S2k vs. Evo 8, what should i get?

Q: I understand asking strangers about what car i get next isn't the greatest idea, but i want to hear some stories from both sides. Basically ive narrowed my choices down to an ap1 s2000 and an evo 8 (most likely a 2003 or 2004).

Im around both of these cars almost every day, about half my friends have s2k's and the other half have evos. What it comes down to in my opinion, is what car can i have fun in ALL year around (i live in maryland so the winters can get messy), what car is most practical, and which car will give me the least amount of problems. I know every ones like "shoulda bought a honda" because of their reliability, but being on s2k forums all day, makes me realize that a lot of people have problems with their s.

s2000
pros- convertible (fun), nimble, responsive, more reliable, cheaper, great handling, can get an ap1 for $10k
cons- diff problems, gear problems, not practical (convertible)

evo
pros- stock turbo, handling, aggressive looking, more practical (4 doors with normal sized trunk)
cons- transfer case problems, clutch problems, not reliable, not a convertible, have to spend atleast $15k to get one with under 100k miles on it

My s2k friends are telling me, "get an s2000 their more fun" and evo friends are saying "get an evo their More fun"
I realize they are both fun, but in two completely different categories.
I just dont want to get one and regret it and wished i got the other. Again, if you guys have personal stories, any like "i used to own an s2k and now i own an evo" or the other way around, i was thinking about just getting an evo 8, spend some money for maintenance (new gaskets, belts, replace all fluids) and a couple bolt ons, id rather have a 300hp evo that runs and is reliable, than a 650hp evo that breaks every day, i feel like i should get an s2k farther down the road when i have enough money to buy a dd, because all my friends tell me you CAN NOT drive an s in the snow, ive drove with them before and if they hit the smallest patch of ice, the whole car is sideways instantly.

I would appreciate it if anyone can actually help me and not say "just get what you want" because im obviously on the fence between these two, thanks for anyone that can help :)
(2012-01-31 05:44:43)

A: Depends on what you want. They both have the same aftermarket potential and are quick stock. The evo is faster though. I can could beat s2000 around BIR all day with my old gsx, but then again it comes down to the drivers ability.

You'll expect to pay more for maintenance on the evo because of the turbo system and stress and abuse you'll push onto the engine. The most noted is timing belts ware fast on 4g63's so you'll change these often. Stock evo's are as reliable as s2000's. It's when people mod them they turn into money buckets. The way an evo was build is so sophisticated that if you change anything it requires the ecu to be flashed otherwise the car will turn unstable and you'll lose power.

Depends on what your want, turbo or na? The power potential of the evo surpasses the s2000 to an extent. To upgrade the evo would be "cheaper" then the s2000. The s2000 will hit a limit of power without turboing it, but the s2000 has the advantage of no turbo lag and better throttle response of course. If you were comparing an sti to a evo that would be a better compassion since they are almost identical it just comes down to fine engineering. Also, for snow wise, I drove my 240 in MN winter last year which as you can imagine was as worse as yours and it was tough even with 300lbs of sand in the trunk but I still got around.....just was sideways the whole time hehe. Point being, both of these cars can be driven in snow just wouldn't recommend it becuase of the salt on the roads (if that's what they use in the land of mary)

s2000:
-rwd
-na (vtec)
-been known to be a "lemon"
-problems with 2nd gear (popping out or grinding)

EVO:
-awd
-turbo
-stock clutch is poor
-center diff locks up

There are long list of "problems" with these cars but it either depends on the year or how maintenace was performed.

Check out www.evolutionm.net/ for all info evos
Check out honda-tech or s2ki for s2000 info