If you’re looking for an early 2000’s Japanese sports car, the Honda S2000 and the Nissan 350Z come up at the top of your search.
But which should you buy? Which is better?
On paper, the 350z is a more capable car. However, numbers aren’t everything for cars… I’ll tell you from first-hand experience which of these two cars is superior.
Here’s The Basics: S2000 vs 350z
| S2000 | 350Z |
| Produced from 2000-2009 | Produced from 2002-2009 |
| Inline 4 Cylinder (2.0-2.2L) Engine | V6 (3.5L) Engine |
| 240HP | 287-306HP |
| 153-162 lb-ft | 260-274 lb-ft |
| RWD | RWD |
| Transmission: 6 Speed Manual Only | Transmission: 5 Speed Automatic and 6 Speed Manual |
| Two Seater Convertible | Two Seater Sports Car (Came in a Convertible Also) |
| 2,813 to 2,864 lbs | 3,188 to 3,602 lbs |
| 0-60 Time: 5.5-6.3 seconds | 0-60 Time: 5.3-6.1 seconds |
Let’s Talk Power First
When comparing two cars, the first we all tend to look at is power. The 350Z destroys the S2000 in both horsepower and torque.
The VQ35 V6 engine puts out an impressive 287+HP while the S2000 comes in at 240HP.
What really puts the nail in the coffin for the S2000 is torque. The 4 cylinder struggles to put out 162 ft-lbs of torque in the AP2 (learn everything about an AP1 vs AP2 here) variation. While the 350Z puts out at 260 ft-lb in its weakest configuration.
That’s almost an extra 100 lbs of torque, a difference you can instantly feel when driving both cars.
We can’t discuss power without discussing the weight that power must move. The S2000 varies in weight from 2,813 to 2,864 lbs while the 350Z comes in at a hefty 3,188–3,602 lb.
Making the 350z a bare minimum of 324 pounds heavier than an S2000. In most configurations, you can expect a 350Z to have 400+ pounds of weight to lug around.
The 0-60 numbers between these cars are shockingly close given the power difference. Both cars have plenty of different variations and editions (especially the 350z) so I computed a range of times.
The 350z achieves 0-60 anywhere from 5.3-6.1 seconds (5.3 is if you include the NISMO and enthusiast coupe from 2008). The S2000 goes 0-60 in about 5.5-6.3 seconds.
Look, it’s nearly impossible to get a 100% equal and accurate 0-60 time. Temperature, tires, road surface, etc. all play a factor in a timed acceleration.
However, I can say with confidence that the 350Z is a slightly faster car in a straight line compared to the S2000. Through research and racing my personal S2000 vs a friend’s 350Z, in 8/10 cases the 350Z would edge out the S2K.
The Driving Experience
No matter the numbers on a spec sheet, cars are meant to do one thing: Drive. How much you personally enjoy that experience can make you love or hate a car.
Here’s the Advantage of the S2000:
An extremely exciting powerband, lightweight nimble feel and a convertible that keeps the rigidity of a coupe.
The AP1 S2K can rev all the way up to 9000 RPM (8200 in an AP2). VTEC does not even engage until 6000 RPM on these cars. While that means you’ll be revving for quite a while before you feel any power, it makes for an extremely unique driving experience. Forcing you to push the car into the higher RPMs to squeeze the power out. Now daily driving on boring city streets can become super boring, but get this car out on a backroad or canyon and you will be smiling from ear to ear.
The lightweight chassis and tight steering radius make this car a blast on twisty roads. It feels so nimble and really carves through corners.
What’s shocking is how rigid the car feels being a convertible. Honda engineers did an excellent job creating a High X-bone frame which increases torsional strength, safety and even helps with weight distribution. It’s unlike most over convertibles I have driven with the top down.
Here’s the advantages of the 350Z:
A firmly planted chassis with plenty of torque to kick out the rear end and have some fun at any time.
With an extra 100 ft-lb of torque at the touch of the pedal, the 350Z is a lot more exciting to clutch kick, and skid around. Where the S2000 feels sluggish off the line, the 350Z can press you back in the seat a little. Giving that satisfying “grunt” of power in low-speed situations.
The 350z isn’t as light and nimble as the S2000, but it’s still an under 3500-pound car in most configurations that is a joy to drive. You can whip it around and enjoy smooth, flowing canyon roads.
When going for long trips or having a lengthy commute, the 350Z is the better option for you. The torque makes daily driving more convenient. At times it can feel like the S2000 is broken with such low power output (unless you are above 6000 RPM).
Also, the extra 10 inches of wheelbase give it a slightly smoother ride. The fact that it’s a coupe means fewer creaks, rattles, and wind noise when driving. Not to mention it’s got a fair bit more cargo space with the “hatchback.”
The choice is really up to you. I did my best to explain. But if I wanted a fun and exciting car to drive in most situations, I would choose the S2000.
Drifting: Don’t Try it in an S2000.. Just Get a 350Z
Go to any local drift day and I can almost guarantee you will not see an S2000 on track. Not only because of their increasing value but because it’s not their specialty. The excessive amount of work to get a decent drift setup is simply not worth it.
The 350Z excels at being a reliable, fun, relatively powerful chassis for drifting. The torque discussed earlier in combination with that extra 10 inches of wheelbase makes it a no-brainer if you want to get into drifting.
Reliability
Look, we are comparing an early 2000’s Honda vs Nissan. Compared to other cars on the market, both of these cars are pretty reliable.
Of course, each car has its common fault points that will sooner or later give you a headache. Overall, both of these cars are proven to be extremely reliable with proper maintenance. Both cars have tons of examples driving around to this day with 200,000+ miles.
I would give an edge to the S2000 here as Honda’s reliability during this era is pretty hard to touch. Plus it’s a little easier to work on given the 4 cylinder leaves a little more working space in the engine bay.
The Interior
First of all, if you are tall I would recommend sitting in both cars. Chances are the S2000 will feel cramped (especially with the no tilt steering wheel) while the 350Z will have some extra space.
Nissan reused plenty of interior pieces from other cars and the end result is a very plastic feeling, low-quality interior. However, it does feel a lot more spacious.
I enjoy the seating position in the 350. You feel very laid back and “sunk” into the chassis of the car. Giving a connected and enjoyable driving experience.
It does have 3 OEM gauge pods on the dash that displays a clock, oil pressure, and voltage meter that are pretty neat (although dated). The steering wheel is my least favorite thing in the interior, it doesn’t feel like it’s meant for a sports car.
The S2000 has a surprisingly shocking interior for a Honda. You can immediately feel that a majority of the buttons and pieces were created just for this Model.
It was designed so that the climate control and radio controls are within a finger’s reach of the steering wheel. Giving a cockpit feel with all the driver-oriented controls. Plus, the digital cluster is quite unique. The bright orange tachometer spans the width of the cluster that is impossible to miss while driving. Some see it as dated but I personally love it.
The door panels, dashboard, center console, and especially steering wheel just feel impressive for a car of this year. It’s no luxury car, but I think Honda will surprise you here.
Having sat in both of these interiors for a fair amount of time, the S2000 is a more enjoyable place to be.
Why the S2000 Costs 2X as Much as the 350Z
Nissan produced 161,878 350Z’s in the United States. Honda produced only 66,860 S2000’s. So with only 41.3% of the inventory, S2000’s are quite a bit rarer.
Not to mention, The Z car model continued production into the 370z, and now the newly released 400Z. So enthusiasts could still purchase a similar experience after the 350Z stopped selling. Not to mention there is also the Infiniti G35 and G37 that are very similar in many ways to the 350.
The S2000 never saw a new model. In fact, Honda hasn’t produced a car anywhere similar since then either.
I would say there are a few unique features of the S2000 that just make it legendary in the eyes of JDM enthusiasts as well. The factory 9,000 RPM redline, iconic cluster, unique styling, stiff convertible chassis and much more just leave behind a lasting impression.
With high demand and low quantity, the value of the S2000 is skyrocketing. For a decent S2000 you will be spending well over $20,000. You can look at the current listings on Bring a Trailer here. If you are not familiar with the “cult” status of the S2K the numbers are shocking. One even sold for $112,111 a little while ago.
There is no doubt, the 350Z gives you way more bang for your buck. A V6, RWD sports car below $10,000 is nothing to complain about.
Unless you are a die-hard S2000 fan, it’s hard to justify the outrageous prices. The 350Z wins in smiles per dollar, no debating.
Aftermarket Support
Both of these cars are extremely popular JDM tuner cars. The aftermarket support for each car is pretty much endless.
Companies have discovered the car’s weak points and released upgraded parts for longevity.
With more cars produced and sharing parts with the G35 and G37, replacement parts for the 350Z are going to be easier to get at your local auto parts store.
With drifting we talked about earlier, the 350Z has plenty of aftermarket parts including angle kits, bash cars, differentials, coil-overs you name it. Just check out Enjuku racings selection for the 350Z alone and you’ll be impressed.
Enjuku also has tons of S2000 parts, but one of my favorite companies I found for the S2000 is Renegade Motorsports, they offer some unique one-of-a-kind parts.
Either way, parts aren’t something you will be sweating over taking ownership of these cars.
Which Should You Buy?
Looking at all the factors, it’s safe to say the S2000 is a better car. It’s more exciting and captures a unique charm, its cult following is well justified.
If I had the extra money to spend I would get the S2000 without question. If I am a bit more budget-friendly, I will gladly drive a 350Z with a smile on my face.
At the end of the day, you cannot go wrong with either of these cars. Both are a joy to drive and an overall great ownership experience.
Happy car hunting.
