My first drive in an Esprit today - Wow!
Discussion
Hi everyone, I just had to post my first message after taking a test drive in a 2001 Esprit V8. Without doubt, it was the most amazing drive of my life. How do you guys keep your license?
I currently drive a Jaguar but my last seriously fast car was a 2000 BMW 540i but this esprit made it look like a tired Ford Taurus! It just seemed to have limitless power at any rev point in any gear.
The difference on the speedo between legal and jail (forget just a ticket) looks like about an 8th of an inch. At one point on the interstate, I was doing about 80 in a 60 limit and this rice boy in a Honda spots me and catches up with me. He overtakes and smiles at me. I waited until he pulled in, dropped down a cog and hit the gas. By the time I had pulled back in and checked the speedo I was at 120.
I have wanted one of these cars for a long time but thought it was impractical in NC as I need a mechanic. When I learned there was a certified Lotus guy down the road in Charlotte, I thought I would take a test drive. Realistically, cash Wise, I'm probably looking at an 88-90 car on my budget. Obviously it's not going to be as quick as the V8 but is it much less of a thrill behind the wheel?
Getting in and out was a pain, but my 280lb 6ft frame felt very comfy once in. I could not get out with the hand brake on though. I ended up leaving it in gear and applying the brake from the outside - is that normal???
Anyway, great forum, I spent a couple of hours reading through it the other day. No wonder you are all so passionate about your cars - these things rock.
All the best, Paul.
I currently drive a Jaguar but my last seriously fast car was a 2000 BMW 540i but this esprit made it look like a tired Ford Taurus! It just seemed to have limitless power at any rev point in any gear.
The difference on the speedo between legal and jail (forget just a ticket) looks like about an 8th of an inch. At one point on the interstate, I was doing about 80 in a 60 limit and this rice boy in a Honda spots me and catches up with me. He overtakes and smiles at me. I waited until he pulled in, dropped down a cog and hit the gas. By the time I had pulled back in and checked the speedo I was at 120.
I have wanted one of these cars for a long time but thought it was impractical in NC as I need a mechanic. When I learned there was a certified Lotus guy down the road in Charlotte, I thought I would take a test drive. Realistically, cash Wise, I'm probably looking at an 88-90 car on my budget. Obviously it's not going to be as quick as the V8 but is it much less of a thrill behind the wheel?
Getting in and out was a pain, but my 280lb 6ft frame felt very comfy once in. I could not get out with the hand brake on though. I ended up leaving it in gear and applying the brake from the outside - is that normal???
Anyway, great forum, I spent a couple of hours reading through it the other day. No wonder you are all so passionate about your cars - these things rock.
All the best, Paul.
Good for you Paul,
It's a blast isn't it. It definitely take a lot of self-restraint to keep your foot out of it. Unfortunately I don't have much when it comes to driving the Esprit. Have been able to avoid a ticket so far in spite of some very close calls....
They are all fun to drive no matter what year. Of course none of the earlier models unless heavily modified are going to compare to the V-8 as far as raw torque goes but they are still pretty darn quick.
As for the hand brake, you should be able to push it back down after applying it so it is not in the way. You then have to pull it back up, push the release button and let it back down to release the brake.
Good luck in your quest.
Jim Knowles
95 S4s
It's a blast isn't it. It definitely take a lot of self-restraint to keep your foot out of it. Unfortunately I don't have much when it comes to driving the Esprit. Have been able to avoid a ticket so far in spite of some very close calls....
They are all fun to drive no matter what year. Of course none of the earlier models unless heavily modified are going to compare to the V-8 as far as raw torque goes but they are still pretty darn quick.
As for the hand brake, you should be able to push it back down after applying it so it is not in the way. You then have to pull it back up, push the release button and let it back down to release the brake.
Good luck in your quest.
Jim Knowles
95 S4s
I have never ridden in a V8 powered Esprit so I cannot compare but I am the proud owner of a 1994 S4 and can tell you the car is just amazing. Stock the car was pretty quick and was happiest in the upper RPMs. Car pulled pretty well and was smooth. You don't think you are going very fast until you look at the speedo. Handling, ride, comfort, and everything else is just awesome. I have wanted a Lotus for close to 15 years now so I am loving it. It might also skew my opinion s well, but hey, what can you do. I have since installed the #3 high torque ECU which gives a nice kick in the pants for power. The car is now somehow more civil around town but more powerful when you need it. And to think I still have the 330HP chip to try! If you can budget for an 88-90, you may be able to budget for a 90-94 as well. Whatever you decide, you will not be disappointed. Just be wise in your decisions, choose a well sorted car, and definitely go for a test drive.
Good luck!
Rich
Good luck!
Rich
Hey nice one! Those v8's do look tasty. We have black V8 1999 for sale on the yard here in NZ with 15K on the clock. I can't stop touching it everytime I see it. It just looks so meaty with those wide tyres and massive brakes. And I love the rear wings on them. The dealer is asking 150K NZD do you think hes asking too much, or is that well priced??
>> Edited by kylie on Tuesday 26th August 09:12
>> Edited by kylie on Tuesday 26th August 09:12
Paul...
Acceleration is fun, but just wait until you get it on some two lane twisty back roads. It's Nirvana. The ultimate man/machine experience
ErnestM
PS: Kylie - I wouldn't test drive it until you have the money in your pocket. You will have dreams, cold sweat, etc at night until you buy it
Acceleration is fun, but just wait until you get it on some two lane twisty back roads. It's Nirvana. The ultimate man/machine experience
ErnestM
PS: Kylie - I wouldn't test drive it until you have the money in your pocket. You will have dreams, cold sweat, etc at night until you buy it
i can only speak from driving my s4s as its the only lotus i've driven. But the power is incredible, the luxury is tops, and the handling incredible! smoother than a g35 over railtracks, and tighter trhan an f1 in the corners! It a Rolls Rocket. A rocket ship with a rolls royce cabin!
ErnestM said:
PS: Kylie - I wouldn't test drive it until you have the money in your pocket. You will have dreams, cold sweat, etc at night until you buy it
Your too late Ernest, I already have those dreams. Everytime the car yard see's me comming, he's cheeky enough to rub his hands together like he know's he will eventually get my money one day. If I don't import one out here myself, well no doubt he will be a whole lot richer.
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