Recently acquired mine, drove the first eighth of the return trip home on a scenic road and it was amazing. It gets responsive in the mid range, and the handling is great. Looking forward to attending Autox and hpde with it.
Agreed. Although I like the slight oversteer of my 12 Cayman S (not R), I hear it can easily be improved by swapping out the front sway for a GT3 sway. I think these cars also need an upgraded shifter to be closer to the reported quality of the S2000 one. With prices of the S2000 going up everyday, I think the value of even a base 987.2 is a compelling argument.
I reviewed a 987.2 R on my channel not long ago. It's a great car but I wish it had a slightly more thrilling engine, a better shifter, and more suspension compliance.
I've owned a stock AP2, and currently own an ND2 on MCS 2-Ways and Karcepts sways. I absolutely love the ND2 tightened up with high end suspension--I honestly think as an everyday driver, and even as an all-around canyon carver, it's a better car than the AP2 was. Peak enjoyment may be lower, but there's more under the curve, if you know what I mean, haha. HOWEVER, the car I still lament selling, the one that offered the best in driving enjoyment for me and that I think about every single day, is the FD RX-7. I will get back into one of those one day, mark my words. Even in stock configuration, the FD is such a special car, and such an experience to drive and own. I've not built as strong of a relationship with another car since selling the FD; it's the kind of car that becomes a partner as much as it is a thing to be driven, haha.
I passed one up cause I got greedy and opted for a Porsche Boxster 987.2 with pdk. The went to a F80 M3 sold everything now I’m at a LS460L. Still think about how I passed up on a S2k cause I wanted luxury sports car class smh
You mentionned the E46 M3 near the top of your driver engagement list. To me, that’s where the Z4M Coupe comes in. With the same characteristics as the M3 but better brakes, steering rack and chassis rigidity, it’s much more akin to a sports car like the S2000. I wonder how you’d compare a well modified exemple to one.
That's a great point. I've reviewed a Z4M ST4 racecar at Laguna Seca and that was fantastic, but I'd be super curious to try a properly modified one in the canyons.
S2000 shifter by far the best shifter in the industries. I'm not a great driver so I feel like the S2k is a little too raw for me. My 96 240sx has similar driver feel but at a less raw feeling. A little less twitchy and still handles the canyons. I wish I have the money to buy the new '22 BRZ/86. Love your BRZ.
Amazing. I was one of the people that harassed you to review this particular car. I think you should aim to review a really nicely prepped example, like this, a few times a year. We love these reviews.
For me my two options would be a third gen mr2 and rx8 . These chassis are amazing. Rx8 are dominating at the Tsukuba with very little engine modifications.
Nothing wrong with another s2k review ha...ha. Would love to see you do a full video canyon review on a dc2r. Might run a s2k close, and possibly better steering feel?
Shelby Gt350 has been the only car so far that left me as excited to drive and had the fun factor. Although I have not been able to track a gt350 yet. The tremec is very good. The voodoo has similar engine characteristics and sounds godly. I want one but not sure if it's worth getting rid of the S2k for.
I was considering selling my CR for a GT350R. Loved the GT350R, but it offered nothing more than outright acceleration over my CR with a hefty weight penalty. Don't get me wrong it is an absolutely amazing machine that is a VERY close second (IMHO), but not enough for me to put the S2K up for sale.
@@thepassionofthegoose5472update: I ended up selling my GPW ap1 and bought a 2020 gt350 and loved it. Only kept it for 6 months though. Too much car for the streets lol. About to purchase my 3rd s2000.
With S2000 prices going up and Cayman/Boxster (987-987.2) prices dropping, I think there's an argument for going Porsche and upgrading the suspension and shifter, as long as the owner has extra $ for maintenance. The S2000 seems to have more "fizz" stock, but I think a slightly modified Cayman/Boxster can come close.
I need to review a properly modified 987 with suspension, brakes, I/H/E, shifter etc. I've only driven stock examples and they're very good, but not quite great.
Try 91. 240sx hatch with a good coil over I used to own on in 91 with lower springs and good set of tires, and drove from Texas to San Francisco HWY 1 to Vegas, New Mexico, Arizona and back to Texas all back roads.
if j lo and ben affleck got back together & married against all odds, you can be back with an s2000. it was meant to be! cant wait till the day i pick mine up
You need to get your air cooled Porsche cherry popped. The other car that comes to mind is a 996 gt3. Supposed to be very engaging, many of the mechanical and engaging characteristics of the older air-cooled Porsche, but with modern rear suspension and working AC/heat - something difficult with the air-cooled stuff. I wanna see those two reviews on this channel - 88 911 with G50 transmission and a 996 gt3.
I've gotten offers to review an aircooled 911 and a 996 GT3 but will have to travel to make either one happen. Hopefully soon! Otherwise, need to find some local Bay Area owners.
Agree. I went from air cooled 911 racecar to S2k track car. The S2k is rad and engaging, but a proper lightweight 911 with track suspension is way more raw. I guess that should be expected since the basic chassis and suspension is 35 years older.
Never stop making s2k vids! On a side note, with that seat, do your elbows hit the side bolster when turning? Having that issue with my seat. Maybe I need to learn how to drive better…
Try a tuned RX8 .... same attributes as the s2k but better chassis and grip levels are insane ... you just need to find a proper one from a knowledgable owner ...
No other car provides me with that "I'll kill my driver" feeling like the s2000. Name me another lightweight, stiff chassis, high revving, mid ship, all corners dbl wishbone car? i'll wait...
As a Cayman owner, I'm definitely jealous of that dbl wishbone, although mine has hydraulic steering - which is one of the reasons I bought one. I would love to drive them back-to-back to feel how great the S2000 rack really is.
I have had a S2000 modified . I had a vx220 turbo, more engaging, faster and the steering feel was second to none.. Think lotus elise with 260bhp. But incredibly hard to live with in winter. I'd take an s2000 as a daily fun car any day. But in isolation the vx220 was/is incredible
@@Zygrene Update: Got an S2k and the experience is marvelous and is not as easy to drive fast as the Type R, but that is the charm. Makes you a better driver and much more rewarding at that.
For me it's the lotus every time. I've had a supercharged S2000 Type V and 2006 S2000 (AP2 but with AP1 engine). 2 Elises in the past and now 1 2zz Elise and a V6 Exige with 470hp.
Don't have much experience driving other sports cars: Subaru WRX, NC Miata, RX7 (Turbocharged), and Supra. The only car that offered the same amount of enjoyment was the Miata.
I hope you will try a good 4th gen Prelude one day. Is not as demanding as my s2k but just as fast as cornering speed. Definitely better than any other Fwd car
AP2 from all I’ve seen and read. I had one (‘06) for a little over 3 years and it was truly incredible- the most engaging and fun car to drive there is.
A well setup E30 comes pretty close to the S2000 in terms of driving enjoyment, IMO. Both are relatively lightweight RWD machines with high-revving NA thrills (at least if you don't screw up and turbo them). I'm still trying to find that ideal backroad machine (currently own an FD RX-7) and have driven a lot of cars, and might have settled on getting back into an E30. Parts from other BMWs bolt on so you can set them up exactly how you want, and they're a bit less synthetic feeling than newer cars like the S2000 or BRZ. The way the controls feel on the E30 is the best of any car I have experienced--light but full of feedback. And with the right setup, I think you could set one up to be very predictable.
E30’s don’t have any steering feel and the rear suspension is so dated. Hard to imagine comparing that to an s2k or even your FD. E30’s are fun for sure, I loved mine, but I don’t think they are in the same league from a chassis, engine and gearbox perspective.
I owned an 88 325is with Spec E30 suspension and all of the bushings redone and refreshed. I owned them at the same time to ha fresh comparisons to make. It doesn't at all compared to an s2000 (even a stock one - never mind a modded one). E30s from a purely nostalgic sense, but doesn't compare to an s2000 in driving dynamics and feel. The suspension is super antiquated on an e30 - macpherson struts and rear-trailing arm. Fun car, but I feet that my s2000 is a more raw and exciting experience. Steering feel is arguable - I still had the stock wheel on my e30 and the turning ratio and size of that wheel made everything feel less precise and sloppy, though I could feel the mechanical nature of the old school hydraulic rack. I think a smaller aftermarket wheel would have been nice.
@@bullwing I've been on track with fully sorted ones with a z3 rack and stickies etc. Still not even close to s2k or even a miata in terms of feel. Fun, but numb in comparison.
I've driven a couple S2ks on canyon roads but the lifeless steering is a deal breaker for me. Overall experience is a far cry from my exige or caterham (/humblebrag). But those are obviously less usable...
What better car for engagement and pleasure? Alpha chassis SS/1LE or ZL1/1LE. Seeing how much the car pushes you around, suddenly the firm but deliberate ZL1/1LE feels right on the money….the Alpha chassis FTW!
There's so many cars just as fun and fast to drive. My hr 350z mod per mod would put that s2k a run for its money. The old nsx also another contender. Any trqck focused honda can compete with the s2k. Look at gears and gasoline, dude has an old ek hatch and even when he had the original motor it was a solid car. Look at Keiichi Tsuchiya and his track youtube page comparing all the Hondas and prelude would had came in first if it didn't break down lol. So many cars, e46 m3, sti, evo, type r integra, type r civic old and new etc etc etc
I've driven pretty much all of the cars you mentioned, minus the EK. I enjoy ALL of them for their unique differences but none quite hit the spot like the S2000. Maybe I need to revisit modded examples.
a miata😂😂 the fact it weight less and smaller than the s2k make it more enjoyable on canyon for a average driver. it is challenging to stay in vtec in canyon.
Joon's S2000 is for sale! Hit him up on Instagram to make an offer: instagram.com/joonlol
💸💸💸
10k cash
I'm gonna guess 40k+?
How much?
Zygrene saying he'll never review another S2K, is like a drunk saying they'll never drink again 😅
🥴
Ahahahaha
Doesn't matter how many s2ks u review. It doesn't get old. Lol
Noted LOL
It’s nuts how many of us want Fenton to continue recontextualizing the S2000.
Changing channel name to S2000 Review Channel in 3...2...1...
The s2k is an all-time great. So engaging. So pure. I’ll never sell mine.
S2000 REVIEWS DO NOT GET OLD🤓
Recently acquired mine, drove the first eighth of the return trip home on a scenic road and it was amazing. It gets responsive in the mid range, and the handling is great. Looking forward to attending Autox and hpde with it.
2012 Cayman R Light, powerful, great looks, and hydraulic steering.
Agreed. Although I like the slight oversteer of my 12 Cayman S (not R), I hear it can easily be improved by swapping out the front sway for a GT3 sway. I think these cars also need an upgraded shifter to be closer to the reported quality of the S2000 one. With prices of the S2000 going up everyday, I think the value of even a base 987.2 is a compelling argument.
I reviewed a 987.2 R on my channel not long ago. It's a great car but I wish it had a slightly more thrilling engine, a better shifter, and more suspension compliance.
I've owned a stock AP2, and currently own an ND2 on MCS 2-Ways and Karcepts sways. I absolutely love the ND2 tightened up with high end suspension--I honestly think as an everyday driver, and even as an all-around canyon carver, it's a better car than the AP2 was. Peak enjoyment may be lower, but there's more under the curve, if you know what I mean, haha. HOWEVER, the car I still lament selling, the one that offered the best in driving enjoyment for me and that I think about every single day, is the FD RX-7. I will get back into one of those one day, mark my words. Even in stock configuration, the FD is such a special car, and such an experience to drive and own. I've not built as strong of a relationship with another car since selling the FD; it's the kind of car that becomes a partner as much as it is a thing to be driven, haha.
Sold mine in 2007... I still think about it every single day.
I passed one up cause I got greedy and opted for a Porsche Boxster 987.2 with pdk. The went to a F80 M3 sold everything now I’m at a LS460L. Still think about how I passed up on a S2k cause I wanted luxury sports car class smh
I'm getting a 2003 in Grand Prix White Wednesday, I'm really excited.
Unicorn color. Enjoy!
@@Zygrene Hopefully I don’t spin it into a tree lmao, wouldn’t mind putting a Kraftwerks kit on it if it lasts that long.
@@Zygrene just got it today, I am so shit at manual.
You mentionned the E46 M3 near the top of your driver engagement list. To me, that’s where the Z4M Coupe comes in. With the same characteristics as the M3 but better brakes, steering rack and chassis rigidity, it’s much more akin to a sports car like the S2000. I wonder how you’d compare a well modified exemple to one.
Thw Z4M is one of my bucket-list cars. I want to drive one so bad!
Too heavy
z32luvr It’s lighter than an M3 though, and that was the point here. And I wouldn’t call 3200 pounds heavy, just not light.
That's a great point. I've reviewed a Z4M ST4 racecar at Laguna Seca and that was fantastic, but I'd be super curious to try a properly modified one in the canyons.
@@Zygrene having had all 3 in question, i'd say z4m & s2k are equally fun and both are just a little bit more lively than e46m3
S2000 shifter by far the best shifter in the industries. I'm not a great driver so I feel like the S2k is a little too raw for me. My 96 240sx has similar driver feel but at a less raw feeling. A little less twitchy and still handles the canyons. I wish I have the money to buy the new '22 BRZ/86. Love your BRZ.
Just get a job at Meta
Amazing. I was one of the people that harassed you to review this particular car. I think you should aim to review a really nicely prepped example, like this, a few times a year. We love these reviews.
For me my two options would be a third gen mr2 and rx8 . These chassis are amazing. Rx8 are dominating at the Tsukuba with very little engine modifications.
Gen 3 MR2 and RX8 are definitely both overlooked and excellent platforms
Nothing wrong with another s2k review ha...ha. Would love to see you do a full video canyon review on a dc2r. Might run a s2k close, and possibly better steering feel?
I've done this! Search Zygrene DC2R vs DC5R
Love me a good Zygrene upload!
Great comparison with the e46 m3 and lotus. That’s key insight
Shelby Gt350 has been the only car so far that left me as excited to drive and had the fun factor. Although I have not been able to track a gt350 yet. The tremec is very good. The voodoo has similar engine characteristics and sounds godly. I want one but not sure if it's worth getting rid of the S2k for.
Still haven't driven a GT350!
@@Zygrene do it it’s next level!
I was considering selling my CR for a GT350R. Loved the GT350R, but it offered nothing more than outright acceleration over my CR with a hefty weight penalty. Don't get me wrong it is an absolutely amazing machine that is a VERY close second (IMHO), but not enough for me to put the S2K up for sale.
@@thepassionofthegoose5472update: I ended up selling my GPW ap1 and bought a 2020 gt350 and loved it. Only kept it for 6 months though. Too much car for the streets lol. About to purchase my 3rd s2000.
With S2000 prices going up and Cayman/Boxster (987-987.2) prices dropping, I think there's an argument for going Porsche and upgrading the suspension and shifter, as long as the owner has extra $ for maintenance. The S2000 seems to have more "fizz" stock, but I think a slightly modified Cayman/Boxster can come close.
I need to review a properly modified 987 with suspension, brakes, I/H/E, shifter etc. I've only driven stock examples and they're very good, but not quite great.
@@Zygrene I've got one with all that...just no SSK or brakes...yet. Too bad I'm in the south east, or I'd let you review it 👍
The elise, the bmw m coupe when setup properly, and a few choice caymans & 911’s when setup properly. a Rx-7 And a humble 240sx or 240z/280ZX
more s2000 reviews! fastest gateway to 100k subs!
Miss my Ap1 wish i kept it!
Sold my S2000 recently. There is really no car like it in it's price point.
Try 91. 240sx hatch with a good coil over I used to own on in 91 with lower springs and good set of tires, and drove from Texas to San Francisco HWY 1 to Vegas, New Mexico, Arizona and back to Texas all back roads.
if j lo and ben affleck got back together & married against all odds, you can be back with an s2000. it was meant to be! cant wait till the day i pick mine up
You need to get your air cooled Porsche cherry popped.
The other car that comes to mind is a 996 gt3. Supposed to be very engaging, many of the mechanical and engaging characteristics of the older air-cooled Porsche, but with modern rear suspension and working AC/heat - something difficult with the air-cooled stuff.
I wanna see those two reviews on this channel - 88 911 with G50 transmission and a 996 gt3.
I've gotten offers to review an aircooled 911 and a 996 GT3 but will have to travel to make either one happen. Hopefully soon! Otherwise, need to find some local Bay Area owners.
Agree. I went from air cooled 911 racecar to S2k track car. The S2k is rad and engaging, but a proper lightweight 911 with track suspension is way more raw. I guess that should be expected since the basic chassis and suspension is 35 years older.
You need to drive the 996 GT3. I think It's very similiar to the S2000 in terms of the driving experience.
Never stop making s2k vids!
On a side note, with that seat, do your elbows hit the side bolster when turning? Having that issue with my seat. Maybe I need to learn how to drive better…
Yep my elbows hit the side bolsters in the Recaro RSG
Try a tuned RX8 .... same attributes as the s2k but better chassis and grip levels are insane ... you just need to find a proper one from a knowledgable owner ...
This is coming soon!
Have driven a rx-8 last week, it’s not even close to gr86, i don’t think that’s a good choice.
I'd be curious to see your thoughts on a properly set up (drum roll) Toyota MR2 Spyder.
I've filmed one! Search Zygrene MR2 2ZZ
@@Zygrene I’m going to check it out. Thanks!
2000 Toyota Corolla pretty fun to drive
Always wondered if you could do a manual rack swap in these. Would fix that gen 1 eps issue
Curious about this myself. But it would need to work with a 255 front tire without being crazy heavy.
Can you review a GT350R, I'm almost convinced it feels like a ls swapped widebody s2000
No other car provides me with that "I'll kill my driver" feeling like the s2000. Name me another lightweight, stiff chassis, high revving, mid ship, all corners dbl wishbone car? i'll wait...
As a Cayman owner, I'm definitely jealous of that dbl wishbone, although mine has hydraulic steering - which is one of the reasons I bought one. I would love to drive them back-to-back to feel how great the S2000 rack really is.
@@DC5Brandon if S2000 had hydraulic steering, or if 987 Cayman had double wishbones... oh man
Rx8 has multi link rear but hits off all of the rest of your points… with 4 seats to spare
@@Zygrene can't have everything in the world
@@PeterPangea the reliability of the rotary kills my boner for Mazdas.
Nothing compares
Hopefully, you can drive a 6MT Acura TL Type S at some point.
I hope so too! Always been fond of the TL Type S
Never need an excuse to drive an s2000
What exhaust is that @zygrene?
Sounds so good!
Maybe a 350z or s chassis would be nice in the canyons too
Very nice, but I would like to see an S2000 built to last another 2 decades.
I think the only car that I would replace S2k with is a lotus
I have had a S2000 modified . I had a vx220 turbo, more engaging, faster and the steering feel was second to none.. Think lotus elise with 260bhp. But incredibly hard to live with in winter. I'd take an s2000 as a daily fun car any day. But in isolation the vx220 was/is incredible
Ctr or s2k? In a predicament where i either make money off the ctr and get a clean s2k or keep the ctr… leaning towards the s2k
CTR is the best FWD car I've driven but for driving pleasure, I'll take the S2K all day
@@Zygrene Update:
Got an S2k and the experience is marvelous and is not as easy to drive fast as the Type R, but that is the charm. Makes you a better driver and much more rewarding at that.
How's 12kg springs on roads like this?
997 gt3 (any variant .1 .2 rs non-rs)
S2000 vs Lotus Elise ?
For me it's the lotus every time. I've had a supercharged S2000 Type V and 2006 S2000 (AP2 but with AP1 engine). 2 Elises in the past and now 1 2zz Elise and a V6 Exige with 470hp.
Are there good shifter upgrades for the Lotus that make a big difference? The stock shifter is beyond garbage.
Sector111 makes a shifter kit. Doesn't come remotely close to s2k shifter but much better than stock.
He’s right, the sector 111 setup is a real improvement but the cable nature of the setup will never lend itself to perfection.
what shift knob?
nothing better than rcrew
Don't have much experience driving other sports cars: Subaru WRX, NC Miata, RX7 (Turbocharged), and Supra. The only car that offered the same amount of enjoyment was the Miata.
RX-7 FD?:O
Soooo the burning question… would you trade your BRZ for it? Why or why not?
Sounds like a pretty damn good video topic 👌
Have you tried a z4m or z3m with s54?
I have not! Local bay area owners please hit me up!
I hope you will try a good 4th gen Prelude one day. Is not as demanding as my s2k but just as fast as cornering speed. Definitely better than any other Fwd car
Which car has the better chassis between the AP1, AP2 and the GT86/BRZ?
AP2 from all I’ve seen and read. I had one (‘06) for a little over 3 years and it was truly incredible- the most engaging and fun car to drive there is.
AP1 no questions asked plus 9,000 rpm !!
Hmm should I make a video on this?
@@Zygrene definitely yes
AP1 - Most exciting
AP2 - Best laptime
GT86 - Most compliant on street? 🤷
I’m waiting for @zygrene to get another Honda S2000 again
A well setup E30 comes pretty close to the S2000 in terms of driving enjoyment, IMO. Both are relatively lightweight RWD machines with high-revving NA thrills (at least if you don't screw up and turbo them). I'm still trying to find that ideal backroad machine (currently own an FD RX-7) and have driven a lot of cars, and might have settled on getting back into an E30. Parts from other BMWs bolt on so you can set them up exactly how you want, and they're a bit less synthetic feeling than newer cars like the S2000 or BRZ. The way the controls feel on the E30 is the best of any car I have experienced--light but full of feedback. And with the right setup, I think you could set one up to be very predictable.
Would love to review an E30. Especially M3
E30’s don’t have any steering feel and the rear suspension is so dated. Hard to imagine comparing that to an s2k or even your FD. E30’s are fun for sure, I loved mine, but I don’t think they are in the same league from a chassis, engine and gearbox perspective.
I owned an 88 325is with Spec E30 suspension and all of the bushings redone and refreshed. I owned them at the same time to ha fresh comparisons to make. It doesn't at all compared to an s2000 (even a stock one - never mind a modded one).
E30s from a purely nostalgic sense, but doesn't compare to an s2000 in driving dynamics and feel. The suspension is super antiquated on an e30 - macpherson struts and rear-trailing arm.
Fun car, but I feet that my s2000 is a more raw and exciting experience. Steering feel is arguable - I still had the stock wheel on my e30 and the turning ratio and size of that wheel made everything feel less precise and sloppy, though I could feel the mechanical nature of the old school hydraulic rack. I think a smaller aftermarket wheel would have been nice.
@@bullwing I've been on track with fully sorted ones with a z3 rack and stickies etc. Still not even close to s2k or even a miata in terms of feel. Fun, but numb in comparison.
Electric rack is bad my biggest gripe too
I would argue a tuned FD RX-7 matches or exceeds the S2000 in many ways, acceleration and noise preference notwithstanding.
Also exceeds it in fuel consumption too xD
Id say maybe 1st gen brz with s2k motor lol
Same mod gr86 may give more pleasure than s2000, but it’s just guess, however, the ecu of fa24 is stil locked.
Yeah I'm patiently waiting for FA24 tunes to hit the market
I've driven a couple S2ks on canyon roads but the lifeless steering is a deal breaker for me. Overall experience is a far cry from my exige or caterham (/humblebrag). But those are obviously less usable...
I wanna say 458 but that’s obviously not in the same price range
Every other video is an s2000
Is something like that even enjoyable to drive modded that far gone
Short answer - yes
Lay off the soy please Jesse.
None, that's why its the only car I've bought twice
E36 ;)
Answer to your question: None!
What better car for engagement and pleasure? Alpha chassis SS/1LE or ZL1/1LE. Seeing how much the car pushes you around, suddenly the firm but deliberate ZL1/1LE feels right on the money….the Alpha chassis FTW!
SS 1LE is a great car, but I'm guessing it's a lot more enjoyable on track than on a tight canyon road.
@@Zygrene I disagree, you really should push a SS/1LE (get it for an entire day) on a tight backroad and in the canyons…just delicious!
There's so many cars just as fun and fast to drive. My hr 350z mod per mod would put that s2k a run for its money. The old nsx also another contender. Any trqck focused honda can compete with the s2k. Look at gears and gasoline, dude has an old ek hatch and even when he had the original motor it was a solid car. Look at Keiichi Tsuchiya and his track youtube page comparing all the Hondas and prelude would had came in first if it didn't break down lol. So many cars, e46 m3, sti, evo, type r integra, type r civic old and new etc etc etc
I've driven pretty much all of the cars you mentioned, minus the EK. I enjoy ALL of them for their unique differences but none quite hit the spot like the S2000. Maybe I need to revisit modded examples.
Dude just buy another s2k
If I had the garage space and the money...
a miata😂😂 the fact it weight less and smaller than the s2k make it more enjoyable on canyon for a average driver. it is challenging to stay in vtec in canyon.