If you are looking for a DD and possibly an occasional track car, I would go Z. The low end torque, which the RX8 and S2000 lack is very usable and a lot fun. With $500 in mods you can make major improvements to the suspension. I just sold a 350Z I had for 5+ years with not a single reliability issue.

 

I had an s2000 for 5 years and a 350z for 4....I can give you lots off feedback. Have you driven all 3? Will they be DD or will you keep the Civic?

If you get the s2k, try and find one with a hardtop.

 

My vote goes to S2K if looking for fun car.

 

Tough call for me.

I dropped the RX8 from consideration because I find it unattractive, and has poor performance/economy balance. Handling and decent interior are the only pluses for me...so no RX8. If Mazda would pull their heads out of the sand they would see enthusiasts want the RX7 back.

350z vs S2k...close one.

I prefer the look and feel of the S2K, but love the power and torque and overall performance of the 350Z. The 350Z doesn't feel as light/easy/open as the S2k. I do not like the way the Nissan engine sounds or feels as it makes it's power. The feel and view in the ****pit of the 350Z is constrained, prison like. The steering feels a bit too weighted. I felt more disconnected in the 350z than the S2k. The 350z felt dense and strong where the s2k felt quick and light. Sorry I "feel" cars more than I think logically about them

IMO the S2k is harder to drive, especially at the limit on the track. In the right hands though it is IMO a bit more rewarding. I've seen them wrecked and spun out many times at the track because of this, as the drivers are building up skill but get bitten by the S2k. I call them spin 2000's now. Better get that downshift and rev match just right or you will be facing the wrong way.

In spite of the spin cycle tendencies, the S2k just barely wins for me, because of the feel of the car. At the track I'd just have to learn to be more exact in technique.
On another day, I might choose the 350Z because of the ease of extracting maximum performance, and a higher level of performance out of the box.

 

Funny - I drive my S2000 more than my C2S... it's just really a fun car to play with. I just love that little car...

 

Now I'm really starting to have sellers remorse. I sold the S2000 last year thinking I wouldn't miss it. Boy was I wrong.