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fatwomble
1,349 posts
83 months
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In answer to the question, IMO you need an S1 with a Honda engine. No need for anything other than a screaming VTEC (and perhaps some decent suspension to help keep it facing the right way). This is only my preference though 
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aelord
177 posts
94 months
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IMHO, the zenith of Elises is the S2 sport 190, (K series).
Followed by the S1 sport 160.
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The Penguin
228 posts
88 months
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fatwomble said: In answer to the question, IMO you need an S1 with a Honda engine. No need for anything other than a screaming VTEC (and perhaps some decent suspension to help keep it facing the right way). This is only my preference though What womble says is true having just had my S1 done
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pthelazyjourno
1,253 posts
38 months
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otolith said: The weight has increased over the life of the Elise, but so has the power - S1 cars are not generally quicker than S2s, or at least they weren't when they left the factory. Plenty of S1s are quicker than S2s, although there's not a lot in it. Gear ratios aside, a 720kg S1 with 118bhp is marginally quicker than a 760kg+ 120bhp K series S2. Same 720kg S1 is also quicker, at least to 60, than a 130bhp 850kg Toyota Elise S. S1 of any variety is also quicker than the 1.6 Elise S2. Slower than a 190bhp Toyota car though. And obviously lots of special editions to mix things up a bit. TBH, they're all much of a muchness, and on road I don't think the OP will find anything (outside of supercharged cars) that will just take off down the road, whether he goes for an S1 or S2.
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kambites
32,864 posts
90 months
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aelord said: IMHO, the zenith of Elises is the S2 sport 190, (K series).
Followed by the S1 sport 160. What's wrong with the S1 Sport 190?
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pthelazyjourno
1,253 posts
38 months
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kambites said: What's wrong with the S1 Sport 190? They developed the VHPD slightly so it was a bit less likely to blow up!! Lots of people I've spoken to rate the S2 190, the K is supposed to be a lot smoother and more tractable than the earlier VHPD cars.
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Cotty
24,931 posts
153 months
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Mr E said: A decent S2 111S was the solution I came to. Moderately will put together, mostly waterproof, plenty quick enough... Likewise. Regarding waterproof. With the hardtop on never had a leak and I have driven it in huge thunderstorms, never tried the soft top though so can't comment.
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aelord
177 posts
94 months
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kambites said: What's wrong with the S1 Sport 190? Nothing "wrong", but just as Philthelazyjourno says. (I am a bit biased as I do own a S2 190.) The K series cars handle better hands down,IMHO. Had 2 S2 Exiges, N/A and supercharged - they are a lot heavier, but more crucially the CoG seems to be higher and front-rear balance poorer, and to cap it all, the car seems to bend about the rear sub frame. I really recommend having limited slip diff too.
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pthelazyjourno
1,253 posts
38 months
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aelord said: The K series cars handle better hands down,IMHO. Had 2 S2 Exiges, N/A and supercharged - they are a lot heavier, but more crucially the CoG seems to be higher and front-rear balance poorer, and to cap it all, the car seems to bend about the rear sub frame.
I really recommend having limited slip diff too. I agree with that, although not tried one with an LSD. Loved the S2 Exige for looks, the drama, and it's still a corker of a car, but you really can notice the weight. The Toyota cars just aren't as responsive. As with most of the other threads in this posts, this is going to be biased, but buy an S1 111S or S1 160! S1 is more special, bit lighter, bit more responsive, better turn in (although you can change the geo on the S2 + fit wider front tyres)... Buy one with S2 Bilstein dampers though, they make the ride a helluva lot better!
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Exige77
1,093 posts
60 months
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fatwomble said: In answer to the question, IMO you need an S1 with a Honda engine. No need for anything other than a screaming VTEC (and perhaps some decent suspension to help keep it facing the right way). This is only my preference though Once you have driven an S1 with a Honda in nothing else will do. Great Chassis and grerat Engine. Ex77
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piper
148 posts
137 months
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Lione1 Richie said: I've had both a VX220 and a std S2 Elise, now on an S2 111s. For me the 111s is the pick of the bunch. Last of the K-series Elise's (which is the engine I prefer - lots of torque and a good top end).
The S2 111s has the short roof (a cinch to put on and take off) and has some creature comforts (leather, electric windows) but still isn't as heavy as later Elise's , I think official figure is 0-62 in 5.1 which is plenty quick enough for me.
I prefer the styling of the S2 and the ride comfort and damping is better for me. The 111s covers all the bases and if it were my money (and indeed it was) that's where I'd be putting it. I think there will always be a demand for a good S2 111s.
P.S. I never really liked my VX220, just felt a bit worse than the lotus in every department, not sure why, might have been a perception thing on my end. I also had a VX220, the Turbo model, I came from a 135R and never really got on with the VX, changed it for a S2 111S and it inspired so much more confidence in the handling department, definately pick of the bunch overall.
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Yazza54
9,467 posts
50 months
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piper said: Lione1 Richie said: I've had both a VX220 and a std S2 Elise, now on an S2 111s. For me the 111s is the pick of the bunch. Last of the K-series Elise's (which is the engine I prefer - lots of torque and a good top end).
The S2 111s has the short roof (a cinch to put on and take off) and has some creature comforts (leather, electric windows) but still isn't as heavy as later Elise's , I think official figure is 0-62 in 5.1 which is plenty quick enough for me.
I prefer the styling of the S2 and the ride comfort and damping is better for me. The 111s covers all the bases and if it were my money (and indeed it was) that's where I'd be putting it. I think there will always be a demand for a good S2 111s.
P.S. I never really liked my VX220, just felt a bit worse than the lotus in every department, not sure why, might have been a perception thing on my end. I also had a VX220, the Turbo model, I came from a 135R and never really got on with the VX, changed it for a S2 111S and it inspired so much more confidence in the handling department, definately pick of the bunch overall. Wasn't this all down to a heavy VX lump in the rear and 17inch wheels all round
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otolith
19,408 posts
73 months
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pthelazyjourno said: otolith said: The weight has increased over the life of the Elise, but so has the power - S1 cars are not generally quicker than S2s, or at least they weren't when they left the factory. Plenty of S1s are quicker than S2s, although there's not a lot in it. Sure, and vice-versa, which is what I was getting at - OP was asking if S1s are quicker. There's a wide range of performance from the factory, from a 1.6 S2 or the original 118bhp S1 to a supercharged S2 or a Sport 190 S1.
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SeanyD
2,705 posts
69 months
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pthelazyjourno said: TBH, they're all much of a muchness, +1 Wise words, probably different on track, but on the roads I've been on many a jaunt with many variations from 118 to 240bhp and they'll pretty much stick together nicely en-par.
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Thud_Mcguffin
199 posts
72 months
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I went to the dealer to buy a S2 72 special edition but when I walked onto his forecourt he had a Azure Blue S1 sitting there which my eye was much more drawn to. Being a normal Joe Blogs I didn't discern any difference in the driving experience so I went for the nice Blue one with Magnolia leather which I preferred the look of.
Just how shallow is that?
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Mr E
14,145 posts
128 months
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Thud_Mcguffin said: I went to the dealer to buy a S2 72 special edition but when I walked onto his forecourt he had a Azure Blue S1 sitting there which my eye was much more drawn to. Being a normal Joe Blogs I didn't discern any difference in the driving experience so I went for the nice Blue one with Magnolia leather which I preferred the look of.
Just how shallow is that? Sounds fair enough to me. Someone actually buying a car they liked the most.... where will it end?
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ChrisJ.
426 posts
109 months
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me01mp said: Hi All..
In a bit of a quandry.. Definately want an elise, have done for a while.. but cant decide on S1/S2...
MP If you are not dismissing the S2 from the start, then it has to be the S2.
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Dixie
297 posts
104 months
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I've had my S1 fo nearly 10 years now. I personally think it's the better looking of the 2.
I imagine the S2 is more than likely a more comfortable place to be than mine but other than that it's only plus i can see for the S2.
My car has been used pretty much everyday of the 10 years i've owned it. It's by no means a delicate car. In it's time with me I've changed 2 clutches, 1 headgasket, all the ball joints, 1 radiator and the suspension.
Only 1 time has the bill been more than £300 (no labour charges) and that was for the shiny new suspension (which i was kinda excited about) _ I imagine the same can be said for an S2.
One other thing to take into account with the S1s (especially the S160s) is they seem to be appreciating. If your thinking of keeping it long term it could actually be an investment!! I paid £11k for mine when i bought it. 10 years later a 98 S1 with 80k on it is still worth a decent percentage of that.
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Cotty
24,931 posts
153 months
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Dixie said: I imagine the S2 is more than likely a more comfortable place to be than mine but other than that it's only plus i can see for the S2. Isnt the S2 roof easier to take off and put on?
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GBSGR5
23 posts
57 months
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I set out looking for a standard S1 based on what I'd read about them. I looked for months and travelled to see a fair few, but with couldn't find a nice one. Then a S2 (2004 K Series) came for sale locally, it was clean & low mileage so I had it inspected and bought it. Personally I think the S1 is the better looking car of the two, but the S2 is more comfortable and the roof is more practical (living in the North of Scotland that makes a big difference !!).
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