Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2009 Honda S2000 lineup has two versions. The base S2000 is the street-friendly roadster, pairing the model’s high-revving, rear-wheel-drive performance with leather seats, air conditioning, and a full audio system. The CR is the more track-focused branch, with quicker steering, added chassis bracing, and functional aerodynamic parts in place of some standard comfort equipment.
The Base Model, sold simply as the S2000, is the rounded, street-friendly version of Honda’s lightweight open-top sports car.
Best for: Drivers who want the classic S2000 experience with more everyday comfort.
Highlights
The Performance trim level, known as the CR, is the sharper, more track-focused S2000 with quicker responses and less emphasis on comfort.
Best for: Drivers who prioritize track-day character and focused handling over everyday amenities.
Highlights
The CR builds on the base car’s engine, six-speed manual, and rear-wheel-drive layout with quicker steering, added rear bracing, functional aerodynamic parts, and more deeply bolstered cloth seats; air conditioning and the full audio system are not standard.
0 in stock| Feature | Base Model | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Includes | base0 in stock | |
| Driving focus | Street-friendly balance | Track-focused CR |
| Steering | Standard ratio | Quicker ratio |
| Rear body brace | — | Standard |
| Aerodynamic parts | — | Front underbody spoiler and rear wing |
| Seat trim | Leather-trimmed sport seats | Yellow-and-black cloth sport seats |
| Air conditioning | Standard | Not standard |
| Audio system | Eight speakers | Not standard |
In the final lineup, the Base is the more road-friendly S2000, with leather seats, air conditioning, and a full audio system as standard. The CR is more track-focused, adding quicker steering, extra body bracing, functional aerodynamic pieces, and deeply bolstered cloth seats.
The late-run S2000 CR is the more focused factory performance version. It keeps the core engine and manual transmission but adds sharper steering, extra chassis support, functional spoilers, and more heavily bolstered seats while giving up some standard comfort equipment.
Yes. In the final lineup, both the Base and CR use the same 2.2-liter VTEC four-cylinder engine, rated at 237 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The CR’s distinction comes from steering, chassis, aerodynamic, and cabin changes rather than added engine output.
The Base is the more sensible everyday choice in the final lineup. It retains the S2000’s engine, six-speed manual, and limited-slip differential while making leather seats, air conditioning, and the full audio system standard.
The CR is the more track-focused choice in the late S2000 lineup. Its quicker steering, rear body brace, functional front spoiler and rear wing, and deeply bolstered cloth seats give it a more concentrated performance setup than the Base.
No. The late-run CR has visible changes, including a front spoiler and rear wing, but those pieces are functional. It also has quicker steering, a rear body brace, and more supportive cloth seats, so its differences go beyond styling.
In the final lineup, the Base makes leather seating, air conditioning, and the full eight-speaker audio system standard. The CR does not make those comfort-oriented items standard because it is aimed more squarely at focused driving.
In the final lineup, the Base has leather-trimmed sport seats. The CR uses deeply bolstered yellow-and-black cloth sport seats designed to hold the driver and passenger more firmly during hard cornering.
Yes. In the late-run lineup, the CR has a quicker steering ratio than the Base. That means it responds more sharply to steering inputs, reinforcing the CR’s more focused character.
The late-run CR has a functional front underbody spoiler and rear wing spoiler. These are part of its performance-focused setup rather than purely decorative additions.
Yes. In the final lineup, the Base has the same 2.2-liter engine and six-speed manual layout as the CR, plus a torque-sensing limited-slip differential, short-throw shifter, stability control, and traction control. It is road-friendly, not stripped of performance equipment.
Pick the Base if you want the core S2000 experience with more everyday comfort. Pick the late-run CR if sharper steering, added chassis support, stronger seat bolstering, and functional aerodynamic parts matter more than standard comfort features.