Downforce difference between Exige s2 and 2-eleven?

[Higgo874]

Hi all,

I am looking at purchasing either a exige s2 260 or a 2-eleven.

I would be interested to hear peoples comparisons between the two.

I am going to be using it on road as well as track but I was wondering is there any noticeable difference in downforce levels.

What are the key things to consider with both cars?

Thanks in advance

Martin

[FTW]

If you want downforce buy a KTM XBOW.

[Higgo874]

I looked at them but not sure the reviews are as good as the exige.

Thanks

[FTW]

I raced a GT4 for a couple years awesome bits of kit and very reliable.

Out the box they require the ABT 300bhp kit and some better dampers (proflex are sublime)but once these are done they are so much fun and the downforce is a surreal experience if you've never felt it before.

A 2-11 will be cheaper to run though as will an exige. Anyway back on topic the only experience of the 2-11 I have is racing against one so I'm no use anymore.

[gashead1105]

Ask on Seloc or Exiges.com - you'll get a better response as there are people with both cars on those forums.

The S2 exige develops what is technically known as 'bugger all' downforce.

[Scuffers]

FTW said:

If you want downforce buy a KTM XBOW.

Don't make me laugh...

None of them have anything like a significant aero package.

And they are all slower (in std trim) than a 15 year old S1Exige

[Higgo874]

Thanks for people's input.

As I have never owned a lotus before which model of exige s2 holds it money best. I realise it depends on options etc but just in general.

Thanks

[Stephanie Plum]

Drive a 211, drive some different flavours of Exige, buy the one you like most. You won't lose money on any of them unless you mod them unwisely.

[240Cup]

Have had a 111R, then an S2 Exige Performance Pack 240, then a 211 now a 260 Cup.

For me the downforce on the 211 (mine had the standard aero pack not the big aero pack) was more apparent than the Exiges on track in that it had a more pointy front end but that might also have had something to do with the way it was set up. On the road I suspect you would notice no difference between the two in terms of downforce. The 211 was also ultimately a little bit quicker than the Exige 260 on the road but rarely would you be going sufficient warp factor to notice the difference. 211 brakes are astonishing - even with the standard 2 pots, but equally the AP 4 pot set up on a 260 Exige is almost as good.

I went back to an Exige as it became a faff getting the 211 out for the blats on road (its lower, you need a helmet, no roof if it rains etc etc) and I reckon the Cup 260 gives you 90% of the performance on road and track of the 211 with 200% the practicality. In the real world unless you are tracking the car more than you are using it on road the 260 variant of the Exige (particularly the Cup which is a special special thing) is an absolute weapon and I have yet to fault it to be honest.

Buy them right and treat them well and they will cost you very little.

HTH

240

[Higgo874]

240Cup said:

Have had a 111R, then an S2 Exige Performance Pack 240, then a 211 now a 260 Cup.

For me the downforce on the 211 (mine had the standard aero pack not the big aero pack) was more apparent than the Exiges on track in that it had a more pointy front end but that might also have had something to do with the way it was set up. On the road I suspect you would notice no difference between the two in terms of downforce. The 211 was also ultimately a little bit quicker than the Exige 260 on the road but rarely would you be going sufficient warp factor to notice the difference. 211 brakes are astonishing - even with the standard 2 pots, but equally the AP 4 pot set up on a 260 Exige is almost as good.

I went back to an Exige as it became a faff getting the 211 out for the blats on road (its lower, you need a helmet, no roof if it rains etc etc) and I reckon the Cup 260 gives you 90% of the performance on road and track of the 211 with 200% the practicality. In the real world unless you are tracking the car more than you are using it on road the 260 variant of the Exige (particularly the Cup which is a special special thing) is an absolute weapon and I have yet to fault it to be honest.

Buy them right and treat them well and they will cost you very little.


HTH

240

Thanks for the great advice.

[Higgo874]

Does anyone know any info on this car? http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...

Price is negotiable apparently

Thanks

[Top cat S2]

Higgo874 said:

Does anyone know any info on this car? http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...

Price is negotiable apparently

Thanks

I dont know the car, but it is nicely specced. you will be paying a premium for the colour but i still think it is a fair bit overpriced, i would be wanting that for about 28k.

[Higgo874]

I've been looking at that one and this one...

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...

What does everyone think of that? Price etc

[240Cup]

There are not many Cups around and they come up rarely so I would certainly have a look at that White one..! Not sure if the 2008 models got all the carbon (carbon roof/engine cover for example) like the later cars so I would check that out.

For me a Cup car should have the extinguisher and cut off switches as opposed to a radio so it ticks that box (personal preference of course..!) but also now looking at the interior I'm not sure the white one has got the carbon dash/carbon sill covers/lovely 'Hans' seats of the later cars either but it is difficult to tell from the photos.

As with anything Lotus, make sure it has good history and four original corners on it - they go off backwards on track occasionally and there are a few horror stories out there. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a car that has been tracked as long as it is straight and has been maintained accordingly.

It is strong money that White one but then its a case of supply and demand. I paid good money for mine, but its sitting rock solid residually and if anything might even be appreciating.

Anything else you need to know just shout.

Cheers,

240

Edited by 240Cup on Saturday 5th April 12:46

[Top cat S2]

Higgo874 said:

I've been looking at that one and this one...

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...

What does everyone think of that? Price etc

What is your budget? this Scura has a great spec - http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...

Not quite as good as a Cup 260 but not far off. You could own this for a few years and more than likely sell it for the same money, which makes it very cheap motoring. I would guess this could be had for under 40k.
If it is too expensive you want to be looking at a Exige with performance and sports packs, this will give you most of the factory options and on track unless your an expert then very little difference in track times to a Cup version.

[Higgo874]

Thanks for that.

My budget is approx 35k.

My concern with the cup is that it could be less than satisfying on the road compared to a standard one with same bhp, like getting heat in the tires, brakes etc....

Also with the stiffness and weight saving on the cup does this make it too on edge on the road?

Think I read in an evo mag review that the 2009 260 cup is better on the road that the 2010 260 cup? What is opinion on this?

Thanks

[Top cat S2]

The standard Exige has bilstein suspension which i found terrible on the road, the car would tram line and try and leave the road stage left depending on what bump you hit. The Cup has Ohlin adjustable suspension which is firmer but a much better quality ride, you can soften it off for the road with a few clicks.
I think any Exige is a compromise on the road i don't mind travelling in one to get to a trackday the other side of the country but for regular use they do get tiresome.
35k will get you a low mileage, mint 2010 MY, with performance pack and sports pack, even a Roger Becker limited edition which again will hold its price very well. I would suggest getting a good extended test drive if you can before you jump in to see if you can live with the compromise.

[Higgo874]

Thanks again top cat for the advice, much appreciated.

I am currently in the process of selling my rage r180t (google it) to fund the exige. It appears that the low mileage/rare examples get snapped up really quick so is there anywhere else I should be looking other than PH?

Thanks

[Stephanie Plum]

Nice 211 here http://classifieds.seloc.org/ads/lotus-2-eleven-su...

[240Cup]

My Cup with Ohlins rides way better than my previous performance pack Exige on the road - yes it is focused but to my mind there is very little that would touch it cross country on the sorts of variable roads we have. Takes 10 minutes to warm it through and get some heat in the AO48s and then off you go. It is small and nimble enough to be threadable, sticky enough to be chuckable, the decent power to weight ratio makes it proper fast and with the lovely supercharged noise it makes any drive an event. I very nearly bought a v6 but after a couple of lengthy test drives in one I still preferred the original little 4 pot supercharged car, just love the way it goes about its business..!

As has been mentioned, definitely try and get an extended test drive in one/a few and see what the fuss is all about.

ETA blimey that white Cup has gone already..!

Cheers,

240

Edited by 240Cup on Sunday 6th April 22:56