Griffith v Elise - who ate all the pies ?

[ESDavey]

Gents, a friend has just purchased a Mk2 Lotus Elise 111r which generated two thoughts 1/ I'm very proud to have a Griffith 2/ why is the Lotus so much lighter ?

Lotus 860kg v TVR Griffith 1048kg

Where is most of the weight ? engine & transmission alone ?
Has anyone done anything to reduce significant weight ?

I'm guessing the Griff body is heavier as it feels more solid.

[shpub]

Ally chassis that is glued together. Missing four cylinders. Stark interior.... Smaller size.. No propshaft or big gearbox or diff...

[tvr4ever]

We drive to Italy every year in our Griffith, 1100 km no problem, even the misses finds it comfy. Last year i went along for a drive in my mates Elise. Although it was only 200 km i was happy to get out. Don't get me wrong, i don't want to sg of the Elise, it an absolute joy to hurl round a track. But when it comes to long journeys, i prefer the Griffith.

[97octane]

1.8l four pot vs. 5.0l iron V8?
Mind you, imagine 260-340bhp(depending on who you believe) going through the rear wheels of a Vauxhall Corsa. The Griff is not exactly lardy, is it?

[Markh]

97octane said:

1.8l four pot vs. 5.0l iron V8?

Its aluminum actually

[97octane]

Markh said:

97octane said:

1.8l four pot vs. 5.0l iron V8?

Its aluminum actually

ISC
Still, you get the point, don't you?

[thegman]

difference is only about 50k in engine weight - so clearly there is more to it than just that

[Chimjunkie]

Unnecessarily long bolts and copious heavy fixings +25kg
Engine +30kg
Larger body +50kg
Steel chassis +50kg
Seats + Plush interior +30kg
Gearbox + diff +40kg


All estimates but thats 225kg already!!

[spend]

Most quoted component weights are dry, the lube & coolant is quite heavy.

Its quite a bit bigger overall.

Drive/propshafts to get 300bhp to the rear wheels (bigger).

I think the fg bodywork is much heavier as it is self supporting & the Lotii use a lightweight composite bonded system?

Dave

[nicktowe]

shpub said:

Ally chassis that is glued together. Missing four cylinders. Stark interior.... Smaller size.. No propshaft or big gearbox or diff...

If this is the case, why is my Ginetta G33 only 800kg when compared to the Griffith? 3.9l Rover V8 heavy gearbox, diff, propshaft, steel spaceframe chassis. I reckon the difference must be thicker leather, more seat padding, glass side windows, more robust hood. Can't think of much else.

[350Matt]

Trim is surprisingly heavy, I would put a griff interior at about 65-75Kg ( seats /dash/ carpet/ insulation/ padding and panels where the lotus and ginetta are rather Spartan so proably about 15Kg.

Do the others have a powerful heater? electric windows, a hood that doesn't leak (much )


No

On the whole I think TVR do pretty well as the cars are very cheap to make with no advanced construction methods a mate of mine who worked at TVR back in the late 90's said the 'cost' price (inc labour) of a chimera was about 12K .... and they were being sold for 25K at the time.

Matt

[combine]

Tuscan racer , same chassis as grief , 850kg , one on pistonheads now , ok its got an AJP8 , but it can be done . Would love a ride or even drive in one !!!!! Would love one as a road car too !!