I, too, am looking forward to ‘chronicling’ the differences. 😎

 

I sold my S2000 in 2018 after 9 years of ownership. I’ve had my 718 Spyder for just over a year. I believe the level of cabin noise between the two cars to be similar (my unscientific estimation)….loud inside on the highway due to the unlined top, but bearable. The Spyder’s ride is better in most every way: sporty without being too harsh, while still having the great grip and flat cornering of the S2000.

 

I had an S2000 before my Spyder as well. The great thing is the Spyder is very much like an S2000 on steroids. There is much more torque all around but it still very much rewards you keeping the RPM up over 4-5,000. The shifting is pretty good for a cable shift but not as slick and direct as the S2000. The suspension and chassis feels like a major upgrade in ride quality and the overall grip is astonishing. You’re going to have a lot of fun!
The Spyder is obviously a noticeably bigger car and it feels a lot deeper sitting in it. I guess most modern cars feel this way though.

 

its great to her that it has a better ride. The S2000 is getting uncomfortable for an old guy! Its hard to believe that S2000 shift still compares so favourably with contemporary cars

 

Honda's shift feel / quality has often been a benchmark other cars are compared to

and keep in mind - the S2000 design dates back to the 90s and has conventional suspension, fixed rate shocks whereas theres PASM Sport with the Spyder

 

I don't have experience with a S2000, but I just took delivery of my new Spyder on Saturday after 16 years and 236k miles in my Pontiac Solstice. The cabin is very similar. The gearbox is amazingly similar in position and throw. Going to take a little time to develop the muscle memory to make the shifting smooth in the Spyder. The ride in the Spyder is great, not too harsh (IMO) if that's what you're worried about. The suspension does a good job of dampening the minor bumps in the road. You won't be bouncing all over the place as if the car has no suspension. That was one of my concerns. I'm finding it quite comfortable as a daily driver. Granted, that's from someone who has spent the last 16 years and 236k miles in a Solstice that has no suspension left and prior to that 12 years and 215k miles in a Jeep Wrangler. My butt is desensitized to bumps in the road. As for noise levels - they don't bother me. It's a convertible, you already know you are not going to have a whisper-quiet cabin. There is a constant whine (poor choice of adjective, sorry) of the engine, mostly coming from inside the cabin, but you should be used to that if you're a long-time convertible driver. I'm still in the break-in period so I don't know how loud it will be above 4k rpm, but I don't anticipate doing extended highway driving above 4k rpm so that's not going to be an issue.

If you haven't locked your spec yet and you have any concern over choice of radio, I'll just say I am very happy with the Bose system. I've heard others rave about the Burmester system and say it's definitely worth it, but my joe-average ears are quite content with the Bose. I'd love to hear how good the Burmester is, but I still don't think I'd be willing to pay the extra $ for it in a Spyder. In a luxury sedan, maybe, but not in a loud Spyder. But, if you're blessed enough to not have to worry about the extra $$$, go ahead and order the best of everything.

 

One thing I enjoyed about my S2000 was that maintenance was super easy and parts for it were cheaper than our Honda Accord in many cases! Something tells me that won’t be my experience with the Spyder…

 

I went with the Bose. The Burmeister seemed an outrageously priced option. If i was getting a Taycan, I might have gritted my teeth and gone for it.

On servicing, the S2000 has been incredibly problem free with only regular servicing and replacement of wear and tear parts. I can’t imagine the Spyder is going to be like this.

 

I haven’t even seen my engine yet. I don’t know if I ever will. I’ve looked at the underside from the bottom of the car but that’s it.

 

We’ve had our BGTS since June and I’ve never seen the engine and, like you, I probably won’t see the engine either.

 

Well, after a few days, I’d have to say that you are all absolutely spot on in the experience of moving from a S2000 to the Spyder. The Spyder feels like an S2000 on steroids. I am sitting deeper in the car but it sure is more comfortable over bumps than the S2000. I’ve gotten used to the roof very quickly so don’t really feel it is much of a hassle. Love the car!

 

I felt the same! I previously had an S2000 CR and the Spyder feels like the perfect upgrade - it’s so similar, just more of everything! It feels like a go-kart.