Suprised by the vx220 T

[JTBUSH]

So, I have now had the pleasure of trying various 120bhp Elises, a 111s and finally this weekend, a VX220 turbo. I was always of the opinion that I would be buying an Elise of some sort. Probably the 111s or a special edition 120bhp Elise. I was just trying to VX Turbo for completeness just to make sure I was making the right decision re the Elise.

Unfortunately it didnt work like this. I found the VX to be an absolutely amazing car. Dare I say it, I prefered the experience to any Elise I have driven. The power was amazing. The kick in the arse under acceleration seemed to dwarf anything I had experienced in an Elise. The brakes felt much more suited for the sort of driving I would be doing (ie road, not race track), the back end felt far more planted than the Elise coming out of round a bouts and corners, which I know sounds strange due to the massive power and weight at the back end.

So, this has made the decision process very hard. I have wanted an Elise for years and years, and was going to be buying one in the next month, but now, the VX has thrown a spanner in the works. I love the Elise, but the VX turbo made it feel slow. The noise was far nicer(I love the noise a turbo makes), the gear change better and I didnt seem to be able to notice much in the way of handling differences. You get ABS, Airbag, and the insurance is cheaper. So it seems a much better deal. Why do I still want a lotus then?

[DanL]

JTBUSH said:

Why do I still want a lotus then?

Because in pubs you'll have to explain to people what it is you drive. All depends who you're buying the car for - yourself, or everyone else? If it helps, I was the same - wanted an Elise, tried them all, ended up with a VX. I had no regrets, and it's amusing to see people's reaction when they know you've bought a Vauxhall and you turn up in the VX.

Dan

[JTBUSH]

I dont think I would have any regrets whichever i go for. Suppose I could have one for a year, then change it and try the other!

[TangoAlpha]

Same with me...looked at several Elises, took two out for test drives, couldn't decide...test drove a VX, bought a VX. Now on my second VX.

[wmg100]

Unless your looking at 190 elises then I would definately go for a VXT.

[VXJON]

Same for me, the vx was just a better package overall

[s,one]

had Elise 160 ,Exige S1 and S2 ,looked at S2s Exige couldn't justify the extra money so now have a VXT stage 2 and more than happy.

Steve

[Muncher]

I've had my VX for over 2 and half years, comparing it to a S2 elise, the engine is better (mine is a 2.2), the gearbox is better and the running costs such as insurance are better. The Elise is perhaps the better handling by a whisker (which can be resolved on the VX), the interior is perhaps a little nicer and it has a Lotus badge. Looks are subjective.

I don't think you will go wrong with either, it is a matter of opinion based on what you prefer and want from the car. I would love an Elise, but it would have to be Honda/Audi/Ford engined but they are silly money.