E36 M3 Convertible vs. S2k

[NISSANSPDR]

Which would you take...the old E36 M3 convertible or the current 2.2 liter S2000?

I post this up b/c they both have 240hp, RWD, handle very well, and are of course...open top fun cars!

[crayzayjay]

The M3 has a six pot versus the Honda's four, much more torque, and is better looking imo. It does suffer from rigidity issues though... All in all they're both good cars, and the Honda obviously benefits from being a current model, but i'd personally go for the M3. It's just a shame you didnt get the 321bhp Euro spec model.

[flylwsi]

stock for stock, i'd take the s2k, really designed to handle.

if we were going to mod the cars, at all (even keeping them NA) i'll take the m3.

[OoNismoO]

s2k, cause it looks better in my opinion, and i think it handles better, i also like how it has double wishbone suspension all around, the m3 doesnt. although the powerband is probably nicer on the m3 for everyday driving, its my opinion that the s2ks power band isnt as bad as everyone makes it out to be, i think its good enough for the lighter s2k.

[FDTT]

OK well he is asking about the new S2000 which lost 200rpm off the redline and gained 200cc's . Personaly i would go with the new S2000. That extra 200cc's really helps the car with launches. Although it does not handle as well as the onlder S2000. Honda revised the "twitchieness" of the older car. This "twitchiness" was waht made the S2000 such a great little car. IT would enable yout o through the car around corners. Great car.

But the M3 in US trim only got 241hp i beleave, weighed alot more, didnt have the chassis stiffining it should have had. The car is a wonderful car, but not in the same class. The S2000 will beat it ont he straights and in the corners. But the M3 wont be far behind. O and the guy in the M3 will be doing this all in the cumfort of an amazing interior that only the germans know how to do.

A little off topic but, flylwsi what wheels are those on the 240 in your sig. Are they Gram lights?

[OoNismoO]

FDTT....are you talking to me? well if you are, then i know hes talking about the newer s2000 with the more displacement.

[FDTT]

Nope wasent reffering to anyone in perticular. Just pointing out that fact again cause the people who post generaly only read the last post posted and then post from there. So i just wanted to reiderate the fact that we were talking about the new S2000

[dariusinabmw]

bmw is my favorite car but to be honest id take the new s2k (if $ were no issue). 1 because its 4 years newer and 2, the body is pretty damn nice compared to the older bmw m3 (too square). i think all in all the m3 will take it (even as a convertible) performance wise because it is still a true sports car. settle with the 2k.

[flylwsi]

not sure on the wheels, they look like gram lights, but i can't find better pics on their site...

the other issue with the drop top thing is that the s2k was DESIGNED as a convertible, where the bmw had it's roof chopped off, and played catch up on the handling...

[Kurtdg19]

I would take the M3, nothing personal on the S2000 cause I really like them. I'm a bit disappointed (call it odd) for the fact that Honda already did all the work that could be done to it, and now, theres hardly any room for expansion of any kind to be done to it. I'd rather have a car come mildly tuned from the factor so I can have somwhere to start than have practically nowhere except for FI or non mechanical modifications. Like I said, call it odd.

[del]

Originally Posted by Kurtdg19

I would take the M3, nothing personal on the S2000 cause I really like them. I'm a bit disappointed (call it odd) for the fact that Honda already did all the work that could be done to it, and now, theres hardly any room for expansion of any kind to be done to it. I'd rather have a car come mildly tuned from the factor so I can have somwhere to start than have practically nowhere except for FI or non mechanical modifications. Like I said, call it odd.

well that's a honda for you. their motors are designed as all-motor high revving, high compression and tuned out of the gazoo 4 bangers. and a fine job at that - the best n/a 4 cylinder engines out there and anyone who dares to question that needs to take a serious second look. while all this is good stuff, you're absolutely right, it leaves little for the enthusiasts, well for the normal enthusiasts at least. comparatively speaking, it takes a great deal to squeeze any additional hp from these engines.

back to the subject, i'd opt for the S2000 based on the fun-to-drive factor ALONE. it's like a video game. it may not pamper you as much as the bimmer but i just find it more of a rewarding experience driving it like you stole it and knowing it can handle it.

[TatII]

the drop top E36's are slow and ugly IMO. so i would pick the new S2K's since those are some nice looking cars esp with the new 17 inch wheels and new headlamps and new bumper. however if its compared to the E36 M3 coupe. then i would pick the M over the S2k.

[flylwsi]

yeah, it totally sucks that honda goes balls out on these kinds of cars and builds them really well...
i think i'll stick to the highly tuned car that doesn't need to be modified to be fun...