RE: Lotus vs. Porsche: Pic Of The Week
Discussion
s to me. Now I got a GT4 in the pipeline (last minute), so all is forgiven, but I have to give up my amazing LotusTheDeadPrussian said:
First things first, some context – I am a serial Porsche owner with a fairly long history of owning 911s (C2, C2S, GT3, GT3 RS) and I have also owned a Boxster Spyder. For various reasons, I wasn’t allocated a GT4 initially, but that then changed a month or so ago.
In the interim I bought a Lotus Exige LF1, so here’s what happened (posted on The Lotus Forums first time around):
So I got a call last Friday offering me a Cayman GT4 – I think Porsche have created additional capacity and UK allocations based upon demand as I am aware of a few others who had similar calls at the end of last week…a simple message from Porsche: You can have a GT4, but we need a deposit immediately (within the next few hours) and the car specified by the weekend. The GT4 should be delivered in October.
Those of you with whom I have spoken will know that I originally bought the LF1 as I could not get an allocation of a GT4 or GT3 RS after a small ‘falling out’ with Porsche GB over my sale of a 997.2 GT3 RS outside of the Porsche retail network…and that the LF1 was my ‘replacement’ and that it was my first Lotus.
So, I’m afraid the LF1 is probably on the way out of my ownership – I could keep it, but it seems a little too similar to warrant holding on to it and it would give me garage space issues!
I’ll loose money of course – never a pleasant experience, but it is the price of ownership.
What I can say is that I have loved the LF1 – it is such a great car and draws praise and admiration wherever you go. It’s rare enough to be unusual and there is a great deal of ‘love’ from the general public and from fellow petrolheads for Lotus.
There are a few ‘foibles’ with Lotus ownership – I’m sure you’re all aware of them – but I have to say I have loved the car. If I had not managed to get hold of a GT4 it would definitely be staying as I think it is a wonderful machine – unparalleled steering feel and a characterful and lively engine in a small and light package.
So LF1 #10 will pass to someone else I suppose and I hope they love it as much as I have…
So in the end I chose the GT4 over the LF1, but it was a close call and without my previous exposure to the Porsche range, it might well have stayed…
In summary you are one of those wives who gets mistreated until it suits them not to and then you go begging back for more !In the interim I bought a Lotus Exige LF1, so here’s what happened (posted on The Lotus Forums first time around):
So I got a call last Friday offering me a Cayman GT4 – I think Porsche have created additional capacity and UK allocations based upon demand as I am aware of a few others who had similar calls at the end of last week…a simple message from Porsche: You can have a GT4, but we need a deposit immediately (within the next few hours) and the car specified by the weekend. The GT4 should be delivered in October.
Those of you with whom I have spoken will know that I originally bought the LF1 as I could not get an allocation of a GT4 or GT3 RS after a small ‘falling out’ with Porsche GB over my sale of a 997.2 GT3 RS outside of the Porsche retail network…and that the LF1 was my ‘replacement’ and that it was my first Lotus.
So, I’m afraid the LF1 is probably on the way out of my ownership – I could keep it, but it seems a little too similar to warrant holding on to it and it would give me garage space issues!
I’ll loose money of course – never a pleasant experience, but it is the price of ownership.
What I can say is that I have loved the LF1 – it is such a great car and draws praise and admiration wherever you go. It’s rare enough to be unusual and there is a great deal of ‘love’ from the general public and from fellow petrolheads for Lotus.
There are a few ‘foibles’ with Lotus ownership – I’m sure you’re all aware of them – but I have to say I have loved the car. If I had not managed to get hold of a GT4 it would definitely be staying as I think it is a wonderful machine – unparalleled steering feel and a characterful and lively engine in a small and light package.
So LF1 #10 will pass to someone else I suppose and I hope they love it as much as I have…
So in the end I chose the GT4 over the LF1, but it was a close call and without my previous exposure to the Porsche range, it might well have stayed…
Best going off into the sun with hunky Mr Lotus and leaving the germanic speaking hubby behind ....
Gandahar said:
In summary you are one of those wives who gets mistreated until it suits them not to and then you go begging back for more !
Best going off into the sun with hunky Mr Lotus and leaving the germanic speaking hubby behind ....
Exactly. Surely it's all part of the experience of ownership - if a company starts being a bit of a knobber to it's own customers then said customer should learn from it and walk away regardless of how good their products are (especially since there is so much choice out there).Best going off into the sun with hunky Mr Lotus and leaving the germanic speaking hubby behind ....
TheDeadPrussian said:
So in the end I chose the GT4 over the LF1, but it was a close call and without my previous exposure to the Porsche range, it might well have stayed…
I saw your postings over on TLF and totally get your decision - enjoy the GT4 & see you back on TLF with the Exige 400 next year RedTrident said:
Impasse said:
RedTrident said:
I'll preempt the review. Exige is the better car bar the gear change, finish of the interior and everyday practicality.
I'm sure there will be some mention of the stereo system as well.
The Porsche will have the better glovebox and be more suited for everyday trips to the supermarket. Therefore Porsche wins.I'm sure there will be some mention of the stereo system as well.
Ved said:
I followed an Exige into Oxford a few months ago and I have to say it looks utterly wonderful. Compared to the Cayman it looks like it's from the 22nd century.
Yes I agree this is a good article by Mr Dan but in Japan it is illegal to follow anyone and will give severe penalty this is not the case in England?Edited by Ved on Friday 4th September 15:04
PorscheGT4 said:
I'll prob swap my GT4 for the next Exige when it has 400/420bhp and is charged cooled.
GT4 vs current Exige, GT4 no question, It's great value for money for what you get.
Come on Lotus build the Evora 400 CUP/lightweight and the Exige 400/420 charged cooled cars ASAP.
Just take the car to Hanger 111 and go for one of their upgrade kits, all the way to 430 if you want. Granted you'll lose warranty. I've read the Exige can't make use of the Lotus charge cooled setup the Evora 400 has.GT4 vs current Exige, GT4 no question, It's great value for money for what you get.
Come on Lotus build the Evora 400 CUP/lightweight and the Exige 400/420 charged cooled cars ASAP.
Its a shame the new Club Racer spec Exige wasn't used for the review, that is the perfect road/track spec IMO, a bit more comfort but still track focused
RedTrident said:
Impasse said:
RedTrident said:
I'll preempt the review. Exige is the better car bar the gear change, finish of the interior and everyday practicality.
I'm sure there will be some mention of the stereo system as well.
The Porsche will have the better glovebox and be more suited for everyday trips to the supermarket. Therefore Porsche wins.I'm sure there will be some mention of the stereo system as well.
An Exige V6 Cup vs Cayman GT4 comparison really should involve some track miles.
The Cayman ought to be a much more comfortable on the road. If it wins based on that it will be a bit pointless as you can order a more comfortable Exige V6 for road use, whereas Porsche won't sell you a more stripped out Cayman.
Exige Roadster vs Boxster Spyder would have been much more interesting as a road comparison.
What I would like to see is a detailed examination of the electric steering versus the Lotus unassisted system.
I imagine that will be glossed over along with what the Cayman really costs as per usual.
The Cayman ought to be a much more comfortable on the road. If it wins based on that it will be a bit pointless as you can order a more comfortable Exige V6 for road use, whereas Porsche won't sell you a more stripped out Cayman.
Exige Roadster vs Boxster Spyder would have been much more interesting as a road comparison.
What I would like to see is a detailed examination of the electric steering versus the Lotus unassisted system.
I imagine that will be glossed over along with what the Cayman really costs as per usual.
Pointless to compare looks but I would be far more excited to see the Lotus in the garage every morning, let's put it that way.
But that particular Exige V6 Cup has had some cosmetic enhancements such as the 'eye liner' decals that were not intended by the factory. I've seen better looking examples.
The Cayman remains a 'nearly car' but most see so few alternatives that they consider Porsche's 80% is still better than everyone else's 100% effort.
I think many also consider the GT4 a financial no brainer but Porsche's recent announcement of the PDK option is really them turning the dial in the factory from 'trickle' to 'churn'. Watch them flood out of Finland or wherever they build the GT4 and watch the much premiums evaporate as a result.
But that particular Exige V6 Cup has had some cosmetic enhancements such as the 'eye liner' decals that were not intended by the factory. I've seen better looking examples.
The Cayman remains a 'nearly car' but most see so few alternatives that they consider Porsche's 80% is still better than everyone else's 100% effort.
I think many also consider the GT4 a financial no brainer but Porsche's recent announcement of the PDK option is really them turning the dial in the factory from 'trickle' to 'churn'. Watch them flood out of Finland or wherever they build the GT4 and watch the much premiums evaporate as a result.
In that livery the Lotus looks much more the "skunk works" vehicle the yellow peril GT4 doesn't quite suit the focus of the PH camera mans lens.
If I had to choose a car for the weekend it would be the Lotus for the everyday the GT4.
Look forward to the write up to see if my thoughts are correct.
If I had to choose a car for the weekend it would be the Lotus for the everyday the GT4.
Look forward to the write up to see if my thoughts are correct.
TarmacT said:
You can have the V6 cup car with carpets, im sure they would even put a radio in if you really wanted it...
The car featured is my old car, in the flesh she is a stunner!
Looking forward to the full review.
That does look lovely. The car featured is my old car, in the flesh she is a stunner!
Looking forward to the full review.
Edited by TarmacT on Friday 4th September 21:08
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