Mustang 5.0 or S2000 or Evo X

[EDM92]

After all the times I’ve wanted to sell my car and go a different route, this time it’s finally happening. I’ve already sold my “racecar” mods, all that’s left to get rid of are the coilovers and wheels. Picking up a new car within a month or so. Not really sure what to get. My two options are a Honda S2000 and a Ford 5.0 Mustang. Both great cars, both have pros and cons. I’ve narrowed my search down to these two because; both are fun (in their own way), reliable, cheap to maintain/fix, and are relatively new cars (so I can pick one up with low miles). The Evo X is still in the back of my mind as an option, but they aren’t cheap to fix, get worse gas mileage than the other two options, and I don’t really enjoy the way they look as much as the S2000. It still might be a car to consider. I'm afraid to add the Evo to the list as an option, because I feel like, to most people, it trumps the S2000 in every way.

What are my intentions for my next car? It will be a daily driver (think 12-15 thousand miles a year), that will occasionally be autocrossed/tracked. I’ve never done any type of tracking before, so I figured the S2000 would be a good car to learn in.

I’ve driven both, and honestly I enjoyed the S2000 over the Mustang just because of its nimble feel and superb handling. Also, since I’m still young and don’t have a family, now might be a good time to own a completely impractical 2 seater with a tiny trunk. I don't need extra space. The Mustang felt very boring to drive. I feel like the glorious feel of the S2000 may be short lived, and I will end up craving more power. That’s where the 5.0 comes into play. That 5-liter V8 is no joke, making 420 crank horse power completely stock. Throw on a full exhaust, intake, and tune and you will net another 80-100 crank horsepower (approximately). A supercharger kit to make 600+ wheel horsepower only runs around $5,000, and the stock block is fully capable of handling the power.

The S2000 (in my opinion) has better looks, a nicer interior, MUCH better handling, and is a good amount cheaper. The Mustang is faster, and…uglier, although they can look pretty good with lots of mods. Also, you see Mustangs on the road all day every day, whereas S2000s are a bit harder to come by. The Mustang will have a warranty, whereas the S2000 won't. Do I want to sacrifice looks and handling for raw power?

No clue what to do, I’ve driven both and I’m still stuck. Any input is greatly appreciated. Figured here would be a good place to get an unbiased opinion.

[kdbryce]

mustang 5.0 def.

badass engine and it sounds so good

[GChase]

I love my dad's S2000. Hondas are the most reliable cars on the road IMO, so take that into account. My mom bought a new Honda CRV in '07 and just this past month she went over 100,000 miles on it. Literally not a single problem, only the normal service (brakes, shocks, ect.) My dad bought his yellow S2000 salvaged, and it still has had no problems in the 7+ years he's had it. It's not his DD though, but he's put around 40k on it and it is perfect.

I just don't like how prominent mustangs are on the road. I see one on almost every street. And they're not that good looking as you said.

I'd go with the S2000 for sure.

[2ndname]

Single and without a family, get the S2000 and get the 2 seater out of your system =). I did the same with the 350z, now it's 4 door or broke...

[E90Company]

Evo X, but honestly, make your own decision and don't go off what others think.

[MattMD]

5.0.

I test drove one of them and it's a freaking beast. I didn't think they'd let a 17yo test drive a GT, but I guess I was wrong haha. Showing up in a Bimmer with a shirt, tie, and dress pants probably helped lol.

Anyways, it looks better than the Honda imo, especially in white or black. Buy the track pack and Recaro package and bam, you have a track car. It also has 400 more torques than the S2000 and 300 more horsepower. I'd be driving a 5.0 if my dad would let me.

[EDM92]

Originally Posted by E90Company

Evo X, but honestly, make your own decision and don't go off what others think.

Of course I'm going to make my own decision! Just checking in to get some input from you guys. I'm leaning towards the S2000 at the moment, whenever I think of power I want the Mustang. But then I think of how ugly it is and start considering the Evo X as a good in-between.

[MattMD]

Originally Posted by EDM92

Of course I'm going to make my own decision! Just checking in to get some input from you guys. I'm leaning towards the S2000 at the moment, whenever I think of power I want the Mustang. But then I think of how ugly it is and start considering the Evo X as a good in-between.

Ugly?

[E90Company]

Originally Posted by The Low Key OG

Ugly?

Yes. Ugly.

OP, I feel like you would have much more fun in an Evo or S2000.

[MattMD]

Originally Posted by E90Company

Yes. Ugly.

OP, I feel like you would have much more fun in an Evo or S2000.

Blasphemy.

[E90Company]

Originally Posted by The Low Key OG

Blasphemy.

All subjective. I think the E9X looks better than both

[MattMD]

Originally Posted by E90Company

All subjective. I think the E9X looks better than both

We can agree there.

Mustang > Challenger > Camaro. Looks great for what it is.

[RobsgottaM3]

Can't beat the 5.0! I have owned a few Mustangs and the amout of power you can get out of them is insane. You also don't have to spend near as much to make them crush just about anything you will see on the street. Springs, shocks and some sway bars and you won't look back.

[AndyDaBoss]

Originally Posted by The Low Key OG

Ugly?

hideous, go for the evo x !

[EDM92]

S2000s can look great too guys!

[tsensational]

I usually work with Mitsu cars so I'm already biased towards those even if I wouldn't want to own an Evo.

Most people don't understand that the Evos strengths are in its AWD handling capabilities. I personally like longer gears so I'd go with the 5 speed-manual, but the 6 speed semi-auto has super short gearing which some people like more. It pulls pretty well, hugs the ground like no other and like most F/I cars, is easy to modify, just turn up the boost a bit for an extra 50 horses. Also, I THINK the insurance on a 4 door is better than any 2 door.

S2k is a car I like but as a daily is a bad idea to me because 2 seats and low cargo space. As a track or weekend car, it is easy to mod with all the engine bay room and it hugs the ground pretty well. Also, aftermarket is readily available from turbo kits to differential ratios.

I don't like Mustangs that much but the new ones have a respectable V8. Thats how car companies should have done it with the V8 to begin with. They're good for straight lines and they have a decent amount of space for you to put your stuff in. The problem with it is that it is a heavy car and handles like one. Also, the turn radius isn't great. But then again, as a daily, chances are you won't be taking hairpin turns at 60mph anyways.

[BMW_Belgier]

S2000: no thanks

Mustang: impossible fuel consumption

Evo X: see S2000 and Mustang...

I'm not voting... THX...

[InTheNightKitchen]

I can't vote because they all have their strengths.

The mustang = power but no handling unless modded, and I'm assuming bad gas mileage for a daily

The S2000 = handling but no power unless modded, would be good on gas

The Evo X (I had one) = equals handling better than both and power without modding, but average gas mileage gotta stay out of boost which will be hard to do. You could always modify these and get great power out of them as well. I sold mine because the motor sounds like doo-doo to me stock or exhaust. I couldn't find one I like to suit it, plus I came from the Subie world and there's nothing like the boxer rumble.

After all that I can vote, the EVO seems like the better choice of the 3, AWD for winter too...

Thank you for the penny!

[pimp4cheddar]

You made a thread for this? LOL


The mustang interior will wear out fast...it does sound good though...

I'd rather buy the Genesis we drove than a 5.0...

[DSB335d]

I'd say an S2K. Handling, looks, with the right exhaust they sound sick. Power; there are so many options to make it much faster. Same can be said with the others but I think Honda reliability trumps the other 2 options

[marshall834]

Originally Posted by E90Company

Yes. Ugly.

OP, I feel like you would have much more fun in an Evo or S2000.

Hmm I will have to disagree with you sir. Mustang 5.0 looks badass. I voted accordingly.

[ziggy55]

All totally different beast...but I am a little bias since I recently went from a S2k to an 330I. Out of the three vehicles you mentioned, I would opt for a EVO or the S. The S is a great little car and the "fun factor" is top! Just remember interior space in the s2000 is of the premium when compared to the other two.