Honda S2000 Tribute - Tuned AP1 vs AP2 Comparison

With the help of the Bay Area S2KI community, let's take a look back at the car that made motorheads of all ages fall in love with Honda.
Copyright-free music:
Del - Cold Sun (Original Mix)
Ceanty - Fine
Steam Phunk - Like This

[@llStixxll]

The real answer in the AP1 vs. AP2 debate: Any S2000 is better than no S2000

[@plujmoto]

IMO AP2 wins for the looks, and AP1 wins for the driving experience. Driven both, and just can't beat the rawness of the ap1, feels much more direct. Oh and that black AP1 sounds insane!

[@Lukemasonmedia]

I feel like the ap2 is a more fun drive after driving both , the extra torque allows the tires to get loose

[@neattrucks2423]

I own 2009 (ap2) and 2002 (ap1). Ap1 is more fun to drive. But for a longer trip I will take the ap2.

[@kazm4g]

AP2 is the better car. AP1 is the better S2000.

[@intimidatorespinoza7950]

lol what the heck, ain't even gonna ask for an explanation.

[@kazm4g]

Explanation: I've owned both. All S2000s are amazing, but in my opinion the AP1 is more raw, more fun, and more engaging. AP2 is more refined and the revision fixed several "issues" that people had with AP1s, hence making it a better all-around "car".

[@me-dj8ky]

Zach Heath Ok, the S2000 AP1 was hand assembled in Japan next to the NSX and the first gen Insight , the S2000 AP2 was assembled in Kansas, USA I believe by terminators. The complaints about AP1 driving rawness was from mommy drivers who could not handle what HONDA'S TRUE NATURE OF THE CAR SHOULD'VE BEEN FROM 50 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE not the AP2 that mommy wanted to drive. AP1 built by HONDA RACING...AP2 built by the PUBLIC.

[@georgeboyd4619]

Nilton Rodrigues well said

[@jdmnsxr6820]

Nilton Rodrigues beautiful words right there.

[@izzoArtistry]

New and proud ap1 owner here. Been bingeing on your s2k vids for the past 3 hours. Keep em coming!

[@MrBazuzi]

My old man picked up a 2008 AP2 late summer 2009 (after the 2010s had come out) and it's still worth more than he paid for it! It is still my dream car!!!

[@Nobe616]

So, long story short AP1 wins

[@vallasjo8003]

ALWAYS!!!

[@HiMyNameIsJonathan]

I've been out of the Honda game for 11 years. Thinking about copping a black ap2.

[@DarkFalcon6484]

Thanks again for the awesome review. I will be definitely looking into getting better pads for my S2000.

[@yusufhoosen8599]

GPW AP2 Type-S bro your cars prefect his judging so hard to his car,

[@Katsuya89]

I like the AP1 over the AP2. That extra 1000rpm doesnt sound like much, but it makes it more fun to drive. It forces you to squeeze every last bit of power out of it.

[@514mw3]

and spinning out going hard around a corner!!!! :)

[@sungod1976]

Great foottage, review, and commentary/insight between AP1 and AP2. A nice segway would be driving a stock CR. Would be interesting to get your insight. Keep the great videos comming!

[@Zygrene]

+sungod1976 I hope to do a few more videos on stock AP1/AP2, CR, maybe even turbo/supercharged or engine swapped cars. Stay tuned!

[@mdcohen]

+Zygrene yes yes and yes. Would love to see and hear ITBs if possible.

[@QuintonTV]

Man this was a really badass video! Good job guy.

[@Zygrene]

+Quinton TV Thank you, stay tuned for more to come

[@MastRk]

+Quinton TV Dont sell yours hahaha

[@QuintonTV]

MastRKorey Ah, saw my vid huh? Trying my best to hold on to it.

[@kazm4g]

+Quinton TV this guy!!

[@QuintonTV]

+Zach Heath I'm everywhere fella.

[@unknownff15]

Subbed ASAP. Greaaaaaat video, nice interview in the beginning and I’m glad the older guy finally got his s2k!

[@mdcohen]

Which is better AP1 or AP2? Yes, they're better than everything else. Great video and thanks to all the owners who participated.

[@ArthurSperotto]

+Michael Cohen In my opinion, AP1. It's much more pure.

[@sgtspooner]

Dope video! I always think about getting an S2000 when I see them at track days. Never selling my Evo 9 RS tho

[@dfw1fast143]

Just went from a 94 ZR1 that I totaled in a bad bad bad wreck to an AP1. It was the next car on my list and so far I’m loving it. Plus it doesn’t hurt that prices are skyrocketing.

[@farid7968]

Hi there Thanks for the comparison Very interesting and professional too Keep going Farid

[@logan5logan510]

Just got the black on black 2003 ap1. It's really fun to drive.

[@Wenotfrom63rd]

Logan5 Logan5 any problems with them yet ?

[@VikingsGarage]

Awesome video, thank you for sharing. Loved it. Makes me want to improve my 2002 s2k.

[@inditube2]

Filipinos love them some s2k

[@DominicaRepublica]

old mate with the yellow s2k.

[@lancercool1992]

damn, it was touchy when the old guy said "my last car"

[@xvpboyx]

I neeeeeed one!!! Awesome video btw!

[@EvilX5M]

Amazing video. Great group of S2K owners.

[@johnfharvey]

Great video. Onto my second AP1. Never quite got over selling my first. Raw pleasure, great gear box, great engine, what a combination. Nearest car to a motorbike I can get and more wife friendly.

[@rxa177]

The Beat is more motorbike

[@swaggaboy650]

So funny how berin said he had just swapped to the Fortune Auto 500 coilovers and i recently purchased them from him like a month ago haha once i heard 10k spring rate all around i new it was him

[@antikoolaid9891]

Dwayne said his Ls1 in thr s2000 passes smog?

[@troy9795]

Haha there “ok” for a cheap set of coil overs that guy was so proud describing his setup and when the driver shot it down he looked devastated. Nice 👍🏻

[@thelostvisuals]

No one gonna talk about the ghost at 1:40? 😄

[@karizmasonya]

Don't know why you would screw around with the suspension it is great right out the box. The steering is amazing and if I'm not mistaken the 2004 S2000 has drive by wire throttle.

[@karizmasonya]

At least the AP2 any way.

[@TheBb6prelude]

Pat L it’s simple, it may be great but it can always be better.

[@jevgenijivanov6824]

Thank you for review! I love S2000 and I hope one day I will buy it)) But I don't understand why Honda many-many years don't make cool cars (S2000 included). I thing that the best time for next generation S2000 was 2016-2018. For what the Honda marketing mens and CEOs take a money? Maybe they are working for BMW and Porsche?...

[@JohnSmith-yr6je]

Can someone explain what the difference between drive by wire and cable is?

[@jackysing9027]

4:20

[@NAUS2K]

love your videos man, this was very well done.

[@Zygrene]

+NAUS Thanks!

[@raydm4015]

The black AP1 has a nice sounding exhaust. Is it the EVS Tuning 70-SSP Exhaust System by any chance?

[@Zygrene]

+Ray DM Yes it's an EVS exhaust, but not sure on model.

[@raydm4015]

Zygrene I think it is the 70-SSP, because they only make one model exhaust for the S2000. Thanks! I really enjoyed the video.

[@mariom9694]

+Ray DM thanks Ray! the black ap1 is mine, and yes its the evs 70ssp

[@raydm4015]

+Mario M You sir have a very well build and nice looking S2000. :) Great selection of quality parts! Some of them are also on my wishlist for the S2000 haha.

[@mariom9694]

Thank you sir. :) Check out my channel I have a few videos of my car in action

[@kevinh2209]

I like this review! Know quite a few owners there 👍🏻

[@intimidatorespinoza7950]

too much rice, the disgrace on messing up a perfectly good car.

[@TheBb6prelude]

Intimidator espinoza you have no car knowledge at all. Many of the pieces on those s2000s are parts from tuning shops in Japan that have time attack s2000s. Now be gone you ricers.

[@me-dj8ky]

The S2000 AP1 was hand assembled in Japan next to the NSX and the first gen Insight , the S2000 AP2 was assembled in Kansas, USA I believe by terminators. The complaints about AP1 driving rawness was from mommy drivers who could not handle what HONDA'S TRUE NATURE OF THE CAR SHOULD'VE BEEN FROM 50 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE not the AP2 that mommy wanted to drive. AP1 built by HONDA RACING...AP2 built by the PUBLIC.

[@wordsworthian]

If you take away street cred and exclusivity and just go by driving enjoyment- would you agree the S2K edges out the NSX?

[@Zygrene]

+Wordsworthian Hard to say. The S2000 has quicker responses and feels more like a go cart, while the NSX feels more relaxed. If you like light weight and response, S2000 is more enjoyable.

[@James-ti3vl]

For those with an aftermarket CR wing, did you guys mount it on a CR trunk that u separately bought and painted, or did you drill and mount it on the regular/original trunk lid (with reinforcements underneath I assume)? I got a separate carbon trunk lid that I plan to mount it on, not sure if anyone has experience doing that. Thanks!

[@Wxterslide]

I’ve driven both, but the ap2 feels slower. Im confused

[@mdcohen]

Re-visiting this video and Mario's AP1. I'm starting get my new S2000 set-up for Spring. Does Mario have a wheelwell page or is on any of the forums. Would love to ask more about his wheel, tire and suspension. Sounds like he knows his stuff and has it dialed in.

[@Zygrene]

here's his build thread on s2ki: www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/1133479-black-magic/

[@XRay2117]

Great video. Subbed

[@googlereviewer1944]

Assuming he's driving on the same roads, that AP1 looks a lot bumpier than the AP2 he drove. You can see both occupants bouncing around in them. Springs are too stiff!

[@racer668]

what kind of engine management do you ap1 guys use?

[@sweatyboizz5982]

what recaros are those in the s2k?

[@davidnguyen1034]

Beautiful Video!

[@davidnguyen1034]

I just came back to watch this the second time (two days in a row). This video is just great! Almost as enjoyable as driving the S2000 :)

[@Zygrene]

+David Nguyen Thanks David. Planning to do a Tribute to NSX video some time this summer.

[@1tonofclay]

I'm drooling.

[@Porodyn]

Where is this in the Bay Area? I'd love to drive here

[@sp8693]

San Francisco area

[@kyoakland]

Porodyn Oakland area

[@cumcrete716]

It’s in San jose

[@slushpuppyrf]

Did the first AP2 you drove have an aftermarket ecu? The rpm hang in throttle sounds to me like a tuning issue I've run into before. If it's a stock ecu then it is a characteristic of DBW.

[@Zygrene]

+Kyle McDuffie stock ECU I believe. Must be a drive by wire quirk.

[@JujutsuHeiho]

Like the sunglasses.

[@musti143]

Thinking about trading ap1 for an ap2....Would you say ap2's is more of a smooth ride ? and are less noisy ?

[@Zygrene]

Yes, AP2 is definitely a more comfortable car. It's not a drastic difference but certainly noticeable.

[@sungod1976]

On the Hawk HP Plus pads you had on your s2000: Any addtional thoughts you an provide on pros and cons for this pad? Ex: Say the user street driving and 2-3 track events a year? How did you deal with the dusting?

[@yitznewton]

+sungod1976 Relevant thread on S2KI: www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/1061934-hawk-hp-pads/

[@Zygrene]

+sungod1976 I got a lot of brake dust even driving on the street, but for 2-3 track days a year the HP+ performs okay. I found that they hold up if you let them cool after 20 min sessions, but there is a little fade towards the last few minutes of each session.

[@TheChannel1978]

+sungod1976 I used HP+ pads until a month ago. The squeal on the road just drove me insane when pulling into drive ways etc at work. Amazing stopping power though but the compromise is sqeal and dusting.

[@danwontv6286]

would you rather buy an Ap1 S2000 and add suspension/wheel mods or buy an Ap2 S2000? why? :) thanks love your videos.

[@Zygrene]

+DanWonTV For a fun track toy I would pick AP1 with mods. AP2 is a better street car and is technically faster on track, if you care about lap times.

[@danwontv6286]

Do you think AP1 with mods would completely fix its snap oversteer/twitchiness?

[@Zygrene]

DanWonTV I haven't driven one at the limit so I can't say for sure, but suspension mods will make a big difference.

[@mariom9694]

+DanWonTV yes the bump steer kit will take care of any "snap" oversteer. a lot of it is also driver error not just having snap oversteer. when the rear end steps out people tend freak out and let off the throttle and that will cause the rear end to slip, doesn't matter if its a ap1/or 2.

[@Techinsane011]

Myvap2 roof is going any suggestions for a replacement?

[@Techinsane011]

+Matthew ok thanks will check it out.

[@Zinngeschrei]

what is a decent mileage to buy a S2000 at considering looking for a stock model, little mods to avoid to many repairs in the beginning?

[@Zygrene]

I'd say around 100k is plenty low if maintenance is up to date. Compression test is key, especially on AP1 models!

[@Zinngeschrei]

Zygrene Thanks for the reply, for a first time buyer, would you recommend the ap1 or ap2? Also what needs doing if the compression test is bad?

[@Zygrene]

@@Zinngeschrei I used to prefer AP1, but if you can afford AP2 I'd choose that. More reliable, easier to drive fast, more tuning options. If compression comes back poor, look into a valve adjustment. If that doesn't fix it, look for a different car.

[@Zinngeschrei]

Zygrene thanks very much brother, last question for a bit lol. Is best to take it to a Honda shop for the compression report for factory results, or a performance shop? Btw the way got a night in to watch your channel, good stuff

[@spencexxx]

2:10 Who's he talking to??

[@A4ANT]

He’s talking to the S2000 Jedi

[@cumcrete716]

Funny... I go up to that spot often

[@DavidCheung]

Not sure if it's been asked before, but where is this road?

[@Zygrene]

+David Cheung Felter Rd in San Jose

[@DavidCheung]

Thanks! Gonna cruise around there soon!

[@vaajchang]

cheers

[@90beastmaster]

Stahnzer can see the light!

[@exlexoliver]

Im 6'6. What do you think would I fit in the car?

[@Zygrene]

You'll fit but it will be very uncomfortable

[@TheBb6prelude]

K. Olivér I’m 6’1 and I wasn’t to comfortable

[@DMX-PAT]

When you can push a car and essentially get it to go faster lower speeds than you are winning at life!!

[@alleneng]

ap1 has better looking front bumper, better looking headlights n rear lights, just looks better overall

[@TheBlackmeritum]

Thats kinda weird question, but whats your height?

[@Zygrene]

+Dark Liquid 5'7"

[@woodywoodlstein9519]

Get new brackets. They shouldn't rattle.

[@ayowser01]

This is news to me 😅😣

[@yitznewton]

What, no blue S's?! The steering rack on the AP1 is also quicker, if I've heard correctly. I personally think the stock AP2 sounds a little richer and nicer than the stock AP1, which is noisier and a little rougher around the edges. There are so many different combinations of sway bars and suspension, I wouldn't even worry about AP1 vs AP2 handling per se unless you're staying stock. Even then the AP1 is not too bad IMO, as long as you drive from the back and expect the tail to want to come out when you lift/brake.

[@mdcohen]

Suzuka blue is dyno tested 15whp more than all the others.

[@Zygrene]

+Michael Cohen Laguna Blue is where it's at. 150whp more than Suzuka.

[@mdcohen]

Zygrene unsubscribed ;)

[@musti143]

would you say the ap1 is noisier all around?? stock

[@ToxicHolocaust2050]

UH OH!! Gay music over that LOVELY S2000 exhaust!!

[@danmontoya877]

The ap2 is the better car. The ap1 is the better s2000.

[@Tubs_gaming]

Anybody know if an ap1 or 2 is better for an 17 of 18 year old

[@TheBb6prelude]

ap2 would be better. I hear the ap1 is more tail happy which isn’t something you want if you’re re inexperienced.

[@MackDolo]

Ap1 looks better imo

[@rmahi17]

Ap1👍Ap2

[@BlueRice]

i have a 2007 automatic civic... fuck who want to trade?

[@Techinsane011]

No, thanks but they are cheaper now.

[@adidas8287]

Bro if you were driving my car and say the same thing I would have kicked you out and told you to get your own lol just saying bro you were harsh. Just saying lol

[@chris2468888]

mass produced junk

[@emanon321]

Would have loved a comparison between bone stock AP1 and AP2, otherwise, great vid. Thanks ya'll.