1999 Honda S2000 (AP1) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Honda S2000 (AP1) is approximately 1270 kg (2798 lbs), which makes the vehicle relatively lightweight for a sports convertible, enhancing its sporty driving dynamics. The maximum authorized weight, including passengers and cargo, is about 1535 kg (3385 lbs). This weight balance is crucial for performance and handling, maintaining the car's nimbleness on various road conditions.

The ride height or ground clearance of the Honda S2000 (AP1) is 129 mm (5.1 inches). This low clearance enhances the car's center of gravity, improving cornering stability and handling precision, key features for enthusiasts seeking an engaging and responsive driving experience. However, the low ground clearance means caution is needed on rough or uneven roads to avoid scraping the underbody.

The Honda S2000 (AP1) comes equipped with 17-inch rims—front rims sized 7.0J x 17 and rear rims sized 8.5J x 17. The tire sizes fitted are 215/45 R17 89W for the front and 245/40 R17 92W for the rear. These dimensions provide excellent grip and contribute to balanced handling with the rear wheel-drive configuration, supporting its sporty performance aims.

The Honda S2000 (AP1) offers a luggage capacity of 143 liters (about 5 cubic feet). This space is modest and typical of sports convertibles, allowing for a few bags or small suitcases but not suited for large cargo or extensive luggage. While it’s designed more for spirited driving than practicality, the luggage capacity is adequate for weekend trips or daily essentials.

Yes, the Honda S2000 (AP1) fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. With a length of 4135 mm (162.8 inches), width of 1750 mm (68.9 inches), and height of 1270 mm (50.0 inches), it is smaller than many modern cars and suitable for typical garage spaces that commonly range around 2400–3000 mm (94.5–118 inches) in width and 4800–6000 mm (189–236 inches) in length. Its compact size facilitates easy parking and storage.

The Honda S2000 (AP1) actually debuted as a new model in 1999 and did not have a direct predecessor. It was Honda's first dedicated roadster after the lightweight, smaller Honda Beat and the CR-X. Compared to those earlier models, the S2000 offered a larger and more powerful sports car experience. It struck a balance between compact size and aggressive sports dimensions, distinguishing itself in the roadster market.

Compared to contemporary sports convertibles like the Mazda MX-5 Miata or Porsche Boxster of the same era, the Honda S2000 (AP1) is slightly longer and wider than the Miata but generally more compact than the Boxster. With its length of 4135 mm and width of 1750 mm, it offers a slightly more substantial footprint than some rivals, giving it superior stability without compromising nimble handling, placing it well in the competitive lightweight sports car segment.

The Honda S2000 (AP1) is renowned for its high-revving 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing around 240 horsepower, a groundbreaking feat at launch for its displacement. This generation features a rear-wheel-drive layout, a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, and a convertible soft top. Its rigid chassis, balanced weight distribution, and precise steering make it a pure driver's car, earning acclaim for combining daily usability with exhilarating performance.

The curb weight of 1270 kg (2798 lbs), combined with the compact exterior dimensions—4135 mm length, 1750 mm width, and a low height of 1270 mm—enables the Honda S2000 (AP1) to deliver remarkable agility and responsiveness. A relatively low weight for a sports car contributes to impressive acceleration, enhanced cornering, and braking capabilities. The car's size and weight balance create a harmonious driving experience, prized by enthusiasts for track and spirited road driving alike.