"Elemental" 4-seaters

Just thinking out loud.

You've probably heard the one about "Good, fast, cheap. Pick any two."

I'm trying to envision a car that's "Like an S2000" but with back seats and probably a metal roof.

I can't.

Can anyone else? I may just be prejudiced. RX-8? G-35 Coupe? M3?

Nissan Z cars

In reply to That idiot who can't spell: Z cars don't have back seats, other than Z31 ZXs, non-turbo Z32s, and if you count the G35 coupes.

I echo your search. 2+2, hardtop, competent handling, 4-cylinder.

Closest I can think of would be a AE86 GT-S or a 240SX.

But it depends what aspects of the S2k you're trying to find in another car.

The Subaru version of the Subiyota twins is being debuted in March, that could also meet the bill. Depends on where they price it, though.

What characteristics of the S2000 are most of interest here?

Hyundai Genesis Coupe? Never driven one but its all I could think of in 5 seconds.

Still waiting for a thorough review of a turbo 4 with track package from just about anywhere.

ReverendDexter wrote: I echo your search. 2+2, hardtop, competent handling, 4-cylinder.

Not a 2+2, not a hardtop, but 4 seat coupe with a 4 cylinder would be E30 M3, and an E30 318is. Both very competent handling.

How about more than 4 seats?

In reply to mtn: How is that not a 2+2? It's got back seats without having back doors.

Matt, I'm no rotard, but that's 'arrible. Someone put it out of it's misery, and then use the parts to put a proper FD back on the road (with an LS7, like God intended )

Evo and STi have 4 doors, 4 cyls and a metal roof.

In reply to rogerbvonceg:

'94- on 4 door Integra GS-R.

04-05 TSX 6spd with the A-spec suspension.

MINI Cooper S, if RWD isn't required. About as elemental as you can get a new 4-seater.

BMW 2002 with an F20C engine swap?

I've always liked the E36 M3...in coupe/roadster/sedan versions.

ReverendDexter wrote: In reply to mtn: How is that not a 2+2? It's got back seats without having back doors.

I guess it is kinda like the "are muscle cars sports cars" debate where you are really splitting hairs and in the end it doesn't matter, but I consider a 2+2 a car that is really meant to be only a 2-seater, but it has the back seats just in case. Numerous Porsche's, MGBGT, whatever Nissan Z cars had a back seat... Those are to me a 2+2. An E30 has a useable back seat, even in coupe and convertible form. Especially for kids.

Cayman 4-door?

T.J. wrote: BMW 2002 with an F20C engine swap?

While not a purist, I think I'd at least keep it in the fam-damnily. M42, M44, or S14.

ReverendDexter wrote: In reply to That idiot who can't spell: Z cars don't have back seats, other than Z31 ZXs, non-turbo Z32s, and if you count the G35 coupes.

Au contraire my friend - 2+2s were available for the Z-cars starting in 1977, I believe, and they were also available for the 280zx line (years ago my step mom had one, loved it to death - but loved gardening more and bought a small pick up after driving the zx for 5-6 years...).

I don't know that it fits the OPs needs, but they were out there.

ReverendDexter wrote: Matt, I'm no rotard, but that's 'arrible. Someone put it out of it's misery, and then use the parts to put a proper FD back on the road (with an LS7, like God intended )

How dare you say such things about such a fine piece of engineering!

Waldorf: It's a piece of something for sure.

Matt B- I love the addition of Statler & Waldorf to ANY thread.

Always glad to oblige.

Now that I'm done being no-help-at-all, I'll give you a real answer.

What's like an S2000, but has four seats, hmmmmmm. Relatively lightweight (compared to modern cars), double wishbone suspension, excellent chassis, torqueless wonder engine, rwd . . .

OP already said it.

RX8

Of coarse, there is the W123 coupes. That is like a S2000 right?

pres589 wrote: What characteristics of the S2000 are most of interest here?

I left that open to generate discussion, but what strikes me about the S2000 is it's purity, precision, it's lack of compromise, coupled with its Honda underpinnings which, I assume, imply some economy of ownership in comparison to older or more exotic marques.

The first thing that springs to mind is an older 911, but there goes economy. An Alfa GTV6, but there goes precision and economy, both.

The RX-8 is a contemporary, but purportedly thirsty. Useful back seat, though. Perhaps the best compromise.

For my money it would have to be RWD and a manual tranny. A fabulous drivetrain with a car molded around it.

Bobzilla wrote: 04-05 TSX 6spd with the A-spec suspension.

Funny, I have an '05 TSX, now. 5AT and standard suspension, though. So close.

I think it's what got me thinking about the S2000.

And just to be clear, I'm not car-shopping. Just dreaming.

Actually, I just thought of something that fits the bill very well. Does anyone remember THIS??? There was also an article in the magazine about it, but that is at home so I can't find it here.