The Honda S2000 uses two engines depending on the model year: the F20C 2.0-liter inline-four in the AP1 (2000–2003) and the F22C1 2.2-liter inline-four in the AP2 (2004–2009).
The S2000 is celebrated for its high-revving nature and precise manual transmission. This article explains the two engines that powered the car during its production and how they differed in displacement, power, and torque.
Two generations, two engines
The S2000’s heart evolved with its generation. The first iteration relied on a compact 2.0-liter powerplant, while the later model swapped in a larger displacement for more mid-range torque, all while preserving the car’s spirited, high-revving character.
AP1: F20C 2.0-liter inline-four
The AP1 debuted with the F20C engine — a 2.0-liter DOHC inline-four with Honda’s VTEC. It was renowned for a high redline and strong peak output, delivering roughly 240 hp and about 153 lb-ft of torque. The engine’s peak performance came with a redline near 9,000 rpm, contributing to the S2000’s distinctive, race-inspired feel.
AP2: F22C1 2.2-liter inline-four
In 2004, the S2000 shifted to the F22C1 engine: a larger 2.2-liter DOHC inline-four with VTEC. It produced about 237 hp and around 162 lb-ft of torque, with a redline closer to 8,000 rpm. The displacement increase offered more mid-range torque while keeping the high-rev character that enthusiasts expect from the model.
Key specifications by engine
Here is a concise comparison of the two engines to illustrate the differences in size, power, and torque.
- F20C (AP1, 2000–2003): 2.0 L inline-four, DOHC, VTEC; about 240 hp and ~153 lb-ft; redline near 9,000 rpm.
- F22C1 (AP2, 2004–2009): 2.2 L inline-four, DOHC, VTEC; about 237 hp and ~162 lb-ft; redline near 8,000 rpm.
Note: horsepower numbers can vary slightly by market and measurement standard, and torque figures may differ by model year and conditions.
Why the engine choice mattered
The engine difference shaped the car’s character: the F20C emphasized ultra-high-rev excitement and featherweight feel, while the F22C1 offered a touch more low- to mid-range shove without sacrificing the S2000’s renowned responsiveness.
In summary, the S2000’s engine depends on the generation: the AP1 used the F20C 2.0-liter inline-four, and the AP2 used the F22C1 2.2-liter inline-four. Both are high-revving, DOHC VTEC four-cylinders delivering approximately 237–240 hp, with peak torque around 150–162 lb-ft and redlines roughly between 8,000 and 9,000 rpm.
Summary: The Honda S2000 is powered by two engines across its production run—F20C 2.0L in AP1 (2000–2003) and F22C1 2.2L in AP2 (2004–2009)—both high-revving inline-fours with similar peak horsepower and varying displacement, torque, and redline.