Honda S2000 AP2 / Honda Civic Type R FL5

The Honda S2000 AP2 makes 240 horsepower and costs $37,500. The Honda Civic Type R FL5 makes 315 horsepower and costs $45,000—a $7,500 price gap (17% cheaper for the S2000) despite the FL5 having 75hp more power. Across 45 shared tracks with 153 unique comparison scenarios, the cars are virtually tied at 0.01 seconds overall, but when you filter the comparison data on this page for matched modifications and matched tire treadwear, the S2000 wins 51.7% of battles with a 2.39-second average gap.

This is Honda's second-generation S2000 AP2 (2004-2009) versus Honda's 11th-generation Civic Type R FL5 (2023-2025). The S2000 weighs 2,859 lbs. The Civic weighs 3,188 lbs—329 pounds heavier. The Civic makes 75hp more power (315hp vs 240hp), yet the S2000 wins 51.7% of matched battles despite being 14-21 years older. The question isn't which is faster—it's whether saving $7,500 to buy a 2004-2009 roadster with no warranty justifies near-equal performance against a 2023-2025 hot hatch that makes 75hp more and is still under factory warranty.

The Generation Gap: 2004-2009 vs 2023-2025

The S2000 AP2 ran from 2004-2009 as Honda's naturally aspirated F20C/F22C-powered roadster, making these models 16-21 years into their lifecycle. The Civic Type R FL5 launched in 2023 as Honda's K20C1 turbocharged hot hatch, making 2023-2025 models 0-2 years into their lifecycle. This 14-21 year generation gap creates massive ownership cost differences when comparing a car long past its factory warranty to one still covered:

• S2000 AP2 (2004-2009 model years): Factory warranty coverage (Honda's 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper, 5yr/60k powertrain) expired 11-18 years ago. At this age and mileage, typical maintenance needs include: suspension refresh (bushings, ball joints $1,200-2,000), clutch inspection or replacement ($1,500-2,500 for OEM), soft top replacement if convertible top worn ($800-1,500), brake system overhaul ($600-1,200), cooling system refresh ($400-800), tires aged out ($1,000). Conservative estimate for 16-21 year old S2000: $4,000-7,000 in deferred maintenance over next 2-3 years. Honda dealer service: $120/hour.
• Civic Type R FL5 (2023-2025 model years): Factory warranty active (Honda's 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper covers through 2026-2028, 5yr/60k powertrain through 2028-2030). At 0-2 years old with low mileage, maintenance needs are minimal: oil changes ($80 each, 3-4 per year), tire rotation ($40). Conservative estimate for 0-2 year old Civic: $500-800 over next 2-3 years. Honda dealer service: $120/hour.

The $7,500 upfront savings buying the S2000 shrinks to $1,000-3,000 effective savings when you factor in the 16-21 year old S2000's deferred maintenance costs versus the FL5's warranty-covered ownership. The S2000 still costs less, but for only $1,000-3,000 less over 3 years while giving up 75hp, factory warranty protection, and modern safety features.

The 75-Horsepower Deficit: F22C vs K20C1

The S2000's F22C 2.2L naturally aspirated inline-four makes 240hp at 7,800 rpm and 162 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm (database shows 220 lb-ft, likely including torque converter effect). Power-to-weight: 11.91 lbs/hp. The Civic's K20C1 2.0L turbocharged inline-four makes 315hp at 6,500 rpm and 310 lb-ft at 2,600-4,000 rpm (database shows 420 lb-ft, likely data error). Power-to-weight: 10.12 lbs/hp—a 15% advantage.

The S2000's F22C represents peak naturally aspirated Honda engineering: 109 hp/liter specific output, 8,200 rpm redline, VTEC crossover at 6,000 rpm, and linear power delivery that defined 2000s Honda. The Civic's K20C1 represents modern turbocharged Honda: 157.5 hp/liter specific output (50% higher), 310 lb-ft torque (91% more than S2000), and instant midrange punch from turbo boost. Yet the S2000's 329-pound weight advantage (10% lighter), rear-wheel-drive traction, and double-wishbone suspension deliver a 51.7% win rate when conditions are equal. The Civic's 75hp advantage and modern chassis technology translate to only a 48.3% win rate—essentially a coin flip.

What the Filtered Data Reveals

• Matched mod + matched tire (118 laps): S2000 wins 51.7%, FL5 wins 48.3%, 2.39s gap. When both run equal preparation and tires, the battle is nearly even—the S2000 edges out 61 wins vs FL5's 57 wins. The S2000's 329-pound weight advantage and rear-wheel-drive handling barely overcome the FL5's 75hp power advantage and modern FWD traction systems. This is the most evenly matched comparison in the database.
• Medium S2000 vs medium FL5, TW200/200 (102 laps): S2000 wins 48.0% with 2.34s gap. The largest matched scenario actually favors the FL5 slightly (52.0% win rate). When both run medium modifications on 200-treadwear street tires, the FL5's turbocharged torque and modern adaptive dampers deliver a slight edge over the S2000's naturally aspirated power.
• S2000's path to victory: MISMATCHED scenarios where the S2000 runs higher modifications or grippier tires. Medium S2000 vs light FL5 (TW200/200): S2000 wins 78.7%. When the S2000 has modification advantage, the lightweight chassis and RWD handling dominate. But stock-vs-stock or matched-mod, the FL5's power advantage equalizes the battle.

The Total Cost of Ownership: Used Classic vs New Performance

S2000 AP2 (2004-2009): $37,500 buys Honda's F22C-powered roadster legend—240hp, 2,859 lbs, 8,200 rpm redline, rear-wheel-drive, double-wishbone suspension front and rear, and the last naturally aspirated Honda sports car. The S2000 appreciated from $34,000-36,000 MSRP (2004-2009) to $37,500 in 2024-2025 due to collector demand, making it one of the few appreciating Hondas. But at 16-21 years old, you're buying deferred maintenance: suspension bushings wear, soft tops age, clutches need replacement at 80k-120k miles, and everything costs out-of-pocket with no warranty. Maintenance costs are Honda-reasonable: clutch $2,000, suspension refresh $1,500, but still required. Premium fuel required, higher insurance for sports car classification.

Total 3-year cost: $37,500 purchase + $5,500 maintenance (deferred) + $3,300 premium fuel (12k miles/year, 22 mpg) + $2,400 insurance (sports car) = $48,700 total. Resale value: $38,000 (continues appreciating slowly). Net cost: $10,700.

Civic Type R FL5 (2023-2025): $45,000 buys Honda's K20C1-powered hot hatch—315hp, 3,188 lbs, limited-slip differential, adaptive dampers, and factory warranty through 2026-2030. At 0-2 years old, you're buying minimal risk: warranty covers powertrain failures, maintenance is oil changes ($80), regular fuel works (premium recommended but not required), lower insurance for hatchback classification despite performance. The K20C1's proven reliability (used in Civic Si, Accord 2.0T) means low failure rates.

Total 3-year cost: $45,000 purchase + $800 maintenance (warranty) + $2,700 fuel (regular, 28 mpg) + $1,800 insurance = $50,300 total. Resale value: $40,000 (depreciates moderately). Net cost: $10,300.

The Civic costs $400 LESS in net 3-year ownership despite being $7,500 more expensive upfront. The S2000's deferred maintenance costs ($5,500 vs $800) and higher fuel costs ($3,300 vs $2,700) erase the purchase price advantage completely. You're paying nearly the same total cost but getting 75hp less power and no warranty protection with the S2000.

The Verdict

Choose the Honda S2000 AP2 if you want naturally aspirated roadster purity at $37,500, accept a 48.3% loss rate in matched battles, and prioritize 8,200-rpm VTEC character over turbocharged torque. You're paying $7,500 less upfront (17% discount) but only $400 less in 3-year net ownership costs due to deferred maintenance on a 16-21 year old car with no warranty. The S2000 wins 51.7% of matched battles despite 75hp less power—proving the F22C's naturally aspirated brilliance and lightweight chassis still compete with modern performance. The S2000 is the choice for drivers who want Honda's last naturally aspirated sports car, value rear-wheel-drive handling and roadster experience over hot hatch practicality, and accept higher ownership risk for driving character.

Choose the Honda Civic Type R FL5 if you want turbocharged hot hatch performance at $45,000, prioritize winning 48.3% of matched battles (essentially even), and value factory warranty through 2028-2030 over classic roadster experience. You're paying $7,500 more upfront (20% premium) but only $400 more in 3-year net ownership costs due to warranty coverage and lower maintenance. The FL5 makes 75hp more power yet wins only 48.3% of matched battles—the S2000's weight advantage and RWD handling neutralize the power gap. The FL5 is the choice for drivers who want modern Honda performance with warranty protection, need practical hatchback space, and prefer turbocharged torque over naturally aspirated high-revving character.

LapMeta's 0.01-second overall gap (virtually tied) and 51.7%-48.3% matched-condition split prove these are the most evenly matched cars in the database despite a 14-21 year generation gap. The S2000's 329-pound weight advantage and rear-wheel-drive layout barely overcome the FL5's 75hp power advantage and modern FWD traction. For the driver who wants the best value-per-dollar considering total ownership costs, the FL5 at $45,000 delivers modern performance with warranty protection for only $400 more over 3 years while making 75hp more. For the driver who wants Honda's last naturally aspirated sports car and accepts near-equal performance with higher ownership risk, the S2000's $7,500 lower purchase price buys F22C purity and roadster character—but the total cost of ownership gap is only $400 after accounting for deferred maintenance.