RE : S2000 vs Spider

["dion fields" <noid@domain.elided>]

i don't own one, but i rented one for a *ahem* track day at
willow springs in southern california.  i drove it around for
3 days as well.

the S2000 is a very fast car. can't use its potential on the street.
you must rev the snot out of it to go that fast though.  sounds like 
a motorcycle.  below 6000 rpm it accelerates like a civic.  very 
quick short throw shifter,  but so short, i had problems skipping
gears out at the track.   the steering, though precise and quick, 
has a modern feeling too it.   the suspension is firm, not harsh, 
on the street.   but at the track, the rear felt soft and  wallowed 
respective to the front.  unbelievable turn-in grip.  these together 
caused more than one spin :-)  compared to most other modern
cars, it is extremely sporting and desirable.  i also drove a new 
M3, NSX ( supercharged ! ), and 911SC around willow that day, 
and can attest that i found the S2000's high strung nature 
addictive.

but . . . 

it offers none of the great tactile feedback or classic driving
sensations as our beloved Alfas ( or that 911SC ).  by 
comparison, it feels like a very fast and capable appliance 
mobile, not a time machine like a spider.  i would feel more 
comfortable driving the reliable S2000 to work everyday and 
using it up, while saving the alfa for long life and fun.

dion fields
'73 gtv
los angeles



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