Esprit V8 - Will I be disappointed?
Discussion
Having recently been drawn into a Lotus thread I have been reminiscing about one of my childhood heroes, the Lotus Esprit.
It seems like a late ish V8 would be the one for me, still quick ish, as modern an interior as they got and to my eyes anything from 88 onwards looks the way I remember them externally.
There are a couple of blue ones on the market at an affordable price which I will go and look at on the other side.
What I really want to know is, will I be disappointed when I drive one? Are they a reasonable drive or are they a bit agricultural?
I realise that anyone posting on here is likely to love them anyway and say they are great. For context I had a 360 Modena when I was 27 and it was a bit of a shock how old school that was to drive but it was acceptable, is an Esprit likely to be similar? better? worse?
It seems like a late ish V8 would be the one for me, still quick ish, as modern an interior as they got and to my eyes anything from 88 onwards looks the way I remember them externally.
There are a couple of blue ones on the market at an affordable price which I will go and look at on the other side.
What I really want to know is, will I be disappointed when I drive one? Are they a reasonable drive or are they a bit agricultural?
I realise that anyone posting on here is likely to love them anyway and say they are great. For context I had a 360 Modena when I was 27 and it was a bit of a shock how old school that was to drive but it was acceptable, is an Esprit likely to be similar? better? worse?
Hi,
I have driven a few V8’s but owned an SE from 1990 (model year) for a good while.
The Esprit was coaxed along on a budget for many years before being discontinued. This will reflect somewhat in a car with its origins in the seventies but also means it got as refined as it could be before it ceased production. GM for example spent a lot on the Esprit when they bought Lotus and this came through in the SE.
While I like the V8’s, I personally would look for a GT3 2 litre just based on running cost versus the V8, which should be a lot lower, but the car offering around 80% of the usable power within the limits we have nowadays on the road. It’s almost indistinguishable in shape.
With reference to a 360, you have a point on the cars feeling older, the oval dash esprit was the last update and did bring them up to date to the turn of the century, but you are dealing with a 20 year old car minimum. Colour combinations also matter as tastes have changed. A silver / black GT3 could have rolled off the line last week (in my eyes).
The appeal to me was the older wedge cars, so having owned an S2 Esprit, the newer ones all felt like an improvement, but I liked the character!
I had both Esprits for a long time concurrently and bought the newer one to replace the older one but never did, the newer one went first as I just liked the classic feel of the S2 (so take my words with a pinch of salt).
I think the point I’m making is you need to see a few and drive a few to determine if it’s for you, but maybe in your search criteria add the GT3 into the mix as a comparator. The GT3 will be around half to two thirds of the V8’s price and around half the cost of its contemporary rival the 360. It will however be reasonable to run compared to the gremlins of a V8 which could be expensive. Each car will have different levels of maintenance and all are particularly sensitive to correct suspension set up and can vary wildly.
It’s easy to be seduced by any Lotus (even poorly ones) so ensure you get an independent to check over it if you do proceed.
Good luck in the search and hope you find the right car!
I have driven a few V8’s but owned an SE from 1990 (model year) for a good while.
The Esprit was coaxed along on a budget for many years before being discontinued. This will reflect somewhat in a car with its origins in the seventies but also means it got as refined as it could be before it ceased production. GM for example spent a lot on the Esprit when they bought Lotus and this came through in the SE.
While I like the V8’s, I personally would look for a GT3 2 litre just based on running cost versus the V8, which should be a lot lower, but the car offering around 80% of the usable power within the limits we have nowadays on the road. It’s almost indistinguishable in shape.
With reference to a 360, you have a point on the cars feeling older, the oval dash esprit was the last update and did bring them up to date to the turn of the century, but you are dealing with a 20 year old car minimum. Colour combinations also matter as tastes have changed. A silver / black GT3 could have rolled off the line last week (in my eyes).
The appeal to me was the older wedge cars, so having owned an S2 Esprit, the newer ones all felt like an improvement, but I liked the character!
I had both Esprits for a long time concurrently and bought the newer one to replace the older one but never did, the newer one went first as I just liked the classic feel of the S2 (so take my words with a pinch of salt).
I think the point I’m making is you need to see a few and drive a few to determine if it’s for you, but maybe in your search criteria add the GT3 into the mix as a comparator. The GT3 will be around half to two thirds of the V8’s price and around half the cost of its contemporary rival the 360. It will however be reasonable to run compared to the gremlins of a V8 which could be expensive. Each car will have different levels of maintenance and all are particularly sensitive to correct suspension set up and can vary wildly.
It’s easy to be seduced by any Lotus (even poorly ones) so ensure you get an independent to check over it if you do proceed.
Good luck in the search and hope you find the right car!
I think it depends on what you are into and like
When I was looking at my Esprit - 1990 Turbo SE - I also did a test drive on a v8 version after I had put a deposit down
just to check it was the option for me.
I preferred the look of the earlier Esprit and the way it felt.
I didn't need a really powerful Esprit - I have enough power cars already - I just wanted something that felt special to drive
and I liked the look of.
The SE was prettier than the v8 and... felt better to drive...
Your choice really based on what you want.
When I was looking at my Esprit - 1990 Turbo SE - I also did a test drive on a v8 version after I had put a deposit down
just to check it was the option for me.
I preferred the look of the earlier Esprit and the way it felt.
I didn't need a really powerful Esprit - I have enough power cars already - I just wanted something that felt special to drive
and I liked the look of.
The SE was prettier than the v8 and... felt better to drive...
Your choice really based on what you want.
Again, thanks for the reply.
I’m not expecting it to be fast, I realise that 20-30 years on ‘nippy’ is the best I can expect from the performance. Honestly what I want is a car that looks like a later model esprit on the outside (to my eyes the 88 ish and on cars look the same), ideally has the later interior but a tidy old interior would do and doesn’t feel ancient. The final point is the only one I can’t be sure of without driving one, though would appreciate some idea given the duel frustrations of not being able to go drive one and having a lot of empty time on my hands.
Finding one that looks like a car I want is easy, it’s just a question of how old school they feel to drive.
I’m not expecting it to be fast, I realise that 20-30 years on ‘nippy’ is the best I can expect from the performance. Honestly what I want is a car that looks like a later model esprit on the outside (to my eyes the 88 ish and on cars look the same), ideally has the later interior but a tidy old interior would do and doesn’t feel ancient. The final point is the only one I can’t be sure of without driving one, though would appreciate some idea given the duel frustrations of not being able to go drive one and having a lot of empty time on my hands.
Finding one that looks like a car I want is easy, it’s just a question of how old school they feel to drive.
Why not a S4 or a Sport 300?
I owned the Limited edition 40th anniversary. This one :
https://lotus-esprit-40.skyrock.mobi/
This is the most beautifull Esprit interior !
I owned the Limited edition 40th anniversary. This one :
https://lotus-esprit-40.skyrock.mobi/
This is the most beautifull Esprit interior !
thierryL said:
Why not a S4 or a Sport 300?
I owned the Limited edition 40th anniversary. This one :
https://lotus-esprit-40.skyrock.mobi/
This is the most beautifull Esprit interior !
I’d consider any model with the late shape and interior, I only really said V8 in the assumption that it would be the least lethargic, though it seems that any late model will be ok.I owned the Limited edition 40th anniversary. This one :
https://lotus-esprit-40.skyrock.mobi/
This is the most beautifull Esprit interior !
Definitely one for personal preference and you need to consider and drive several cars. If you are looking at a V8, I would suggest anything prior to a 2.2 SE would be too 'old school'.
Personal view for what its worth, is that the V8 gives very little above the S4S which is the model I plumped for. I found the S4S alot easier to drive/manage that the SE I'd previously owned. They say the GT3 is the best handling of them all, but are you a sufficiently talented driver to notice? You will certainly notice the 'missing' 60 bhp over the S4S and as alot of GT3s came without a rear spoiler they look unfinished IMHO.
The best of the best is definitely the S300 (I've been in one!) but finding and affording one is an entirely different matter.
Good luck with your search, I'll be interested to know what you get.
Personal view for what its worth, is that the V8 gives very little above the S4S which is the model I plumped for. I found the S4S alot easier to drive/manage that the SE I'd previously owned. They say the GT3 is the best handling of them all, but are you a sufficiently talented driver to notice? You will certainly notice the 'missing' 60 bhp over the S4S and as alot of GT3s came without a rear spoiler they look unfinished IMHO.
The best of the best is definitely the S300 (I've been in one!) but finding and affording one is an entirely different matter.
Good luck with your search, I'll be interested to know what you get.
I faced the same conundrum back in 2005. I always thought I wanted a GT3 but struggled to find one that suited my preferences and budget. Tried an S4S which I nearly bought plus an S4 and a late SE. But then plucked up the courage to take a V8 out for a drive. I was hooked. Yes, not a lot over the S4S in terms of power and driveability but the later dash, more room and other minor improvements plus the noise had me hooked. There is a bit extra under your right foot and there is just something about saying 'its a V8'. Vain I know but these cars are an emotional buy anyway. I didn't 'need' it....
So I bought a 98 V8GT, had it for two years before writing it off on black ice. 3 months later I bought the 01 V8-GT that I currently own, 12 years and counting. Doubt I'll ever get rid of it.. If you keep on top of the maintenance and can do a lot of preventative stuff then the bills shouldn't be to bad, assuming you get a decent one in the first place. My last A service and MOT was £340......
Do your research, ask the questions (TLF is a great place), get the checklist (Lotus Esprit World) and if you can get someone along for the inspection who knows his/her onions and you should be OK. Good luck with your search.
So I bought a 98 V8GT, had it for two years before writing it off on black ice. 3 months later I bought the 01 V8-GT that I currently own, 12 years and counting. Doubt I'll ever get rid of it.. If you keep on top of the maintenance and can do a lot of preventative stuff then the bills shouldn't be to bad, assuming you get a decent one in the first place. My last A service and MOT was £340......
Do your research, ask the questions (TLF is a great place), get the checklist (Lotus Esprit World) and if you can get someone along for the inspection who knows his/her onions and you should be OK. Good luck with your search.
Hedgerley said:
I faced the same conundrum back in 2005. I always thought I wanted a GT3 but struggled to find one that suited my preferences and budget. Tried an S4S which I nearly bought plus an S4 and a late SE. But then plucked up the courage to take a V8 out for a drive. I was hooked. Yes, not a lot over the S4S in terms of power and driveability but the later dash, more room and other minor improvements plus the noise had me hooked. There is a bit extra under your right foot and there is just something about saying 'its a V8'. Vain I know but these cars are an emotional buy anyway. I didn't 'need' it....
So I bought a 98 V8GT, had it for two years before writing it off on black ice. 3 months later I bought the 01 V8-GT that I currently own, 12 years and counting. Doubt I'll ever get rid of it.. If you keep on top of the maintenance and can do a lot of preventative stuff then the bills shouldn't be to bad, assuming you get a decent one in the first place. My last A service and MOT was £340......
Do your research, ask the questions (TLF is a great place), get the checklist (Lotus Esprit World) and if you can get someone along for the inspection who knows his/her onions and you should be OK. Good luck with your search.
Soooo......So I bought a 98 V8GT, had it for two years before writing it off on black ice. 3 months later I bought the 01 V8-GT that I currently own, 12 years and counting. Doubt I'll ever get rid of it.. If you keep on top of the maintenance and can do a lot of preventative stuff then the bills shouldn't be to bad, assuming you get a decent one in the first place. My last A service and MOT was £340......
Do your research, ask the questions (TLF is a great place), get the checklist (Lotus Esprit World) and if you can get someone along for the inspection who knows his/her onions and you should be OK. Good luck with your search.
Are they ancient feeling or aint they?
Lee Jones Jnr said:
Soooo......
Are they ancient feeling or aint they?
Absolutely not! The only thing that is a PITA is the handbrake position and operation. I loved both of mine and would happily buy another. I still dont think they have been surpassed by many cars for looks or performance and definitely not kudos.Are they ancient feeling or aint they?
Mutley00 said:
Lee Jones Jnr said:
Soooo......
Are they ancient feeling or aint they?
Absolutely not! The only thing that is a PITA is the handbrake position and operation. I loved both of mine and would happily buy another. I still dont think they have been surpassed by many cars for looks or performance and definitely not kudos.Are they ancient feeling or aint they?
They look incredible still though.
Mmm, those figures would see a new gearbox in no time but the in gear acceleration is quite impressive if you know where and how to use.
These cars cannot be driven like new stuff with gearboxes that cosset the driver, they need to be taken by the scruff of the neck and bullied to a certain extent. That also means they have to be maintained to cope so a lot to think about.
They can and will bite too with no traction control and if yours have anything but brand new tyres all round, be careful coming off roundabouts thinking you can boot it down the dual carriageway, especially in the wet!
They can be hugely rewarding but you need to learn slowly in them.
Also, ensure you have a good specialist nearby.
These cars cannot be driven like new stuff with gearboxes that cosset the driver, they need to be taken by the scruff of the neck and bullied to a certain extent. That also means they have to be maintained to cope so a lot to think about.
They can and will bite too with no traction control and if yours have anything but brand new tyres all round, be careful coming off roundabouts thinking you can boot it down the dual carriageway, especially in the wet!
They can be hugely rewarding but you need to learn slowly in them.
Also, ensure you have a good specialist nearby.
Cold said:
Lee Jones Jnr said:
Easy tiger, let’s not kid ourselves about the performance.
They look incredible still though.
V8-GTThey look incredible still though.
0-60 in 4.1s
0-100 in 9.5s
175mph+
Pedestrian.
Firstly, those numbers don’t match any of the many specs I have seen.
Secondly, a great many cars that I have had or would consider next would top those numbers even if they were accurate.
Thirdly, I don’t believe that m(any?) 20 year old Esprits will be approaching factory fresh numbers.
Finally, there is no way I’d feel comfortable trying to eek maximum performance out of a 20 year old Lotus.
Perhaps I will be pleasantly surprised by how bulletproof and blisteringly quick they feel, but I’m expecting and perfectly happy with ‘nippy’.
Edited by Lee Jones Jnr on Friday 29th May 09:04
Well Lee Jones Jr.
I don't quite follow this thread.??
Do you or do you not want to buy a V8 ?? You don't seem too sure.
I think some people here have misunderstood the point of this car. It was never built as a track day tool, far too big and heavy. For that you need a caterham, Elise, gti, etc or intergralle.
It's a very fast powerful road car best for crossing a continent quickly in comfort, a true Grand Tourer !! And it won't even break a sweat. 4 cylinder versions are also brilliant but lack the massive mid range grunt.
I personally prefer the original interior.... Getting in a supercar should be " an event ". When you get in, you know exactly what your in, it's all part of the DNA of the bread.
They only made 1500 V8's world wide. If your not sure, don't bother and let someone with more enthusiasm and a love for the model buy it instead.
I don't quite follow this thread.??
Do you or do you not want to buy a V8 ?? You don't seem too sure.
I think some people here have misunderstood the point of this car. It was never built as a track day tool, far too big and heavy. For that you need a caterham, Elise, gti, etc or intergralle.
It's a very fast powerful road car best for crossing a continent quickly in comfort, a true Grand Tourer !! And it won't even break a sweat. 4 cylinder versions are also brilliant but lack the massive mid range grunt.
I personally prefer the original interior.... Getting in a supercar should be " an event ". When you get in, you know exactly what your in, it's all part of the DNA of the bread.
They only made 1500 V8's world wide. If your not sure, don't bother and let someone with more enthusiasm and a love for the model buy it instead.
the av8er said:
Well Lee Jones Jr.
I don't quite follow this thread.??
Do you or do you not want to buy a V8 ?? You don't seem too sure.
I think some people here have misunderstood the point of this car. It was never built as a track day tool, far too big and heavy. For that you need a caterham, Elise, gti, etc or intergralle.
It's a very fast powerful road car best for crossing a continent quickly in comfort, a true Grand Tourer !! And it won't even break a sweat. 4 cylinder versions are also brilliant but lack the massive mid range grunt.
I personally prefer the original interior.... Getting in a supercar should be " an event ". When you get in, you know exactly what your in, it's all part of the DNA of the bread.
They only made 1500 V8's world wide. If your not sure, don't bother and let someone with more enthusiasm and a love for the model buy it instead.
What is unclear?I don't quite follow this thread.??
Do you or do you not want to buy a V8 ?? You don't seem too sure.
I think some people here have misunderstood the point of this car. It was never built as a track day tool, far too big and heavy. For that you need a caterham, Elise, gti, etc or intergralle.
It's a very fast powerful road car best for crossing a continent quickly in comfort, a true Grand Tourer !! And it won't even break a sweat. 4 cylinder versions are also brilliant but lack the massive mid range grunt.
I personally prefer the original interior.... Getting in a supercar should be " an event ". When you get in, you know exactly what your in, it's all part of the DNA of the bread.
They only made 1500 V8's world wide. If your not sure, don't bother and let someone with more enthusiasm and a love for the model buy it instead.
I’m 100% unsure if I want to buy one, because as I have said it’s now a very old car and I won’t enjoy driving it if it feels absolutely ancient. If a ‘98 or ‘99 car feels like a ‘98 or ‘99 car that will be liveable, but of course I’m aware that much of the car was already very old by that point, and asked the question at a time when it was unclear when I’d be able to get out and actually try one.
Of course essentially no matter what anyone said it wouldn’t have made a great difference as firstly on a lotus forum views will be weighted positively and secondly I’m well aware that opinions vary. For example (this is not the start of an argument) to me an Esprit isn’t a Supercar and by today’s standards it’s not big, heavy or a very fast and powerful continent crusher.
I’m 36 years old so can remember being a child and Esprits being a really impressive, beautiful sports car. I still thing they look fantastic and if they are ok to drive then that’s great.
My advice. DON'T BUY ONE.
When buying a garage toy, track toy or "hobby" car. The sort of thing that's not your main transport.
The mental process is very different to that of choosing a regular car.
The desire outweighs everything else and you can't help yourself !! You obviously don't feel that way.
I want a MP4 -12 and looked at a few. There is a loud voice in my head warning me of the possible doom of reliability.
The fact that I spend too much time considering this issue tells me that I don't want it bad enough because if I did I would be ignoring this voice.
If your considering your negative thoughts on this issue....... Find something else.
if you find its performance too pedestrian for you ....... Find something else.
If your not totally smitten with Lotus ....... Find something else.
You obviously are not going to feel that owning an Esprit V8 is a privilege, therefore I would prefer you FIND SOMETHING ELSE !!
They are far to special and rare to be owned by someone who isn't a complete obsessed, lunatic of a fan and that's clearly not you!!
When buying a garage toy, track toy or "hobby" car. The sort of thing that's not your main transport.
The mental process is very different to that of choosing a regular car.
The desire outweighs everything else and you can't help yourself !! You obviously don't feel that way.
I want a MP4 -12 and looked at a few. There is a loud voice in my head warning me of the possible doom of reliability.
The fact that I spend too much time considering this issue tells me that I don't want it bad enough because if I did I would be ignoring this voice.
If your considering your negative thoughts on this issue....... Find something else.
if you find its performance too pedestrian for you ....... Find something else.
If your not totally smitten with Lotus ....... Find something else.
You obviously are not going to feel that owning an Esprit V8 is a privilege, therefore I would prefer you FIND SOMETHING ELSE !!
They are far to special and rare to be owned by someone who isn't a complete obsessed, lunatic of a fan and that's clearly not you!!
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