S2 vs 111R

[rico]

Just searched through the last few pages and haven't seen a similar thread.

Had a look at a few Elises at Westover today. Chris took me out in the 111R and I was very impressed. Even more so with the high cam position... that thing flies!

Now my question is as follows - should I go for a boggo S2 Elise initially, then move up to the 111R in the future? Or is it best to stump up the extra cash initially and go straight into 111R ownership?

Chris was saying that low speed handling is identical, but I feel especially on track, the 111R's extra ooomph would be useful.

Any thoughts?

cheers :)

[Towzer]

I got a 111R today and went through the same thought process. I got the 111R for two reasons:
1. more power
2. it's Japanese and uses a chain drive for the cams not a rubber band, so it's cheaper to service.

Get one, they are amazing.

Phil

[MJK 24]

I would buy the car you REALLY want now for the simple reason that it'll cost you less than buying one and part exchanging it for another in the future.

[rico]

You've both said what my current thoughts are. The cheaper servicing on the 111R is interesting though and an additional benefit.

I just feel I'd benefit from the extra power more.

That and I've got a mate with a VX pumping out 140ish bhp so I can't let him beat me at Vmax!

edit - I keep thinking about flooring it on the A road back towards Poole today. Redlined in a few gears then slowed for traffic. Oohh it gives me a tingling feeling just remembering it.

>> Edited by rico on Saturday 10th September 19:19

[MJK 24]

rico said:

You've both said what my current thoughts are. The cheaper servicing on the 111R is interesting though and an additional benefit. I just feel I'd benefit from the extra power more. That and I've got a mate with a VX pumping out 140ish bhp so I can't let him beat me at Vmax! edit - I keep thinking about flooring it on the A road back towards Poole today. Redlined in a few gears then slowed for traffic. Oohh it gives me a tingling feeling just remembering it. >> Edited by rico on Saturday 10th September 19:19

Seriously if you want the 111r then you should get it (if you can afford the extra pennies). I can't afford one but when I got my std S2 last year the 111s (what I really wanted) was way way out of my proce range. A year on and they're so so much cheaper which is a bit annoying but there you go!

Bottom line is you'll lose too much buying one and then swaping for the other in 12 months.

[rico]

Indeed. Basically, looking at similar mileages, the 111R is about a £7k premium on the standard S2. This is going on Westover's prices.

Need to see how finances are after house move

[DanH]

Get the 111R, or even better :

http://forums.seloc.org/classified.php?action=ad&id=1001

It'll show most Elises a clean pair of heals. I nearly got a VXR instead of the Noble.

[gooby]

There are only a few times in your life that you will buy a dream car. My point of view is that if you go and buy a dream you dont do it with compromise in mind. Go get the one you really want. Get it the way you really want, no shortcuts. If you dont you will regret it. There will be nothing worse than buying the car you "settle" for then watch you dream car go past. You will kick yourself.

[beachbum]

I originally wanted the 340R, but due to it having to be my dialy runner, the wife wouldnt sign off on it. She would have had to drive it on occasion and wasnt to keen on getting wet. (What does She think Gortex was invented for !!!!)

Any way, ended up with the 111R, same sort of BHP, but a lot heavier, but close enough to the 340R to make me happy. Did not even try the 111S as I just wanted the brute force.
I didnt even test drive the 111R before I orderd it, it was a dream, so was going to get it irrespective of how comfortable it was. Just wanted the pleasure of owning it.

Never regretted a single moment of it, I doubt anyone has, or ever will either.

[kevin ritson]

Question is, have you driven a K-engined car yet? I drove the R first and remember having the same thoughts as you have. I went through the money dialemma as well - £2K difference but then I wanted the touring pack, which made it a £4K difference.

When I drove the 111S I realised it wasn't significantly slower and the power delivery was more to my taste. Plus the fuel economy's much better and it had everything I wanted at the time. I might still trade it for an R but then I might trade it for an Exige. But then I might keep it.

So I'd say try all of the range first then decide.

[shot2bits]

I'd say make sure the VVT thing is for you before you make a decision - all Elise's have the same focus (ish) but the 111R is a different drive. I see it as the one negative - powerband is small and I often end up in the wrong gear when zipping in and out of traffic (below 6.2K RPM) and nothing much happens. Having said that, get a traffic free road that you love and keep it singing on 2nd cam and it's fantastic.... I find the R pulls well up to 120mph which is plenty - top speed thing is great occasionally but the R is still all about the B roads. If I've got the cash, I'll opt for a supercharger when it's available