staff@slashgear.com (Ivo Gievski)
2024-04-24 10:30:50
www.slashgear.com
A high-revving engine in the front, rear-wheel drive, a slick-shifting manual gearbox, and an open top. For some enthusiasts, that’s the only way a sports car should be, and the Honda S2000 is a prime example of this. It does almost everything right, despite not being received well initially.
The S2000 sits low to the ground, like a real retro sports car. It has a perfect driving position with every control close to the reach of your hands. Oh, and that six-speed manual is simply sublime. Super-precise, mechanical, and with short throws — If you have never shifted a Honda S2000 gear lever, you should put it on your shortlist.
This car is very pleasing to throw around on a twisty road. The chassis balance is impeccable, allowing you to attack any corner surgically. It’s also fast, with a lateral grip similar to newer sports cars. But the crown jewels in this RWD gem are undoubtedly its naturally aspirated four-cylinder masterpieces — the very special F20C and F22C.
Depending on the production year, the Honda S2000 was offered with either a 2.0-liter or a 2.2-liter engine in North America. The larger engine came in because the 2.0-liter unit lacked torque, producing only 153 lb-ft (even though it still had an 8,900-rpm redline and 238 hp to play with). The 2.2-liter F22C bumped things up to 241 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, though it had a lower 8,200-rpm redline. Regardless, both engines offer more character than some V6s or V8s!