Comparing Speed: Honda S2000 vs. NSX on Small, Winding Roads

From my personal experience, the Honda S2000 and the Honda NSX both stand as titans among sports cars, each carving out its own legacy. Their engineering perfection, incredible performance, and dynamic handling have earned them a special place in the hearts of car lovers like myself. While they both bear the Honda badge, they are different when navigating the twists and turns of curvy roads.
My Time with the Honda S2000
Driving the Honda S2000, a compact, rear-wheel-drive roadster, is similar to wielding a finely balanced sword. Its high-revving, naturally aspirated 2L engine and the precision of its 6-speed manual transmission make every shift a moment of pure connection. The car's design, with its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, achieves an almost mythical 50/50 weight distribution. This, and its lightweight frame, grants the S2000 an agility and balance that's rare. Its handling is razor-sharp, making you feel as ONE with the road, a sensation that's both exciting and demanding. The S2000 doesn't just perform; it communicates, rewarding those who know how to listen and talk to the engine, with a driving experience that's both raw and refined.
Journeys in the Honda NSX
The first-generation Honda NSX, with its mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration, is a different kind of thrill. Its exotic design and premium positioning set it apart from the S2000. The all-aluminum body and chassis were groundbreaking at the time, as was a naturally aspirated V6 engine that sings a melody of power and precision. The NSX's handling was a revelation, blending balance with an intuitive feel that makes every curve a moment of discovery. It is both a supercar and a great companion on long drives, with a more refined ride.
Reflections from Behind the Wheel
Talking with fellow drivers echo my sentiments. S2000 aficionados cherish the car's immediate feedback and the joy of mastering its challenges, while NSX drivers love the combination of performance and daily drivability that's hard to find elsewhere.
In Conclusion
My journey with both the Honda S2000 and the NSX has been a tale of two philosophies within the same sports car ethos. The S2000 gives you a pure, unadulterated driving experience that demands engagement and skill, while the NSX combines performance with a level of comfort and technological sophistication that's rare in the supercar world. Choosing between them isn't just a matter of preference; it's a reflection of what one seeks in the relationship between driver and machine. So, watch the video and let us know which one you like more on curvey roads!
And if you like what you see, be sure to subscribe and never miss the future videos. Until the next road trip!

[@Wallstreetavarice]

I skipped out on buying an NA1 1991 NSX because I was worried I couldn't find someone to work on it - it was going to be my first sportscar. Bought a 37,000km AP1 S2000 instead. I still regret not buying the NSX, but at the same time, I don't ever regret buying the S2000 and plan to keep it forever.

[@nysoravideo]

Right on!!!

[@PROofHAPPYWHEELS]

S2k can outcorner an NSX if that makes you feel better.

[@markusluftner8418]

@@PROofHAPPYWHEELS I cannot share this opinion. I have both. My NSX has way more grip.

[@ryanhill7318]

Both please! Honestly, the NSX would be hard to pass up with the right funds. I havent driven an S2000, but Ive heard they can be a handful (although so can an early NSX). I have driven a '98 NSX and was really surprised by its useable torque.....it was so easy to drive at slow speeds.

[@Driving_Somewhere]

Greetings from Singapore....Lovely video....Would love to own these cars some day :)

[@DRBLUESNYC]

You should! Wich one do you like better?

[@Driving_Somewhere]

@@DRBLUESNYC Both!!!!!!! 😄

[@gaboaaa23]

7:30 how can someone hold the wheel like this?

[@DRBLUESNYC]

What's a better way to hold it? Greetings and thanks for watching!

[@gaboaaa23]

@@DRBLUESNYC well, on the point where the steering wheel is carved. 9 and 3 o clock.

[@jfpaul2908]

Place your hands at 9:15. Your hands shall never move on the wheel. This way your brain always know where your wheels are pointing at. Saved me a few times in almost 60 000 miles with my S2000.

[@gaboaaa23]

@@jfpaul2908 exactly! The s2000 has a very small lock to lock wheel ration so basicaly you never have to move your hands, except if you make a 90 degree turn.

[@christianabandabella235]

@@DRBLUESNYC essentially, you need to take some advanced driving lessons from a proper driving coach. The steering was suspect but there were other things, such as trajectory, planning and timing of gear changes and braking etc, with overall a lack of flow. Granted the road was rather technical. This is not a criticism, it’s just to point out where it could get better

[@marcratelierbritishmotors5285]

Hi Doctors Blues, I dis not have a chance to compare the two, I have only a AP1 Série 2, nevertheless due to the gauge/jib (Size) différences and engine architecture , on top of the philosophie and technology of this two cars, i can imagine the S2000 is more agile and efficient on twisty small roads when the NSX is better on more open roads Nice video, like the sound of the 2 engines playing together on this twisty roads. Regards

[@nysoravideo]

Indeed! Agree 100%. Which one do you like better?

[@marcratelierbritishmotors5285]

I prefer the Real Visceral Driving Machine, the S2000. Compact, agile, dynamic and on top i have 3 cars in 1, hardtop and softtop up and down

[@DRBLUESNYC]

Honestly - I do too. I have them both, but love S2k more!

[@dvtc8u]

@@DRBLUESNYC the nsx gears are too tall. lower your final drive or change it to na2 6 speed, and you will prefer the nsx.

[@MrBawkbGawks]

those shifter bushings are beat on the s2k. also dont cross your hands when driving!

[@coachfaustopolese6288]

Great video, man the sound of those engines!!BTW nice leather armour!!

[@SonicProvocateur]

You can hear when the NSX really digs in, but never seems very plussed creating a gap. While the S2k, you seem to be wringing it out a bit more. I passed on some NSX's and Skylines and opted for a Porsche instead. Very happy with mine as a daily driver but an NSX is an incredible machine. Still kinda want a Skyline but know they are murder for parts! 😂

[@DRBLUESNYC]

Great discussion! And great choice!

[@carlosalenduran4630]

I miss my 05 s2000

[@DRBLUESNYC]

I would miss mine as well!

[@dvtc8u]

you need to practice heel toe.

[@mikeyerke3920]

And getting on the gas way earlier in the corner. Otherwise a good drive.

[@DRBLUESNYC]

Lol. YES! That is difficult for a tall guy, however. But I promiss - I will try again! Would you recommend a course for that technique? Greetings and thanks watching!

[@bluedragonbikerskin855]

Ya you aren't doing justice to the engineering with the lack of skill😅

[@PatrickBarreras]

Why is no one staying in the lines? or drive them like they were built to perform.

[@SuperSedans]

What for? Is it so important? Is additional danger needed here? If no one from the opposite direction is in your way, there is no need to stick to one lane.

[@DylanO0505]

I had the same thought. Going very slow while still cutting the mustard lol.

[@Dethred1]

Nerve racking watching your hand position on ghe wheel. If you ever have to correct a slide, You're 100% going into a ditch.

[@DRBLUESNYC]

Lol.Yeah, it is not really track driving - the speed in the video is much lower. So, no ditch. And - in my 40 years of driving - I never had an accident. Two tips I use: 1) Keep the distance 2) Adjust the speed to the road, not to the emotion. Thank you for watching.commenting and greetings!

[@chrispham6714]

Stunt car drivers use that hand position. I guess they are in the ditch anyways 🤣

[@michaeleldridge3606]

Kinda reckless driving. S2000 for the win. Much lower price point.

[@DRBLUESNYC]

Thank you for watching.commenting. The video makes it look more reckless than it really was. 40+ years of driving without accidents. My GEICO car insurance in NYC is next to nothing, givne the track record of no accidentrs/claims.

[@magicalempire]

If you close the s2000 you will have less drag

[@DRBLUESNYC]

@magicalempire - true. However, I have to admit that I almost NEVER close the top on my S2000. On this day of the video - I drove 8 hours with the top down. It was beyond awesome. The combination of the sound of the engine, exhaust, and road, with the wind in the hair - was truly magical in the fresh air on the hills. Greetings!

[@Wallstreetavarice]

And then miss half the point of the s2000. I rarely drive mine with the top up.

[@KirkwoodImaging]

The drag is worth it. Less claustrophobia, less paranoia (the car has very little sound deadening and can be a bit noisy in ways that are scary at first but normal), and it just feels great.

[@DRBLUESNYC]

Agree. Top down is half the fun 4 me. Not only you can feel the road, but you can also hear the engine and its note better. I am biased, of course, as I have spent a life time on motorcycles. While I stopped riding motorcycles, I will never will stop riding my S2k with top down. Two other things I will say: the TOP-DOWN experience with Honda S2k is waaaay better than in most other convertibles. I hate my BMW M240 xi with the top down - it takes for ever to fold the roof. And the wind protection is AMAZING with Honda S2k whereas with my beamer it feels as it has got none.

[@TingTingMelody]

@@DRBLUESNYC Some have said that the S2K is like a motorcycle on 4 wheels, any truth to this? I have an AP1 and really love driving it in the curvy roads here in PA. It feels so right on a sunny day.

[@drtone]

Both cars fatally flawed by Electronic Power Steering(or complete lack of in early NSX). Don't over hype these cars. Shame on Honda for this engineering fail. Both engines are also inadequate.

[@DRBLUESNYC]

Indeed. However, keep in mind the NSX is 30 years old now. It is only when one stands next to these beauties that one appreciates how incredible that design was/is. Best regards

[@HashDogg06]

Please elaborate, first time hearing these things being an issue.