As mentioned earlier, a key to the S2000's brilliance is its superb overall balance. Thus, it follows that if you improve acceleration and handling performance, to keep a balanced package you must also address the braking performance.

To this end, the S2000's braking system has seen several evolutionary improvements. Much like the other areas of improvement already discussed, these improvements were designed not only to improve braking performance in an objective sense, but also to improve overall feel, and thus driving enjoyment.

To improve fade resistance and stopping power at and near the limit, the brake pad material has been changed from a non-metallic compound to a new metallic compound. While a change in pad material is generally enough to impact measured performance, it can also result in a change in brake pedal feel. As such, the '04 S2000's brake master cylinder ratio has been changed from 6.5 to 6.0, resulting in an increased feel of rigidity and "build-up" quality (Honda's term) in the normal driving range. Honda claims less pedal travel is required than previously to provide braking power in the "normal" working ranges. "Build-up" quality is defined more or less as follows: Assuming brake pedal force is constant, braking force actually increases (more stopping power) in the latter stage of brake application, resulting in additional driver confidence and peace of mind during spirited driving.

The new pad material (Jurid632) provides greater frictional stability in high-temperature operating ranges, resulting in superb anti-fade characteristics. Fluctuation in braking performance remains relatively small even after the pads are cycled repeatedly.

The ABS system has been improved through the use of split-regulation yaw-control logic for improved stability on split-μ surfaces when the ABS is triggered. Furthermore, though more powerful than before, the system (consisting of the CPU and modulator) has been downsized for both precious space and weight savings.