I have fond memories of our S2. It had a very good heater when we travelled to France in March/April. I got a factory remap because the engine had a very pronounced revhang. With this measure the power had also become more lively and the engine became more willing to rev. Another plus point that should not be underestimated: The S2 has a very full warm and smooth sound with the original exhaust. The S1 had a much thinner sound, even if it was otherwise a good car. The S3 Sports roared so nerve-rackingly that I had let quieter silencers built.
To be honest, I got used to the gearshift very quickly. My copy had a nice feeling when engaging the gears. There was a little bit of resistance, but I found it positive when you put the gearshift lever exactly. The gearshift doesn't have to be like without any mechanical feeling at all. Yes, the first gear was too short...but so what, it's a powerful cruiser that likes to see second gear quickly. The S2 doesn't want to be an agro traffic light winner. I subjectively had the impression that despite less horsepower the engine is more elastic at the bottom end than the S1 engine.
About the stiff clutch. Is it possible that the S2 also has an additional pedal spring, like my 4/4? This can be removed and then the clutch pedal is very comfortable. But you must not let your foot rest on the pedal anymore.
From my point of view there is nothing at all against the S2. I liked it very much. To be honest, I only bought a new S3 at that time because I found the slightly wider front cool. I should have liked to keep the S2. But that's how some of us feel...it's only when something good is given away that you sometimes realize how good it was.
