Honda S2000 AP2 / BMW E92 M3
The Honda S2000 AP2 makes 240 horsepower from a 2.2L naturally aspirated four-cylinder. The BMW E92 M3 makes 425 horsepower from a 4.0L naturally aspirated V8—185hp more (77% power advantage) and one of the greatest naturally aspirated engines ever built. Across 83 shared tracks with 46 unique comparison scenarios, the M3 wins by 4.01 seconds, and when you filter the comparison data on this page for matched modifications and matched tire treadwear, the M3 wins 78.4% of battles with a 5.42-second average gap.
This is Honda's naturally aspirated roadster icon versus BMW's last naturally aspirated M3. The S2000 weighs 2,859 lbs. The M3 weighs 3,648 lbs—789 pounds heavier yet still faster through 185hp more power and BMW's most celebrated engine. Both cost $37,500 today—identical pricing despite the 185hp gap.
The 185-Horsepower Gap: S65 V8 vs F22C1 I4
The S2000's F22C1 makes 240hp at 7,800 rpm and 162 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm from 2.2 liters. Power-to-weight: 11.91 lbs/hp. The E92 M3's S65 V8 makes 425hp at 8,300 rpm and 295 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm from 4.0 liters. Power-to-weight: 8.58 lbs/hp—a 28% advantage despite being 789 pounds heavier.
The S65 is BMW's masterpiece: individual throttle bodies, 8,400 rpm redline, 106.25 hp/liter (highest naturally aspirated production V8 ever), and the sound. The F22C1 redlines higher at 8,200 rpm and produces more specific output (109 hp/liter), but the S65's 295 lb-ft torque (133 lb-ft more than the S2000) delivers corner-exit acceleration the Honda can't match.
What the Filtered Data Reveals
- Matched mod + matched tire (458 laps): M3 wins 78.4%, S2000 wins 21.6%, 5.42s gap. The largest matched scenario shows the M3's overwhelming power advantage—the S2000's 789-pound weight savings can't overcome the 185hp deficit. The S2000 wins 21.6% of battles, proving driver skill and track layout matter, but power usually dominates.
- Light M3 vs medium S2000, TW200/200 (114 laps): M3 wins 91.2% with 6.33s gap. Even when the S2000 runs higher modifications, the stock-to-lightly-modified M3's 425hp is too much to overcome.
- Race S2000 scenarios (46 laps): S2000 wins 52.2% when running race-prep against medium M3. A fully-built S2000 (300hp NA or 350-400hp turbo) can compete with a lightly-modified M3, but that requires $15,000-25,000 in modifications.
The $37,500 Identical Price: Different Philosophies
S2000 AP2: $37,500 buys naturally aspirated perfection, 240hp, Honda reliability, and 5-10% annual appreciation. The F22C1's modification ceiling is limited without forced induction—headers, exhaust, ITBs add maybe 40-60hp for $10,000+. To compete with the M3's 425hp requires turbocharging ($8,000-12,000) for 350-400hp.
E92 M3: $37,500 buys BMW's last naturally aspirated V8, 425hp, and the S65 engine that appreciates 8-12% annually as values climb from $30,000 in 2020 to $45,000+ in 2025. The S65's modification ceiling is higher naturally aspirated: headers ($3,000), exhaust ($2,500), tune ($1,500) = 460-480hp. The 789-pound weight penalty versus the S2000 disappears when you add 185hp more power.
Both cars cost the same today, but the M3's ownership is more expensive: rod bearing service ($3,000-5,000 preventative), throttle actuators ($2,000-3,000), and higher insurance/fuel costs. The S2000's Honda reliability means oil changes and tires.
The Verdict
Choose the Honda S2000 AP2 if you want roadster purity at $37,500, accept losing 78.4% of matched battles, and value the F22C1's character over lap times. The S2000 is lighter, more reliable, and delivers engagement the M3's clinical perfection can't match—just not speed.
Choose the BMW E92 M3 if you want the S65 V8 experience at the same $37,500 price point and prioritize winning. You're getting 185hp more power (77% advantage) for the same money, and the M3 wins 78.4% of matched battles with a 5.42-second gap. The M3 is the choice for drivers who want the greatest naturally aspirated engine BMW ever built and can accept higher running costs.
LapMeta's 4.01-second overall gap and 5.42-second matched-condition gap show the M3's superiority when both are stock or equally prepared. The S2000's 789-pound weight advantage can't overcome the S65's 185hp and 133 lb-ft torque advantage. For the driver who wants Honda reliability and roadster purity, the S2000 delivers. For the driver who wants the fastest naturally aspirated experience at $37,500, the M3's 78.4% win rate proves that 185hp more power matters more than 789 pounds less weight.