Discussion
I test drove the 111S last week, it was the first time I had driven a Lotus of any sort and I was really impressed with how the car handled. I asked to try the 111R or the SC but the dealer didn't have one in and seems reluctant to get hold of one and is trying to get me to buy the S. I would buy the S but don't want to feel I should have got something faster. I want it mainly for fun and the occasional track day. Apologies if this topic is already on here somewhere but any advice would be apreciated.
I've only ever driven my 111s so this is second hand info i've read:
there is very little difference in performance between the 111s and 111r, the 111r is slightly quicker, but some people prefer the 111S as it has an almost flat torque curve making for easy driving. The 111R engine on the other hand needs to be revved fairly hard to get the most out of it
its pretty academic though really, just drive em both and see which suits you best, don't forget the 111r has the toyota engine and so is probably more durable. If the dealer is reluctant to let you drive a 111r then go somewhere else
there is very little difference in performance between the 111s and 111r, the 111r is slightly quicker, but some people prefer the 111S as it has an almost flat torque curve making for easy driving. The 111R engine on the other hand needs to be revved fairly hard to get the most out of it
its pretty academic though really, just drive em both and see which suits you best, don't forget the 111r has the toyota engine and so is probably more durable. If the dealer is reluctant to let you drive a 111r then go somewhere else
111S is an excellent choice but I'd be wary if the dealer's trying to push you towards one car. Go somewhere else and test drive as many as you can - you want the car that will suit you.
When I bought mine a few years ago, a lot of the dealers were pushing people to buy the new 111R. I tested that, then went to B&C and tested a 111S and 120Bhp-spec K and decided the 111S was the one for me - best value, nicer power delivery, better brakes. They didn't mind me trying a few cars, either.
When I bought mine a few years ago, a lot of the dealers were pushing people to buy the new 111R. I tested that, then went to B&C and tested a 111S and 120Bhp-spec K and decided the 111S was the one for me - best value, nicer power delivery, better brakes. They didn't mind me trying a few cars, either.
Was it an "Elise S" or an "Elise 111S" that you drove? They are completely different models, the "S" has a 135bhp Toyota engine, the "111S" has a 158bhp K-series.
As has been said above, the 111S is not far short of the 111R in ultimate pace - it's 30 bhp down but it's considerably lighter and feels much torquier. I haven't driven an "S" but I gather it has similar performance to the old entry level 120bhp K-series car, so is considerably slower than the 111S.
As has been said above, the 111S is not far short of the 111R in ultimate pace - it's 30 bhp down but it's considerably lighter and feels much torquier. I haven't driven an "S" but I gather it has similar performance to the old entry level 120bhp K-series car, so is considerably slower than the 111S.
Edited by kambites on Thursday 17th January 08:26
The 111R is a bit quicker and much more manic. Debatably more reliable but even if you have to replace the head gasket on the 111S every year, the savings in fuel costs and road tax would easily pay for it.
I certainly wouldn't buy a 111S without ever having driven a 111R.
ETA: probably worth trying a 135 too. More track focussed than either of the above.
I certainly wouldn't buy a 111S without ever having driven a 111R.
ETA: probably worth trying a 135 too. More track focussed than either of the above.
Edited by kambites on Thursday 17th January 10:55
Billypieman said:
It was a 111S. Don't get me wrong it was quick, I'd just like to know if it's worth the extra money to get the 111R.
Do not buy any Lotus till you've driven all variant's they are like chalk and Cheese. I drive every new Lotus that comes out, if a dealer isn't prepared to allow you to drive all his demonstrator's choose another dealer I did, they should have nothing to hide as long as your a serious buyerBoggy
Gooby said:
Billypieman said:
It was a 111S. Don't get me wrong it was quick, I'd just like to know if it's worth the extra money to get the 111R.
Unless you drive a 111R, you wont know. Personally, I would say it was worth it.Boggy
Boggy said:
Billypieman said:
It was a 111S. Don't get me wrong it was quick, I'd just like to know if it's worth the extra money to get the 111R.
Do not buy any Lotus till you've driven all variant's they are like chalk and Cheese. I drive every new Lotus that comes out, if a dealer isn't prepared to allow you to drive all his demonstrator's choose another dealer I did, they should have nothing to hide as long as your a serious buyerBoggy
I had the choice between 111S and 111R 3 yrs ago and went with the 111S purely because I preferred the engine style. They are very different cars; certainly don't be pressured into getting something until you've driven all variants as they are surprisingly different.
Personally, I think the "S" (i.e. 135bhp toyota engine), which I must stress I've NOT driven, although I have read good magazine reviews I always wonder if you'd always be left wanting more, for the sake of a couple of £k.
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