Here's why the Honda S2000 AP1 is better than the AP2 

I adore this car! This was the car that got me into the car world. It's still gorgeous to this day.

It still looks incredibly modern for a 24 year old car. There are cars from around the same time which look alot more dated than the AP1 S2000

Man! You're on a roll with all the cars I fell in love with back in the day 😍😭🤩 You made my day yet again!

Great video! I too own an AP1 and absolutely love it. It's a truly timeless design. I supercharged her with a Vortech V2 ;) while it's easy to spot the differences between the exterior body parts like the bumpers and the headlights it's important to remember that those parts are easily interchangeable between both models. Many owners have opted to install either AP1 or 2 bumpers and lights on their AP1 or 2. One thing that's hardly ever changed is the gauge cluster which is a guaranteed way to know for sure and of course, the redline ;) some territories kept the epic F20C engine from 2000 to 2009 so even their AP2's can rev to 9 grand but that doesn't mean all other changes that F22C equipped AP2's got didn't feature in those F20C equipped AP2's (Europe and Australia).

I love these types of videos. People over look the design language and line of cars. When I see a car I look at the design and lines. I have a 2012 Chevy Cruze. Sure it is an NPC traffic car but I love the design language of the car. Has sharp smooth lines.

Loving the new format of you out with the cars 👌🫶

So now you are the car design version of Doug Demuro?

Good video. Had an AP2 for years and miss it, currently looking at an AP1 from my buddy. Don’t forget the extra storage space on the upper part between the seats, open that vertical storage between the seats and feel for a tab along the top for the flip up storage.

I had an AP1 and now I have an AP2, and it's easier to live with around town but still a ton of fun. If I could have 1 for track days (which I no longer do) and 1 for a daily driver, it'd definitely be an AP1 for the track and an AP2 for the daily.

Thank you for doing a full and proper comparison on them both. Been trying to find a video like this for a while as I was looking at the AP2 but the rod tax is more than double here in the UK to the AP1 and insurance seems more too.

Honda did a good job with that color too. It does a great job of highlighting the body lines. Sliverstone Metallic.

Early AP2 with cable throttle or eudm "AP2"(facelift ap1) until 2005 is the best option. Transmission is better. AP2 can safely reach 8.5k rpm stock with ecu reflash. And with more modiciationa get up to 9k+.

"It just doesn't get much better than this". Couldn't agree more. I've had my AP1 for almost 12 years now and it has never lost it's STOKE!

It looks like rear bumper color is incorrect right?

Lovin the car reviews. No one really goes in depth with the design like u do. 👍 Mk8 gti would be cool.

I have had my 2000 S2K since launch and I love it. The best line I have heard is that "you need to drive it like you stole". I also have the official launch press kit and stills. The is definitely my weekend car and I won't get rid of it.

Gorgeous car, I wish they would remake it but without fucking it all up

They are both good, and each suited to different things.. The AP2 is by FAR better for daily driving and cruising. The torque addition is so nice.. But the Ap1 and its RPM and higher VTEC is fun for hard driving on backroads. More of a car to drive on occasion. I have 2 dc5's and an Ap2, and All 3 of them are k24. That's because I just prefer the balance of torque and top end. Its much more enjoyable to drive all around.

Cool video, but it should be titled "I like ap1 body parts more than ap2 body parts". Hopefully you can do a stock vs stock comparison between both models and give us your feedback

AP2 is better in about every way. Only people that haven’t driven them complain about the extra 800 Rpms. And with quick tuning you can rev it out to 85-8700 while having the higher torque numbers

I have a 94 civic hatch with a b16a swap. I've owned it for over 20 years and never get tired of revving it out.

Digital gauges have been around since the late 70's, but I think the S2000 was the first to offer it on all models as standard. I could be wrong but I don't think the 280z offered the digital dash on all models. Just certain ones. Same with the Toyota Mark II/Cresta/Cressida/Chaser. American cars had them too but not standard

Nice idea to disxuss about cars in person. I would really want to see a video about bmw e88. A timeless convertible.

My car is almost exactly like this one. I even bought it with 138k on the odometer. I love my Invidia exhaust. Pretty good review for being on the short side. I’ve gotta mention that you overlooked the other compartment. I’m not gonna say where it’s at because the less people that know about the better. Cops and thieves will usually overlook it as well.

It does have a storage. It's like a secret compartment that lifts up from the middle just below the wind deflector. I had a 2002 of which I still regret parting.

I’ve had both AP1 and AP2. The first gen is more raw. The 2nd generation is a better car. Everyone focuses on the higher revs in AP1. Not that big of a deal to me.

I bought my 2001 with 6900 miles on it last year, i love the thing

You missed the hidden top storage under the wind deflector behind the seats

Such a timeless design

Wonder if cars like the alfa duetto will come back. Less angular silhouette no high haunches at the back

foment on the wheels?

actually little less RPM and more torque, most people don’t redline everywhere

One of the best roadsters ever produced. F1 tech for the regular guy

my second dream car after 1jz toyota chaser jzx100, just beautiful

Driving both of these and owning one the differences are so minor between the two except resale value. Esp if you can find a mint 08,09 or CR. All have the most uncomfortable seats I've ever experienced.

The secret compartment is a real thing

The roof straps aren't working properly on this s2k. The rear bad by the rear window is down. This ruing the roofline a bit with the roof up.

Did they stop producing it?

Tjat clutch is so high up because that clutch it burnt out lol

As an AP2 owner who has not watched the video entirely. I want to fight you.

AP2 is a better car. F22 > F20 and the transmission is better.

You missed the 16" vs 17" wheel difference, the carpeted tunnel, cup holder, clock in cluster, plastic/glass rear window, seats, radio door. That's all very quickly off the top of my head. You missed the "secret" center console storage. Wondering if you even know about it. The shift knob is different too. Now let's talk about "better" in general because it is subjective. So I prefer all of the AP2 facelift designs over AP1. But again, subjective. What you COMPLETELY miss is the actual mechanical differences. The AP2 engine is better overall, just see the forums about things to look out for on an AP1 that are not an issue on the AP2. Such as the retainers, the oil jets, etc. You like the AP1 better because of the 9k rev line. So from a driver's aspect, the AP1 may be "better" for that reason. Here are some of the mechanical reasons the AP2 is actually better. The synchros in the trans are better, the trans case has been stiffened, the diff case has been stiffened. Both of these helps solve quite a few issues the AP1 had in the drive-train. And again, these are just off the top of my head. Somewhere (probably on s2ki) there is a real thorough breakdown of all of the changes. The AP2 is THE better car overall from a mechanical perspective. Then you entirely missed the fact that there are different versions of the AP2 as well which come with some slight and not so slight changes. For instance, 2006 up comes with traction control which the AP1 didn't have. Personally, I prefer the AP2v1 which is 04 and 05 model years but 06 up AP2v2 came with drive by wire which some people like. For me, I don't have a preference there. My overall point is this is all subjective as to which is "better" and it would have been more useful to make a video simply highlighting all the differences which could include your personal preferences. But since you didn't actually get into the real differences beyond the facelift/looks of the AP1 and AP2, this video is severely lacking.

I agree with you that the design of the AP1 is exceptional. I bought an AP1 because the car design is clean and beautiful. Honda hit a home run with the AP1. Not unlike a Triumph TR6 or 1950's Ferrari 250. Most changes Honda made for the AP2 made it look busy like a jukebox or toy. I love my AP1. The AP2 has some mechanical improvements. The transmission in the AP2 is said to be more "smooth" shifting. Carbon fiber synchronizers can be installed in an AP1. The sway bar sizes on the AP2 were made smaller, which is cheap and easy, or don't drive crazy. The retainers and keepers on the AP2 are thicker. The point where the VTEC kicks-in on the AP1 can be adjusted to kick-in at say 4,500 RPM. A reason to consider an S2000 is that Honda still makes and sells OEM parts.

Clarification - the 2003 model year S2k is an ap1. The first ap2 was released in late 2003 as a 2004 model year car.

He's entered his Doug Demuro phase

8:21 who's going to tell him about the secret compartment 😄

AP2 > AP1 I can't believe people are still trying to debate this. There are plenty of reasons why Honda dropped the AP1

04-05 best years for an s2000

He looks like that British guy from The Boys

Here's why the ap1 is better than the ap2.....the headlights also The diffuser is part of the bumper it's not a separate piece. Also a few cars in the late 80s had digital clusters

I bought my ap1 in 2012 for 8000 😊

Super high clutch isn't factory proper.. Clutch should engage no more than 4" from release from firewall

Yes

i spy the snus in your jeans pocket👀

I shoulda bought one when I had the chance 😢

AP1 LIFE!!!

For what it's worth, JDM = Japanese Domestic Market. If the steering wheel is on the left side of the car, it's not JDM. Honda did offer JDM versions of the S2K in both the 2.0L AP1 and 2.2L AP2 versions. (Japan was the only market outside of North America to receive the 2.2L AP2.) Also, automotive designers today could not replicate the S2000 due to the safety regulations they must now contend with. For example, that gorgeous low hood line that you point out definitely wouldn't happen today in a car with the engine up front. This is why the ND Miata looks like it came out of trash compacter from certain angles when compared to the older versions.

Of course it has rpf1s 😂 but hey at least it looks good with them

Ap2 came out in 2004 not 2003, my 03 S2k is a Ap1 model

I only like the 9k rpm, other then that ap2 all the way

I was in love until I drove one at a dealership.

AP2 is better. Improved transmission, better engine with more torque that will make more power with forced induction and improved rear suspension.

Dude, your ap2 is ap1 restyling, ap2 is a 2.2cc Version

Hondas most beautiful car: a toss up between this and the original NSX.

I test drove an AP2 a few years back. It drove so nice, it was awesome. I just wish I actually fit in the damn thing. The door armrest was jammed in my left side, the center console was jammed in my right. My knees were jammed up against the underside of the dash and I could only move my feet from the ankle down. My eyes were lined up with the top of the windshield. I'm not sure if the top would have closed without hitting my head. Yet the used car sales manager insisted that I would fit the same way in mustang GT and should just go with the S2000... Dirtbag.

Your not letting the vtec kicking in probably

I’m not gonna listen to a guy who doesn’t even know when the AP2 came out

The ap1 under 60k miles will be worth 6 figures soon.

Hi

Ap1 is the s2000 to have. 02 or 03 is best

AP2 FOR THE WIN

RPM was reduced from 8800 to 8200.

I havent realized how beautiful and clean the S2K is definetly AP1 looks way better The rear bumper just needs a bit more definition and it will be inline with the gorgeous front end

I LOVE MY AP1!! BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE AP1 VS AP2 IS THIS. THE AP1 IS LIKE YOUR 18 YEAR OLD GIRLFRIEND WHERE YOU HAVE BLAST POUNDING. THE ap2 IS THE WIFE YOU ALWAYS HAVE GOOD TIME WITH

ap2, better headlights, better taillights, better factory wheels, better interior amenities, better front bumper ap1, better rpms, steering response more sensitive your preferences may vary And yes you can very much daily drive this car. I did so for several months when I was doing various things to my turbo civic. The stock seats are comfortable, and as long as you don't need to haul lots of people are cargo it's perfect. Bought my ap2 almost 12 years ago (May 1st), with around 52,000 miles. Not sure what happened with the previous owner, but I suspect they sold it because of issues. The motor failed on me within months after ownership. Swapped in a motor from a CR, had to swap various components from my stock engine to the new motor so it would run properly with no codes. Car has been perfect ever since and is sitting at 135,000 miles. Because of the swap I had to buy an air pump simulator so I don't throw a code for that (izze engineering) and I have the modifry dci to be able to use the factory dash buttons for my cd player. Recently installed a leather + forged carbon fiber steering wheel, has a full aluminum x-line radiator (still need to swap in evans coolant and get away from standard coolant), has a K&N filter, invidia q300 dual exhaust, act lightweight flywheel, act pressure plate (factory clutch disk so there's no clutch buzz), and a moddition black powder coated, weighted anvil shift knob. BC coilovers and swift springs need to go in, but I need to replace the balljoints and potentially some other bushings before I slap on new coilovers.

Ap2 better reason you like ap1 because you got an ap1 lol dont fool yourself.

No its not better.

i would love this car as a targa , a real targa

8:04 300Zx hold my beer.....

It seems you will need a new clutch, if it is letting out at the top. A tech expert can adjust the engine so that the VTEC power can engage at around 4,500 or 5,000 RPMs rather than 6,000 RPM's The car is really fun, but not as fast.

Who puts those rims should be in jail

10:59 I guarantee you didn't get over 7200 RPM. My gay ass D17 2004 civic reved to there regularly. The reason for an AP1 is because it has 1k more than an AP2.

I understand you trying to get views but come on, Ap1 will NEVER be better than the Ap2. Wtf

I own and drive a mint 02 s2k and I approve 👍🏻

Ap1 rear bumper definitely looks better. Clear ap1 tail and headlights also look really good.

Title is accurate

Nissan and prelude had digital clusters before the s2000

Mejor seguir presentando los coches como antes...estás perdiendo muchas visualizaciones 🙏

Ap1❤️

AP2 is the better car AP1 is the better s2000

AP2 is a better engine - 🙃

I just wish Japanese people were fatter and taller so us big Americans could fit comfortably biggest reason I don’t like s2000 I don’t fit and am not comfortable

The greatest rival against the Mazda Miata! But not as cool.

Former ap2 owner ap1 all day

AP1 is clean design, better, in my opinion.

This argument is so ridiculous. Having a car that is capable of reaching 9000 rpms is cool but how often do you actually rev that high? I drove an AP2 every day for almost 10 years and I rarely got above 7000 rpms. And almost every AP1 s2k owner usually makes numerous AP2 changes and upgrades like the slightly bigger tires, the glass rear windows, gearbox, etc, then brag about having an extra 1000 rpms. Silly.

Let’s talk about how your wrong and every one wants an ap2

Are you trying to give Doug demuro a run for his money?