Need help deciding please.
Discussion
Looking to scratch the Lotus itch, long overdue i'm thinking.
Have been looking for a while now at different options.
Not really sure what would be the best for me, started looking at Evora's, I do like the S2 Exiges and the more I'm looking I'm starting to like the S3 Elise's.
I would need to move my car on first also, which is a Corvette C6 Z06, with a few mods, so may take some time.
I'm assuming that the driving experience will be a lot different to the Vette.
Would just like a few pointers from those who know about Lotus to give me an idea as to what each drives like, what to expect etc.
The three that I like for sale at the moment on PH are a white Evora with red mirrors, a blue Exige with black wheels and a red Elise Cup 220.
Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks.
Dave.
Have been looking for a while now at different options.
Not really sure what would be the best for me, started looking at Evora's, I do like the S2 Exiges and the more I'm looking I'm starting to like the S3 Elise's.
I would need to move my car on first also, which is a Corvette C6 Z06, with a few mods, so may take some time.
I'm assuming that the driving experience will be a lot different to the Vette.
Would just like a few pointers from those who know about Lotus to give me an idea as to what each drives like, what to expect etc.
The three that I like for sale at the moment on PH are a white Evora with red mirrors, a blue Exige with black wheels and a red Elise Cup 220.
Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks.
Dave.
To try and simplify it: The s2/s3 elise and exige are based on the same platform, so the look/ feel in the cabin is very similar in them all. They all handle great, it's just the how much power do you want? 190bhp for an s2 toyota power elise, 220bhp+ for a supercharged s3 elise, or 350bhp+ v6 exige
I've never driven an evora, bit more of a GT car. A little heavier, more comfort and ease of getting in/out. They are based on a different platform to the Exige/ elise, but still an awesome car
I've never driven an evora, bit more of a GT car. A little heavier, more comfort and ease of getting in/out. They are based on a different platform to the Exige/ elise, but still an awesome car
The Evora feels more planted on most roads (the worse the surface the better the Evora is by comparison) it has a far stiffer chassis, it is easier to get into and out of due to narrower and lower sills, the downside for me is the fact it isn’t a convertible. The Elise / Exige are more of an event to drive and feel like a mini Le Mans car looking out over the bonnet, the hardtop can be removed and replaced with a softop very easily.
If I had to have one car it would be an Evora, if it is a weekend toy Elise / Exige.
If I had to have one car it would be an Evora, if it is a weekend toy Elise / Exige.
Davey D said:
To try and simplify it: The s2/s3 elise and exige are based on the same platform, so the look/ feel in the cabin is very similar in them all. They all handle great, it's just the how much power do you want? 190bhp for an s2 toyota power elise, 220bhp+ for a supercharged s3 elise, or 350bhp+ v6 exige
I've never driven an evora, bit more of a GT car. A little heavier, more comfort and ease of getting in/out. They are based on a different platform to the Exige/ elise, but still an awesome car
There’s also the 134 BHP Toyota S3 (wot I have got) - advantage with these is you can absolutely cane them without going at utterly stupid speed.I've never driven an evora, bit more of a GT car. A little heavier, more comfort and ease of getting in/out. They are based on a different platform to the Exige/ elise, but still an awesome car
Given your Z06 background, the Exige May be a good fit for you. Any of the V6 are cracking cars. I had a 350 Sport. On the road it could keep up with anything really. The 410/430 are another level of fun.
I then went Elise 220 Cup. The aero will give you benefit on track, if you know what you’re doing. On the road, it’s probably only a visual difference to a same year 220 Sport. Personally, I love the aero kit the 220 Cup has. Perfect setup for the road (speed bumps aren’t really a problem even in SE London). Inside, Exige/Elise are pretty much the same.
Later cars of both models have the open gated gear shift (visually lovely, but not much different to use in my experience) and also a bit more traction control setup. Certainly the Exige has race mode on top of sport mode.
Do arrange a test drive of the range. And don’t forget the Evora 400/410 are a great bit of kit and no less a “drivers car” than the Elise/Exige.
As has been said, the Exige/Elise give you the supercar experience in their own right. Just with great fuel economy and maintenance costs.
I then went Elise 220 Cup. The aero will give you benefit on track, if you know what you’re doing. On the road, it’s probably only a visual difference to a same year 220 Sport. Personally, I love the aero kit the 220 Cup has. Perfect setup for the road (speed bumps aren’t really a problem even in SE London). Inside, Exige/Elise are pretty much the same.
Later cars of both models have the open gated gear shift (visually lovely, but not much different to use in my experience) and also a bit more traction control setup. Certainly the Exige has race mode on top of sport mode.
Do arrange a test drive of the range. And don’t forget the Evora 400/410 are a great bit of kit and no less a “drivers car” than the Elise/Exige.
As has been said, the Exige/Elise give you the supercar experience in their own right. Just with great fuel economy and maintenance costs.
I have a 2013 Elise S which is very similar to the new 220 Sport, and I can't imagine what could be more fun on a nice B road with the sun shining and the roof off. On the road there's enough acceleration for overtaking safely and to feel a push in your back but on track you might want a bit more power. It's a very 'pure' driving experience, really feeling everything the car's doing and instinctivey controlling it without having to think about it. Unlike most modern cars.
Regarding specs, mine has the Lotus sport suspension and the car is very well controlled on bumpy roads but not unbearably harsh, but I'm not sure how it compares with the new Cup and Sport. I also have what I think is the Lotus sport exhaust, which is a lot louder than what was standard, and I wouldn't want to change it as it gives the car character, but again the more recent standard exhausts might be better (louder) than they were. Mine also has airconditioning, which I wasn't bothered about, but I've found it useful for demisting on a wet day with the roof on. If I was buying new I'd personally save my money and get a Sport rather than a Cup, especially as I prefer the cleaner more traditonal look of the Sport but that's just personal opnion. Also, I've read somewhere recently that the Yokohama A052 tyres are almost too grippy for the road and it removes adjustabliity.
Regarding specs, mine has the Lotus sport suspension and the car is very well controlled on bumpy roads but not unbearably harsh, but I'm not sure how it compares with the new Cup and Sport. I also have what I think is the Lotus sport exhaust, which is a lot louder than what was standard, and I wouldn't want to change it as it gives the car character, but again the more recent standard exhausts might be better (louder) than they were. Mine also has airconditioning, which I wasn't bothered about, but I've found it useful for demisting on a wet day with the roof on. If I was buying new I'd personally save my money and get a Sport rather than a Cup, especially as I prefer the cleaner more traditonal look of the Sport but that's just personal opnion. Also, I've read somewhere recently that the Yokohama A052 tyres are almost too grippy for the road and it removes adjustabliity.
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