S2000 Forums - View Single Post

Mik · 03-15-2008, 10:59 AM

Blackout,

There are articles on the web that tell much more details about the difference between the AP1 and AP2. I remember seeing a COMPLETE list of difference between each year.

Here's one, but it's not complete:
http://www.automallusa.net/2002/hond...fications.html

I can't seem to find the article right now, but if you do some digging you'll find a complete listing of the differences.

I've got an 03 that I bought last year, 11,300 miles on it, 20000 now. For me, the ride is a bit stiff (very poor roads on SE Minn) and I'm not 24 anymore (but at least I can afford to buy a real sports car!).

Don't sell the 04-08 car short, even though the Red Line is slightly lower, the power comes in a bit earlier and there is more low end torque. The AP1 has to be above 6000 rpm before the VTEC kicks in. It's very loud (cop caller) but a real rush!! There are also some technical differences in the car that are a part of the manufacturer learning more about the car and improving it. The best examples that I can think of right off the top is that the earier cars had plastic rear windows, then glass.

The AP1's had a bit more problem with the transmission (mostly from abuse, skip shifting) and there were some improvements. Consumer Reports shows a black mark on the transmission for the 03, though I don't think there was any difference between the 00 to 03.

Have fun! I know you'll enjoy any S000 you find. Just watch for modifications that can be signs of abuse.

Mike

03-15-2008, 10:59 AM	#20 (permalink)
Mik Junior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 24	Blackout, There are articles on the web that tell much more details about the difference between the AP1 and AP2. I remember seeing a COMPLETE list of difference between each year. Here's one, but it's not complete: http://www.automallusa.net/2002/hond...fications.html I can't seem to find the article right now, but if you do some digging you'll find a complete listing of the differences. I've got an 03 that I bought last year, 11,300 miles on it, 20000 now. For me, the ride is a bit stiff (very poor roads on SE Minn) and I'm not 24 anymore (but at least I can afford to buy a real sports car!). Don't sell the 04-08 car short, even though the Red Line is slightly lower, the power comes in a bit earlier and there is more low end torque. The AP1 has to be above 6000 rpm before the VTEC kicks in. It's very loud (cop caller) but a real rush!! There are also some technical differences in the car that are a part of the manufacturer learning more about the car and improving it. The best examples that I can think of right off the top is that the earier cars had plastic rear windows, then glass. The AP1's had a bit more problem with the transmission (mostly from abuse, skip shifting) and there were some improvements. Consumer Reports shows a black mark on the transmission for the 03, though I don't think there was any difference between the 00 to 03. Have fun! I know you'll enjoy any S000 you find. Just watch for modifications that can be signs of abuse. Mike