S2K vs chim450
Discussion
Cosidering rationalising on cars and swapping the chim and daily hack for an s2000. Apart from the obvious differences in engine style and power delivery how would performance in the real world and on the odd track day compare. anyone on here had both or got experience of both. Not yet taken a s2000 for a test drive
Looked at a Chim before getting an S2000.
S2000 probably not QUITE as quick straight-line, and you need to work it more to find the power. But build quality and grip another level up. And driving position SO much better. Hop over to www.s2ki.co.uk, might be someone on there who's owned both...
Running costs also more sensible - insurance not cheap but servicing is the usual £200-300 every 9k, tyres are sensible prices, etc...
S2000 probably not QUITE as quick straight-line, and you need to work it more to find the power. But build quality and grip another level up. And driving position SO much better. Hop over to www.s2ki.co.uk, might be someone on there who's owned both...
Running costs also more sensible - insurance not cheap but servicing is the usual £200-300 every 9k, tyres are sensible prices, etc...
It's not quite the same situation but I've got an S2k and a T350. The Honda is a very capable car; it's well screwed together and a lot of fun (the back end likes to break away) and can be used every day in all situations. If I could only have one car, and I was to put my sensible hat on, that would be it.
But ... I prefer the T350 for the noise, acceleration (it feels so much faster) and the sense of occasion it brings. It's not nearly so practical to drive around multi-storey car parks though. The chim is probably better in this regard.
If you have the opportunity, drop the daily hack and replace it with the S2k. Give it a couple of months and see if you can live with both, or if you have to lose one of them.
But ... I prefer the T350 for the noise, acceleration (it feels so much faster) and the sense of occasion it brings. It's not nearly so practical to drive around multi-storey car parks though. The chim is probably better in this regard.
If you have the opportunity, drop the daily hack and replace it with the S2k. Give it a couple of months and see if you can live with both, or if you have to lose one of them.
If you love the Chim you will only get the same buzz if you are ragging the S2000.
We have a TVR and an S2000 and unless I'm at licence losing speeds the S2000 is no way as engaging.
Handling and build quality (plus the leccy hood) are real plus points, but I have a feeling you might be a bit let down.
If you want 'brawny' convertibles that are a good compromise I fear you may have to look elsewhere.
We have a TVR and an S2000 and unless I'm at licence losing speeds the S2000 is no way as engaging.
Handling and build quality (plus the leccy hood) are real plus points, but I have a feeling you might be a bit let down.
If you want 'brawny' convertibles that are a good compromise I fear you may have to look elsewhere.
I used to own a Griff 500 before my s2000. Not quite a Chim and the Griff I had was a very sorted example but as has already been said, unless you're really thrashing the honda it's not quite as exciting. However, I really like the fact that it's a totally different animal. My particular one has a HKS racing intake, HKS racing header and HKS hi-power exhaust so it sounds brilliant. Plenty of induction noise and with the roof down the VTEC kicking in is noticeable to say the least!! It pretty much makes the car twice as loud and certainly puts a smile on my face.
I've got a couple of other mods on mine (all done by first owner btw) such as bracing to stiffen the chassis up and I can honestly say it corners like few other cars I've driven. The steering could do with more feel to it but the turn in is incredible. And should you be so inclined I can slide the back end around no problem, which due to the immediacy of the steering is a lot more 'manageable' than it used to be in the Griff.
All in all I love mine, don't think youd be dissapointed.
Cheers - Chris
I've got a couple of other mods on mine (all done by first owner btw) such as bracing to stiffen the chassis up and I can honestly say it corners like few other cars I've driven. The steering could do with more feel to it but the turn in is incredible. And should you be so inclined I can slide the back end around no problem, which due to the immediacy of the steering is a lot more 'manageable' than it used to be in the Griff.
All in all I love mine, don't think youd be dissapointed.
Cheers - Chris
I had an S2000 .... and sold it for a Griffith 500 ..... then ended up wanting a more 'sensible' car ..... so got another S2000 to compliment the Griffith 
Acceleration - can't speak for a 450 Chim but the Griffith (which generally are not too far adrift of a good 450 in the power stakes) buried both my S2000's in a straight line (when we've had the opportunity to try them out). I would, however, be disappointed if it didn't !
That said, I find driving the Honda so much easier. I have had next to no issues with the TVR and to date it has been far more reliable than both VW and BMW cars I have recently owned. I still find though that I trust the Honda totally in this department - I have had three Hondas and absolutely nothing at all has gone wrong while I have owned them!
Handling - if I was driving my S2000 against my TVR (If you know what I mean) I am happy the S2000 would leave the TVR on normal roads. The TVR requires skill levels I don't have and I find the Honda much easier to drive on B roads and as a result, much more rewarding ! I don't find the Honda lacking when not thrashing it - I just drive it differently to get enjoyment. It may not have the sound or the low down grunt but I personally still get a buzz out of it without having to go mad.
I enjoy both every time I drive them - but for different reasons. If you accept they are very different beasts both are brilliant cars. Nothing can replace the 'feel' of a TVR but there is more than that to driving all things considered. I use the Honda mostly but can't bear the thought of selling my Griffith; it is just such a great car !
Acceleration - can't speak for a 450 Chim but the Griffith (which generally are not too far adrift of a good 450 in the power stakes) buried both my S2000's in a straight line (when we've had the opportunity to try them out). I would, however, be disappointed if it didn't !
That said, I find driving the Honda so much easier. I have had next to no issues with the TVR and to date it has been far more reliable than both VW and BMW cars I have recently owned. I still find though that I trust the Honda totally in this department - I have had three Hondas and absolutely nothing at all has gone wrong while I have owned them!
Handling - if I was driving my S2000 against my TVR (If you know what I mean) I am happy the S2000 would leave the TVR on normal roads. The TVR requires skill levels I don't have and I find the Honda much easier to drive on B roads and as a result, much more rewarding ! I don't find the Honda lacking when not thrashing it - I just drive it differently to get enjoyment. It may not have the sound or the low down grunt but I personally still get a buzz out of it without having to go mad.
I enjoy both every time I drive them - but for different reasons. If you accept they are very different beasts both are brilliant cars. Nothing can replace the 'feel' of a TVR but there is more than that to driving all things considered. I use the Honda mostly but can't bear the thought of selling my Griffith; it is just such a great car !
Thanks for all the comments guys. I think they really confirm what my initial thoughts were. Still not sure I can part with the TVR, although the sensible side of me may win through and go from 2 cars to one. I accept they are going to be totally different beasts but by the sounds of it I shouldn't be disappointed just have to learn to drive differently
I used to own a Chimaera 400 a few of years ago, and have bought a S2000 instead. I gotta say i loved the TVR it had such a sense of purpose being loud and powerful, you felt like you were driving in a fish bowl, folk used to shout out 'look a TVR'. The only down side expensive servicing and the reliability. I used to go missing for hours in the night underneath the bonnet of the Chimp, checking the stepper motor, looking at the fluid levels as it liked to run at silly temperatures, etc. I miss that now, i don't seem to do that with the S2000. I'd love to own A TVR Tamora if i had the cash.
The S2000 is a different kettle of dish the power is delivered completely different than ther brute force of the TVR, it's more of a wait for it, then a burst of energy when you hit 6k. I've owned my 04 S2000 for 2 years now and have got to love it once you get used to the VTEC engine i've found it hard to go back to a low revving engine. If you choose a S2000 make sure you get rid of the stock airbox and replace it with an induction kit, the noise is superb especially at 7 - 9k revs through a tunnel. The servicing costs are cheap too, my local dealer charges £110 for a 9k service and £280 thereafter.
Once you start hitting that 9k redline you feel like you just have to keep doing it again and again, hopefully with the knowledge it won't go bang !.
The S2000 is a different kettle of dish the power is delivered completely different than ther brute force of the TVR, it's more of a wait for it, then a burst of energy when you hit 6k. I've owned my 04 S2000 for 2 years now and have got to love it once you get used to the VTEC engine i've found it hard to go back to a low revving engine. If you choose a S2000 make sure you get rid of the stock airbox and replace it with an induction kit, the noise is superb especially at 7 - 9k revs through a tunnel. The servicing costs are cheap too, my local dealer charges £110 for a 9k service and £280 thereafter.
Once you start hitting that 9k redline you feel like you just have to keep doing it again and again, hopefully with the knowledge it won't go bang !.
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