Is the Honda S2000 fast?

Yes—by traditional sports-car standards the Honda S2000 is fast: most independent tests put 0–60 mph in roughly 5.4–5.8 seconds, a quarter-mile in about 14.0–14.4 seconds, and a top speed around 150 mph. It feels even quicker thanks to a high-revving engine, short gearing, and sharp handling. Here’s how that performance stacks up, what makes the car feel the way it does, and how it compares to both its period rivals and modern benchmarks.

What “fast” means for the S2000

The S2000’s speed is as much about character as it is about numbers. Objectively, it’s a low-5s-to-high-5s 0–60 mph car with strong track-day credentials; subjectively, it delivers its performance with a 9,000 rpm (AP1) or 8,000 rpm (AP2) frenzy that few street cars match. That combination makes it feel lively, urgent, and highly engaging, even if today’s turbo and EV rivals can out-sprint it in a drag race.

Headline performance figures

These are the key specs and test results most enthusiasts look at when judging the S2000’s pace.

• Powertrain: F20C 2.0L (AP1) at 240 hp (U.S.) with 9,000 rpm redline; F22C1 2.2L (AP2, U.S.) at 237 hp with more torque and 8,000 rpm redline. JDM 2.0L rated up to 247 PS.
• Specific output: ~120 hp per liter (F20C), among the highest for a mass-produced naturally aspirated engine at launch.
• 0–60 mph: Typically 5.4–5.8 seconds, depending on model year, tires, and test conditions.
• Quarter-mile: About 14.0–14.4 seconds at roughly 98–101 mph.
• Top speed: Approximately 149–155 mph (market and limiter dependent).
• Lateral grip: Roughly 0.92–0.99 g on period tires; the CR (Club Racer) edges higher thanks to stickier rubber and suspension tuning.
• Braking 60–0 mph: Commonly in the ~113–120 ft range in contemporary tests.
• Curb weight: About 2,800–2,900 lb depending on year and equipment; CR models could be lighter when ordered without AC/radio.

Taken together, these figures place the S2000 firmly in “genuinely quick” territory, with track-capable dynamics that amplify its straight-line performance.

How it feels fast: engine character and gearing

The S2000’s naturally aspirated four-cylinder doesn’t make peak power until high in the rev range, with VTEC engaging near 6,000 rpm. Short gearing and a precise 6-speed manual keep the engine on boil, producing a surge as the tach sweeps toward redline. Below that crossover, it’s merely brisk; above it, the car comes alive, which is why it often feels faster than the stopwatch alone suggests.

Handling and braking that turn speed into pace

Speed isn’t only about acceleration. The S2000’s double-wishbone suspension, near 50/50 balance, and quick steering let it carry remarkable corner speed. Contemporary skidpad numbers in the mid- to high-0.9 g range and stout braking distances mean it can outpace ostensibly quicker cars on a twisty road or technical circuit. The 2008–2009 Club Racer (CR) package added stiffer spring/damper rates, chassis bracing, stickier Bridgestone RE070 tires, and functional aero, shaving lap times without changing straight-line acceleration much.

How it compares

Context matters: the S2000’s performance lands differently versus its early-2000s rivals than it does against today’s turbocharged and electric machinery.

• Early-2000s rivals: Quicker than Mazda Miata NB/NC; similar straight-line pace to Nissan 350Z and Porsche Boxster S of the era, with handling that often let it punch above its power rating.
• Modern sports cars and hot hatches: Many current compacts with turbos (e.g., Civic Type R) and entry-level sports cars can match or beat its sprints, and high-performance EVs will demolish it off the line. Still, on a road course, an S2000’s balance and feedback remain highly competitive and rewarding.
• Real-world driving: On twisty roads, the S2000’s rev-hungry engine and chassis precision make it feel every bit the focused sports car, even when newer cars post better acceleration figures.

In short, the S2000 remains competitive in the ways that matter to driving enthusiasts, even if outright acceleration benchmarks have moved on.

Variants and model-year differences that affect speed

Not all S2000s drive identically. Engine tuning, gearing nuances, and chassis updates changed the character—and sometimes the measured performance—over its decade-long run.

1. AP1 (1999–2003): 2.0L F20C, 240 hp (U.S.), 9,000 rpm redline. Fastest-revving feel and the most hyperactive handling setup. Typical tests showed about 5.4–5.7 seconds 0–60 mph.
2. AP2 (2004–2009, U.S.): 2.2L F22C1, 237 hp but more torque and an 8,000 rpm redline; revised suspension and minor gearing changes improved stability and midrange pull. 0–60 generally similar to AP1 in the mid- to high-5s.
3. Club Racer (2008–2009, U.S.): Same engine, but with stiffer suspension, extra bracing, aero add-ons, and sticky OEM tires. Weight savings could approach ~90 lb when ordered without AC/radio (many cars were optioned with them, trimming the advantage). Straights felt similar; corners and lap times were better.

Choosing among them comes down to taste: AP1 for the highest-revving drama, AP2 for broader usability and stability, and the CR for track-day focus.

Verdict

The Honda S2000 is fast in a timeless, enthusiast-focused way: quick in a straight line and genuinely rapid over a back road or circuit. While many modern cars are quicker to 60 mph, few match the S2000’s blend of razor-sharp responses, high-rev theatrics, and chassis balance that convert speed into real-world pace and driver satisfaction.

Summary

The Honda S2000 delivers mid-5-second 0–60 mph performance, about a 150 mph top speed, and near-1 g cornering—figures that still hold up. Its high-revving engine and finely tuned chassis make it feel faster than numbers alone, and while today’s turbocharged and electric cars may win a drag race, the S2000 remains a compellingly quick and engaging sports car.

Why is a Honda S2000 so special?

The Honda S2000 is special due to its high-revving, naturally aspirated, 9,000 RPM engine with exceptional horsepower-per-liter, its perfectly balanced and lightweight, rear-wheel-drive chassis with 50:50 weight distribution, and its simple, driver-focused design with a standard manual transmission and driver-oriented cockpit. This combination creates a raw, engaging, and pure driving experience that is rare and highly sought after by enthusiasts. 
High-Revving, Naturally Aspirated Engine 

• Unusual Redline: The S2000’s F20C four-cylinder engine had a stratospheric redline of 9,000 RPM, a characteristic typically reserved for supercars. 
• Exceptional Specific Output: It produced an impressive 124 horsepower per liter, the highest of any mass-production, naturally aspirated engine at the time, even rivaling some supercars. 
• Powerband Focus: The engine was designed to produce its power at high RPMs, requiring the driver to rev it out to its limits to experience maximum performance. 

Lightweight, Driver-Focused Chassis 

• Perfect Weight Distribution: . Opens in new tabThe car featured a balanced 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution, contributing to its exceptional handling. 
• Lightweight Design: . Opens in new tabWith a weight under 3,000 lbs, the S2000 was very light, making it feel nimble and “light on its feet” in corners. 
• Double-Wishbone Suspension: . Opens in new tabThe use of Honda’s excellent double-wishbone suspension setup further enhanced its precise and responsive handling. 

Pure, Driver-Oriented Design 

• Manual Transmission Only: The S2000 was exclusively available with a manual transmission, appealing to drivers who prefer total control. 
• Driver-Centric Interior: The cockpit was tightly focused on the driver, with all controls facing the driver for an immersive and engaging experience. 
• Minimalist Approach: The car lacked modern driver aids like traction control (on early models) and focused on pure driving pleasure rather than luxury or advanced features. 

A Legendary Driving Experience

• Engaging Feedback: The S2000 provides excellent steering feel and weight, allowing drivers to feel connected to the road and control the car through corners. 
• Exhilarating Sound: The engine’s high-pitched, screaming exhaust note, especially at high revs, is a significant part of its intoxicating driving experience. 
• Driver’s Car Ethos: It embodies a philosophy of pure driving fun and engagement, offering an exhilarating and interactive experience that is hard to find in other modern vehicles. 

How fast will a Honda S2000 go?

The stock Honda S2000 has an electronically limited top speed of around 155 mph (249 km/h), though a specific model year or gearing can affect this slightly. However, modified or “///Mugen setup” versions of the S2000 can reach speeds of 170-171 mph (274-275 km/h) and beyond, depending on the extent of the modifications and engine tuning.
 
Stock S2000 Top Speed 

• Around 155 mph (249 km/h): This is the top speed for a stock S2000, limited by the gearing of the transmission.

Modified S2000 Top Speed 

• 170-171 mph (274-275 km/h) and above: With performance modifications such as intakes, exhausts, ECU tuning, and other components, the S2000 can achieve higher speeds.

Factors Affecting Top Speed

• Gearing: The final drive ratio in the S2000’s transmission limits its top speed in stock form. 
• Modifications: Engine and drivetrain modifications, such as a supercharger, turbocharger, or upgraded exhaust systems, can increase horsepower and allow the car to reach higher speeds by overcoming the gearing limitations. 
• Wheel size: Larger or smaller wheel sizes can also impact the car’s gearing and overall top speed, though they can also be an indicator of other performance upgrades. 

Is the Honda S2000 a supercar?

What helped to make the S2000 so spectacular was its redline at 8,800 rpm and the fact the rev limiter was set at 9,000 rpm. This is territory that is nominally reserved for supercars, not sports roadsters.

How much is a S2000 worth now?

The price of a used Honda S2000 varies widely, but generally ranges from $17,000 to $60,000 depending on the year, condition, mileage, and location. Older models (2000-2003) are typically valued lower than the later AP2 models (2004-2009). Factors like low mileage, original condition, and desirable color/options can significantly increase the price. 
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• Earlier models (2000-2003): Expect prices from around $17,000 to $35,000. 
• Later models (2004-2009): These tend to fetch prices from $25,000 up to $60,000 or even higher, especially for low-mileage or rare examples. 
• Specific examples:
  • A 2005 S2000 is valued around $21,093 for resale and $19,843 for trade-in according to Kelley Blue Book. 
  • A 2000 S2000 can range from $7,867 to $15,746, according to Edmunds. 
  • A 2008 Honda S2000 can be found at an average price of $49,555, according to Top Speed. 
  • A 2009 S2000 has an average price of $59,347, according to Top Speed. 
• CR (Club Racer) models: These are highly sought after and can command significantly higher prices. 
• Bring a Trailer: According to a Reddit user on the S2000 subreddit, checking the history of S2000 sales on Bring a Trailer can give a good gauge of pricing.