Honda S2000 AP2 / Lotus Exige S Series 2

The Honda S2000 AP2 makes 240 horsepower and costs $37,500. The Lotus Exige S Series 2 makes 218 horsepower and costs $60,000—a $22,500 price gap (38% cheaper for the S2000) despite the S2000 having 22hp more power. Across 21 shared tracks with 183 unique comparison scenarios, the Exige wins by 2.20 seconds overall, but when you filter the comparison data on this page for matched modifications and matched tire treadwear, the S2000 wins 83.3% of battles with a 3.11-second average gap.

This is Honda's S2000 AP2 (2004-2009) versus Lotus's Exige S Series 2 (2006-2013). The S2000 weighs 2,859 lbs. The Exige weighs 2,593 lbs—266 pounds lighter despite the Lotus being a mid-engine exotic. The S2000 makes 22hp more power (240hp vs 218hp), and the S2000 wins 83.3% of matched battles while costing $22,500 less. The question isn't which is faster—it's whether the Exige S Series 2's Lotus exotic status and mid-engine layout justify paying $22,500 more (60% premium) for a car that loses 83% of matched battles to a front-engine Honda roadster costing $37,500.

The Philosophy Gap: Honda VTEC vs Lotus Supercharged

The S2000 AP2 ran from 2004-2009 as Honda's second-generation S2000 with revised F22C1 2.2L VTEC, making these models 16-21 years into their lifecycle. The Exige S Series 2 ran from 2006-2013 as Lotus's supercharged Exige variant using Toyota's 2ZZ-GE supercharged engine, making these models 12-19 years into their lifecycle. This isn't just an age gap—it's comparing Honda's naturally aspirated VTEC roadster philosophy to Lotus's supercharged mid-engine exotic philosophy, and comparing front-engine/rear-drive simplicity to mid-engine complexity:

• S2000 AP2 (2004-2009 model years): Factory warranty (Honda's 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper, 5yr/60k powertrain) expired 14-18 years ago. At 16-21 years old with enthusiast mileage (40k-80k miles typical), the S2000 requires age-based Honda maintenance: F22C1 2.2L VTEC service (oil changes $70-100, spark plugs $150-250, valve adjustment $400-600 at 60k miles), 6-speed manual transmission service ($150-250), soft-top replacement ($1,500-2,500 if needed), suspension refresh (bushings $600-1,200, shocks $800-1,500). Conservative estimate for 16-21 year old S2000 AP2: $5,000-8,000 over next 3 years including potential soft-top replacement. Honda specialist service: $100-140/hour.
• Exige S Series 2 (2006-2013 model years): Factory warranty (Lotus's 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper) expired 9-16 years ago. At 12-19 years old with Lotus mileage (20k-50k miles typical for exotic), the Exige requires exotic-car maintenance: 2ZZ-GE 1.8L supercharged engine service (oil changes $150-250, spark plugs $300-500, supercharger belt $800-1,200, intercooler service), Toyota 6-speed manual transmission (clutch $2,500-3,500 at 40k-60k miles), mid-engine cooling system ($1,500-2,500 potential), suspension refresh (Lotus-specific components $2,000-3,500), exotic parts sourcing delays. Conservative estimate for 12-19 year old Exige S: $8,000-12,000 over next 3 years. Lotus specialist service: $150-200/hour, parts premium 3-4x Honda costs.

The $22,500 upfront savings buying the S2000 shrinks to $19,500-18,500 effective savings when you factor in the Exige's higher exotic maintenance costs (12-19 years old requiring Lotus specialist service and supercharger maintenance) versus the S2000's Honda reliability (16-21 years old with straightforward VTEC service). The S2000 still costs significantly less even after accounting for age-related maintenance while winning 83.3% of matched battles.

The 22-Horsepower Advantage: F22C1 VTEC vs 2ZZ-GE Supercharged

The S2000's F22C1 2.2L VTEC makes 240hp at 7,800 rpm and 162 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm (database shows 220 lb-ft, likely including gearbox torque multiplication). Power-to-weight: 11.91 lbs/hp. The Exige's 2ZZ-GE 1.8L supercharged makes 218hp at 7,800 rpm and 159 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm (database shows 216 lb-ft). Power-to-weight: 11.89 lbs/hp—virtually identical power-to-weight ratios despite the 266-pound weight difference.

The F22C1's 240hp represents Honda's VTEC naturally aspirated pinnacle: 109 hp/liter specific output, 8,200 rpm redline, VTEC variable valve timing, and the sound that made S2000 ownership legendary. The 2ZZ-GE's 218hp represents Lotus's Toyota-sourced supercharged efficiency: 121 hp/liter specific output (11% higher), Eaton M45 roots-type supercharger, intercooled forced induction, and the mid-engine character that defines Exige ownership. Yet the S2000's power advantage (22hp more), similar power-to-weight ratio, front-engine/rear-drive balance, and Honda chassis tuning deliver an 83.3% win rate when conditions are equal. The Exige's 266-pound weight advantage (9% lighter) and mid-engine layout can't overcome the S2000's raw power and proven Honda dynamics in matched battles—the VTEC naturally aspirated roadster beats the supercharged mid-engine exotic in 83% of battles despite both having identical power-to-weight ratios.

What the Filtered Data Reveals

• Matched mod + matched tire (12 laps): S2000 wins 83.3%, Exige wins 16.7%, 3.11s gap. When both run equal preparation and tires, the S2000's dominance is overwhelming—the F22C1's 240hp and front-engine balance overcome the 2ZZ-GE's 218hp and mid-engine layout. The S2000 wins 10 laps vs Exige's 2 laps—proving the Honda S2000 AP2's VTEC power and front-engine/rear-drive dynamics deliver superior performance over the Lotus Exige S Series 2 in matched conditions despite the Exige being 266 pounds lighter and costing $22,500 more.
• Race S2000 vs light Exige, TW200/200 (11 laps): S2000 wins 100.0% with 5.17s gap. The largest matched scenario shows the S2000's advantage is absolute when the S2000 runs race modifications vs Exige's light modifications (MISMATCHED MOD scenario). The F22C1's power advantage with race-level preparation completely overwhelms the Exige's mid-engine exotic engineering—11 wins, 0 losses. When the S2000 has modification advantage, the Exige can't compete at all.
• Exige's only competitive path: When Exige runs race modifications vs S2000's medium or light modifications, the supercharged mid-engine layout can compete. But when both run equal mods and tires, the S2000's 83.3% win rate proves the Honda roadster's naturally aspirated VTEC delivers superior performance over the Lotus exotic's supercharged complexity.

The Total Cost of Ownership: Honda Roadster vs Lotus Exotic

S2000 AP2 (2004-2009): $37,500 buys Honda's legendary VTEC roadster—240hp F22C1 2.2L naturally aspirated VTEC, 6-speed manual transmission, front-engine/rear-drive layout, and the roadster purity that made S2000 ownership iconic. The S2000 AP2 appreciated from $34,000-36,000 MSRP (2004-2009) to $37,500 in the used market—significant appreciation reflects S2000 collectibility and the end of naturally aspirated Honda sports cars. At 16-21 years old, you're buying classic Honda reliability with age-based maintenance: valve adjustments, potential soft-top replacement, straightforward VTEC service. Premium fuel required, moderate insurance for classic Honda.

Total 3-year cost: $37,500 purchase + $6,500 maintenance (including potential soft-top) + $3,600 premium fuel (12k miles/year, 18 mpg) + $2,100 insurance = $49,700 total. Resale value: $38,000 (S2000 appreciation continues as Honda classic). Net cost: $11,700.

Exige S Series 2 (2006-2013): $60,000 buys Lotus's supercharged mid-engine exotic—218hp 2ZZ-GE 1.8L supercharged (Toyota-sourced with Eaton M45 supercharger), 6-speed manual transmission, mid-engine/rear-drive layout, and the Lotus handling purity that defines Exige ownership. The Exige S Series 2 depreciated from $58,000-68,000 MSRP (2006-2013) to $60,000 in the used market—minimal depreciation reflects Lotus Exige collectibility and Series 2 being the supercharged Exige generation. At 12-19 years old, you're buying Lotus exotic with mid-engine complexity: supercharger maintenance, clutch replacement potential, Lotus-specific parts sourcing. Premium fuel required, high insurance for Lotus exotic.

Total 3-year cost: $60,000 purchase + $10,000 maintenance (supercharger service, exotic parts) + $3,900 premium fuel (12k miles/year, 17 mpg) + $2,700 insurance (Lotus exotic premium) = $76,600 total. Resale value: $58,000 (Exige holds value as Lotus exotic). Net cost: $18,600.

The S2000 costs $6,900 LESS in net 3-year ownership ($11,700 vs $18,600) while also being $22,500 cheaper upfront. The S2000's lower maintenance costs ($6,500 vs $10,000), similar resale depreciation, and Honda reliability create a clear value advantage. You're saving $22,500 upfront for a car that wins 83.3% of matched battles AND saving $6,900 in total 3-year costs—the S2000 delivers both better performance and dramatically better value.

The Verdict

Choose the Honda S2000 AP2 if you want VTEC roadster purity at $37,500, prioritize winning (83.3% matched win rate), and value naturally aspirated 8,200-rpm character over mid-engine exotic complexity. You're saving $22,500 upfront (38% discount) while beating the Exige S in 83% of matched battles with 22hp more power. The S2000 costs $6,900 less in net 3-year ownership ($11,700 vs $18,600) due to Honda reliability versus Lotus exotic maintenance. The S2000 AP2 is the choice for drivers who want the last naturally aspirated Honda sports car, front-engine/rear-drive balance, and proven VTEC character—understanding you're buying a 16-21 year old Honda roadster that's faster than a $60,000 Lotus exotic while costing less upfront AND over 3 years, with potential soft-top replacement ($1,500-2,500) as the main age-related concern.

Choose the Lotus Exige S Series 2 if you want mid-engine exotic status at $60,000, accept losing 83.3% of matched battles, and prioritize supercharged mid-engine layout, Lotus handling purity, and exotic ownership over lap time performance and value. You're paying $22,500 more (60% premium over S2000) for 218hp that loses 83% of the time when preparation is equal, plus $6,900 more in net 3-year ownership costs ($18,600 vs $11,700) due to Lotus specialist service and supercharger maintenance. The Exige S Series 2 is the choice for collectors who value mid-engine exotic exclusivity, 266-pound weight advantage, Lotus chassis purity, and Toyota 2ZZ-GE reliability (despite supercharger complexity)—but understand you're paying $60,000 for a 12-19 year old Lotus that's demonstrably slower in matched conditions than a Honda roadster costing $37,500, and you'll spend $10,000 maintaining mid-engine exotic components over 3 years versus $6,500 for the S2000.

LapMeta's +2.20-second overall gap (Exige wins narrowly) hides the matched-condition reality: the S2000 wins 83.3% with a 3.11-second gap when preparation is equal. The S2000's F22C1 VTEC power advantage (22hp more), front-engine/rear-drive balance, and Honda chassis engineering overcome the Exige's 266-pound weight advantage and mid-engine exotic layout in 83% of battles despite both having identical power-to-weight ratios. For the driver who wants the best lap time performance AND lowest total cost, the S2000 at $37,500 delivers an 83.3% win rate for $22,500 less upfront and $6,900 less over 3 years. For the collector who wants mid-engine Lotus exclusivity and can justify paying $22,500 more upfront plus $6,900 more over 3 years for a car that loses 83% of matched battles, the Exige's supercharged mid-engine character and Lotus pedigree justify the premium for those who prioritize exotic ownership over speed and value.