Lotus Excel v Renault GTA
Discussion
Similar but very different cars
Anyone know of a comparison article worth reading or owned both?
Both 2+2 one glassfibre one polyesther bodied, both with separate chassis.
One quite highly stressed front engined 4 pot, one relatively relaxed 6 pot turbo rear engined. But both about 180bhp.
Always fancied the Alpine although once went to look at an Excel, but beginning to become very attracted to th Excel. Are they still a useable every day car?
Have owned an old 7 and a "baby" Elan so know the usual bar room stories of Lotus (The Elan lived up to them).
Anyone know of a comparison article worth reading or owned both?
Both 2+2 one glassfibre one polyesther bodied, both with separate chassis.
One quite highly stressed front engined 4 pot, one relatively relaxed 6 pot turbo rear engined. But both about 180bhp.
Always fancied the Alpine although once went to look at an Excel, but beginning to become very attracted to th Excel. Are they still a useable every day car?
Have owned an old 7 and a "baby" Elan so know the usual bar room stories of Lotus (The Elan lived up to them).
Just has to be the GTA V-6 Turbo.
I well remember a new Red E plate one that used to fly around my then area circa 1988. I nearly took the plunge / did a fair few miles in one in the late 90s , very impressed with it. Getting Tyres for them was becoming a problem due to the size .
I also Tried to save a sad looking Red one in a salvage yard about 2 years ago, but no luck.
They seem to be very unloved in Britain and don't have much of a following. I know of 2 that are for sale needing tlc.
I well remember a new Red E plate one that used to fly around my then area circa 1988. I nearly took the plunge / did a fair few miles in one in the late 90s , very impressed with it. Getting Tyres for them was becoming a problem due to the size .
I also Tried to save a sad looking Red one in a salvage yard about 2 years ago, but no luck.
They seem to be very unloved in Britain and don't have much of a following. I know of 2 that are for sale needing tlc.
SV8Predator said:
Skyedriver said:
one glassfibre one polyesther bodied, both with separate chassis.
Can someone explain the difference between a glassfibre body, and a polyester body?There will be a chemical engineer / scientist along in a minute, to give a more detailed explanation of the differences
Skyedriver said:
Anyone know of a comparison article...
Here you go Renualt Alpine GTA LeMans and Lotus Excel SE test from 1990Dont know re the Renault but for the excel try www.lotusexcel.net which has all the info you need. I ran a se for 10 years and it was a great car. The engine in the excel is not that stressed as its only 160 or 180hhp. It went a lot higher in the various esprit types with turbos etc. A lot tend to be worn out as they get used as daily drivers rather than being garage queens. Lotusbits or Sjs for spares plus lots of others. Their prices do seem to be moving up.
I guess I am fairly qualified to answer this.
I have owned a GTA Turbo for about 5 years that is going next weekend. I also own an Esprit V8 and a Europa TC. I have worked on most Lotus's (Loti?) and GTA's.
Sooo, in a nutshell, the GTA. It is a car for those who like something different. It is faster than the Excell and I would venture to say, handles better. Rust can be an issue in the rear subframe and its mounting points, rear suspension arms and the floor panels. See -it has steel bits too! The GTA will increase in value eventually because of its rareity. Mine has been fab including being ragged down to Italy twice and a number of track days. It had an engine fire a year ago unfortunately and that is why it has to go as I have far too many projects!
The GTA has a much better interior too - far less prone to falling apart. Both cars are just as susceptable to electrical problems.
Any other questions ask here or pm.....
I have owned a GTA Turbo for about 5 years that is going next weekend. I also own an Esprit V8 and a Europa TC. I have worked on most Lotus's (Loti?) and GTA's.
Sooo, in a nutshell, the GTA. It is a car for those who like something different. It is faster than the Excell and I would venture to say, handles better. Rust can be an issue in the rear subframe and its mounting points, rear suspension arms and the floor panels. See -it has steel bits too! The GTA will increase in value eventually because of its rareity. Mine has been fab including being ragged down to Italy twice and a number of track days. It had an engine fire a year ago unfortunately and that is why it has to go as I have far too many projects!
The GTA has a much better interior too - far less prone to falling apart. Both cars are just as susceptable to electrical problems.
Any other questions ask here or pm.....
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C202475
Low maileage (29k), £8750.
Looks quite nice. Remember really liking them after seeing them close up at the Renault garage in Camden back in about 87/88, when I was working round that area.
Low maileage (29k), £8750.
Looks quite nice. Remember really liking them after seeing them close up at the Renault garage in Camden back in about 87/88, when I was working round that area.
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