Though I can't agree with your direction with the car, I have to thank you for being one of VERY few rotards that isn't blind to the motors' shortcomings.

 

It should be an easy choice.

The S2000 is a sports car
The Rx8 is a coupe
The S2000 is a weekend warrior
RX8 is more of a 4 seater have a couple friends hang out car.

 

I just wanted to thank you guys for reminiding me why i NEVER visit this site anymore. The amount of absolute BS is unbelievable.

-RX8 is better handling than the s2k.... ha
-S2k 300whp on stock honda parts..no (most NA S2k engine is 260-270whp on a 2.6-2.7 liter engine with ITBs)
-S2k reliability issues....like...?
-Honda offers OEM hardtop as accessory
-237-240bhp = ~200-207whp on the s2k
-Not very responsive to engine mods

If you really want any useful, accurate info on the s2k, visit S2000 Forums

yes im bias but everything is correct useful info. have no experience with rx8

 

i would say you would need a owner of each car to give you a true idea of what goes on between them...

I am currently an owner of a 04 rx8... I truely enjoy everything that the car gives me. It was so much fun in the stock form I sold a potentially 350 + whp car to concentrate on the 8. It loves to be reved and has been reliable ever since I have owned it.

First thing I would look at is "what are you going to do with the car (dd, autox, road course, street driving)"?
Second, do you like to modify cars?
Third, How much money do you have to spend on the car?

The rx8 i own is very sporty handles very well (although I am trying to get it to handle better) and has a great brake system. We have one of the best rotary guys in the country working out of largo, fl (www.mazsport.net). As much as everyone says there isn't an aftermarket for it simply doesn't know anything about the rx8 (It may not have all the bs copy cat companies out there that reproduce Honda parts but there are plenty of aftermarket companies). The RX8 is a very fun car to drive and the only one who can determine which car you should get is you. We can spout off as many personal prefrences as we want the fact is if you make a decision on a vehicle based on other peoples opinions you are making a mistake.

Now I will not lie to you and tell you that the RX8 isnt finiky becuase it is. At the same time the whole technology is amazing. Oh and don't premix the 8 you will clog your fuel pump sock...

 

So what are your goals w/ this car?

As someone stated previously, your best bang for your buck is to pick up an RX-7 and use the extra money for mods seeing as how a stock TII can keep up w/ an S2000 or RX8 in a straight line (and in the corners after a few mods) and and FD would murder both of them. But its your money...

That being said, I've driven an S2000 C/R (best s2k out there) and it was hella nice, it was nimble and responsive (it actually felt similar to my FC w/ suspension upgrades) it sounded nice (not rotary nice but damn good). It comes w/ a hard top (score!) and the seats are sick!
Only drawbacks I saw were that its very small inside...especially w/ the hardtop on, they didnt' bump up the straight line performance, ohhhh, and its 40k!!!

Both cars have their drawbacks:
RX8: hard to make power w/o $$$, requires attentive knowledgable owner, Heavier
S2K: hard to make power w/o $$$, notoriously weak rear end, off throtle snap oversteer (so Iv'e been told...)

Drive them both and see which you like better there's plenty to make you laugh and cry about both.