S2000 vs. VX220 (Speedster)

[roulli]

Hi,

has anybody tried both, very different, cars?
I'm aware but not so much interested in the comfort goodies of the S2000.
How do they handle at the limit? Is the VX more controlable?
Which car offers more fun?

Cheers
Patrick

[roulli]

yeah, why not, as long as it's lying in some drawer...

[roulli]

douglasr said: Well, I'm biased, because I have an S2000. I looked at the VX, but it was just as uncomfortable as the Lotus and the badge is a no no as far as I'm concerned. I also find that living in Scotland, a roof that has to be hand assembled is a problem.

If you believe the magazines, the VX is the second best handling car out there (The lotus would be first). Personally I feel that the latest S2000 is underrated and a more viable everyday proposition than the Elise/VX. In terms of depreciation, it will hold its value as well as the lotus and a lot better than the Vauxhall.

I would test drive the S2000, the Elise and the VX220. The are all great cars, but you need a decent test drive to make the right decision...

Haven't you had any bad surprises with the back end snapping at the limit, while the roadsurface isn't perfect. (That's what some magazines telle, while others do not mention this)

Cheers
Patrick

[roulli]

The 2002 model had suspension setting changes that remove a lot of the "snap". It has less bump-steer and more progressive break-away. I cant vouch for this personally as I have not driven a pre-2002 model, however a member on the EVO forum has driven both and reckons the 2002 model is a big improvement.
I got my car in April and the majority of the time have driven in the dry. I would be lying if I denied approaching the limit occasionally, but in the dry it has been progressive and controllable (a slight lift and a little opposite lock have killed the overseer immediatly|). I'm old enough to know my limits and therefore dont attempt four wheel drifts or kicking the tail out in 3rd gear at 80mph (2nd gear at 40 on a roundabout or open bend is about as daring as I get).

I have driven on wet greasy roads recently and found the car OK, I alter the way I drive completely and use the throttle and brakes as smoothly as possible and only use full throttle when the car is straight. I've had no "moments" yet. Some may accuse me of wimping out, but I dont want to bend my pride and joy, so why take the risk ?

A colleague at work has an Elise and is more nervous of the fact there is no ABS than the potential tail happines of his car in the wet.

I've lost the end of my TVR S in the dry, early this year, so I'm a little bit carefull now when choosing my next pride...
Thanks for your review, I'll take into account post 2002 models then.

Cheers
Patrick

PS: Your colleague, probably suffering from badgesnobbery (like most of us), would be better of then with a VX then, wouldn't he?