Discussion
I've been driving a standard Elise since the beginning of the year and I've just ordered a Sport 160 as I was looking for something a little more oomph.
After a lengthy test drive, the first thing I noticed was that the suspension was totally different. The 160 suspension felt stiffer yet very compliant which gave excellent feed-back and despite being firmer made for a much smoother ride. It made the standard car feel harsh.
Engine wise, the standard car has a little more stomp at around the 2k - 3k rpm range, which when I'm driving aound town is where I use the engine. It's only slightly noticeable, but who cares? The whole point of the 160 is the 30% increase in power, and you'll find most of it over 5000 revs. Wang the rev counter round to 7000 rpm (which you can't do on a standard car)and this thing is flying.
To summarise, more powerful engine, sports suspension, lighter wheels and a dinkey little spoiler.
I've decided to buy an original Lotus built 160 as opposed to upgrading my existing car. Simply because of warrantees and that by the time you add the cost of all the other things you can buy a proper 160 and have money left over. I think upgrading is a false economny - epsecially when you take residuals in acount.
After a lengthy test drive, the first thing I noticed was that the suspension was totally different. The 160 suspension felt stiffer yet very compliant which gave excellent feed-back and despite being firmer made for a much smoother ride. It made the standard car feel harsh.
Engine wise, the standard car has a little more stomp at around the 2k - 3k rpm range, which when I'm driving aound town is where I use the engine. It's only slightly noticeable, but who cares? The whole point of the 160 is the 30% increase in power, and you'll find most of it over 5000 revs. Wang the rev counter round to 7000 rpm (which you can't do on a standard car)and this thing is flying.
To summarise, more powerful engine, sports suspension, lighter wheels and a dinkey little spoiler.
I've decided to buy an original Lotus built 160 as opposed to upgrading my existing car. Simply because of warrantees and that by the time you add the cost of all the other things you can buy a proper 160 and have money left over. I think upgrading is a false economny - epsecially when you take residuals in acount.
I would never take the official figures anyway, seeing as they are done on a rolling road at fixed speeds. They should only be a guide for approximate running costs. ie if THEY say fuel is 20mpg then its expensive 30mpg medium 40+mpg cheap. If you're that worried about fuel economy then don't get a sports car.
Talking of fuel economy a friend of mine has one of the Toyota hybreed cars. It does fantastic miles to the gallon (it has a display on the dash which shows you fuel economy as a bar chart as well as other snacky toys, we averaged 64mpg!).
I was very impressed with it. Its no performance car but it doesn't hang about. I would have throught it an ideal reps car (ie comfortable and good mpg). One unearving thing is that when you pull up at lights its totally silient as the engine isn't running, put the accelerator down and off it goes weird! You also have to watch for predestrians in car parks as they don't hear your stealth vehicle !)
I was very impressed with it. Its no performance car but it doesn't hang about. I would have throught it an ideal reps car (ie comfortable and good mpg). One unearving thing is that when you pull up at lights its totally silient as the engine isn't running, put the accelerator down and off it goes weird! You also have to watch for predestrians in car parks as they don't hear your stealth vehicle !)
I've always hated the Golf GTi. It pretends to be a sports car, has been given the image of a sports car (ie hot hatch) but doesn't drive like a sports car.
Drove one on the track on a training day (before having a play in a single seater) and couldn't believe how far I had to turn the steering to get it to point in the right direction.
Not surprised you prefer your Elise. A real sports car that goes round corners.
Drove one on the track on a training day (before having a play in a single seater) and couldn't believe how far I had to turn the steering to get it to point in the right direction.
Not surprised you prefer your Elise. A real sports car that goes round corners.
Hate is a very strong word.....
it is true that the GTi badge is perhaps now misplaced on the Mk4, especially on the non turbo version, but it is a superb car for covering miles in, the build quality is superb, the Recaro seats are the best seats I have ever used, the suspension setup is on the soft side, but you can have fun in it(trust me I know, I drive it everyday), I'm sure driving almost anything after an Elise would feel a bit like steering a large ship. Mk3 Gti golf I had was a better car handling wise than the Mk4, but the 8v needed more power, Mk3 16v was the one to have.
it is true that the GTi badge is perhaps now misplaced on the Mk4, especially on the non turbo version, but it is a superb car for covering miles in, the build quality is superb, the Recaro seats are the best seats I have ever used, the suspension setup is on the soft side, but you can have fun in it(trust me I know, I drive it everyday), I'm sure driving almost anything after an Elise would feel a bit like steering a large ship. Mk3 Gti golf I had was a better car handling wise than the Mk4, but the 8v needed more power, Mk3 16v was the one to have.
Okay perhaps hate is the wrong word. I've always felt it was overated. I drove a kit car for years and was often followed by GTi owners trying to keep up and they always failed on the corners. In a straight line (eg motorways) they're fine, and i agree with your comments about reliability and comfort etc. Now I drive an M100 (made at the same time as the Golf Mk3 I believe) and the car is in a different league, in both performance and comfort. (but perhaps not reliability, although I have never had a problem it doesn't cover rep millage)
However it was the drivers attitude in the 80's/90's that was really annoying. Always inpolite and cut you up 'cos they didn't like being overtaken.
Having said that Ford "sports" cars were worse a souped up escort would never get out of your way.
I think its the image rather than the car I hate... "backward caps" , Carnage style where a cossi is the best car ever and if you can't fit your head inside the exhaust pipe its not a performance exhaust. That kind of thing...
Rant over...
However it was the drivers attitude in the 80's/90's that was really annoying. Always inpolite and cut you up 'cos they didn't like being overtaken.
Having said that Ford "sports" cars were worse a souped up escort would never get out of your way.
I think its the image rather than the car I hate... "backward caps" , Carnage style where a cossi is the best car ever and if you can't fit your head inside the exhaust pipe its not a performance exhaust. That kind of thing...
Rant over...
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