Changing the T350 for an Exige/Europa
Discussion
I went the other way (via some shopping stuff) and would say the Europa may be a disapointment, the engine power curve is like a set of stairs and doesnt feel that quick (I had a 225 upgrade) the Radiators are a known weak point with hoses blowing off, dumping all the coolat, a common problem that lotus never seemed to fix properly (slight change in radiator spec and larger hose clips). Mine did it 4 times in one year and seems to happen when tootling in urban areas (30ish etc) .
Other bad points : the ABS is SHOCKING in wet conditions, ie it doesn't work to the point I'd say its downright dangerous, TVRs brakes are far more controllable/usable. Looks lovely though.
Other bad points : the ABS is SHOCKING in wet conditions, ie it doesn't work to the point I'd say its downright dangerous, TVRs brakes are far more controllable/usable. Looks lovely though.
I came from a supercharged Elise. What you will miss if you go that route is the sound of the engine. And although you can add aftermarket exhausts to make them sound better than the standard form. It just doesn't come close to what you have with the T350.
I can't comment on the brakes for the Europa, but the brakes on my old car were the best I have ever had. Road holding in an Exige/Elise is simply phenominal and although I love my T350. It really wouldn't be able to keep up with an Exige/Elise ( or Europa ) in the twisty's!
Being a smaller car, you wont be able to carry as much as you can do right now either. They are much cheaper to run than the T350.
They are in my opinion bloody good cars. But the T350 has that certain something that the Lotus's don't have. ( and I can't define what that is either! ).
That was possibly no help to you, but I thought I would give you my opinion anyway!
I can't comment on the brakes for the Europa, but the brakes on my old car were the best I have ever had. Road holding in an Exige/Elise is simply phenominal and although I love my T350. It really wouldn't be able to keep up with an Exige/Elise ( or Europa ) in the twisty's!
Being a smaller car, you wont be able to carry as much as you can do right now either. They are much cheaper to run than the T350.
They are in my opinion bloody good cars. But the T350 has that certain something that the Lotus's don't have. ( and I can't define what that is either! ).
That was possibly no help to you, but I thought I would give you my opinion anyway!
fredd1e said:
... the Europa may be a disapointment,... the Radiators are a known weak point with hoses blowing off, dumping all the coolat, a common problem that lotus never seemed to fix properly
Oh, the irony... I had my first crash in my Elise on track following a 60's Europa on Spa.... DIdn't know they still have the problem on the newer models...some real nice posts here, cheers.
Obviously looking at the figures the T350 has the edge on power etc, the feeling of taking her out is an experience, an event if you like.
I wonder if an exige/europa will be the same?
I have owned an esprit and an excel years back, they did seem special at the time.
First and foremost I do go for looks, but having dealt with the 350s power delivery I am definitely questioning that raw power tvrs seem to give.
The Exige is very pretty so too is the Europa, the T350 isn't ugly but isnt as pretty as an exige, they all have great profiles in my opinion.
Still no further on for a decision !
Obviously looking at the figures the T350 has the edge on power etc, the feeling of taking her out is an experience, an event if you like.
I wonder if an exige/europa will be the same?
I have owned an esprit and an excel years back, they did seem special at the time.
First and foremost I do go for looks, but having dealt with the 350s power delivery I am definitely questioning that raw power tvrs seem to give.
The Exige is very pretty so too is the Europa, the T350 isn't ugly but isnt as pretty as an exige, they all have great profiles in my opinion.
Still no further on for a decision !
I've done the opposite to what you're thinking; I used to own a TT260 Exige S1 which handled like a go-kart but lacked power above 100MPH even with 267BHP and about 890 KG in weight - I once had a race with a Sierra Cosworth Sapphire which i'm sure wasn't in standard form, I could pull away from it up to about 100MPH but then it would just slowly cruise past me...
The T350 power is phenomenal (in standard form), never had the pleasure of driving one of the upgraded ones (4.0, 4.3 and 4.5 etc)... Maybe one day...
To conclude; i'd say the Exige handled better through the windy roads (as other people have stated) but for raw power and overtaking right through the rev range and also the looks - the T350 gets my vote every time.
Has anyone driven one of the new V6 Exiges on here? That could be a whole new kettle of fish altogether...
The T350 power is phenomenal (in standard form), never had the pleasure of driving one of the upgraded ones (4.0, 4.3 and 4.5 etc)... Maybe one day...
To conclude; i'd say the Exige handled better through the windy roads (as other people have stated) but for raw power and overtaking right through the rev range and also the looks - the T350 gets my vote every time.
Has anyone driven one of the new V6 Exiges on here? That could be a whole new kettle of fish altogether...
road hog said:
have both.
I wish but not possible.So, we have an Exige great in the twistys but feeling underpowered.
The 350, well I know about I have one, and the power delivery is awesome.
I think its possibly time to drive both the Exige/ Europa.
Thing is with this weather I know if I take the 350 out I will not want to let it go !
I may consider popping to my local dealer in the 350, a good comparison can then be made.
Not sure where in the country you are but Ben at Castle sports cars in Stansted is very helpful and they are Lotus MD and TVR specialists so won't be biaised.
Main problem for me with the Loti is getting in/out - I have real trouble with them but depends on your size/flexibility I guess. An SC Exige is like a rocket powered go-kart but misses a lot of the drama and sense of occasion you get with the T350, not to mention the noise. The 350 is also a lot more practical but then again it's not the reason we buy these cars.
IMHO the Lotus is a fantastic little car but personally I prefer the TVR. Can't wait till Saturday as mine returns following 3 months away and a brand new rebuilt Power 4.3 engine.
Main problem for me with the Loti is getting in/out - I have real trouble with them but depends on your size/flexibility I guess. An SC Exige is like a rocket powered go-kart but misses a lot of the drama and sense of occasion you get with the T350, not to mention the noise. The 350 is also a lot more practical but then again it's not the reason we buy these cars.
IMHO the Lotus is a fantastic little car but personally I prefer the TVR. Can't wait till Saturday as mine returns following 3 months away and a brand new rebuilt Power 4.3 engine.
Also depends on where you drive it - bendy circuits favour the current incarnations of Exige but those with decent straights leave the Exige wanting comparatively because of the torque profile. 'Ring is just downright scary in the Exige but only because of the relative size of stuff around you, however its handling and 'feel' is fantastic - I had my first 'stirrings' for a 350 there. Bump steer on B-roads in the 350 is quite unsettling I think and is definitely something I'm going to get modified out. Oversteer is as predictable I've found in the 350 as in the Exige/Elise.
If you're using it to tour then I have to say that the 350 wins hands down compared to my old Lotus (as much as I love(d) her). Classic Le Mans was an absolute joy without hearing swmbo whinge on about the camping stuff in the footwell, but both suffer from the radiator thing - mine (radiator that is) started to dump on the way home so now replaced with the alloy version. Fuel consumption is something else though....
If you're using it to tour then I have to say that the 350 wins hands down compared to my old Lotus (as much as I love(d) her). Classic Le Mans was an absolute joy without hearing swmbo whinge on about the camping stuff in the footwell, but both suffer from the radiator thing - mine (radiator that is) started to dump on the way home so now replaced with the alloy version. Fuel consumption is something else though....
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