Best Affordable Drivers Cars - 350Z vs S2000 vs RX7 vs Elise

I teamed up with Zent Rose to explore whether these 4 analog sports cars are the best drivers cars at their respective price points:
1) Nissan 350Z HR - $10-15k
2) Honda S2000 - $20-25k
3) Mazda FD RX7 - $30-35k
4) Lotus Elise - $40-45k
Zent's channel: / @zentrose

[@Samurai6936]

Loved how this came out! I agree that the s2k is a special car. I bought mine 15 years ago and never plan on selling it cause the more I modify it and drive it hard it only gets better. At the time, I really considered getting the rx7 but knew that for a college student the S2k was a more sensible choice. Fast forward 13 years later and now I have both. The FD has been my dream car and is a special experience every time I drive it. The engine, exhaust note, power, and especially the looks and rareness. But the S2k is just more raw and most of the driving sensations are better. Now lets just see if over the next few years I can tune the FD to further refine its driving dynamics.

[@Zygrene]

Thanks again for letting us experience your FD. There's definitely something special about 2800lb drivers cars 😉

[@vally6853]

Same with me and my HR 350z, I was gonna get a Evo 9 but....a Z would be more reliable and i like thicc Z's anyways

[@hahahaa34]

Ive owned both and while the FD is my current car and also my dream car, I do miss my AP1 S2k. I’d like to get a s2k again one day!

[@big-R]

@@hahahaa34 I have it backwards. Used to have an FD and now an S2K, missing the FD. Need to have both, IMO :)

[@SLOBeachboy]

Did he seriously say that the S2000 was in “minty” condition? When I first bought my FD RX7 20 years ago it was in mint condition but I’ve never owned a used car that was in minty condition.

[@leftybender9125]

When you see RX7 and affordable in the same sentence: hol' up

[@flush_entity]

these days an s2k too, cant find an affordable in cali lol

[@00poopmonster]

Bro I live in Japan and the cheapest s2000 is 20k lmfao. Outrageous

[@mythos000000025]

Only the 350z is affordable, lol

[@j_white1305]

Ha I opened the comments just to see how many were about the affordability of an RX7/S2000. I mean if you have a huge car budget anyway then I guess they are, but if you are a regular dildo like myself, best of luck to ya.

[@kentako8179]

Agree, how is 7 or S2k affordable ,price comparison is way off.

[@tonyli4509]

Not exactly my idea of “affordable” but darn how I appreciate the content! Thank you!

[@starrja]

the most afforadable out of them is the 350 i believe

[@SamP0rterBridges]

My 350z was affordable. 90k miles, CF fenders, bash bars(not drifted). 6k/US

[@jponz85]

@@SamP0rterBridges mine was most def affordable. 2008 HR convertible, 140k $3,500 cash I shit you not lol. Here in cali too lol

[@Thoravious]

@@jponz85 key word is convertible

[@Thoravious]

I suppose attainable is a better word

[@tomburns4669]

I love a nice affordable $80,000 rx7 💗

[@UnitiveWILLIAM24]

The Z is the true affordable one here. Definitely recommend snagging one up!

[@07wrxtr1]

Yup! I'm keepin mine!

[@Matt77346]

I had an '06 Elise and supercharged it with a Vision Function kit plus a wide open Tubi exhaust with BOE headers. It was fast, to say the least. I learned how to drive on the track in that car. I also felt confident in the Elise, right up until you start pushing it to 10/10's and you realize the car lives on the razor's edge. One mistake, or even a hint of laziness, and you could swap ends so fast you wont know what happened. Takes a lot of work to drive one fast but when you hit it just right there isn't a higher reward. The car is razor focused and that is part of the reason I didn't keep it longer than a couple of years. After 10 or so other cars I am now in a 987.2 Cayman S, which seems to be a perfect blend of raw and refinement. Thanks for the videos!

[@zhila5958]

These 4 cars in one vid? is this a dream? is this perfection?

[@J0shM0nster]

Literally only one of these cars can be classified as affordable.

[@henrystephens1683]

The 350?

[@ImBarryScottCSS]

That's a matter of perspective. To one man none of them are affordable, to another they are all a drop in the ocean. The great thing is you can have a ton of fun in any of them.

[@iCozzh]

@@henrystephens1683 ye

[@StochasticWolf]

@@ImBarryScottCSS It's actually a matter of the majority and majority wins.

[@SpencerLowe-kg4rg]

The 350z pulls my heart strings the most. The 350z is the most comfortable of the 4 and best priced and just has that timeless original design like many other cars of the 1990s-2010s. I've always wanted one for the last 12 years when I was a kid. I love the 370z but I find it is just a sharper design of the original unique 350z.

[@edventures9884]

This is probably the best video I’ve watched when it comes to these 4 cars. I currently own a NA supercharged Miata and have been wanting a lotus Elise since 2013 but never pulled the trigger and the prices only keep going up! Hopefully soon I can snatch one up. The s2k is an amazing car but current market it’s tough paying $25k for one that’s clean and stock. I would also love an FD but the Elise is #1 on my list. For the 350z I can snatch one up any day but for now my $$ is being saved for the Elise haha, I love the Krypton Green!

[@ChapHammersmith]

I’m with you dude. I had an NB, NC and ND and switched to an s3 Elise last year. Use it as a daily and the ball ache of getting in and out, the shit headlights, wipers and odd rattles are all worth it. I’ll always have a soft spot for MX-5s though. Hopefully you’re closer to your dream car now dude!

[@rodsalvador3608]

Nothing puts a smile on my face like a Lotus. Getting in and out of them is comical lol but it's worth every penny. I think it's worth the premium.

[@aveen1968]

Bought my elise (krypton green is the best color!) last year and was honestly the best decision I have ever made in my life (35). The joy it brings me to drive I expected and is wonderful, also great to just drive around and watch your stress melt away. But the joy I also get to bring to other people is next level awesome, people stop me to talk and little kids love it because its kid sized and I have no problem letting someone let their kid take pictures sitting in the car or whatever its just great to know you made someone's day!!

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

I own an S2000 CR and an Elise is one of the only cars that makes it fell like a GT. Dollar for dollar the Elise is the best driver's car ever built. If you own one you're very lucky.

[@patrickvanrinsvelt4466]

My 111R is just a road hugger. It's pretty quick on the straights but once you hit the curvy country roads, it is truly in it's element. A true drivers car.

[@patrickvanrinsvelt4466]

@@thepassionofthegoose5472 I was looking at an S2000 when I bought the Elise. Jeez, they are not cheap. Look like a lot of fun though.

[@VQSeries]

This review was like a good Michelin star full course meal, such a cool review to get from two great KZbin car enthusiasts!

[@tomjones5166]

I wish I could buy a 13k miles S2000 for $25k today. I see ones with around 67k miles going for $25k.

[@SkylineLofe]

well, tbh, 67k miles for an older Honda is essentially equivalent to a 13k mile german car

[@legros731]

@@SkylineLofe lol when they were 35k brand new in 2001 25k for a 67k mile one is not cheap

[@legros731]

A purchased my 2002 for 18k in 2012 with 25k mile and sold it for 27k with 70k miles on it lol

[@fhowland]

I just bought a 2007 with 50k on it

[@joereilly8890]

@@fhowland I just sold an 07 with 50k miles 😭😭😭 how much did you pay?

[@cdeN1ne]

Elise was the best drivers car I've owned. Unfortunately, at the time, I couldn't justify keeping a $30k+ car just to drive in the twisties/canyons. It was stressful leaving it parked anywhere else that's not my driveway or garage.

[@nosliwb3087]

Amazing crossover with ZentRose. Love both channels!

[@CubanDre]

What??? Two of my favorite KZbinrs with 4 of my childhood halo cars?? Looking forward to the next Collab!!

[@mrlong6267]

I own a mint s2k and e46m3, both chilling in my garage. I drive the S2k the most since it feels much more fun than m3. Try blasting up the canyon on a chill evening with the top down...you will know what I’m talking about

[@Patrick-vj7ck]

That Lotus looks perfect with that color. Do you happen to know what the paint is called? Great review btw. Love the collab and the lineup of cars.

[@pampam9526]

isotope green ( or toxic green )

[@lotusupra]

It's called Krypton Green Metallic

[@Marrygoround]

That’s krypton green

[@StochasticWolf]

Looks like an orchard mantis in the face

[@rtsuh]

This is an awesome collab by two guys that I really enjoy hearing their perspectives on the S2000 - I have a 2005, AP2, Rio Yellow ~14k miles.

[@dhj-i8g]

I have an AP1, but somehow, that Lotus' 2zz sounds even better.. more visceral and dramatic...

[@magicwaffl3z]

I have a 2000 celica gts which has the 2zz, obv there are differences between the two cars but I can say the 2zz is a very fun engine

[@probemasterflex1362]

aye ap1 gang

[@flaringstar7708]

@@magicwaffl3z i had one too, only problem is, it's not a low-end tuner motor. you can't really boost it much aside from a supercharger that lotus or TRD apply for the exige or matrix xxr, the block was not meant to take much more power than 250-275HP... but stock for stock, the 2ZZ is in my opinion the best 4 banger of it's time.

[@freedbeefpontoons]

The 2ZZ is one of the most hilarious engines ever produced IMHO. It puts "fun" and "occasion" above all else (including probably going fast.) The cam changeover is more exaggerated than it is in Honda's VTEC and some of the early Celicas with that engine would even hesitate for a split second on changeover. Not good for drag times...hilarious to drive, like someone engine swapped you mid-pull in the blink of an eye.

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

The Lotus has a very short exhaust run due to being mid engine, that helps with sound. There is only the manifold, cat and backbox. You hear more raw sound from the engine.

[@tvrduude]

I have a slightly different perspective on this group of cars. When they came out, I was/had been HEAVY into autocross and (I guess) a Nationally ranked driver.. save one car, the Elise. The Z was neat, and did its job well, but as you say.. not raw enough (Please note my TVR "name"..lol) When I borrowed/ran the S2000s to autocross, I LOVED them, and although I could not readily afford one at the time, I thought it would be cool to own one someday. The FD RX7 was exactly the same, but had me "smitten" even earlier than the S2K! I wanted to own one of those too someday!.. But as I was beginning to step away from Auto-X, the Elise hit our shores, I saw the first few hit an event or two, but had no chance to drive one. I went "stealth mode" for 10-12 years with other interests and opted to come back just a few years ago. This time I could "afford" those early cars... but the prices had started to rise.. :( I remembered when they were less and figured I had missed out (lol- as you know, they kept rising!) But I looked for, due to raw beauty, a Solstice GXP Coupe, in a manual, thank you very much!. Great fun, beautiful to admire.. BUT, there was the Elise... in the same class... lighter and faster and even more unique! I saw the prices had started rising ..later than the S2K and the FD had and I decided to splurge and found a bone stock Chrome Orange 05 Elise in Venice, CA.! I got that and LOVE IT!... Now.. my affliction has taken a firm hold and I started looking for, and find a virtually stock Persian Blue 08 S240 Lotus Exige, WOW, raw like the Elise, but with POWER!! WELL DONE video, and spot on.. and had to laugh as the Elise and Exige and GXP coupe are my 6th, 7th, 8th car.. or so lol. The DD is a G37x coupe.. yep, verified unique car nut here... PLEASE more vids like this!! (Although this was celestial in it's attainment!) Bravo!! Oh yes, perfectly captured the sound and feeling of the Elise!

[@big-R]

Nice comparo of lightweight sport cars! I currently own a stock and mint AP1 S2000 but I will always regret selling my black FD3S! Both are great cars. Having driven a stock 350Z, it’s probably the easiest car to hoon and power slide “around town”. :D

[@freedbeefpontoons]

A 350Z was my only car for about 12 years here in rainy seattle. Never once spun it on public streets, despite probably catching oversteer in it a few hundred times over that period. Just stupid easy to drive. Car is still in the family, still dead stock and still minty as hell (despite my obviously enthusiastic driving, i still maintained it properly.) A friend bought an AP1 at one point when I owned that car so i was lucky enough to drive them back to back. No doubt about it, the AP1 is as everyone says: more connected, much lighter feeling and much more willing to change direction. An absolute blast and realistically a much better driver's car than the 350Z. But I think you could own both and not feel like there's too much overlap. Funny to see these cars finally start appreciating in value in a serious way.

[@fd797]

FD observation. I have owned a 93 fd R1 since 2003. I replaced the exhaust, and that was enough to start getting boost spikes. I went from 100 mph traps to 105. My point is, it doesn't take much to let these rotarys start breathing and outrun the stock fuel injection setup. I imagine that is a big reason they are so 'unreliable' - bolt a few things on, lean it out, and blow it up. That is all I've really done away from stock, so have always hoped for reliability. But, that said, I did lose an apex seal at 118k and went through a rebuild. It is an interesting thing to blow one up - it makes a funny sound, loses power, and you limp it home - it is only dramatic from the standpoint of $/time. I autocross it, drag race, and you know, baby it. It bites and scratches you everywhere when you work on it. When I see the values going up like they are, it makes no sense, and I wonder if I should sell it. Then I drive it, and wonder how could I give that up - that isn't something replaceable. It is a feeling like nothing else, its beauties and its flaws.

[@dizly8072]

Love to read stuff like this, also hate it because who knows how much am I gonna have to cash out for one by the time I collect the money hehe

[@fd797]

@@dizly8072 haha - I understand. The value of these are going up crazy weird. I got lucky and had the chance probably near the low value point. Good luck on the savings plan.

[@steve-7210]

100% agree regarding the oem fuel setup and how quickly these things add power. I bought mine after it sat for 7 years. Got it back up as-is and realized that my injector duty cycle would see high 90’s and I was still getting some 12’s in my AFR’s. There’s even old (old!) threads on the forum where people talk about the target AFR in boost being 12.5. Wow. Unlike the Supra with its 550cc’s that were ready for some minor upgrades, it seems like the Mazda was not. Also, on the upgrade note, the FD modification market is amazing. the comments in the video about the 350z power potential are fairly applicable to the rx7 too (at least PWR-wise). Lastly, the newer Exige v6 that we didn’t get as street legal. Yum!!!

[@danielkerekes9053]

“Affordable”… to who? The 350 is the only one close to being affordable, but nice examples are getting expensive

[@Triple_A_Dogs]

They gave a range for every bracket up to $45k. $45k+ is not expensive to a lot of people.

[@danielkerekes9053]

@@Triple_A_Dogs Yeah, but those people don’t really look for video titles like “affordable fun cars”, do they

[@Triple_A_Dogs]

@@danielkerekes9053 I do, its interesting to see what's out there in each bracket.

[@OM4Rx]

@@Triple_A_Dogs if you chose to spend 45k on a car you have bad investment choices lmao

[@tylanbakardi2750]

Considering a damn Miata isn't even affordable anymore none of these cars should have been named as affordable

[@Datsun510zen]

It's exciting to see you're advancing your Chanel to the next level, and keeping it focused on the experience rather than adding over produced BS. Bravo? I drove my step father's S2000 a few times and I think I understand your fascination. It felt connected to the road, where unfortunately, other modern "sports cars" I've driven feel as though they disappear leaving a safe muted sensation of inertial force as the driving experience. Rather than deploying "driver assist" technology to overcome chassis design flaws, the S2000 has nothing to hide. It's a simple well balanced car that genuinely loves being pushed and rewards driver input with an honest linear response; a.k.a. the feeling of connected. I've never driven one, but I would imagine that is similar to the Elise, just turned up to 11.

[@track86]

Used to daily drive my elise for 15 years. No complain and regret at all. Recently it does became my 4th car

[@wishihadans2000]

Really enjoyed the conversation about, “how much more would you pay for car X vs. car Y?” I went through this exact same exercise back in 2018 when I was hunting for an AP2 s2k. Back then, excluding the CR since it’s an outlier, the top of the s2k market had risen to ~$25k. Also at that time, the ol’ Doug Demuro mantra that, “the Elise will always be $30k,” was still firmly true. For me, the answer to your question is $5k. I changed the focus of my search to the Elise and eventually slippery slope petrolhead logic got me and I forked over $34k for a low mileage clean title 2006 Exige. Zero regrets 3.5 yrs later, it’s an occasion every single time you sit down behind the wheel.

[@e.w.9539]

I have owned a 350z, AP2 s2000, a Lotus Elise, and now a Cayman GT4 so I wanted to give my personal input. First of all, you get what you paid for. The 350z does not even come close to the s2k and the s2k does not even come close to the elise when it comes to driving dynamics Even though I do agree that the 350z is a great bargain, it is a pretty bland car. It does not feel connected to the road and feels very floaty no matter what you do to the suspension. I do love the engine but I like the f22c much more in the s2000. However, the 350z is easier to drive and control than the s2000 and still think it is a good choice for the budget. I would personally not pay more than 12k for a 350z When it comes to comparing the s2k to the Elise, I really think the Elise is on a different level compared to the s2k. A lot of people just assume that the s2k and Elise are similar cars but they are really not the same. The Elise is more exotic, more raw, has superior handling and overall driving dynamics. I believe the Elise should be appreciating more in value and personally don't think the s2k is worth more than 30k. The s2k is a perfect car below 25k and the Elise is a perfect car between 40 to 45k. Anything above that, I would try looking for the most hardcore cayman you can afford with the budget (not the 911 as cayman chassis is superior for fun purpose only).

[@derekjensen3835]

Thanks for your impressions! As commented above, I've owned S2k and now Elise and agree with your assessment. How does the GT4 compare to the Elise, besides obviously being substantially faster and more refined? My mom has an '07 base Cayman but that's hardly the same...

[@aryaahmadi4029]

I've owned an 06 325i sport package and 07 G35 manual sedan with CX coilovers & stage 1 clutch back-to-back. Let me tell you this, even with all the G35 mods I still had more fun driving the 3 series even with the roughly 100HP power difference. When if comes to steering and chassis feel, I don't think any manufacturer does better than BMW with a few exception.

[@e.w.9539]

@@derekjensen3835 You feel even more confident in the GT4. In the canyons, it feels like there are no limits to this car which makes it scary. I love the power delivery and the refinement of the car as a whole. The manual transmission is as nice as the one in the s2k although if I had to choose which one is better, I would still say the s2k transmission is better. The steering feel and the connected feeling to the road is still the best in the Elise and cannot be beat. The GT4 doesn't come close to it imo.

[@Jaredscott89]

Making a 350z with double wishbone & multi-link suspension feel floaty is your choice of rubbish parts, not the car.

[@e.w.9539]

@@Jaredscott89 so are you saying Ohlins DFV coilovers are rubbish? because thats what I had on the car not to mention the low miles on the car

[@Tony-ui8eg]

this is the probably the best content you reviewed, i love the s but tempted to try out the lotus.

[@aaa84gt]

Well done pulling this together man, proper content. Affordable sportscars for mortals 😊

[@jwb4bb]

I would have loved to hear each of your conclusions too! Loved my 05 BRG Elise, but it was a decent second car, but you're right it was really 3-4th car material. Bolting down the shifter frame using a brass bushing and a bolt screwed into the floor, really helped strengthen the feel of the shifter assembly. I believe they called that "Stan's mod" or something like. It was cheap and easy to do. The S2000 handles like a pleasure cruiser compared to that.

[@vjimages]

Nice video and I completely agree with your outcome. The Lotus is the most 'raw' car, the most racy car. A loong time ago I was able to drive an RX7, and I wasn't that experienced, but I loved it's power. But for me uncomparabel to the other ones. The Nissan, always had a hate/love feeling. I love the old 350's/370's Nissan cars, so therefor I like the heritage. I haven't driven any new Z car, so I put my joker on it. And then the S2000, my father bought one (AP1) in 2001, he had great fun in it. Met a lot of people with the same passion. We went to Japan 3 weeks before the end of production of the S2000. That is our passion car. High revving, best gearshift, good looking, and as you mentioned in your video, hard to explain to 'normal' people (and even stubborn auto enthousiats) what is so special about this car. My dadd past away in 2019 so now the car is in ownership of myself and my brother. It will never be sold! The best.

[@johnconnor7501]

Wow Been following you both for years and now you guys did a collab . 👍🏾

[@jerl6895]

I bought my s2000 2006 about 2 years ago with 50k miles. No regrets at all not that fast but so much fun to rev till 8000 changing gears with probably the best manual transmission.If you decide to buy one, please never sell it ;)

[@vice4134]

I agree with your assessment that Lotus is the best one.

[@Marrygoround]

The Elise will hands down always be the winner for me. Simply nothing else like it.

[@markfinnegan6038]

Fun comparison! Loved it! The RX7, Elise and S2000 are/were all on my short list of cars I'd like to own. I currently have a supercharged Elise (as my 3rd vehicle). It is indeed raw and super fun but it is a bit scary to drive around town. Every other car towers over you and it sits very low so you always have to be aware of anything that might damage the front clam (especially road ingress/egress). Kudos for you almost daily driving it. It is certainly much more fun on an open (twisty) road.

[@mpa1931]

That Lotus seems like an absolute dream to drive, one day I will drive one lol.

[@DynamicEricLife]

The FD is a dream car but super hard to find as an "affordable" drivers car. S2K's are getting really pricy. I ended up getting myself a 987.1 Boxster base 5 speed and it satisfies my need for a canyon carving roadster for $13K.

[@chriskilgore2521]

I have had an AP1 S2000, many M cars (E36 M Roadster, E36 M3, E46 M3, E9X M3 one of which was supercharged, E63 M6), corvettes, (C4, C5, and C6), MazdaSpeed 3, CLS55 AMG, and many other sports cars, and now have a 2006 987.1 Cayman S. The Cayman S has been without a shadow of a doubt my absolute favorite car I have ever owned (and one I plan on keeping forever), the 987 is a very underrated gem.

[@HeyLookItsThatGuy]

350s used to go for like 5k before COVID hit 😭

[@jponz85]

That is true. Thank god I got mine right before covid hit lol

[@Technoirz]

Yep I was looking for a few the prices in the east coast are ridiculously

[@VirtualGuth]

Great video. Thanks to you and Zent for making it happen. To me the phrase uttered in the video "it depends on what you're looking for" is the key here. The reality is that at this point in time, every one of these cars could be considered special in its own right. The values of all four are likely to continue increasing. I can understand why when I look at the cars being made today. As vehicles continue to evolve, there is very little on the new car market that appeals to me. Thus for me and many others, the cars featured in this video only become more attractive with the passing of time I bought my S2000 four years ago. That was pretty much it for me - I really haven't contemplated any other fun cars since then. (Although I personally would love to own a 240z, I don't have the room, nor the money for another car.) I really feel for drivers looking to buy any of these cars today given the escalating prices. I'm finding it hard to believe that my car is already worth nearly double what I paid for it just four years ago. But that's got nothing to do with why I bought the car. What really appeals to me about the S2000 is that it just happened to be "what I was looking for". One of my favorite things about it is that it's a roadster. While this doesn't appeal to all S2000 owners, in my case I almost never drive the car with the top up. In addition, while other S2000 owners have felt the need for more power and/or better handling, for my needs this car works great in stock form and that's how I've kept mine. It must have been fun driving all four of these cars. It seems like your video did a nice job of providing some good perspective of what each these them are about (although to be shown in the best light, the S2000 should have filmed with the top down and the Elise with the roof removed). I got the sense that the 350Z would be the best car to daily or to tour in and that the Elise is in another league from the perspective of rawness (and clearly it is the trickiest to get in and out of). While the FD RX7 might not feature the best build quality, it is clearly a thing of beauty. Each of these cars has legions of fans and for good reason.

[@verter2454]

I think the asiain dude wants to be reassured that s2k is better buy and better to have. Drove a ap2 but didnt get any special feeling that its a better car. I would take the rx7 given its power to weight ratio, handling and still have fun. Out of the box, 350z is a gt but can be modded/dialed in for very good canyon runs.

[@houseking9211]

man, ripping that lotus through the canyons put a massive smile on my face

[@Scifo321]

That rawness of that Lotus gave me goosebumps!

[@spencersgarage]

I just bought my dream car!! 2006 RYP S2000 with 48K! Sooo worth it! My car is mint af, love this car!

[@fhowland]

I just bought an 07! My dream car!

[@daddykronk9593]

how much was it?? i cant seem to find any “truly” affordable ones 😅

[@rckrckrckrck]

I have driven all 4 and have an Exige now. Agree that for their price points they make sense. The RX7 I love, but too much of a hassle to keep running. The S2000 is fun but nowhere near Elise in driving experience. The Elise/Exige go kart driving experience is just unrivaled. 350z has impressive feel and handling for what you can get them for. Definitely the bargain of the group.

[@big-R]

Does the Exige want to kill you when losing traction or is it reasonable? :D

[@rckrckrckrck]

@@big-R you’d have to be a moron to lose traction on the street with it, and be driving awfully. Its limits are high. It is not forgiving on the track if you don’t respect it, and understand how to drive a rear bias car. It also makes you a better driver

[@steffenkawa8374]

@@big-R it depends i have driven an exige S2 for almost 30,000miles. Never lift the gas pedal if you are at the limit. The car will spin and it will spin fast. You must catch it before it breaks out. Ideally you make a steering correction before it breaks out It also helps to change the tires i changed to 205 in the front and 235 in the back and added camber. The car now slids over all 4 tires at the limit. Before the rear felt more loose. As other said the limit it pretty high, until 85% it is pretty easy to drive fast. After that it becomes more challanging.

[@big-R]

@@steffenkawa8374 What about the typical RWD power slides "around town"? Got to love the power slides.

[@steffenkawa8374]

@@big-R the elise/Exige S2 has so much traction and low torque (because mid engine and 1.8l) on Semislicks you really need violate it to make powerslides. If you want that buy BMW, AMG etc. A lotus makes the most fun on a windy road or a racetrack. You can however slide in Exige S3 it has way more torque and almost double the hp. But you need sharp reflexes.

[@Majiger]

Great vid but it was sad to see the RX7 not get pushed. Half the fun of owning a RX is being able to sit at the redline with no fear of blowing the engine. Those 6500 shifts just hurt :(

[@rawkout]

wow, the intro every car video should ever have. perfect.

[@_Suzuka_Joe]

currently going through my 108k mile AP1 and replacing everything thats worn, from suspension to engine mounts to banjo bolts and retainers. Doing a full OEM+ rebuild on the car and I can't wait til its done.

[@iheartgs400]

The 350z is literally impossible to find one now that’s not clapped the crap out of from being abused at street takeover crowds. Even the earlier DE now is reaching 6 to 8K now for a decent one. The value proposition for the 07-08 HR is even tougher justifying its value when the 370z is a about 2-4K more with the VHR.

[@johnnyperez3051]

I’m selling the 350z featured in this video if anyone is interested.

[@bigcheddar9768]

VHR heads are worst than the HR’s

[@iheartgs400]

@@bigcheddar9768 for boosted apps honestly full FBO is pretty solid already for HR/VHR. Boost is literally down the rabbit hole of $$$$$

[@freedbeefpontoons]

I bought one new in 2006 and took a lot of shit for refusing to mod it for 12+ years. I eventually gave it to my father in law who's always wanted one (the deal is, he has to give it back when he's done with it.) Now he does old man things to it, like correct the minor paint blemish it collected over the years and polishing out the yellowed headlights.

[@iheartgs400]

@@freedbeefpontoons just leave it stock, or intake and exhaust and call it a day.

[@bigcheddar9768]

Looking at a lotus this week hopefully can’t wait

[@FATmenDRIVEtrucks]

Dude finally you guys Collab!!!

[@s2kfishmobile532]

Great content guys! I'm a 3 month old S2000 driver now - Amazing Car... and Yeah prices are up! I paid $27K for a 2000 w/ 30K on it -- Not terrible ... but also in great condition too!

[@moneyshift8190]

This comparo should have about 500k more views than it does.

[@mickeyhartsell6096]

An S2K sold for 128k auction last week, unbelievable I'LL take the S2K..

[@VirtualGuth]

$128K - Which auction was this?

[@mickeyhartsell6096]

@@VirtualGuth it's in one of Scotty Kilmer you tube video and it only had 96 miles on the odometer man, that's crazy huh?

[@farindeeba543]

Bought a mint s2000 with 40k on the clock a couple of months ago! All I can say is you can’t truely appreciate them without driving one, then it all makes sense

[@alfamonk]

The fourth car -, with that you just launched this into a dimension that literally no one can relate to

[@ag92oo4]

The s2000 is definitely a unique car Ive owned multiple tuner cars and cars with 700+hp but I still find my self back in a s2000 🙂

[@TK-jj9xr]

I still have great moments on my 350z. Only upgrades are a lot of suspension stuff , federal tires and exhaust, that's it. The only car i have in mind right now is the s2000, canyon drives are way more amazing than highway pulls

[@shawnweed265]

This is a nice spectrum of cars, and each have their own character, strengths, and weaknesses. I had both an S2000 and a Lotus Elise at the same time (2004 S2K and 2005 Elise...I also owned an earlier 2001 S2000)...a couple observations. S2K: Great build quality, decent conservative looks, everything is in the right place, amazing engineering (the hood, the engine, best manual transmission ever), adequate power in low rpms (barely) but comes alive at 6000...a different car really. For us older guys it was like having a TR6 or Jensen Healey from the 70s that worked all the time. I hate that I sold both of mine...I regret it daily. Although the E55 I bought was a maniac. Elise: Radical looks. Great driving position. Decent build quality despite the BS people say (the Toyota mill is bullet proof and the gear box, while no S2k unit, not too bad either). Lots of stupid ergonomic things (turn indicator for example, only one), no space for anything, but where this car shines is when you DRIVE it...it is amazing. You can't live with this as an only car, but when you drive it, you feel like Jimmy Clark or Steve McQueen...Just an amazing experience. Bottomline...I had both side by side and sold the S2K and kept the Elise. Still have it now. Had an W211 E55 and M6 too...but they came and went and we kept the Elise. It's that good.

[@mellowmike2368]

the 350 is honestly just becoming as unaffordable now as a 240 cuz of vids like this.

[@TheGrimiest]

Yeah pretty much, all of the classic “under 10k fun cars” have all become so much more expensive lately it’s pretty crazy. I remember when I was at a point I could almost afford an s2000 and now that’s just not happening haha

[@ThatBustedVQ]

@@TheGrimiest I was looking to buy a clean low mile lightly modded Nismo 350z or s2000 and now my goal is being set back even more 😭

[@patthonsirilim5739]

350z yes the rest are expensive as hell

[@corwininadsm]

always loved zents content, like the collab and discussion between you two.

[@rexseven93]

I've had an FD for 23 years. 178,000 miles. I don't really desire any other car. I love it as much today as the day I got it.

[@spinnymathingy3149]

I know where your coming from, I’ve had an FD for 7 years and can’t wait for the weekend to get it out Last week I picked up a 370Z , wow, love it too, totally different car, have to take turns on the weekend now

[@nismojdm5950]

the moment when you think a lotus elise is "affordable" you live in a dream mate.

[@ImBarryScottCSS]

Yeah I have to agree with Zent, I've had an S2k and numerous Elise/Exige, S2k just can't quite match up for me. Don't get me wrong I'd have both if I could. I'm on an S3 Exige now (sorry USA) and they are a very different proposition to the S2, so planted, so so fast, but not quite as raw and agile as an Elise. As for the others, the Z has never done anything for me as a drivers car, if I was shopping around that budget I would be looking at an RX-8 and putting some cash aside for the inevitable rebuild (don't know about US prices), the RX-7 I think is a bit of a let down as a drivers car (it is substantially older to be fair) but is one of the best looking cars ever made and I will have one at some point.

[@Zenoforever]

Good video that showcase a lineup of lightweight rwd coupes that focus on pure driving experience.

[@Holtenstein]

S2000s are up in price and rising, RX7s are rare AF in LA, the 350Zs are everywhere. You can find killer deals on 350Zs in SoCal due to the market saturation here.

[@leedorey1490]

Had all of these. Now have an Exige. Owned Honda Type Rs DC2 DC5 EP3 S2k AP2 and an NSX. All the Honda's had the best gearboxes period!

[@Da89soup]

Affordable my rear! The 350Z is the only one at this point but drift tax is catching up with it. If I had deep pockets I would start buying up every HR I can find and sit on them for about 5 years.

[@Snesbass]

That was really nice to watch, great video!

[@motofreak2772]

I went with a lotus due to the high cost of insurance on the s2000. Lotus qualified for collectors insurance which was only $500 for the year! But even when I had it on Allstate it was half that of the s2000. And when it came time to sell the car I only lost 2k on it after doubling the mileage. I would love to own an s2000 but I could never pay more than 20k for one, anything more than that I’d have to go back to the Elise.

[@Mexxx65]

Nice Comparo/Video guys!! But if you both think a Lotus Elise is the ultimate. I'd recommend both of you getting behind the wheel of a Caterham Seven CSR a real Drivers Car!!!!

[@papatorr3669]

I'm a car guy, so I appreciate all four. I get the S2000, I coulda, shoulda bought one when they were under $10,000. BUT, I'm not into a peaky engine, and I can't think of a peakier one. When these were under $10k, Boxsters were under $6k, and the Z3's were under $4k, who's power delivery I prefer. It's OK that you guys like the VTEC S2000 which kicks in at 6,500 RPM with an 8,500 (?) redline, but then stop complaining about an RX7 that's changed from sequential turbos but still kicks in at 6,000 RPM and has an even higher redline! And although to each his own, I'm guessing the RX7 would kick the S2000's but on any course, of course. I definitely think the Lotus is the driver's car of the bunch.

[@uriahkaufman7442]

The underdog to add to this list: Subaru Wrx/ Sti. I had a 2004 Forester XT 5 speed manual. When it was stock, I raced a Nissan 350z and won. I then tuned it to about 450 crank horse, suspension, driveline, power mode, and added some Wrx seats and nice interior bits. It would spin all 4 wheels and hit 60 in far less than 4 seconds. I camped out of it, worked out of it, and enjoyed it on so many road trips. I sold it to get a 2014 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi which now has over 500 horse and will run a quarter mile in 12.9 seconds (same as a Lamborghini Diablo) but I definitely miss the Subaru. I do agree that S2k’s are awesome though! Curious how you would compare them to a cayman or 911.

[@iluvcakes19]

I'd probably go c5 Z06.

[@darronpattel]

My cousin was thinking of getting an E46 m3 but got a 2005 330 xi instead; the things pretty awesome, AWD and half or a third of the price compared to the e46 m3. He got it for like 8k CAD and put like 7k into it for mods and now it does like 0-60 in 4.5 seconds, it handles amazing...

[@josephdonnelly3169]

Wish you guys through in the Audi TT 1st or 2nd gen to this comparison. Otherwise great job, extremely informative and useful content…

[@piero914]

4 gems. Great vid as usual

[@corentindockx]

I wanted the 350z as my first car, but in my country the taxes are over the roof , so after some reasoning I went and drove test some mx5´s , I immediately knew that even if I had the money to drive a more powerful car with more weight, I would not do it. There is something about being able to drive a slow car fast that is way more fun than the opposite. The fun for me is all about curves, and for that you need to be light.

[@ventrexia]

Hell yeah smashing the curves is so fun!

[@TheOrangeEliseCup250]

The Elise is magic🤩💚 It's fast everywhere.

[@hejhopp8070]

The Lotus is fu***ing beautiful

[@TheVegacorrea]

Perfect selection guys!! Nice job 👍

[@clout_city]

Yeah because $15k for a car from 20 years ago is affordable. Stop inflating these cars

[@deviklovecraft3835]

My 2nd and 3rd cars are Lotus 🤣… First car is a Genesis Coupe 3:8 track edition. - Excellent suggestions though. It’s hard to go wrong with any of those choices

[@esdrasferreras1227]

Nice cars! Not too many people have those Genesis coupes. How strong are their engines and aftermarket?

[@deviklovecraft3835]

@@esdrasferreras1227 Well, I have the NA 3.8 liter and have no plans for forced induction…There are few in the GenSport community that turbo/SC the 3.8s. The 2.0 T people do most of the power mods ..I confess I have no idea how much boost that engine can take before you have to start thinking about forged internals and whatnot but they appear to be fairly robust. Sorry …. I really should know more about that ! - The aftermarket is fairly robust but NOTHING compared to the aftermarket for just about any JDM car.

[@esdrasferreras1227]

@@deviklovecraft3835 Very true! I’ve heard a v6 genesis coupe in a tunnel once it low key sounded good. I heard the 4 banger is related to the Evo X engine or something idk. The Japanese cars for sure have more aftermarket but cool car anyways!

[@deviklovecraft3835]

@@esdrasferreras1227 Oh yes, make no mistake , they are fantastic cars and are underrated. All I’ve done to mine are basic bolt ons (Intake plenum, CAI, exhaust, canned tune) and suspension mods (coilovers, new sway bars, bespoke subframe/chassis fasteners to increase stiffness) . And it is a great daily driver as well as decent canyon carver/track toy. I don’t regret having purchased it. P.S. - Hyundai’s benchmark for the Genesis Coupe was the Infinity G35

[@derekjensen3835]

Owned an AP1 S2k, now own an Elise, and have briefly driven an 350Z. As much as I liked the S2k (had mine for 3.5yrs, 27k, and 5 trackdays, and made $ selling it), the Elise is a significantly better driver's car in my book (and of course much less of a "real car"). For being so focused on driving, the S2k had a few things I disliked in that arena - not much steering feel (electric P/S), weak torque, and twitchy rear end. The Elise has the best steering feel you can find in a road car, halfway decent torque given its weight and gearing, and predictable and friendly handling. And it weighs 800-850lbs less!! I do miss the S2k shifter and it's easier to live with, but the Elise is a keeper.

[@BAYAREAMX]

Drinking game: take a shot every time they say s2000. You’re dead!

[@Rikacchi10]

I'm taking my Ap2 to the grave but damn do I want an FD badly.

[@J.Wick.]

All phenomenal choices. In a perfect world, the FD takes the cake easily for me. The s2k is the safe bet. The Z is near impossible to beat value for $. I would've liked to have seen an 94-95 SW20 MR2 involved in this as well.

[@lukeskywalker1840]

I hate to break the news to you. An RX7 is not what you would describe as affordable. Nice examples are over $40,000. Very few in decent condition are left. Those are truly iconic cars.

[@e.w.9539]

Depends on how you look at it. 40k is affordable compared to what people pay for GTRs, 911s, etc and there are definitely plenty of people being able to afford those drivers cars.

[@lukeskywalker1840]

@@e.w.9539 Affordable is not 40k. Not for most people.

[@spinnymathingy3149]

Not sure where you are to find a $40k RX7, here in Australia a good clean RX7 sells for over $70 to o $80 K now Glad I got mine 7 years ago for $19k 😊

[@petem5603]

ive raced all 4, autox and track. owned an 05 Elise. i think its the best in the group(mine was a 4th car..), but disagree w it being easy or "confidence inspiring" to drive. i know too many people who spun like a top! Be Careful! pure drivers car, but you have to know how to drive.. love the s2000, but sooooo slow... great daily car tho! & seats/interior, beautiful! rx7, well, its an rx7.. fantastic!! but not a fair comparison.. 350, i noticed the racing seats. probably had to change them, as the factory seats tend to break.. but a lot of car for the money..

[@jwb4bb]

Great collab format! When does the series start?? :)

[@leonwillett4645]

All the exhaust notes are so delicious! :)

[@MitchDore]

Wow what a great video! Loved it!

[@yvesstocky9936]

Great video guys

[@stat1865]

Ive got a ap1 s2000 stock engine and exhaust but with a induction kit, its stealth at low revs keeps neighbours happy, but it growls very loud with vtech sounds awsome

[@carstech2685]

I've owned the s2k and still have a Elise. The s2k is a great car and one of the best cars I've ever owned but it does not compare when it comes to driving excitement and emotional connection with the lotus Elise which is why I still have that one

[@djgoldthing7166]

Choosing one of these on a sunny Sunday, would be very difficult. By the time I'd decided, the sun would of gone in.

[@GregSRX7]

I was lucky to pick up a '93 base FD with 31k miles 25 years ago.....it's an R1 now, with all the interior problems fixed...the car is 10/10. I picked up an '07 S2000 Laguna blue with 72k miles 3 years ago, just before the prices went crazy. If I had to sell one of these cars.... it'd be a very hard choice....Love them both for different reasons....the S2K is easier to work on, and a better drivers car.....but the FD is a head turner....beautiful stock body design. I've probably restored about 25 cars, XKE's, Austin Healey 3000's, BMW's, Porsche's, MG's...these two are my favorite....Couldn't sell them.... Both cars are bound for 'Classic' status.

[@Madstylezify]

Picked my rx7 fd about 18 years ago at an affordable price but needed an engine. I went through an engine rebuild and various other problems, people also ask if I’ll sell it but always low ball me. Even if they offer me what it’s worth don’t know if I can let it go.

[@Stigmaru]

Affordable for a rich kid when he's grounded for crashing his Lambo.