For 2004, Honda's S2000 receives a handful of improvements to deliver a more potent and sporting driving experience.
Since it was introduced four years ago, the S2000's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has been criticized for lacking low-end torque.
To address that concern Honda has restroked the 2.0-liter engine into a 2.2-liter. The 2004 S2000's 2.2-liter engine still produces 240 peak horsepower, but it now comes in at 7,800 rpm. That's 500 rpm sooner than last year's model. Peak torque (162 lb-ft) is slightly higher and comes in at 6,500 rpm. That's 1,000 rpm sooner than the 2003 S2000.
The 2004 S2000 accelerates with increased authority and more pull through corners with an enhanced powerband that comes on sooner and stronger. High performance power now starts as soon as 3,000 rpm compared to 6,000 rpm on the 2003 model.
That's a significant difference and you feel it every time you put the throttle down. Additional performance improvements include a revised 6-speed, manual transmission. It provides lower gear ratios on gears one through five. To further magnify the increase in engine performance, gears one through four are 4 percent lower than the 2003 model.
My co-tester and I especially like the feel of the gearbox along with its short throws. Whether you're lazily starting from a stop, or running the engine up near its 8,200-rpm redline, the six-speed gearbox offers direct and positive engagement when shifting gears.
Downshifting is just as impressive. New carbon synchronizers on gears one through six replace brass double and triple cone synchronizers.
The S2000 sends its power to the rear wheels via a Torsen-type limited slip differential. To put all this power to the road, Honda has included larger (now 17-inch) wheels and tires, a revised front and rear double-wishbone suspension and a stiffer body.
New braking material is utilized to reduce brake fade and anti-lock brakes are standard. But S2000 still lacks a traction control system, which means you'll need to park it when the snow flies.
The exterior of the S2000 boasts a bolder profile and according to Honda the modifications make it more aerodynamic.
When stepping down into the low-slung S2000 you'll find that the interior is more about function than luxury. We liked the red-colored "ENGINE START" button. It provides a racecar-like feel.
Honda has increased the amount of shoulder and elbow room inside the S2000, but, it's still very confining for tall folks like us. I'm 6'3" and there was barely enough room for me to work the clutch.
The S2000 is fun to drive. I imagine it would be even more enjoyable for those who aren't as tall as I am. During the week that I tested the S2000, I participated in the Midwest Automotive Media Association's Spring Road Rally at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.
It's about a three hour drive from Chicago's South Side and I'm thankful that the rally wasn't located any farther.
Since we were only staying one night, a small bag fit nicely in the S2000's trunk. If we had wanted to bring our golf bags along, the trunk would not have provided enough room for them.
The most fun driving the S2000 is definitely with the top down. And that's what the S2000 is all about.
With the touch of a button the S2000 transforms from a small sports car into a sexy open-air roadster.
If you like driving twisty country roads or cruising along Chicago's lakefront, we can think of no better way to do it than from behind the wheel of a car like the S2000.
2004 Honda S2000 Engine: 2.2-liter (240 hp) I4
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Drive Type: RWD
Fuel Economy: 20 city/25 highway
Base Price: $32,800
As Tested: Not available
Website: www.honda.com