VX220 or Elise?
Discussion
So, after having these two in at work today, I've been thinking, man maths dictates that I need a lightweight, 2 seater with no boot space. I know that underneath, the two are very similar, but which one gets the PH seal of approval? I know PH tends to dislike Vauxhall as a whole, but the VX220 is a bit special compared to a boggo spec Astra diesel.
From my research into the cars, I can afford an S1 Elise or a non turbo VX220, with the Vauxhall coming in slightly cheaper. My question is, is the Lotus worth the extra money, or am I simply paying more for the badge? I am also aware that most of the Elises (Elisi?) in my budget have a K Series engine fitted, I've heard all the HGF stories before, but how much more or less reliable is the GM 2.2 unit in the VX220? Opinions please.
From my research into the cars, I can afford an S1 Elise or a non turbo VX220, with the Vauxhall coming in slightly cheaper. My question is, is the Lotus worth the extra money, or am I simply paying more for the badge? I am also aware that most of the Elises (Elisi?) in my budget have a K Series engine fitted, I've heard all the HGF stories before, but how much more or less reliable is the GM 2.2 unit in the VX220? Opinions please.
You can make any Elise derivative handle much like any other Elise derivative because most of the bits of one can be bolted to any other (the single biggest difference to how they drive as standard is the wheel/tyre sizes). So ultimately it comes mostly down to which engine you prefer and which you prefer the looks of. The VX220 is cheaper for what you get.
The K-series head gasket is less of an issue with the Elise than many cars, not because they're less prone to failure but because the cost of fixing it is peanuts in the grand scheme of running a car like the Elise. The extra fuel economy of the K-series Elise would pay for a new head gasket every couple of years anyway, if it needed it.
The biggest "unchangeable" difference other than the engines, is probably the brakes. The VX220's are servo assisted, the Elises's are not (at least not on K-series powered Elises). Ultimately that was the single biggest factor in me choosing an Elise over a N/A VX220 (I hated the turbo).
The K-series head gasket is less of an issue with the Elise than many cars, not because they're less prone to failure but because the cost of fixing it is peanuts in the grand scheme of running a car like the Elise. The extra fuel economy of the K-series Elise would pay for a new head gasket every couple of years anyway, if it needed it.
The biggest "unchangeable" difference other than the engines, is probably the brakes. The VX220's are servo assisted, the Elises's are not (at least not on K-series powered Elises). Ultimately that was the single biggest factor in me choosing an Elise over a N/A VX220 (I hated the turbo).
Edited by kambites on Monday 19th May 20:50
Jasandjules said:
Well I would get the Elise - and many years ago I did. Great fun to drive, grip like you can not believe.
I'd say drive them both, see which you prefer.
Good advice, I can only recommend on what I know; VX220 NA. Grip, grip, grip and more grip. A bit of poke, oh and grip. There isn't much to stay with it in a bend if you have big enough balls.I'd say drive them both, see which you prefer.
Mine is a daily driver and was throughout the winter as well. No problems whatsoever, but I do have a hardtop.
selym said:
Good advice, I can only recommend on what I know; VX220 NA. Grip, grip, grip and more grip. A bit of poke, oh and grip. There isn't much to stay with it in a bend if you have big enough balls.
Mine is a daily driver and was throughout the winter as well. No problems whatsoever, but I do have a hardtop.
What sort of mileage do you do each day in it and how reliable has it been? Mine is a daily driver and was throughout the winter as well. No problems whatsoever, but I do have a hardtop.
I have been looking at swapping my Focus ST for one but not sure how it would handle commuting 16 miles a day.
Had a VX and Elises in various guises.
The VX is derided by purists. Not sure, other than the ABS, why this is so. It still looks great in my eyes, particularly as it was never succeeded.
The engine is not great, it is bland and not keen to rev. It can be livened up with the VSE and precat removed, but not sure how many of the mild steel VSEs still exist. Otherwise, with a Lotus-like geo setup its basically....well an Elise!
An Elise is nicer out of the box to drive, but a standard K-Series is hardly a marvel and i'd still make plenty of changes. I love the '60s looks, but have no preference over the VX in that department. Perhaps the Lotus is the better investment, but then looking at the VXs, they haven't depreciated much - if at all - since i had one about 7 years ago.
The facts are they are essentially the same car. That will mean they will go wrong and are quite horrible road cars (depending on what you've come from). I would not have either as my only car, so i'd be inclined to say go for the more focused Elise if it will be your weekender.
The VX is derided by purists. Not sure, other than the ABS, why this is so. It still looks great in my eyes, particularly as it was never succeeded.
The engine is not great, it is bland and not keen to rev. It can be livened up with the VSE and precat removed, but not sure how many of the mild steel VSEs still exist. Otherwise, with a Lotus-like geo setup its basically....well an Elise!
An Elise is nicer out of the box to drive, but a standard K-Series is hardly a marvel and i'd still make plenty of changes. I love the '60s looks, but have no preference over the VX in that department. Perhaps the Lotus is the better investment, but then looking at the VXs, they haven't depreciated much - if at all - since i had one about 7 years ago.
The facts are they are essentially the same car. That will mean they will go wrong and are quite horrible road cars (depending on what you've come from). I would not have either as my only car, so i'd be inclined to say go for the more focused Elise if it will be your weekender.
minipower said:
What sort of mileage do you do each day in it and how reliable has it been?
I have been looking at swapping my Focus ST for one but not sure how it would handle commuting 16 miles a day.
25 mile round trip five days a week. It has been ultra reliable for a year now. Ok, it squeaks and rattles a little but it is carpeted inside and has an uprated heater which is an absolute godsend.I have been looking at swapping my Focus ST for one but not sure how it would handle commuting 16 miles a day.
Impasse said:
What's the parts supply like for the VX? The Elise is reasonably well catered for, but are there any key components on the VX which could cripple it due to a lack of bits?
The clams are getting harder to source. Otherwise it's mostly either the same as the Elise or the same as another Vauxhall. It takes a while to get hold of the older Elise clams these days too, for that matter. They don't make batches very often.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff