the AP2 brand new and it had compression issues with the #2 cylinder twice and they tried to make him pay for it. He says on the s2000 forums it is a common problem. It was in the shop for over 4 months last year. No car is without it's issues.

You will like either car, but for me it's the 8.

 

the s2k is not really low maint. it has a weak diff so you should change the fluid often, i would do it every 5k or 7k. its not a normal honda.

the rx8 is more comfortable and practical. but the s2k is like the track boys go-kart. its a lot of fun, they both are.

i love both cars and i have an rx8 while my dad has an s2k.

if you want a similar experience that can simmer down and be a normal gentlemens car, get the rx8.

but if you want a raw visceral experience, get the s2k. there is nothing like it.

i originally liked the s2k a tad bit more but i think im happy that i have an 8, and wouldnt trade. :P

keep us updated!

 

def not a normal HONDA...

 

I have owned both cars and I personally think the RX8 is more practical. The S2000 was a bit small for me as a daily driver. I also love the suicide doors and extra trunk space. Don't get me wrong the S2000 is great...but I would suggest it as a weekend driver.

 

Rx-8.

 

Personally, you've narrowed it down to 2 great choices... I can honestly say it doesnt matter which car you choose, you made the right choice. I've driven both cars, but only really driven the 8 and been able to push it (s2k was a test drive). But just a test drive was enough to get a feel for how fun the s2k could be.

Honestly, I'm kind of thinking about trading my 8 for an s2k... not really because I think one is so much better than the other though. I think I might have more overall fun driving an s2k, but when I do push the 8, it's pure pleasure as well. The 8 does have it's conveniences, but I'm young and dont mind a car with a bit more of a rough ride. When it comes down to it, I'm probably mostly driven to trade because I like different things... I've had my 8 for a little more than 3 years and I'm kind of looking to try something new. If I were able to, I'd just toss a turbo in my 8 and I have no doubt I'd be good for another 3 years, if not more. But the fact of the matter is, I cant. And I really do like the s2k. Will I do it? Probably not, but I have/am seriously considering it.

So basically, you're should be satisfied either way. You've had the 8, you know what you're getting into. If you like a little more luxury and space, the 8 would be great. If you dont mind a little less space and want something a bit more "sporty" at the expensive of a little luxury, then try the s2k... it really is a great car and a ton of fun. So, choose what you're leaning towards more.

 

I see alot of s2k's get the top ripped/cut and seats and steering wheel stolen!!! ALOT

 

im 5'7ish and 150 pounds.

i drove both cars , and i cant stand the DAMN NOISE from the s2k !.


thought its a fun little car, i can hear the motor just banging when im driving.

i got the 8 because well i fell in love with the shinka interior and when you listen to the drone its not annoying.

i actually like it, its one of the only cars i enjoy driving with the RADIO OFF.

......and....i mean... why do i even pay for SIRIUS?

 

Test drive helps alot.

 

Not an exact comparison but I'm currently looking at trading in my 05 Mazdaspeed MX-5 (MSM) for an 8. I would think the owning an S2000 would be similar to my experiences with my MSM. I love driving my MSM and hate living with it. The light toss able feel isn't matched by the 8 (it's the closest to anything I've driven though) and you feel really connected to the road. The downside is since it's my only car pulling out the passenger seat when I needed to carry anything larger than a bread box has gotten pretty old. Also convertibles are loud which gets pretty tiring if you do lots of high speed straight line driving. A hard top might help with the noise issues but I really liked driving with top down and usually had it down as long as it was sunny and over 40 degrees.

I know where you could get a good deal on a MSM btw, even has a second set of wheels with snow tires.

 

If you need back seats, then rx-8. Otherwise S2k is great for open top driving. Then again so is an MX-5 which is much cheaper. With the RX-8 you can pretend you are Wolverine, with the S2k, you can be that chick in Fast n Furious. Your call. I personally think Wolverine is cooler than that latino chick.