Introduction
Overview
The Honda S2000 is a high-performance, 2-seat, open-topped roadster with an advanced front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car configuration. Introduced in 2000 as a commemoration of Honda's 50th anniversary, the S2000 incorporates many of the lessons learned in the company's five decades of building and racing cars and motorcycles. Its original concept was to be a true sports car that could serve as both a practical and fun daily driver and a highly capable weekend track racer.
For its 2004 redesign, Honda engineers built on those ideals and elevated the S2000 to a higher class by strengthening the all-around performance, enhancing the interior and giving the exterior a subtly bolder appearance. The net gain is an S2000 that is simultaneously an improved track car and an improved daily driver.
The 2004 S2000 benefits from the following major enhancements:
- Larger displacement 2.2-liter engine (240 horsepower @ 7800 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque @ 6500 (replaces 240 hp @ 8300 rpm and 153 ft.-lbs. @ 7500 rpm )
- Larger wheels and tires (17-inch)
- Revised suspension tuning
- Revised transmission gear ratios and improved shift feeling
- Bolder front and rear exterior styling
- Freshened interior design
- New options including XM Satellite Radio™ and headrest speakers
On the track, the 2004 S2000 accelerates with increased authority and more pull through corners with a broadened powerband that comes on sooner and stronger. The new suspension tuning enhances vehicle control qualities at the limit, while minimizing bump steer effects from road disturbances. Larger 17-inch wheels and tires provide more grip and maximize the suspension tuning.
From 1000 rpm to 8000 rpm, available torque and horsepower increase between 6- and 10-percent. Additionally, useful power for high performance acceleration begins at about 3000 rpm compared to about 6000 rpm on the 2000 - 2003 models. This performance improvement at the lower rpm ranges can be attributed to the displacement increase, revised valvetrain tuning and the lower gear ratios on gears one through four that help magnify the engine performance gains.
On the street, the 2004 S2000 transmits less ride harshness, while the enhanced powerband reduces the need to shift as often in certain circumstances. Interior comfort also improves with more elbow and shoulder room, and the center console now has two cupholders, a storage tray and more utility.
The sum of the entire series of changes produces significant results on a platform that sets an industry standard for precision and performance. In short, the 2004 S2000 sports a new muscular feel, refined handling and enhanced interior comfort with better convenience features while maintaining its focus as a true high performance sports car.
2004 S2000 Improvements
Performance and Handling
- Dynamic acceleration potential increased
- Transmission shifter direct feel increased
- High-speed stability enhanced
- At-the-limit performance increased with more gradual fall-off
- Sensitivity to disturbances decreased (less bump steer)
- Steering feedback enhanced
- Brake pedal dynamic feel enhanced
Comfort and Convenience
- Interior space increased
- Interior storage functionality increased
- Optional audio features added
Gear 5 = 1% lower
Gear 6 = 2% higher
Rear: 17x8.5
Rear: 16x7.5
Rear: + 1x1 (new wheel design)
Rear: P245/40R17
Rear: P225/50R16
Rear: Decreased spring rate 10%
Rear: 25.4 x t4.5
Rear: 27.2 x t4.5
Rear: -1.8 x 0
Full-Load: 4.2
Full-Load: 4.2
L x W x H (inches)