Down low the Renesis has a definite torque advantage over the S2k's engine, but, since both cars put out similar torque numbers high in the rev range so neither one will "feel" any faster or slower than the other at full throttle. The S2K is decidedly faster than the RX8, however. The 2.2 L4 puts out, according to dyno tests, ~260-270hp and the Stook now does the 1320 in the high 13s. It seems to be just a hair faster than the 350Z is, actually, but doesn't give you the same push in the back that the Z does down low.

Just one little thing...
 

While the S2K might be, (well is), up on hp compared to the 8, one thing got messed up that will hurt it in autox. Previously, the S2K would get up to around 65 in 2nd gear. The '04 tops out at 58 in 2nd gear (due to lower redline and gearing changes) necessitating an earlier shift with a commensurate loss in torque. This is reported in the latest issue of Grassroots Motorsports. The RX-8 6spd will run up to 67-68 in 2nd giving it a little advantage as far as autox is concerned. I've experienced this when autoxing my Miata which has a 6spd. It tops out around 58 in 2nd gear whereas the 5spd get to 63-64. This makes a lot of difference in autox performance. Just a thought...
:D

everyone makes mistakes...

My front drive 03 Accord has 240 CHP. it dynoed at 195 WHP as well as everyone elses. it also has a 22% drivetrain loss. The S2000 is rear wheel drive and therefore loses more drivetrain energy due to its longer travel to the rear wheels, I think drive train loss is going to be much greater than 8 or 9 % and if so expect the Crank H.P. to be much greater than 250.

Re: Just one little thing...
 

Hmmmm I didn't realize, that might be a big deal. It will be interesting to see how the 04 S2Ks do next season. It's kind of sad how much 2nd gear makes or breaks a car in autox, it's always been my biggest gripe.

2nd gear isn't the end of the world. You just have to be good at shifting on an autocross course. It can be done, but it's something most autocrossers aren't used to doing.

Bottom line, the good drivers in the 04 S2000s will shift to third when needed and won't lose much if at all to the cars with the longer 2nd gear.

IMHO.... :D

Drivetrain loss in RWD is usually around 20%.

Anything not in the teens is a bit high for front or RWD if I'm not mistaken. I believe 17% is pretty standard for RWD...

Expect the drivetrain loss to be slightly higher in a front-engined RWD car than a FWD one.

Update

http://www.vtec.net/articles/view-ar...icle_id=171514

Wow, Impressive.