Is the Honda S2000 FWD or RWD?
The Honda S2000 is a rear-wheel-drive sports car.
Introduced in 1999 and produced until 2009, the S2000’s driving experience has long been a benchmark for front-engine, rear-wheel-drive roadsters. Its high-revving 2.0-liter engine and precise chassis are tuned around power delivered to the rear wheels, a choice that shapes handling, balance, and enthusiasm behind the wheel.
Drive layout and engineering
The car pairs a traditional front-engine setup with rear-wheel drive, which Honda designed to optimize balance and steering feel. This arrangement helps achieve near-perfect weight distribution, contributing to predictable turn-in and confident power delivery on both dry and damp roads.
Key drivetrain facts
Below are core facts about how the S2000’s drivetrain is laid out and why it matters for performance.
- Drivetrain configuration: front-engine, rear-wheel drive (RWD)
- Engine: 2.0-liter inline-4 delivering around 240 horsepower in typical spec markets, with a high-revving character and a redline near 9,000 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual with short throws designed for engaging shifts
- Weight distribution: close to 50/50 front-to-rear for balanced handling
The rear-wheel-drive layout, combined with a high-revving engine and a rigid chassis, has made the S2000 renowned for its driving purity and razor-sharp feedback, especially on winding roads and track environments.
Why RWD matters for driving dynamics
In RWD configurations, the rear wheels handle propulsion, while the front wheels provide steering and front-end grip. This separation is a key reason enthusiasts favor the S2000 for its ability to rotate smoothly through corners, its throttle-induced oversteer characteristics, and its responsive steering—a stark contrast to front-wheel-drive sports cars that tend to understeer as grip conditions change.
Summary
The Honda S2000 is a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sports car that pairs a high-revving 2.0-liter engine with a precise six-speed manual transmission. Its front-engine, RWD layout is central to its balance, handling, and engaging driving experience, widely celebrated by enthusiasts and critics alike. While production ended in 2009, the S2000 remains a benchmark for affordable, driver-focused roadsters.
