Elise - S1 or S2?
Discussion
Hello,
I'm thinking about buying an Elise. Whilst I prefer the retro styling of the S1 I've believe the S2 is better in some respects (e.g. better roof, soundproofing, comfier seats...) Is the S2 a much better buy in practical terms and is it worth the extra 2 or 3 grand? If someone can list the major advantages of the S2 that would be helpful.
Thanks,
LotusEater666.
I'm thinking about buying an Elise. Whilst I prefer the retro styling of the S1 I've believe the S2 is better in some respects (e.g. better roof, soundproofing, comfier seats...) Is the S2 a much better buy in practical terms and is it worth the extra 2 or 3 grand? If someone can list the major advantages of the S2 that would be helpful.
Thanks,
LotusEater666.
Edited by LotusEater666 on Sunday 5th August 17:14
What are you planning on using the car for? I've got an S1, which I absolutely love, but I wouldn't want to drive it every day or for journeys over a couple of hours because it really is raw and doesn't offer any additional comfort apart from a seat, heat blower (for when it's cold) and radio. Getting out of the car in a dignified fashion takes a LOT of practice as well! 
I've never driven an S2 but have sat in one. It's a completely different experience in terms of luxury and if I needed/wanted to use the car every day I'd be inclined to spend the extra and go for an S2.
However, if it's just a weekend/fun car and you really want to feel like you're driving, get an S1.
I've never driven an S2 but have sat in one. It's a completely different experience in terms of luxury and if I needed/wanted to use the car every day I'd be inclined to spend the extra and go for an S2.
However, if it's just a weekend/fun car and you really want to feel like you're driving, get an S1.
LotusEater666 said:
Thanks for that.
The Elise will be our only car. I will commute in it and we will do the shop in it. It sounds like I should go for the S2 just for that reason alone.
Get the S2! The boot on an S1 isn't much larger than a wash basin - I'd never get my weekly shop in there! The Elise will be our only car. I will commute in it and we will do the shop in it. It sounds like I should go for the S2 just for that reason alone.
LotusEater666 said:
Can you tell me in what ways the S2 is more comfortable than the S1? Is it quieter? Better seats?
Yes. The seats are a LOT more comfortable and have a greater range of travel. I'm five foot and luckily the runners on our car have been turned round so I can drive it, but I have to use a back booster as well. In the S2s I've sat in, the seat moves further forward and I don't think I'd need any extras to find a comfortable driving position.The S2 also has lower door cills which make getting in and out easier. I have also seen a woman making a dignified exit from one wearing a skirt - something that would be impossible in the S1!!!
I don't really want to comment much more on S2s because I'm not sure what all the models have. The ones I sat in may have been spec'd up.
Paul RN said:
Mrs Trackside said:
The S2 also has lower door cills which make getting in and out easier. I have also seen a woman making a dignified exit from one wearing a skirt - something that would be impossible in the S1!!!
Well that fact alone makes it an S1 you want in my book 
retrorider said:
S1 for me then.it'll be a weekend toy and do 2-4k a year.thanks peeps...
We said we'd only do 6K a year. We've had it for a year at the end of this month and it's done 12.5K. Most of those miles have been "popping out to buy a pint of milk" and coming home 200 miles later!Be warned: Lotus ownership makes driving addictive.
Me and the other half have been lucky enough to have had both the S1 and S2.
If it is your everyday car i would definately say the S2 is the better option, theres a little more luxury inside - comfy seats, carpets, lower door sills(easier to exit).
The S1 was lovely but as im only little i could only drive it with a booster cushion and for a short period of time. The S2 i have no problem with as the seat moves further and there is more cushioning on the seat base. Stu is 6ft+ and i think he finds the S2 a little more of a snug fit for his legs and the lower sills=wider sills, therefore causing his knees to be closer to the steering wheel.
And if you opt for an S2 short tail roof, it is sooooooo much easier and quicker to take off/put on
Definately worth having an extensive drive to experience the pro's and con's of both models for yourself.
Good luck with your decision.
If it is your everyday car i would definately say the S2 is the better option, theres a little more luxury inside - comfy seats, carpets, lower door sills(easier to exit).
The S1 was lovely but as im only little i could only drive it with a booster cushion and for a short period of time. The S2 i have no problem with as the seat moves further and there is more cushioning on the seat base. Stu is 6ft+ and i think he finds the S2 a little more of a snug fit for his legs and the lower sills=wider sills, therefore causing his knees to be closer to the steering wheel.
And if you opt for an S2 short tail roof, it is sooooooo much easier and quicker to take off/put on
Definately worth having an extensive drive to experience the pro's and con's of both models for yourself.
Good luck with your decision.
Mrs Trackside said:
retrorider said:
S1 for me then.it'll be a weekend toy and do 2-4k a year.thanks peeps...
We said we'd only do 6K a year. We've had it for a year at the end of this month and it's done 12.5K. Most of those miles have been "popping out to buy a pint of milk" and coming home 200 miles later!Be warned: Lotus ownership makes driving addictive.
Agree 100%I just googled this which was quite helpful.
http://www.elises.co.uk/models/s2/announce.html
and
http://www.elises.co.uk/models/s2/index.html
http://www.elises.co.uk/models/s2/announce.html
and
http://www.elises.co.uk/models/s2/index.html
Edited by LotusEater666 on Sunday 5th August 21:29
Mrs Trackside said:
retrorider said:
S1 for me then.it'll be a weekend toy and do 2-4k a year.thanks peeps...
We said we'd only do 6K a year. We've had it for a year at the end of this month and it's done 12.5K. Most of those miles have been "popping out to buy a pint of milk" and coming home 200 miles later!Be warned: Lotus ownership makes driving addictive.
I've done 800 miles in the last three days. Never got more than 50 miles from home!
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