I am looking into buying a used 2000 RS, and I am wondering if it was the 1999 model to the 2000 that had the performance jump, or the 2000 to the 2001. I remember reading somewhere that there were new features, or changes that made the later model a bit better, but I can't remember which one.
Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
-Zeorymer
locke@kingwoodcable.com

MY00-MY01 are identical, except the 2001 has the fake carbon fiber trim on the dash. The MY98 has a DOHC phase I engine with a hot-wire MAF, which is the strong MAF. The MY99 has a SOHC phase II engine, much like the 00-01's have, but the 99 has a hot-film MAF, which is the weaker one that people have the problems with when they do an intake. All the engines have almost identical peak power, but the 00-01's have a much better power curve than the phase I engines. Plus, the 00-01's have the MAP sensor on the intake, which makes it much easier to put an aftermarket intake onto the motor. I hope this helps, but I could be a little off on the MY99 engine. I'm sure about the 98 and 00-01, but I always get a little confused by the 99's. I've heard them rfered to as phase 1.5 engines, as in the have the phase I block and internals, but the phase II SOHC heads. The phase I pistons have a shorter skirt, by the way, which can lead to piston slap. Oh, and 00-01 have rear LSD's, the 98-99's don't. Personally, I think the 00-01 are the best RS's, but that doesn't mean the 98-99's aren't worth getting either. Anyways, hope this helps some!

The only things that make the later models better than the early models are the LSD and (generally) lower mileage.
HondaH8er has broken down the intake issues pretty well, and that's the only other big issue. Anything else is down to personal preference (looks of the '98, color choice, wheel style, etc.).