How to upset all of the people all of the time.
Discussion
Nothing wrong with the modern Lotus V8 except that it has to be managed electronically so that the driver doesn't FUBAR the half shafts, synchros, etc...
...so in conclusion - engine great, handling great, transmission needs a look at but is strong enough if you don't drive like an arse...
ErnestM
PS: As proof of the engine info above - do you know how to get over 400 hp out of a Lotus V8? - easy: buy the Race ECU from Lotus and plug it in - the potential is already there
...so in conclusion - engine great, handling great, transmission needs a look at but is strong enough if you don't drive like an arse...
ErnestM
PS: As proof of the engine info above - do you know how to get over 400 hp out of a Lotus V8? - easy: buy the Race ECU from Lotus and plug it in - the potential is already there
Oh how about the 944 has a great engine and handles great. The end...
BTW, It is possible to buy an esprit V8 without the huge rear spoiler??? Personally I think it spoils the looks. I love the look of the earlier Esprits. Theres a guy who drives an early Turbo (white with red graphics) round near where I live and I think it looks great, in an 1980's sort of way...
BTW, It is possible to buy an esprit V8 without the huge rear spoiler??? Personally I think it spoils the looks. I love the look of the earlier Esprits. Theres a guy who drives an early Turbo (white with red graphics) round near where I live and I think it looks great, in an 1980's sort of way...
Remember when 
ErnestM said:PS: As proof of the engine info above - do you know how to get over 400 hp out of a Lotus V8? - easy: buy the Race ECU from Lotus and plug it in - the potential is already there
I did a factory visit to Hethel last year, and the Lotus guys will tell you that the protoype Esprit V8 was so powerful that it ran at well over 200mph in testing, hence the production ECU "gags" it to about 175mph.
TVRs have great engines and crap handling.
Well. Some models.
Other models handle well too by repute. I can't wait to try a Tamora - once the wife and I start looking to upgrade her Chimaera for real. BUT. Even our Chimaera has handling that is significantly better than most cars on the road. Coupled with its enormous power that's a fine combination. The problem (if there was one) I'd say is that the Chimaera has greater power than handling capability and relies on the driver to use the power wisely. Personally I can live with that - but it does lead to a few "moments" in early ownership.
So handling isn't crap. You've just got to remember its dealing with speeds and acceleration that is matched with, to quote the handbook, "An unusually high level of in-gear performance!"
Lotuses have great handling and crap engines.
Discuss....
Can't really comment. I have hooned an Elise around Silverstone and Thruxton and I thought they were GREAT little cars. I'd love one - but only as an additional car not as a replacement. Sure - it ran out of acceleration up above 80mph BUT - once again in comparison to most cars on the road it goes like stink.
Porsches not only look great they go well too.
Well of course!
AJLintern said: Oi - Don't lets start that again! He who drives a Dutton Pheaton...
Dutton = Miss World
944 = Waynetta Slob!
Oh its PhAeton by the way 
Edited to add that the Dutton goes like stink, with its little old ford lump (due to it being slightly heavier than a not very heavy thing) and handles like a go kart. Shed loads more fun than my old Lotus, which would have far out handled a 944 and cost half the price of even a rough one. My 907 Lotus engine was always as good as gold over 4500rpm which is where the power is but the main flaw with Lotuses from the 70's and 80's was the extremely fragile gearboxes and final drives. As for TVR's not handling well I cannot comment but I always thought there biggest problem was build quality.
>> Edited by Simonelite501 on Sunday 19th January 20:52
Depends what TVR you are talking about. My experience is they all handle reasonably well. Tuscan and Cerb are much better (as you would expect) than the Chimaera or the older models.
Lotus are smaller (generally) and less weight.
They both have a tendancy to break at times as you are all well aware.
The confidence, knowledge and skill of the particular driver also has a good deal to do with it!
Difficult to say which is the better out of the two,
I suppose horses for courses
Lotus are smaller (generally) and less weight.
They both have a tendancy to break at times as you are all well aware.
The confidence, knowledge and skill of the particular driver also has a good deal to do with it!
Difficult to say which is the better out of the two,
I suppose horses for courses
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