Esprit V8 or Exige? Time for another Lotus!
Discussion
So, I am looking for another Lotus. Really loved my V8 Esprit, but wondered if an Exige would fit the bill. Loads of other cars, so it would be a toy as usual. Not frightened of the V8 as i have worked on them before.
I drove a V6 Exige a while ago and liked it, but it didn't have the prescence or drama of the Esprit.
So any comments on this?
Or just tell me to 'eff off!
I drove a V6 Exige a while ago and liked it, but it didn't have the prescence or drama of the Esprit.
So any comments on this?
Or just tell me to 'eff off!
FWIW I own both (03 V8 and heavily prepped 05 Exige) and I'd say it depends what you intend to use it for. The Esprit does not have the Exige's laser sharp chassis, and does feel a bit ponderous in comparison (bear in mind that the Exige is a very high bar to compare to). Where the Esprit out does the Exige is in pure grunt (mine is at 450BHP), comfort and high speed driving. I've hit 270KPH in it on empty desert roads and it felt absolutely planted, I drove the Exige down the same road at similar speeds and whilst is also felt planted, this is probably down to the amount of aero I have on it.
They're both head turners, but the Esprit elicits a huge amount of respect that the Exige can't match, if that's your motivation go for the Esprit. The Esprit is also a more secure investment if you buy the right one (post mid 01), but I paid double the going rate of a 'regular' one for it so it depends on how long you intend on keeping it.
On track the Exige is a serious weapon, and if you (like me) are into shaving hundredths off your lap times go for the Exige.
I haven't driven a V6 though, so I can't offer a direct comparison.
They're both head turners, but the Esprit elicits a huge amount of respect that the Exige can't match, if that's your motivation go for the Esprit. The Esprit is also a more secure investment if you buy the right one (post mid 01), but I paid double the going rate of a 'regular' one for it so it depends on how long you intend on keeping it.
On track the Exige is a serious weapon, and if you (like me) are into shaving hundredths off your lap times go for the Exige.
I haven't driven a V6 though, so I can't offer a direct comparison.
V8 FOU said:
Try and find a late V8 Esprit! Most are around '98.
It took me 18 months to find mine, I set Google alerts for the most common keywords so I'd get an email the second something popped up regardless of where it was listed. In the end it picked up an ad for a Esprit that was stored and maintained by a Lotus dealer on behalf of the owner that lived off the continent. It had never even been registered and had a <10K kms on it.I've never driven or been in an Esprit V8 though I have owned a car for a little while now that shares the same engine management interestingly which is the Exige S1.
Mine is running in rude health and actually features in this month's Classic Car magazine in the buyers guide and I have to say it is an absolutely engaging driving experience like no other I have ever encountered. If you're after a toy that is there for that pure thrill of driving I think the Exige seriously fits those criteria. I'm sure an Esprit is similarly an epic machine to own. Enjoy whatever you choose!
Mine is running in rude health and actually features in this month's Classic Car magazine in the buyers guide and I have to say it is an absolutely engaging driving experience like no other I have ever encountered. If you're after a toy that is there for that pure thrill of driving I think the Exige seriously fits those criteria. I'm sure an Esprit is similarly an epic machine to own. Enjoy whatever you choose!
I've just bought an Excel SE as well. Spent nearly as much on getting it right as the thing cost.
Beware going v8 route as car will need some serious upgrades to cope and loses all originality. I think the Ines that will ultimately make good returns will be the best specimens that are original (might get away with fuel injection) though as it's much more drivable.
Beware going v8 route as car will need some serious upgrades to cope and loses all originality. I think the Ines that will ultimately make good returns will be the best specimens that are original (might get away with fuel injection) though as it's much more drivable.
Biggriff said:
I've just bought an Excel SE as well. Spent nearly as much on getting it right as the thing cost.
Beware going v8 route as car will need some serious upgrades to cope and loses all originality. I think the Ines that will ultimately make good returns will be the best specimens that are original (might get away with fuel injection) though as it's much more drivable.
True. But the cost of overhauling and tuning the engine can easily run into five figures! A set of pistons and liners £750, crank bearings £300, head porting etc £1200, cams £800, injection £2500, decent flywheel £300, exhaust manifold and system £2000, plus all the other odds and sods like gaskets etc. All to get 230/250bhp???Beware going v8 route as car will need some serious upgrades to cope and loses all originality. I think the Ines that will ultimately make good returns will be the best specimens that are original (might get away with fuel injection) though as it's much more drivable.
I havce a chance of a Gen2 LS with 6 speed auto for about £5K. Only 60kg heavier and is 420bhp.
I can't see these ever being massively valuable. which is a shame for such a good car. Apart from the lack of Akerman.....
Drove it today to the Riverview cafe. Gets better with use - but the lack of power is a bit of a let down.
The Excel is a great car. They need to be revved though, it's an old fashioned tuned engine.
I could definitely see the appeal of a Rover V8 in one.
Interestingly, mine was a "barn find" and despite being in good nick the previous owner spent nearly five grand on it, just mechanicals. I've still got a way to go.
I saw one on eBay that looked tempting and a good price, but it's only covered 900 miles or so in the last decade. So like many "mint" cars, it'll need a massive overhaul right away
I could definitely see the appeal of a Rover V8 in one.
Interestingly, mine was a "barn find" and despite being in good nick the previous owner spent nearly five grand on it, just mechanicals. I've still got a way to go.
I saw one on eBay that looked tempting and a good price, but it's only covered 900 miles or so in the last decade. So like many "mint" cars, it'll need a massive overhaul right away
The other lotuses that have appreciated are always in demand as immaculate standard vehicles. Agree Excel seems relatively unloved so at the moment they are low value, but the more people who shove in a V8 will make supply of good standard vehicles more limited. Some will simply expire due to the ravages of time as well as we are seeing on Ebay etc.
I debated the V8 route and if I wanted the Excel for a proper all out sports car then I might be tempted, but a TVR would be better start there. I have a 600hp beast already, so for me this is a different proposition and I will keep it as standard as I can with only subtle mods to improve reliability or driveability.
I debated the V8 route and if I wanted the Excel for a proper all out sports car then I might be tempted, but a TVR would be better start there. I have a 600hp beast already, so for me this is a different proposition and I will keep it as standard as I can with only subtle mods to improve reliability or driveability.
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