Which one???

[jimmyV8]

Due to the search feature not wanting to work I have decided to post this beforte waiting for it to work?!

I am interested in an S1 Elise and have been to see a couple so far. I have just been to see a 111s which I really liked. Coming from a TVR the driving experience is very different but am looking to replicate a similar buzz!

Is there a huge difference in performance between a 111s and a 160? I am considering using the car daily and wondered whether there would be a model that you guys could recommend? Are there any other problems to be aware of that the 111s may have over say a normal model, besides the well published problems i.e. HGF etc? Any advice would be gratefully received! Cheers

[bogie]

111S and 160 are near as dammit the same performance wise...its just the latter was more track orientated and peaky delivery, the former more of a daily driver type of Elise ...personal preference more than anything

www.elises.co.uk used to have a good model guide

[Hollywood Wheels]

If you bite the heads off small kittens and drink baby tears for breakfast, get the Sport 160.

[Gad-Westy]

See these threads. Its often discussed. From a personal view point I think that specs vary so much on S1 Elises that you're probably best keeping a fairly open mind as to what you go for.

http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=633678

http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t...

http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t...

[steveott]

I cant comment on the S1 - but i went for the S2 111s over a standard S2 for the extra comfort it brings (because its my only car).

[TIPPER]

None of the production Elises is going to give you the same shove that you're used to with a TVR: Lotus are much more about handling and balance and a well maintained Elise is supreme in this respect.
Note the 'well maintained' though, and I don't necessarily mean the engine:
The K series is a reliable enough lump (they can suffer hgf but its sortable and shouldn't happen again if done properly) but drive a few cars and you'll probably notice a difference which will be down to the suspension. Perhaps more so than in many cars deterioration and wear in suspension components is particularly noticable. Dampers, balljoints, bushes and steering racks are all susceptible to wear and may need replacing before its obvious in order to keep the car in tip top nick.
Drive as many varients as you can and buy what you like: many consider the S1 111S to be the best Series 1 car.
Good news is that the Elise is a simple car and diying will save you plenty of cash. Lots of diy guides on the net too (try the Seloc techwiki).

[jimmyV8]

Thanks for everyones feedback its been very helpful. I think I am going to continue my search and just try to view as many cars as possible. Pure Lotus appear to have quite a few at reasonable prices, can anyone shed any light on them and their service? So far I really liked the 111S over the standard car but I think I need to drive a few more cars to get a better feel. Thanks for the advice.

[village idiot]

James,

I have owned standard S1, slightly tweaked S1 111S, a fire-breathing rip-roaring S1 Sport 160 and now a Chim 400.

Although I love my chim to bits (other than the fact it is hugely underpowered for the chassis... i wish i had a 500!), the sport 160 was in a completely different league... every drive was an event and it always felt like you were literally wearing the car.

The 111S was actually easier to drive and I suspect in the real-world marginally quicker for day-to-day driving, but it felt almost japanese in comparison with the sport 160 (due to the linear power delivery from the VVC engine).

Regardless of what induction kit, silly cam and exhaust system you put on the elise (I've tried most of them), the pimped-up metro engine will never quite sound like a gruff rover v8 on full song... but the enjoyment in the elise is all about the handling... something even a sagaris or t350 will never be able to come close to.

I bought the Chim as I didn't really want to spend more than £6.5k on a fun car for the summer... Had I been looking to spend another £1k or so, I would have jumped back into an Elise.

Do it... you'll never look back! (plus you won't have to fannying around with your outriggers every five minutes and there is a fighting chance that what electrics there are, might just work!)

[jimmyV8]

Thanks Alex for you comments, I think that I am going to keep an eye out for a 111S but should a very tidy normal S1 come along at the right price then I dont think it would be a deal breaker. I used my Chim everyday for about 6 months over spring and summer and loved it. Planning on trying to do something similar this year possibly.

[Loudman]

I went from a Chim 4.0 to a S2 111s last year as an every day car. I miss the sound and explosive performance of the TVR, and to be honest I think that the difference in speed across the ground is marginal, but without doubt the Lotus is a much more practical proposal, it doesn't feel like its going to break down, it doesn't cost a fortune to run and it doesn't leak (as much). For me it was a great decision as an every day car, as I weekend plaything I think i'd go for something less practical (tuned, fast elise/exige or a TVR).