Mark.D

I'd skip the C32 and the S2000... go for an E55 or CLS55 if you can swing it

But if your intent on keeping a $10-$15k budget, a S2000 would probably provide the most thrills for the least dough down the line.

jturkel

oddly enough, i had a buddy with a c32. he later traded it up for an e55. he has regretted that decision ever since. he doesn't need such a large car, but he says it is such a different feel and wishes he had kept the c. probably exception from the rule, but he just said he loved the feel of the smaller car....and was completely jealous after driving in my car (as fast as his e55) as his c32 was then stock (as is his e55).

tommy

Yeah, I wouldn't call an E55 or CLS55 an upgrade. Reminds me of the "You're gonna need a bigger boat" line from Jaws; in this case, I don't think you do. Especially since you're comparing the C to the S2K, which makes my crx feel like a limo.

Newzchspy

Correction: The answer is a modded SLK32 AMG !!

FrankW

S4 doesn't come that cheap i think unless it's the B5.

S2k seems like the better choice if you are looking for more fun on the wknds

C32...well it's only more practical

Raron

From a maintenance perspective I know the S2000 is more reliable and cheaper to work on... But is the C32 reasonably reliable or is a money pit of sorts?

King320

MIKESV8

do you understand how much easier it is to pull power out of that ls5 compared to all your other cars you've had? i'd rather have that than any of those other cars bro. well the elise too just because it's beautifull.lol



[quote=91RS;4076661]You've had some very nice cars! Since you've already had an S2K, why not get something different? Or you could get another Z06! :-D

merc4ever

I agree consuter to change my 32 to ethiter the new rs focus or s2000 both are very fun

DrewZ9266

skip the S2k. Just get a nice modded 300zx TT. For 15k you can have a nice one thats fast and handles great

Anyways, C32 vs. S2K. They're both such different cars i really don't have any opinion. It would just be based on what YOU really want. 4 door vs. 2 seater sports car

BUT...I'd prolly choose the Honda and stay out of the Chrysler/Mercedes crap. I'm still in the game and often wonder why. IDK. Because girls like them???

e1000

FRC Z51

I guess you have never driven one...

fookoo303

i say s2k primarily because its very simple car with much lower maintenance cost. keeping up with maintenance on a mercedes is just a PITA sometimes.

05c230rpf1

Hi, Im james and just wanted to add my lil .02 on the topic

The s2000 is an amazing car, I own one and am part of s2ki the national club. It's quick, handles great but definitly has its quirks.

There is a laundry list of items that I'd be happy to discuss with you, non of them though I'm happy to report are hard to fix. If you live in ny/nj area you are luck as you have Billman, probbaly the best s2000 mechanic in America, jeff in nj, myself in NY and a handful of other compotent highly experienced s2k mechanics/engineers.

Most of the "quirks" are small fixes, the oem clutch is a little annoying and then there are some common problems like the rear axle cv joints, timing chain tensioner, and the soft tob tsb. All are easily fixed and non are dangerous.

If you'd like, feel free to send me a pm with any questions you might have. I'd be more than happy to give you an unbiased opinion (since i want a c55 lol )

James

MIKESV8

lol bro you should definately get a c55. they're seriously bullet proof engines and transmissions. i lvoe mine alot, and i respect it's ability to move faster than an e46 m3 or something. never ridden in an s2k though...i'm sure it's amazing as well.

If you'd like, feel free to send me a pm with any questions you might have. I'd be more than happy to give you an unbiased opinion (since i want a c55 lol )

05c230rpf1

They're definitely two different monsters.. the c55 when I test drove it I loved as it was so comfortable to me, sounds amazing (love the v8), room for 4, and has low end torque (forgot what that was for a while lol), and its just a classy car!

The s2k is like that little annoying terrior that keeps nipping at your heels, which when you try to swat away you can never catch

Down low there is absolutely NO POWER... which when dailying is actually very easy to get used to and nice as it keeps you out of trouble. However if you stir the rev's up past 6000 rpm (4000 rpm if it's been re-tuned) and pass over the v-tec engagement point, its a totally different car. This is ESPECIALLY true when super/turbocharged. I've never been in a car that rev's more quickly.

The only downside for me is comfort, which is expected from a sports car. The seats are leather and very supportive, however the chassis is extremely rigid, which gives it its amazing handling characteristics, but also translates to the passengers a lil negatively. Also the transmission is literally 3" from your right leg so it gets a little warm (not uncomfortably) It's great for top down driving in cold(er) weather. Most of us still drive top down in the 40's and honestly its still comfortable. Lastly are the little Honda noises; the little creaks and groans that are just "normal." Nothing is ever wrong but as most of you have said, I personally don't feel ANY car is as solidly built as a mid to high end german car.

The MAJOR selling factors the s2000 has (for me anyway) are styling and value for money. IMO there are NO other roadsters under $20,000 that can come anywhere close to looking as good as the s2000 does, under $30,000 even, new or used! Then add in how cheap they are to modify; you can literally have a low mileage 2003 model (best year lol) modified tastefully with clutch/ems/supercharger/wheels/audio all installed for under $25,000, making 400whp. (ugh i'm kinda selling myself back towards it stop it you want a c55)

The only other roadster I'd even consider now is the new bmw z4sdrive35i, which starts at like $52,000 and is slow!

RLx02

How is a rwd, manual transmission only roadster with one of the most fantastic engines and gearboxes ever made; a chick's car?

And FWIW

I'd get a c32 AND a lotus elise. I drove my friend's lotus elise touring for a day and loved it. The only thing I didn't like was all the attention it brought (it was bright red). But now THAT feels like a go-kart.

JonMBZ

I don't know the specs of the car nor do I care a SLK55 is not a chicks car by comparison, but it is a chick car just like miata. It looks like a chicks car. I would never own one to care more than that. It looked cute in fast and the furious, but that was about it. Sorry S2k Lovers

05c230rpf1

oh how ignorance is bliss...

How can you claim to not care to know about the specs of the car, but yet can still call it a "chick" car?

I also know some people with some pretty bad *** turbo miata's that would put a c55 to shame

Since looks classify a chicks car, are these? im not taking anything personally, i just think one should be more open minded, although each are entitled to their own opinion.

JonMBZ

I said why it's my opinion on how it looks and what does that have to do with ignorance? Because I don't care enough to know the specs of every vehicle even the ones that I would never consider buying in my life? I don't care if it was 1000HP or 200HP (being a Honda I am guessing 200) it doesn't change what it is. I know the cars can be fast just like any other Honda it doesn't change anything to me. YES CHICK CAR I will not change MY opinion no matter how many pictures you post.

MIKESV8

the s2k is a really cool looking car, i wanted one when i was 13 when the first fast and furious came out, but i've past the whole 4 banger phase and went to the large engine high hp european phase. i've taken s2k's out in my c55, the only car that i've had a run for my money that i've raced is a corvette c5 and a dodge neon srt 4(which i think was modified cus the thing was seriously fast and torqy) but i still managed to pull away from both of them with my bonestock 06' c55 with little driving experience that i paid for as much as that dodge and the s2k cost new.

05c230rpf1

I wasn't trying to make that a personal stab at you

And hey any chick who drives a car like those I'd like to know
But hey this is a benz forum, and hence why I'm here. like kuzni said on to the european way!

JonMBZ

This is probably one of the most unbiased forums you will come across at least in the C55 area. Most every MB owner here has said to get a S2000 which is great, if you like it then that's all that matters. I am not a German only car fan I drive one, but there are many other cars I would rather have than mine a S2000 wouldn't be one of them though

MarcusF

The comparison is classic. Which do "you guys" think "I" should buy. Literally -
A four door or a two door?
The hard top or the convertible?
The stick or the automatic?


"I think" you should buy a plain Jane 9A1 powered 911 coupe. I prefer the Dopplekupplung, but take whichever turns you on. If I'm stuck with the choices given by the OP, I'd say the C32 (but really mean the C55, and REALLY mean a W211 E63). And a ZX10 or R1. The bike is only another $10K, and once you throw a leg over a sport bike, fast cars will seem incredibly slow. Well, most fast cars. The 911 won't seem slow, it just wn't be able to keep up. Below 130, that is. And before anyone asks, yes, I've driven the S2000. And the C32. And the C55. And the ZX, R1, 911, and E63.

MIKESV8

this is very true, most of us will tell you exactly what you should get and what's the best bang for the buck. do me a favor and write on the bimmerfest forum "hey, what do you guys think i should get? an e90 m3, or a new cadillac cts-v?" i could just about guaruntee every queer on there will choose the bmw because it looks better and they like to go with the "cool" flow, but in reality, the cts makes the m3 look like it's standing still on the 1/4 mile and nurburgring. my point is, we're not like that. welcome to the MB forums. make yourself at home.