Lotus Élan +2 or Porsche 914?

[johnfm]

Given they are similar price and size, which is more rewarding to drive?

I guess they are similar weight and power.

Anyone driven both?

Opinions?

[Mistron]

I think 914s are very undervalued,, but are definately on the up in recent years. I would caution that you make sure you buy a good one though - I didn't and it was a bit disapointing, I could tell it could be a good car, but it was just a bit 'loose' - true of any car of course, but the gearchange on an 914 can be a challenge at the best of times!

Rust is of course a killer too, and they are all LHD (well, I think there are 6 RHD conversions by Crayford)

Haven't owned an Elan +2, but have driven one, and yes, they are great!

Family life says I'm more likely to have a +2, but have recently been looking at 914s again as it feels like unfinished business, and the family don't all want to come with me at once, do they?

If anyone bought my current project, I'd find a 914!

[deltashad]

914's are appreciating. There's a pretty much unused one on Mobile.de for 146k euro.

[johnfm]

My main issue is the 914, on paper at least, seem under powered.

I like the quirky looks though, and I am a Porsche fan.

The Lotus look like great value, look like they are easy to work on and at 120hp with 850kgs, should be fun.

[anonymous-user]

The Elan + 2, especially in the 126 BHP Big Valve version, is a very nifty car. Opinions vary as to whether the four speed or five speed version is to be preferred. It's a roomy and comfortable car (in the front, anyway), and a practical tourer for a small family. The B road handling is great fun. It's a fairly easy car to look after. I haven't tried a 914, but do like the quirky looks and rarity.

[Finlandese]

I´m sure that you´d like both cars. I would probably look at from wanting either open top motoring, or occasional rear seats. I had a 914 as my first car, and I really liked it. Lack of power is not really a problem, as increasing it is so economical on four cylinder engines. Beware rust - mine was the only rusty car in California..

[johnfm]

Cheers all.

The lack of corrosion in a fibreglass body, in addition to the lighter car and more power is also tempting.

[Finlandese]

Elan +2 has a fiberglass body, but the chassis is mild steel (if it hasn´t been replaced)..

[geeeman]

i looked at these also, did test drive a +2 with paul matty. really like how it drives. didnt get to drive a 914, but the conventional FR layout of the elan will be more rewarding and easier to control on the limit, so its what i would go for

[johnfm]

Waiting to here back froma seller on a project car.

They look like fun to work on too.

[GTRene]

a good Elan + 2 would be fine I guess.

here are 2 or 3 for sale, ok they cost some but a lot is new I guess and have zetec conversion, so light and fast anyways, nice to look at or get idea's from.

http://www.spydercars.co.uk/CARS%20FOR%20SALE.htm

[jamesatcandsc]

I have driven both many times.
The 914 is a superb car, but the Elan is so good I bought one. And when that went, I bought another.

[johnfm]

What I don't understand is why a car with 120 HP and sub 900kg don't have a similar race or rally heritage as a similar era 911T or E spec - I guess because people raced the 911S, which had substantially more power.

[sparkey]

Not tried the Porsche but considered one many times. I've had an Elan +2 for a long time and generally if mechanically well maintained they are an easy car to look after and great to drive. A fibreglass body and Galvanised chassis (as almost all will now have) means the only rusty bits are the suspension and at the rear most of that's an alloy Chapman Strut, so really only the front wishbones need regular "refreshing". The main issues comes with bodywork restoration which if needed is very expensive and/or time consuming. Either buy one that's a bit scruffy and live with it knowing it probably won't get much worse (I did this 13 years ago and it still looks much the same), or pay a lot more and get one that's been restored by someone that knows what they're doing with old Lotus fibreglass. Some engine parts, particularly cylinder heads are very hard to get hold of or very expensive.
Overall a good ownership experience - mine's sitting outside in the snow at the minute which is not ideal, but I think it will survive it better than a 914 would...

S..

[Lotus 50]

The +2 has been used in competition - to a limited extent. The key issue is that the 2 seat elan was properly developed for racing and the bigger and heavier +2 wasn't. It's greater track and length mean that it probably handles better than the 2 seat elan but you also have additional weight to accelerate (but better aerodynamics). It would be interesting to see how a race +2 would compete in the 70's road sports series - assuming it's eligible. Both the 2 seat elan and the +2 are probably too light and fragile for full on rallying (although some have tried I believe...).

[GTRene]

oooo, love those Elite, sadly very expensive



1962 Lotus Elite Super 95

http://www.sportscardigest.com/gooding-and-company...

[johnfm]

I think the Élan is the one...though the 914 is bloody tempting.

[GTRene]

they are indeed special too, specially with wider flares me thinks









some like this car have build a V8 in...



but if you also think about a 2 seater why not the 'better' driving Lotus Europa?

[whiteonyx]

there is a fantastic 914 with a Chalon bodykit on www.classiceurpeancars.co.uk

[GTRene]

looking nice indeed, although that cage looks a bit worrying almost next to your head that tube in the middle.

link did not work so new one>>

http://www.classiceuropeancars.co.uk/classic-cars-...