No differences between 2007 and 2008? Well, I sure felt a difference.

RMurphy · 05-01-2011, 01:07 PM

I got to drive LTWU's S today. He's in town kind of last minute to visit friends and family and decided to do a quick run up to the Snake (Mulholland Highway). I wasn't driving today so I got to tag along as passenger... that is until he handed me the keys and wanted me to drive. Wahoo!

As many of you know, LTWU has a black CR up in SLO and he bought a 2008 Laguna Blue standard model for his Dad here in LA. Naturally, when he visits he can drive his Dad's S. So he took the Laguna Blue 2008 out for a spin today and I have to tell ya, I was surprised to find the car felt significantly different from mine. The gear box felt tighter, the seat felt firmer (I felt like I was sitting just a tick higher) and the overall feel of the car was more refined and confident. Now, I don't see how that is possible, but that's what I felt. Mine's a 2007. It shouldn't feel so different. Maybe I've got a different alignment. Maybe I've bashed on mine a lot more. I don't know, but there was definitely a significant difference. All I can say is I think I want to drive the two cars back to back to see if I'm really feeling what I think I'm feeling.

Glenn1 · 05-01-2011, 01:18 PM

Hey there Murph. Honda did revise the suspension from 07 to 08. Spring rates changed, not sure of the shock dampening, tho. The graining on the leather is different, but shouldn't account for seat height difference. The gear box is unchanged, so maybe you've been drivin' her hard.

Oh, and the dash display is changed, which does wonders for drivin' feel.

will williams · 05-01-2011, 01:29 PM

I took out twins a long time ago and they were difference between them as well. Just like people there are no two exactly alike. Close maybe but not exact.

RMurphy · 05-01-2011, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenn1

Hey there Murph. Honda did revise the suspension from 07 to 08. Spring rates changed, not sure of the shock dampening, tho. The graining on the leather is different, but shouldn't account for seat height difference. The gear box is unchanged, so maybe you've been drivin' her hard.

Oh, and the dash display is changed, which does wonders for drivin' feel.

Ah... that explains a few things. The steering wheel felt different. Just the leather on it felt different, but it changed the entire experience of just holding the wheel. And that was the first thing I noticed. Mine has always felt too slippery, like I want to take some Mr. Zogs Sex Wax to it. I did notice differences in the dash but I hardly ever look at that thing anyway.

Now I don't feel so crazy. I actually said, "I never thought I would hear myself say this but my car feels almost a little raw compared to this car." The 2008 just felt more, I don't know, refined is the only word I can come to without sounding snotty. I linger on the word conservative but that just isn't it. As I drove it I kept thinking, "This is the kind of connected I felt in my Miatas right off the bat." My 2007 S literally intimidated me for nearly the first two years I owned it. It still requires my full attention. I don't know why, but I did not get that feeling in this '08.

Danged nice car too! LTWU did a good job when he found this one for his dad.

will williams · 05-01-2011, 02:05 PM

Is there going to be a change in the near future Murphy?

RMurphy · 05-01-2011, 02:12 PM

^^ LOL. No, I don't think so. But some maintenance is a good idea...interior re that slippery steering wheel for sure, some fluid changes, and perhaps put it up on a rack and see just exactly what alignment settings I'm running.

And I should invest in some 303.

LTWU · 05-01-2011, 05:51 PM

it was pretty awesome getting to ride shotgun w/ the murph. i'm usually chasing her tail and today enabled me to sit back and watch. usually when i'm chasing her it's crazy to see how she goes fast, but looks like she's going slow. she's got amazing car control, and i learn by watching. hopefully i'll get to ride shotgun w/ some other, more experienced (than me, not murph =p) drivers soon.

also the l. boogie (the temp name of the '08 laguna blue) was previously driven very lightly. it's got almost 18k miles and the OEM tires still got PLENTY of tread left (bought it w/ 15k miles). i'm sure murph has drive hers a little bit more aggressively but i don't think that should account for some of the differences. the gearbox is supposed to be bulletproof, and i'm more w/ what will said, every car (though seemingly the same) is different. but you know . . . all S' are pure bliss to drive period

philiam · 05-01-2011, 07:07 PM

[quote=RMurphy;178695]my Miatas right off the bat." My 2007 S literally intimidated me for nearly the first two years I owned it. It still requires my full attention. I don't know why, but I did not get that feeling in this '08.

Have you driven an API? One of the things that impressed
me was the raw, basic feel. I haven't driven an AP2 but from what
I've read there is probably a substantial difference in feel. I am
impressed with the new tires though. That alone makes if feel
like a different car.

Java Junky · 05-01-2011, 07:28 PM

'Priddy sharp read'a'da situation Murph. I'm impressed. (No . . no. I'm really impressed.)

RMurphy · 05-01-2011, 09:04 PM

Thanks JJ. Phil, I haven't driven an AP1 so I can't really comment, but I know Vinnie (Vezna31) tells me the difference between my car and his is night and day (but his has also been modified though). He drove mine a couple of laps at Laguna Seca when we were there last year.

RMurphy · 05-01-2011, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LTWU

it was pretty awesome getting to ride shotgun w/ the murph.

It was a bunch of fun for me too! I was very interested in the differences in the cars and I appreciated the opportunity.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LTWU

usually when i'm chasing her it's crazy to see how she goes fast, but looks like she's going slow.

They say the idea is to be ultra smooth. It's more fun to be all sideways but it's not the fastest way through the corner. I generally feel like I'm an axe murdered out there, but I'm trying for smooth. Smooth looks slow. It was interesting to feel VSA kick in every so often as we were driving some of the corners. It kicks in slightly differently than my '07, but I think that's having to do with the different overall feel in the suspension and stuff.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LTWU

hopefully i'll get to ride shotgun w/ some other, more experienced (than me, not murph =p) drivers soon.

I think driving with Vinnie would be very interesting, personally. If we can get him and the SD crew up to LA or make a drive down to San Diego, that would be fun.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LTWU

also the l. boogie (the temp name of the '08 laguna blue) was previously driven very lightly. it's got almost 18k miles and the OEM tires still got PLENTY of tread left (bought it w/ 15k miles).

Are you absolutely sure those tires have not been replaced? I mean, they really do have a LOT of tread on them as if they are brand new. The previous owner would have had to drive on air to have so little wear on them.

Great morning. Hope your drive back to SLO was smooth!

flyingarmadillo · 05-04-2011, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RMurphy

... Are you absolutely sure those tires have not been replaced? I mean, they really do have a LOT of tread on them as if they are brand new. The previous owner would have had to drive on air to have so little wear on them.
...

Maybe the 08's are easier on tires? I've got 25K on the OE tires and still had 6 on the front and 4 on the back at the last inspection. While it's got a lot of highway miles - it's not driven that gently. (Or maybe it's the laguna blue?) I am replacing them pretty soon though - they're starting to get slick from age.

burlys2k · 05-04-2011, 04:11 PM

What was the mileage difference on the cars?

Also, next time I am down that way, you can drive my AP1 murph. After you sign the standard waiver of course.

jagg · 05-04-2011, 04:42 PM

Quote:

As many of you know, LTWU has a black CR up in SLO and he bought a 2008 Laguna Blue standard model for his Dad here in LA. Naturally, when he visits he can drive his Dad's S. So he took the Laguna Blue 2008 out for a spin today and I have to tell ya, I was surprised to find the car felt significantly different from mine. The gear box felt tighter, the seat felt firmer (I felt like I was sitting just a tick higher) and the overall feel of the car was more refined and confident. Now, I don't see how that is possible, but that's what I felt. Mine's a 2007. It shouldn't feel so different. Maybe I've got a different alignment. Maybe I've bashed on mine a lot more. I don't know, but there was definitely a significant difference. All I can say is I think I want to drive the two cars back to back to see if I'm really feeling what I think I'm feeling.

Agreed with your ponderings I am, Murph........

Last week, I drove my '02, 160 miles one way, picked up the '08 'n did the same route back...
It's a different animal. Everything is slightly different, but mostly in good ways. It's no more/less toss-able, but has the edge off it just a smidge. 6 years of refinement from Honda is evident, and it makes for an all around better driving experience.

I wish I could have afforded both, but now I'm stuck with this turd.....might as well make the best of it.

jagg

Java Junky · 05-04-2011, 05:19 PM

Can you read minez Mountainman?
Yes you can, can't'cha?
('Att'z good. Diss way I don't godda tell'yuh whu'cha can go'n doo wi'cherself.)

Some yearz back I had'da opportunidy'da play'n AP1 against'n AP2 fer a good amount'a time. (Weekz.)
I liked'em both immensely'n could see no wrong in goin' wit'eida'uv'em.
Many timez widd'each t'rough'da same favorite twistiez didn't have one blatantly bedda'den'da udda.
'Finally went wit'da AP2 on'account'a'itt didd'da same ding but widd'a liddle more consideration fuh'da occupantz . . . 'n'iss occupant wuzz gonna be priddy much livin' inn'itt.

'Near'z'I kin figure, yuh can't go wrong widd'any'uv'em.
But twixt'da AP1'n'da AP2 . . I still dink'da early, pre-traction-control 2'z'da way'da go.

jagg · 05-04-2011, 06:27 PM

my only gripe is the turn in compared to the Ap1.
I liked the shorter stroke on the wheel......small gripe, I suppose.

the radio is better !

jagg · 05-04-2011, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Smooth looks slow.

small, well timed inputs, whilst maintaining the line do appear slow, compared to drivers having to manhandle a car.

LTWU · 05-04-2011, 10:40 PM

i'm w/ Java, AP1, AP2, CR . . . . can't go wrong. AP2 vs. CR AP2 is way more comfortable, but the CR really does provide a pure driving experience.

and yah smooth looks slow, manhandling the car is a sign of not having good car control to me.

Switchblade · 05-05-2011, 05:38 AM

I never drove an AP2 or a CR but I like my AP1 well enough!

Java Junky · 05-05-2011, 05:55 AM

I would dink'datt any "manhandler" comin'inda ownin'a Stewie'z gonna godda realize'add'ee'z gonna godda improve'imself'n mature inda'n actual driver who becomez more attuned'da'da Stewie'z feedback, workz on Phil'z smood'n learnz'a make efficient use'a whut li'l Stewie hazz'da offer.

Well . . iff'ey wanna go fas' anyway . . Stewie izz'n alwayz hazz been'a "driverz-car".

'Z'a whole lodda folkz who kin stomp'a pedal, turn'a wheel'n sometimez even have'er in'a right gear.
'Don't make'em driverz.

bbcricketta · 05-05-2011, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Java Junky

I would dink'datt any "manhandler" comin'inda ownin'a Stewie'z gonna godda realize'add'ee'z gonna godda improve'imself'n mature inda'n actual driver who becomez more attuned'da'da Stewie'z feedback, workz on Phil'z smood'n learnz'a make efficient use'a whut li'l Stewie hazz'da offer.

Well . . iff'ey wanna go fas' anyway . . Stewie izz'n alwayz hazz been'a "driverz-car".

'Z'a whole lodda folkz who kin stomp'a pedal, turn'a wheel'n sometimez even have'er in'a right gear.
'Don't make'em driverz.

ya know, roseanne is a great driver, and has a real feel for the road, and she has a great butt, uh, er, dyno!