Difference between the S1 and S2
Discussion
Here you go dude,
www.elises.co.uk/models/index.html
Loads more on web, almost too much to list!
Duncs
www.elises.co.uk/models/index.html
Loads more on web, almost too much to list!
Duncs
Hi Orbit.
Elises.co.uk will give you a complete rundown of all the models.
Generally the S1s are regarded as 'purer' or rawer than the S2s. Don't ask which is better as you might as well lob a grenade into the forum
Joking aside, we're a fairly objective lot on here so suggest a bit of research on the various types of Elise ask as many questions as you need to (lots in the archives) then try and drive a few to see which suits you.
Personally I love my S1 which I use as a daily driver (100-150miles daily) and don't let anybody tell you the're not usable on the Motorway - I recently did a round trip of 700 miles (400 with the roof off
) from Plymouth to Hethel in a day.
Elises.co.uk will give you a complete rundown of all the models.
Generally the S1s are regarded as 'purer' or rawer than the S2s. Don't ask which is better as you might as well lob a grenade into the forum
Joking aside, we're a fairly objective lot on here so suggest a bit of research on the various types of Elise ask as many questions as you need to (lots in the archives) then try and drive a few to see which suits you. Personally I love my S1 which I use as a daily driver (100-150miles daily) and don't let anybody tell you the're not usable on the Motorway - I recently did a round trip of 700 miles (400 with the roof off
) from Plymouth to Hethel in a day. dss123 said:
Here you go dude,
www.elises.co.uk/models/index.html
Loads more on web, almost too much to list!
Duncs
Beaten too it!
That linked proved useful. But i'd be keen to hear some real world experiences from people who've owned both series.
I get the impression the S2 is easier to live with as a day to day driver. Better sound insulation, easier/simpler hood mechanism, but maybe not quite as raw or as much fun as the S1. Is that a fair observation?
I'm looking to get one as second car but it will be used to cover some fairly long miles. E.g. 800 mile round trips every other weekend. I guess i'm trying to work out if the S2 is enough of an evolution to warrant the extra cash. The S1 seems a real bargain at the moment.
I get the impression the S2 is easier to live with as a day to day driver. Better sound insulation, easier/simpler hood mechanism, but maybe not quite as raw or as much fun as the S1. Is that a fair observation?
I'm looking to get one as second car but it will be used to cover some fairly long miles. E.g. 800 mile round trips every other weekend. I guess i'm trying to work out if the S2 is enough of an evolution to warrant the extra cash. The S1 seems a real bargain at the moment.
orbit said:
I'm looking to get one as second car but it will be used to cover some fairly long miles. E.g. 800 mile round trips every other weekend.
I do not know if the elise S1 (or even S2) is the best choice for long miles. If it is on motorway it is boring and not comfortable, if it is on B road, 800 miles is quite long and time consuming (but highly funny)
I do not want to keep you away from this wonderfull car but the use is quite "specific" ... I am sure others will comment this better than me...
Ben
The are 5 differences between an early S2 and a late S1 as follows:
styling
inherently improved build of the S2
improved (designed for the job) suspension on the S2
slightly more comfortable seats, and slightly lower sill
narrower front tyres on the S2
They are the same car, and as a result just as much fun as each other. All these cars have the same chassis, the same engine, the same engine sub-frame. Later in life the S2 became embelished with a number of 'soft' options such as A/c, E/w etc. which added to the weight.
People often describe the S1 as the raw experience, this is true if you mean the bangs and crashes, and the S2 as soft, also true if you mean the extra 1/4" of foam on the seat.
THEY ARE THE SAME CAR!!!!
In short many S1 owners are fitting S2 suspension, the original suspension was an 'off the shelf' solution and not specifically designed the job, the success of the car allowed Lotus to justify the investment in the suspension the car deserves. As S1 suspension tends to wear out relatively quickly the fitting of S2 suspension solves this problem, but arguably reduces the overhyped rawness (poor ride) of the original.
Also inevitably older vehicles tend to have had any build quality issues sorted during their life, so this is something to be aware of, but should not put anyone off the purchase of an S1.
The narrower tyres fitted as standard to the S2 was too reduce oversteer, this was a reaction to a significant number of S1 owners parking their vehicles backwards into farmers fields. As demonstrated by the Lotus test drivers an S2 can still be induced to oversteer, but in reality on the road you will not notice any difference. If it is a problem you can fit wider profiles on the front. This is the other element of the soft/raw argument.
Don't believe the hype, drive as many cars as you can and pick the one that's right for you! They're all brilliant!!
The only real decision is down down to two factors.
Which styling do you prefer?
What can you afford?
Regards, Neil
>> Edited by NJS25 on Tuesday 16th May 20:01
styling
inherently improved build of the S2
improved (designed for the job) suspension on the S2
slightly more comfortable seats, and slightly lower sill
narrower front tyres on the S2
They are the same car, and as a result just as much fun as each other. All these cars have the same chassis, the same engine, the same engine sub-frame. Later in life the S2 became embelished with a number of 'soft' options such as A/c, E/w etc. which added to the weight.
People often describe the S1 as the raw experience, this is true if you mean the bangs and crashes, and the S2 as soft, also true if you mean the extra 1/4" of foam on the seat.
THEY ARE THE SAME CAR!!!!
In short many S1 owners are fitting S2 suspension, the original suspension was an 'off the shelf' solution and not specifically designed the job, the success of the car allowed Lotus to justify the investment in the suspension the car deserves. As S1 suspension tends to wear out relatively quickly the fitting of S2 suspension solves this problem, but arguably reduces the overhyped rawness (poor ride) of the original.
Also inevitably older vehicles tend to have had any build quality issues sorted during their life, so this is something to be aware of, but should not put anyone off the purchase of an S1.
The narrower tyres fitted as standard to the S2 was too reduce oversteer, this was a reaction to a significant number of S1 owners parking their vehicles backwards into farmers fields. As demonstrated by the Lotus test drivers an S2 can still be induced to oversteer, but in reality on the road you will not notice any difference. If it is a problem you can fit wider profiles on the front. This is the other element of the soft/raw argument.
Don't believe the hype, drive as many cars as you can and pick the one that's right for you! They're all brilliant!!
The only real decision is down down to two factors.
Which styling do you prefer?
What can you afford?
Regards, Neil
>> Edited by NJS25 on Tuesday 16th May 20:01
Thanks Neil,
Exactly the sort of response i was looking for. I think i'm going to look to hire a S2 111S for a weekend and see how i get on with it and then look test drive an S1 to see which i prefer.
Was there also a difference with the hardtops on the S1 and S2? I think i read in another thread that a hardtop on the S1 was so fiddly it was a waste of time? As a daily driver i would be looking to have the hard top on probably 75% of the time.
Exactly the sort of response i was looking for. I think i'm going to look to hire a S2 111S for a weekend and see how i get on with it and then look test drive an S1 to see which i prefer.
Was there also a difference with the hardtops on the S1 and S2? I think i read in another thread that a hardtop on the S1 was so fiddly it was a waste of time? As a daily driver i would be looking to have the hard top on probably 75% of the time.
orbit said:
Was there also a difference with the hardtops on the S1 and S2? I think i read in another thread that a hardtop on the S1 was so fiddly it was a waste of time? As a daily driver i would be looking to have the hard top on probably 75% of the time.
It's not too fiddly, 2 clips and 3 or 4 bolts (which clamp front edge to top of widscreen surround) simple single person job. My 2p worth - it takes up a lot of space when it isn't on the car and you can't be spontaneous when the weather perks up.
My S1 came with a hardtop, drove the car home, took it off and put in garage, still there 2 years later and the car is used every day. Unless you need it for security, car left on road overnight for example, I wouldn't worry too much. If leaks are your concern a shower cape will make the car watertight, is very useful whenever the car is parked roof off, and is about £80 new, or less second hand.
I will concede that the hard top on the short tail S2s looks so much better than the S1 afterthought.
Oh, and there is no way you'll get an unbiased opinion on which is the best Elise from a load of owners since they all own the best model!! In the real world, on the public road, there is so little in it. Try a few, figure which you like best and find one owned by an enthusiast, you'll never regret it. It's not just a car it's a way of life.
Like carps I have owned a 98 S1 and now have an 01 S2, so should be able to give a fairly unbiased opinion.
Both are incredible cars but personally, the S2 is far more polished. Much quieter suspension at slow speeds, more understeer until you get some heat in the tyres, far far bigger boot, non leaking and much easier to erect hood, better looking, less of the "kit car" look about it (for those who wouldn't know a sportscar if it hit them!)Better colour dash lights and slightly more comfortable interior.(we are talking comparitive terms here)
I don't agree that the S2 became soft over the S1, at least until the addition of e/w, a/c etc started to bump the weight up.
The improvements made to the suspension alone make the S2 quicker around a track. I use mine mostly for commuting 60mile round trip for which it is fine unless it's wet then brake lock up becomes a bit scary.The seats are more than comfortable over long distances, better even than the big leather armchairs in my volvo.
Either car will be a good choice but the better build quality of the S2 in addition to the older age of an S1 should help you decide.
Both are incredible cars but personally, the S2 is far more polished. Much quieter suspension at slow speeds, more understeer until you get some heat in the tyres, far far bigger boot, non leaking and much easier to erect hood, better looking, less of the "kit car" look about it (for those who wouldn't know a sportscar if it hit them!)Better colour dash lights and slightly more comfortable interior.(we are talking comparitive terms here)
I don't agree that the S2 became soft over the S1, at least until the addition of e/w, a/c etc started to bump the weight up.
The improvements made to the suspension alone make the S2 quicker around a track. I use mine mostly for commuting 60mile round trip for which it is fine unless it's wet then brake lock up becomes a bit scary.The seats are more than comfortable over long distances, better even than the big leather armchairs in my volvo.
Either car will be a good choice but the better build quality of the S2 in addition to the older age of an S1 should help you decide.
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