Anyone driven an Ultima and a Noble ??

[bulldog 1]

If anyone can answer 'yes' to the above question, can they then clearly define the major differences between the two cars. This may sound like a daft question, but there are several very close similarities between the two cars , i.e. low volume, hand built, British built, same designer, track and road car.

So, what sets them apart ?

Why would you buy one and not the other and vice-versa ?

I don't think that this topic has been raised, but EVERYONE should have an opinion on this matter and it would be good to hear everyones angle on this.

[d3vine]

For me, I like the Ultima more because it looks more like an 80s group C race car rather than a normal sports car. Plus, the Ultima was designed to fit v8s which also appeals to me. But I'm still questioning which car handles better. Edmunds tested a Noble M400 on a slalom test which came out to be 79.4 mph (quickest for a production car). I've asked Richard regarding this test, although not a popular test in Europe, he confirmed that it'll blitz the Noble's M400 slalom record.

Although, I have never driven either car. But have gotten a passenger ride in an Ultima GTR with 400bhp. I can say for the money, the car performs and looks like a supercar that cost 5x it's price. The car is beautiful in the flesh.

[LuckyP]

Just didn't feel I got the 'experience' from the Noble. It's surprisingly normal for it's looks, fast no doubt, capable, but just doesn't give the rush for me. Probably too good. They are very different cars, more so than the paper spec would have you believe. Tyre width on the Ult really does make a huge difference when comparing the two on the twisties. I think an exige is more like the Noble - I hope they won't mind me saying that!

Breathed on the Noble is amazing - just looks at Adrians!!

What do you want the car for?

[Crazy of Cookham]

I agree with Pete. Depends on what you want the car for. I tired each before I built mine. I had intended using the Noble as a daily use car but decided it was not practical. Once I decided to use it as a second car there was no contest the Ultima is faster, more extreme etc.

[UFO 2 NOB]

Noble defo handles better but gutless compareed to the Ultima.

Ultima has mor character by far but harder to live with.

I prefer my Ultima overall.

[Pilot Pete]

I thought Lee Noble designed both cars? The Ultima back in the early 80's, Ted brought the rights and away you go.

A Radical or R500 is always going to give better laptime for you buck, but that's not the point, for me anyhow, I think the car is screeming out for some degsign changes and upgrades.

In the helicoper world everything is cost, cheep cheep, but the design or the parts makes up for it, OK maybe not my mighty Schweizer.


What other options are there for the style of car (I can't aford a Dauer)





It's a tough old market out there and the factory are clearly doing something right.
Shame its if it's its not broke don't fix it, aposted to can we make it better.

Edited by Pilot Pete on Wednesday 9th April 03:10

[Stig]

Pilot Pete said:

I thought Lee Noble designed both cars? The Ultima back in the early 80's, Ted brought the rights and away you go.

Lee did indeed design the MK1, MK2 and MK3, but Ted bought the rights back in 1992 and has developed the car since. It's quite a different beast these days! (though the founding principles remain the same )

History of the cars/factory here:

http://www.ultimasports.co.uk/history/index.html

[GTWayne]

Pilot Pete said:

What other options are there for the style of car (I can't aford a Dauer)

Pete, I too thought that the Ultima needed a touch of modernisation and that is half of the reason why I spent over 10K altering various aspects of the car to suite my personal taste. Even if Ultima were to create a more modern looking body shape, it may still not be to your taste, and that is why I think that if you really want something that is that much more individually tailored to your character and requirements, you must take the bull by the horns, show the colour of your money and put your stamp on it

I would like to add that although I spent the extra that I did on modifying the GTW, I was very lucky to happen across men that could make it happen and I fully appreciate that although it was 10 bags that I had not intended to invest at the time, I do not believe that any of it could have been achieved for less money, my point being; Without showing a bit of green, there are NO options, and I don't honestly think that there will be.

[Pilot Pete]

I have to agree with you, I did something simular with a Westfield but by the time I was finaly done the only thing on the car that was Westfield was the chassis and even that had been changed quite a lot.
It's just it take so long..

Tell you what Wayne, sell me you car when I come back to the UK in 2009

[GTWayne]

Pilot Pete said:

Tell you what Wayne, sell me you car when I come back to the UK in 2009

What, so that you can sell it on again for a tidy profit you mean?

[andygtt]

A 400bhp Ultima will be left behind by an M400 on track especially if it is a twister track as it is better poised (less unspung weight as well) and both weigh about the same... but the Ultima will feel more special and thats what I would have if the car was just a sunday special.
It also blows the Noble out of the weeds for looks and sound IMO, especially the canam.

I'm actually thinking of getting an old Noble as an everyday car so am not biased against them, just waiting to sort me finances and for prices to drop below £20k.

[Pinnacle]

LuckyP said:

Just didn't feel I got the 'experience' from the Noble. It's surprisingly normal for it's looks, fast no doubt, capable, but just doesn't give the rush for me. Probably too good. They are very different cars, more so than the paper spec would have you believe. Tyre width on the Ult really does make a huge difference when comparing the two on the twisties. I think an exige is more like the Noble - I hope they won't mind me saying that!

Breathed on the Noble is amazing - just looks at Adrians!!

What do you want the car for?

I tend to take some exception of course, but do feel the Noble can give the "rush" mentioned, is superior to the Elise, and can outperform an Ultima, especially when "breathed on" such as Adrian's ride, or mine ( 650BHP ) over on the "other" side of the pond where the typical Ultima Schwartz engine is sourced from ......

[d3vine]

Pinnacle, is your 650 hp Noble faster than Jeff's 1000+ hp Ultima?

Edited by d3vine on Thursday 24th April 01:28

[Pinnacle]

d3vine said:

Pinnacle, is your 650 hp Noble faster than Jeff's 1000+ hp Ultima?

Edited by d3vine on Thursday 24th April 01:28

certainly not, dont be foolish. Perhaps I should have "qualified" that comment, with some standard, stock Ultima's. There are plemty out there now at 750BHP and beyond that I am certain would shame even "breathed on" Nobles.