The Honda S2000’s horsepower varies by market and model year, but a typical US-spec car carries about 240 hp, while the Japanese market version is rated around 250 PS (roughly 246–247 hp).
Horsepower by market and generation
To understand the numbers, it helps to look at the two generations of the S2000 and how Honda rated cars for different regions. The first generation (AP1) and the second generation (AP2) shared the high-revving 2.0-liter F20C engine, but official horsepower figures reflect regional testing standards and tuning changes over the years.
AP1: First generation (1999–2003)
In the United States, the S2000 was commonly listed at 240 hp. In Japan (the JDM version), the car carried a rating of 250 PS, which translates to roughly 246–247 hp. The engine is known for a high-revving nature and a 9,000 rpm redline, driven by Honda’s VTEC system.
AP2: Second generation (2004–2009)
The AP2 revision kept the high-revving character but led to slightly lower officially published figures in some markets. Most US and European listings place the horsepower around 237–240 hp, with regional variations depending on emissions tuning and testing methods. The car’s performance remains defined more by its peak power near the upper rev range than by dramatic shifts in horsepower.
What this means for enthusiasts
For most observers and buyers, the key takeaway is that the S2000 sits in the 237–247 hp range depending on year and market. The difference between roughly 240 hp and 250 PS is modest in straight-line terms but reflects different measurement standards and tuning practices across regions and model years. The car’s appeal lies as much in its tracks-ready handling and redline-focused powerband as in the absolute horsepower figure.
Summary
The Honda S2000’s official horsepower is typically cited as about 240 hp for US-spec cars and around 250 PS (approximately 246–247 hp) for the Japanese market, with some markets listing 237–240 hp for later AP2 models. If you’re evaluating a specific car, check the brochure for that year and region, since ratings can differ by testing standards and emissions requirements.