2003 Honda S2000 vs. 2013 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 10 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 43 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda S2000 should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 90 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, 2013 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 2013 Volkswagen GTI (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda S2000. (220 Nm @ 6500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda S2000.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda S2000 | 2013 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S2000 | GTI |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2157 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1286 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1469 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
