When searching for an s2000, the first decision is getting an AP1 or an AP2. There are so many differences that it can feel overwhelming. This article defines all the differences: interior, exterior, engine, transmission, suspension, driving experience, and more!
In short, the AP1 has the unique charm of being an unrefined version. While the AP2 has refinements that make it a “better car.” I’ll give my thoughts on which is better at the end of this article.
The truth is: both generations of the S2K are amazing and exciting cars to drive. However, if you must know the difference between an AP1 and AP2 S2000, here is what to look for.
The AP1 S2000 was produced from 2000-2003 while the AP2 was produced from 2004-2009.
Exterior Differences
In an instant, you can tell an AP1 S2000 from an AP2. You just need to know what to look for.
In general, the second generation S2K has a more aggressive look. It’s all up for debate which looks better, it’s all personal preference.
The AP2 generation does have some distinct advantages in the performance department because of the CR edition. The front lip and spoiler of the CR S2000 provides aerodynamic efficiency that makes for a faster and more capable car on the track.
Headlights
The AP1 headlight features a distinct side marker that covers the outer sides of the light (orange in US models and white elsewhere around the world). Whereas the AP2 headlight adds another circle-style light on the outsides.
Tail Lights
The AP1 is easily identifiable with 2 circle lights, while the AP2 has 3 lights in each tail light.
Front Bumper
AP1 S2000 bumpers have vents towards the outer ends of the bumper. The AP2 keeps the vents very close to the primary front grill.
To fit the two different bumpers, the AP1 and AP2 also have two different OEM front lips available.
Rear Bumper
There are slight differences in the rear bumper. The AP1 has a black section in the middle that the AP2 does not. Then the AP2 bumper has what can be described as “ridges” on the sides that the AP1 does not.
Side note: the exhaust tips changed from the AP1 to the AP2 as you can see in the image.
Wheels
S2000 wheels not only changed from AP1 to AP2 but there were also many versions of each generation’s wheels. The biggest change from AP1 to AP2 is the increase in size from 16 inches to 17 inches.
- AP1 (The 2000-2001 models were straight silver and the 2002-2003 models had a very slight bronze tint.)
- Front: 16×6.5 et 55 – 17.5lbs
- Rear: 16×7.5 et 65 – 18.6lbs
- AP1 (JDM BBS)
- Front: 16×6.5 et 55 – 13.3lbs
- Rear: 16×7.5 et 65 – 14.3lbs
- AP2V1 (2004-2005)
- Front: 17″ x 7.0″, +55 offset – 17.6 lbs
- Rear: 17″ x 8.5″, +65 offset – 20.5 lbs
- AP2V2 (2006-2007)
- Front: 17″ x 7.0″, +55 offset – 17.6 lbs
- Rear: 17″ x 8.5″, +65 offset – 20.5 lbs
- AP2V3 (2008-2009)
- Front: 17″ x 7.0″, +55 offset – 19.2 lbs
- Rear: 17″ x 8.5″, +65 offset – 21.4 lbs
Engine Differences (F20C vs F22C)
The AP1 came with the F20C 2.0L VTEC engine while the AP2 came with the F22C 2.2L VTEC engine. Both versions are naturally aspirated and the S2000 never came with a forced induction powertrain.
The F20C revs to a satisfying 9000 RPM. It is rated at 240 HP 155 lb-ft of torque.
The F22C revs to a lower (but still exciting) 8200 RPM. It produces the same 240HP but has an extra 6lb-ft of torque, to a total of 162 lb-ft.
To be honest, both engines feel pretty sluggish in the lower RPMs. It’s not until VTEC engages at 5800 RPM (on both the F20C and F22C) that things get exciting.
Side note: AP2 2006+ model S2000’s came with drive by wire (DBW) throttle bodies that do allow for easier tuning of the engine. The 20004 and 2005 AP2 do not have this.
The consensus is the AP1 has a more exciting engine that embodies the S2000 spirit. While the AP2’s slightly more torque creates a more tolerable and suitable engine for daily driving. Either way, you can’t go wrong. Honda produced an amazing set of engines that provide a unique driving experience.
Transmission and Differential Changes
Every S2000 was sold with a 6-speed manual transmission, an automatic option was never offered. Honda did make some slight tweaks to the transmission throughout the years.
The AP2 was released with carbon fiber synchros to replace the solid brass ones of the AP1. This change reduced the overall weight of the transmission and owners report a smoother shifting experience.
Honda also shortened 1st through 4th gear by 4%, and 5th by 1%. 6th gear is 2% taller for a little more comfortable highway cruising.
In the rear end, all Honda S2000’s came with a torsen-limited slip differential. A known fault of the AP1 is a weak differential. There are countless reports you can find online of owners blowing up these diffs launching and on track.
The AP2 differential has the same ratio as the AP1. However, a clutch delay valve (CDV) was introduced on AP2 models to prevent shock to the drivetrain and saves wear on components. This is the main factor why owners report the AP2 differential being much stronger.
Yes, you can fit an AP2 differential into an AP1 S2000. It just requires a bit of finessing and some extra parts. AP1 diff uses an M8 bolt to connect to the prop shaft and the AP2 uses an M10.
Interior Differences
Seats
Two types of seats that came in the Honda S2000. It’s not as simple as AP1 vs AP2 though.
From 2000-2005 Honda used a seat with a hole filled with mesh in the headrest. From 2006-2009 Honda went to a solid headrest.
This leaves an odd overlap where all AP1’s had a hole in the headrest. However, the 2004-2005 AP2 also had a hole in the headrest.
Another feature of the 06+ AP2 was that speakers were added to the headrest for a better audio experience. (These are great for driving with the top down.)
Cluster
With the slight reduction in rev limiter, Honda decided to do a complete redesign of the gauge cluster organization.
The AP1 had a tachometer that spanned the entire width of the cluster. The engine temperature was in the bottom left and the gas level on the bottom right.
The AP2 reduced the tachometer length to about two-thirds of the width. This gave room to put the temperature and gas level on the upper right side of the cluster.
Door panels
The original AP1 had no tweaker speakers. However, in later AP1 years tweeters were added. You can tell they were an afterthought, they stick out like a sore thumb in the design.
The AP2 was released with a more integrated tweaker speaker cover and some depth into the “storage” holes so you can fit more than paper.
Center Console
The S2000 has the hazards, power top switch, cup holder and coin tray in the center console. Both designs kept the same functionality but switched the design slightly.
Steering Wheel
There was a slight change in look from the AP1 to AP2 steering wheels.
However, the largest difference comes from 00-05 and 06-09. 2000-2005 steering wheels had a one-stage airbag while 06-09 had dual-stage airbags. Any S2000 steering wheel will physically fit on any model, but the airbag won’t between these two sets of years.
Suspension Differences
The AP2 got a suspension refinement that makes it much less dangerous and a little easier to drive on the limit.
Upon the AP1 release, it was immediately notorious for snap oversteer that would send the car backwards. The car has an extremely thin line between in control, and out of control. One second your Michael Schumacher and the next, you’re in a ditch.
However, with an ounce of common sense, you should be fine. Don’t push your S2000 over the limits on the street. If you want to experience that thin fine line, sign up for a track day or autocross near you.
The AP2 received a tweak to the suspension geometry, softer spring rate suspension, and softer anti-roll bars. All three of these changes make the AP2 S2000 more forgiving than the AP1.
Many of these faults can be countered by attaching and adjusting aftermarket parts in the AP1.
The Driving Experience
To put it simply an AP1 is a more “raw” experience while the AP2 offers a bit more refined driving.
The 06+ models of AP2 got modern technology assists that affect the driving experience. This includes traction control and vehicle stability assist (VSA). So not all AP2 models get this benefit but it’s an important distinction that AP2 S2000’s are the only models equipped with these two features.
The snappy rear end and 9000 RPM rev limiter are the defining factors of driving an AP1.
The AP2’s revised rear-end suspension and subframe make it less dangerous in terms of spinning out. The lowered RPM limited to 8200 RPM and increased displacement of 2.2L make it more suitable for daily cruising. The slight bump in low-end torque is surprisingly noticeable and makes stoplight to stoplight driving a little nicer.
Is the AP1 or AP2 better?
Buy whichever S2000 you find a good deal on, you can’t go wrong.
With the current prices at an extreme high for the past few years, price is the biggest decision when shopping for S2K’s.
Out of the box, the AP2 is an overall better vehicle. A more usable powerband, refined suspension, interior upgrades and more durable internals make it the logical choice.
I prefer the AP1 for the unrefined driving experience. Revving to 9000 RPM is a tough experience to beat. I would take the loss in torque any day for the increased rev limiter. This might be against the grain, but the AP1 looks much better than an AP2 to me. The simplistic headlights and taillights of the AP1 are much more attractive.
The AP1 holds strictly true to what Honda designed the S2000 to be. A high revving, exciting and untamed sports car. The updates throughout the years came in the name of safety, comfort and suitable daily driving use. Which aren’t bad things, just not what I personally want out of the S2K.
At the end of the day, it’s all a matter of personal preference. What’s your take? Do you like the AP1 or AP2 S2000, and why so?
If you are interested in getting an S2000 I recommend checking out Hagerty’s S2000 buyers guide.
This article is intended to cover the basics and display visually the differences between an AP1 and AP2 S2000, if you would like to “nerd out” and go down the rabbit hole of every engineering difference, I recommend checking out this website from S2000 Club.
