Honda S2000 vs Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky

[Raduque]

My dad's starting to mid-life. He wants to get a new car, has it narrowed down to Honda S2K or a Solstice/Sky.

Can anybody who owns both list some pros/cons of each vehicle? What should we look for specific to these two vehicles when looking at used ones? Any serious recalls to know about?

Thanks

Edit: Added poll

 

[zerocool84]

Well me personally I wouldn't compare the base Solstice/Sky to an S2k cus the base versions are not even close in performance to a base S2k. I'd compare the Redline versions to the S2K. The Redline versions are pretty damn good. I love the look of S2k's and they handle great but are still dogs in the straights. The Redlines have good amounts of torque and the S2k needs gearing help make up the lack of torque. Oh and I think the Sky looks infinitely better than the Solstice. You're also guaranteed to get a used Solstice/Sky for a lot cheaper as well.

 

[eliteorange]

i doubt theres anywhere here that "owns both"
it would be very hard to find any of these models "new"

i would go with S2K cuz they're easier to work on + lighter, what a true roadster should be

 

[thedarkwolf]

I agree with zerocool. I'd take the s2000 any day over a regular solstice/sky but the GXP/Redline versions would make it a tougher choice. I'd take a miata over the regular solstice/sky any day too but I own a miata so maybe a little biased. The regular solstice/sky just don't do much for me. Your dad really is just going to have to go out there and drive them and figure out which one he likes best.

 

[StageLeft]

No comparison. Honda is an overrated brand but let's be clear, the S2K is more car than those ones could ever dream to be.

 

[Koing]

Well me personally I wouldn't compare the base Solstice/Sky to an S2k cus the base versions are not even close in performance to a base S2k. I'd compare the Redline versions to the S2K. The Redline versions are pretty damn good. I love the look of S2k's and they handle great but are still dogs in the straights. The Redlines have good amounts of torque and the S2k needs gearing help make up the lack of torque. Oh and I think the Sky looks infinitely better than the Solstice. You're also guaranteed to get a used Solstice/Sky for a lot cheaper as well.

HOW fast do you want to go in an S2000 in a straightline?

Sure it's not the fastest but it'll leave most 'normal' cars on the road. Just drive it in the right gear, sure you will have to drop down a gear but it's a f0cking sweet gear change!

Theres no New S2000 btw. Get your dad to get a Cayman or something!

Koing

 

[SpatiallyAware]

I'd get a Z4 M over an s2k any day. All of these cars are more like motorcycles (second vehicles) anyway.

 

[Vette73]

For everyday driving a Reg. Solstice/Sky as the lowwer end torque is better, IMO, for daily driving.
For tracking maybe the s2000.
For tracking and more power then the Redline edition.

The s2000 handles well but I hated that had no torque. Never drove a redline but did drive a regular Solstice and the lowwer end torque made driving it more fun IMO.


How about a Corvette? You can get a 01+ C5 pretty cheap.

 

[angry hampster]

I'd get a Z4 M over an s2k any day. All of these cars are more like motorcycles (second vehicles) anyway.

Z4M is in an entirely different price bracket, no?

 

[stag3]

z4m used is roughly 30k
so yes a bit above a used s2k or sky/solstice which is ~20k ish

 

[radioouman]

I hope I never go through this ridiculous "mid-life crisis" stuff.

 

[StageLeft]

z4m used is roughly 30k
so yes a bit above a used s2k or sky/solstice which is ~20k ish

50% is not "a bit". Anyway, that S2k will also cost less to maintain. Used BMW = the horror

I hope I never go through this ridiculous "mid-life crisis" stuff.

I actually hope I do, it'll be fun

 

[JulesMaximus]

I hope I never go through this ridiculous "mid-life crisis" stuff.

You want to be boring until the day you die?

If mid-life crisis means buying sports cars or motorcycles I've been going a mid-life crisis since I was in my early 20s.

 

[qliveur]

Simple. The S2000 is a true sports car (and it drives/rides like one -be warned). The Solstice/Sky isn't.

 

[amdhunter]

lol, I barely fit in an S2k. I hope your dad isn't a big guy. My stomach literally rubbed against the steering wheel the last time I sat in one.

 

[Saga]

Having driven both a S2000 and Sky Redline, I can really only echo previous comments that it's going to depend heavily on what you intend to do with it. They have very different feels. If I was getting one for a daily driver, I would go with the Sky Redline (note: I am not suggesting anyone buys a Solstice. The front end is absolutely disgusting and for some reason simply makes me think of the new Thunderbird that you only see 80 year olds driving for nostalgia).

With that said, is a RX-7 not an option? I would probably take that over both of the other cars given I wasn't too big to fit into it.

 

[SearchMaster]

With that said, is a RX-7 not an option? I would probably take that over both of the other cars given I wasn't too big to fit into it.

It's pretty obvious he's looking for a newer convertible and an RX-7 doesn't fit that bill.

 

[MJinZ]

I would rather get a Nissan 370Z, or wait for what's coming:

New Mustang engines

Go for another price bracket - BMW Z4 is flat out hot.

If verts only:

M3 Vert
Corvette
G37 Vert

Go for a real Midlife crisis car:

Maserati GranTurismo Convertible

 

[TechBoyJK]

You can find a nice used z4 for around $15k. Not the M edition, but even a base model 3.0 z4 will compete with the s2000. It's arguably better in many facets too. As long as it is well maintained, you could probably get it up to 150k miles with only spending $5k in maintenance along the way.

I have a z4. and IT IS FUN!~

 

[Mursilis]

I agree with zerocool. I'd take the s2000 any day over a regular solstice/sky but the GXP/Redline versions would make it a tougher choice. I'd take a miata over the regular solstice/sky any day too but I own a miata so maybe a little biased. The regular solstice/sky just don't do much for me. Your dad really is just going to have to go out there and drive them and figure out which one he likes best.

x2 on the Miata recommendation - fun car, and likely cheaper than the other choices. Tell your dad to consider other less obvious factors, like operation of the top. On the Miata, you can just flip two levers and put the top up or down without even leaving the driver's seat - I've literally done it at a stop sign countless times. Great for dealing with a sudden rainstorm or something. From what I understand, operating the top on a Solstice/Sky is a bit more complicated - you have to lift a cover and such.

 

[exar333]

Having driven both a S2000 and Sky Redline, I can really only echo previous comments that it's going to depend heavily on what you intend to do with it. They have very different feels. If I was getting one for a daily driver, I would go with the Sky Redline (note: I am not suggesting anyone buys a Solstice. The front end is absolutely disgusting and for some reason simply makes me think of the new Thunderbird that you only see 80 year olds driving for nostalgia).

With that said, is a RX-7 not an option? I would probably take that over both of the other cars given I wasn't too big to fit into it.

If I was choosing between the Sky Redline and the S2000, and NEVER planned to mod the cars, the Skyline would be my top pick. It has plenty of HP/Tq and drives pretty well. It's also pretty comfortable and works as a DD. It's a pretty easy car to mod and get good results too (boost).

The S2000 feels like sports car from Day1, and begs to be modded. If only it had been launched with a top-tier V6 or V8 option, it would have absolutely screamed. If you want a "platform" to tinker with and build upon, its a great choice.

 

[SearchMaster]

If only it had been launched with a top-tier V6 or V8 option, it would have absolutely screamed.

V6 maybe...V8 is not exactly Honda's style.

 

[exar333]

V6 maybe...V8 is not exactly Honda's style.

Yeah, yeah. A man can dream...

 

[Zargon]

if hes just cruising the sky will drive better

more low end, better around town car due to the increased low end

the nonturbo kappa cars are pretty tame. I would also probably take a miata over them due to them handling better, but if you are cruising that doesnt matter as much

 

[EightySix Four]

I have a Sky Redline and have driven both modified and unmodified S2000's ad there is no comparison. Other than the fact they are two seated roadsters they shouldn't even be considered against each other. It's kind of like an Elise and a Corvette actually, similar price range, both excel at different things but once someone drives both, they know which one is their car.

The S2000 is very light, very small, rev happy, and the wind buffeting and road noise is loud with the top down or up. With the top down there is little chance in having a conversation or listening to music. The steering has a much nicer feel and the transmission is like heaven in your hand. As a corner carver, very few cars can match it.

The Sky Redlike is bigger, it has more insulation, and the ecotec LNF is one hell of a motor. The torque is unbelievable for a 4 cylinder stock and with a <$500 tune it will blow your mind. The top is well insulated and the car is very quiet compared to the S2k. The transmission was pulled straight out of a truck and is a bit clunky, though I like the clutch engagement after getting used to it. Steering feel isn't even in the same class as the S2k, and the steering wheel is too large. The interior is far more comfortable, the sound system is far superior, and I think it looks better as well. The top isn't as hard as the reviews make it out to be IMO.

So S2K is more striipped down "drivers" car. Sky RL has some niceties and makes up for the weight disadvantage with a lot of extra power. Stock, in a 1/4 mile, the sky will barely outpace the S2k with both running around 14 seconds. With a tune the Sky drops into the very low 13's and high 12's.

I chose the sky because I am more about passing power, highway cruising, and evenings at the drag strip than anything else and I have done a few long distance trips in it as well. Despite the fact the S2k "feels" better on the track the Sky usually puts down better numbers.

Either way you really can't go wrong, they are both highly enjoyable. In all honest though, if I were buying all over again, I'd pick up a 370z.