Have a F80 M3, keep S2000 or get a E46 M3?

[henrylee]

Currently switching between a F80 6mt and a S2000 AP2 for daily driving. Since purchasing the F80 in 2018, my 2006 S2000 has been feeling a bit underwhelming until I find some turns and corners. The low end torque of the F80 has spoiled me. The thought of owning a E46 M3 6mt has crossed my mind couple of times. Don’t get me wrong, I love the raw visceral feel of the S2000 esp in sharp turns but in straights it def is lacking. Would the E46 give me that extra pull I’m looking for but still keep that NA high reving engine visceral feel or will I regret it few months down the road after it loses that new car charm?

[swagon]

Originally Posted by henrylee

Would the E46 give me that extra pull I’m looking for but still keep that NA high reving engine visceral feel or will I regret it few months down the road after it loses that new car charm?

The only way to determine that is to test drive the car yourself, man. Know what you're looking for and try to find it in the new car.

I think it's good to experience cars that are on a different spectrum, you now got a relatively lightweight momentum car that you need to beat the shit out of, and a fast, more grown up sedan where power is abundant.

Also, if you'd be coming out of a (beautiful, may I add!) S2000, why not consider the Z4 M? It's much closer to the S2000 in ever aspect - especially the M roadster.

[brava09]

Originally Posted by henrylee

Currently switching between a F80 6mt and a S2000 AP2 for daily driving. Since purchasing the F80 in 2018, my 2006 S2000 has been feeling a bit underwhelming until I find some turns and corners. The low end torque of the F80 has spoiled me. The thought of owning a E46 M3 6mt has crossed my mind couple of times. Don't get me wrong, I love the raw visceral feel of the S2000 esp in sharp turns but in straights it def is lacking. Would the E46 give me that extra pull I'm looking for but still keep that NA high reving engine visceral feel or will I regret it few months down the road after it loses that new car charm?

I would look into a supercharger kit for the S2000 rather than an E46 M3

[Freak1c]

Comptech is a good supercharger for the S2000.

[2SNAILS]

Just from my personal experience owning two F80's and other gen m3 in the past, till this day I still regret selling my red AP2. I hope one day I can add again.U got a great lookn S2K, don't do it!

[pattymtb]

Originally Posted by 2SNAILS

Just from my personal experience owning two F80's and other gen m3 in the past, till this day I still regret selling my red AP2. I hope one day I can add again.U got a great lookn S2K, don't do it!

+1 don't sell the S2000

[ntg44]

Unless you absolutely need to dump it, keep the S2000. One of the most special cars ever made in recent history. Agree with the supercharger suggestions if you feel it's too slow.

It's the reason I'll never get rid of my V8 R8. High strung/revving N/A cars with a manual transmission are where it's at. Doesn't need to be the fastest car on the street, but nothing else gives you the experience of revving to the moon (in my case, 8500 RPM) with a manual.

When I first got my M3, I sort of neglected the R8 for a while. Took it out about once a month to get the fluids and tires moving. But after the new experience of the M3 wore off ~2.5 years later, I find myself going back to the R8 a lot more even though the M3 will blow the doors off of it. Don't get me wrong, M3 is also a fantastic car, but turbocharged engines are so ubiquitous now that they're all starting to feel the same. Getting into the R8 brings me back to a time where sports cars were focused more on passion and soul, and less so about meeting gas mileage requirements.

You'll get back to loving the S2000, just give it time. If you can afford to keep it, better than regretting selling it later. E46 M3 is also a fun car, but I think you'll have the same feelings you do now, just with more headaches .

[SYT_Shadow]

I would still keep the S2000. It's a really special car.

M3s are awesome all rounders, but to have a small, light, simple car that you already own is pretty cool.

[Darth One]

I'd take a E46 M3 over an S2K any day (oh wait...I did &#128513 but I don't think you'll get what you want by switching. The E46 is so down on torque and has such different power delivery vs the F8x that you'll have the same frustrations

[overfreeze]

As others have said, supercharge it. That's what I did with mine. Supercharging it keeps the NA powerband and similar characteristics of a stock car, but more power. These two cars complement each other nicely. You and I have similar tastes

[nicknaz]

E46m is still going to feel slow in the straights compared to f80

[Mar48]

I loved and miss my AP2 S2000, but you know what car felt just as special, or more, to me? A Z4MC (but I also prefer a coupe vs a convertible).

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by Mar48

I loved and miss my AP2 S2000, but you know what car felt just as special, or more, to me? A Z4MC (but I also prefer a coupe vs a convertible).

Back in 2011, I passed on a friend’s ap1 s2k, passed on ‘06 z4m coupe, and ended up leasing an e89 z435.

Ugh. Huge buyer’s remorse when I got high oil temps and power reduction after just 1 session at Buttonwillow!! Should have gone with the s2k or z4m

That being said, boxster s and z4m are about the same cost these days given equivalent years and mileage, and that’s a consideration for the OP

[Humdizzle]

keep the s2k. throw a supercharger on it.

[Mar48]

I had a supercharged AP1 (400 whp) and a bone stock AP2, I found myself regretting selling the AP2 for a highly modified AP1, it just changed the characteristics of the car (given there was more to it than just the added power).

[henrylee]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Its def has me thinking. Appreciate it~

[erictrainer]

If you want to fall back in love with the S2000 watch the LHT Performance channel on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/user/LHTPerformance

I guarantee you'll end up doing the SC upgrade. John is the S2000 sensei, an absolute joy watching him work on the cars. BTW yours seems like a very nice taken care of example, definitely worthwhile of the upgrade.

[623baller]

almost in the same dilemma as you, but i seem to just fall back in love with s2000 time after time.

when i first got my f80, i m almost in the same exact boat as you but i think as that feeling wore off, and i start taking the s2k out to the twisties again, it's the moment i know she's a keeper lol

s2k needs to be in its natural habitat (mountain pass, autox, track) to shine , if u are looking street drive, then it might be a good reason to swap it for the e46

[THEROK]

S2000 is much more special. E46 M3 is totally overrated. I've owned both from new and put plenty of miles on both.

Yours look clean, dude. Keep it that way.

[PoorLurker]

Are those real Rotas?

Car looks good

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by PoorLurker

Are those real Rotas?

Car looks good

Real Rota

[mtr3s]

Get a turbo kit for the S2000!