have I gone mad?
Discussion
I would have thought a GT3 would have been the logical next step after a 996TT. However, as a former S2 Elise 111S owner, it is one of the most involving drives available. Lacking in straight line grunt though which was why I got rid of mines for an E46 M3. Now looking to get myself into a 996TT or GT3.
you all raise good points and thanks for the honest feedback!! I am going to pop to Bell and Colvil tomorrow to have a chat with Scott as I want to know whats happening with the new Esprite.
In a lot of ways I feel I have been there, done that and after my turbo I think I will be frustrated with the performance. The fun factor however I am sure would be fantastic.
Its now looking I will keep the 996 TT 95% just been worried about the residuals recently and need to get a new warrenty on her now which I would estimate would cost a couple of grand?
In a lot of ways I feel I have been there, done that and after my turbo I think I will be frustrated with the performance. The fun factor however I am sure would be fantastic.
Its now looking I will keep the 996 TT 95% just been worried about the residuals recently and need to get a new warrenty on her now which I would estimate would cost a couple of grand?
Until I get myself into a 996 TT or GT3, I won't experience how other road users will treat me being a Porker driver.
With the Elise, you'll recieve mainly respect and thumbs up from people, however as it's relatively under powered most boy racers will be able to give the Lotus a good run for its money in a straight line. Some of the more clever ones will also know on a wet day, a FWD hatch will walk all over you as the Elise is very tail happy. Non-ABS cars are also handicapped in poor conditions.
With the Elise, you'll recieve mainly respect and thumbs up from people, however as it's relatively under powered most boy racers will be able to give the Lotus a good run for its money in a straight line. Some of the more clever ones will also know on a wet day, a FWD hatch will walk all over you as the Elise is very tail happy. Non-ABS cars are also handicapped in poor conditions.
amare32 said:
Until I get myself into a 996 TT or GT3, I won't experience how other road users will treat me being a Porker driver.
With the Elise, you'll recieve mainly respect and thumbs up from people, however as it's relatively under powered most boy racers will be able to give the Lotus a good run for its money in a straight line. Some of the more clever ones will also know on a wet day, a FWD hatch will walk all over you as the Elise is very tail happy. Non-ABS cars are also handicapped in poor conditions.
I used to get people trying it on against the Elise a lot. Once I got the noble and now RS people don't seem to bother much. Although I did have an SL55 try to race me off the lights the other week.
Everyone witters on about corners in Elises, but frankly its limited by tyres and not being a dangerous idiot. Just like on every other sports car. The main thing elises have is the ability to run through a few gears without being at warp speed. They are overtyred with snappy limit handling so its not like you can drift them around roundabouts like some old classic. Still a lot of fun though, and perhaps offering the raw driving experience a 996TT doesn't.
If you're getting bored with your TT it's worth considering a tune up. I don't regret the DMS remap and sports exhaust on mine - totally transforms the car and feels way more responsive and fun (which is the main thing!) 
Other areas, could include body kits, suspension & brake upgrades, even the interior can benefit from a few upgrades, aluminum or carbon kits etc.
The whole residual value thing, it’s worth riding it out over time. Anyone who changes newer cars will generally get hit by some depreciation. I won’t consider changing mine unless a) I have too or b) the 997TT is miles better – but I’ll wait and get a 2 or 3 year old one most likely. Hmm, there’s always the RUF, 9FF or Gemballa route to consider!
Food for thought....
Gerry
Other areas, could include body kits, suspension & brake upgrades, even the interior can benefit from a few upgrades, aluminum or carbon kits etc.
The whole residual value thing, it’s worth riding it out over time. Anyone who changes newer cars will generally get hit by some depreciation. I won’t consider changing mine unless a) I have too or b) the 997TT is miles better – but I’ll wait and get a 2 or 3 year old one most likely. Hmm, there’s always the RUF, 9FF or Gemballa route to consider!
Food for thought....
Gerry
Alternatively, to get some excitement, simply disconnect the front wheel drive of the TT, for nice honest rear wheel drive fun
I don't think you'll be happy with an Elise as a replacement... as an extra car for track antics certainly, but there are some things the Elise is *incredibly* bad at (mile munching, ability to cruise and relaxation). Obviously at 10 tenths the Elise is fantastically rewarding, but it's even worse than TVR in niggles-to-excitement ratio. If most of your road driving gets that excitement, then go for it... otherwise the niggles will wear you down.
I'd still fancy an Elise with a supercharged Honda vtec unit, or even the 'limited edition' supercharged Toyota motor, it'd be properly fast to go with the roadholding.
But, as in most cars, getting to that rewarding limit on the road is pushing it safety-wise on today's congested roads. And if you're after a track-only funmobile, there are plenty of other, faster, cheaper, choices.
I don't think you'll be happy with an Elise as a replacement... as an extra car for track antics certainly, but there are some things the Elise is *incredibly* bad at (mile munching, ability to cruise and relaxation). Obviously at 10 tenths the Elise is fantastically rewarding, but it's even worse than TVR in niggles-to-excitement ratio. If most of your road driving gets that excitement, then go for it... otherwise the niggles will wear you down.
I'd still fancy an Elise with a supercharged Honda vtec unit, or even the 'limited edition' supercharged Toyota motor, it'd be properly fast to go with the roadholding.
But, as in most cars, getting to that rewarding limit on the road is pushing it safety-wise on today's congested roads. And if you're after a track-only funmobile, there are plenty of other, faster, cheaper, choices.
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