2003 Honda S2000 vs. 2008 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda S2000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda S2000 would be higher. At 2,157 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Honda S2000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Honda S2000 (240 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda S2000 should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 68 kg more than 2003 Honda S2000.
Because 2003 Honda S2000 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Honda S2000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2003 Honda S2000 (220 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2003 Honda S2000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda S2000 | 2008 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | S2000 | Civic |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2157 cc | 1797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1286 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
