Elise S1 - performance of std 1.8 v other models
Discussion
Is there a major differnce in performance between the std S1 elise and the 111s or 135 for example. Looking at an Elise as a weekend toy and occasional track tool, and wandering if the extra ££ for a 111S can be justfied.
I've recently done a track day in a circuit's 111r and loved it, would the 111s have similar go...?
I've recently done a track day in a circuit's 111r and loved it, would the 111s have similar go...?
If you want a track oriented car, then get the S1 sport 160. it loves to driven hard and screems. I recently did a track day and a guy took me out in the 111R for the first time. Very nice car, so smooth and relaxed, where as the sport 160 I have sounds like a rough a ready racer in comparrison, completely different experience I have to say. In terms of fun, I like the extra rev range that the sport 160 offers over the standard engine. When ever I go out in the standard car, where it red lines feels like its not really got there yet, the extra RPM of the sport 160 is addictive. The only thing you can do is try one. I did that and just had to have the 160.....
gooby said:
The better and faster cars are the S1 S160 and the S2 135. Both cars are like hens teeth to find.
I used to own a standard S1 (well...very mild mods - maybe 125bhp) and now own an S160.
As Piooly says, the S160 is much more of a racer and would be preferable for track use, but all the power is at the top end of the rev range. It is therefore probably slower than a standard car in normal give-and-take road driving, because unless you dirve round everywhere in a low gear with the engine screaming, it will be operating below the engine's power band a lot of the time. On a track, or a clear country road, it flies, but run into traffic and it is out of its element, really.
For regular road use, my money would be on a 111S, as this gives you almost the same power as the S160, but the extra tractability afforded by variable valve timing.
Adnic69 said:
S1 111s is no slower than a S160!!
Most 111s make very near to 150bhp as do the S160 but the 111s is very slightly lighter and has the cr box.
True a totally untouched s160 makes 150 bhp but with an air box mod and de-cat, you see the 160bhp figure. This is how the orignal S160's left the factory. THat was the first thing I got sorted on mine. The having it re-timed, bigger throttle body etc.. At the end of the day anything from the standard engine to exige is around the same speed until you hit about 60mph. THen the higher models pull much better, by 100, the standard car is trialing quite a lot. Like they say, you pay your money for what you get. Also bear in mind that the S135 and S160 retain value very well as they are the sort after models of the S1 range.....
So would logic dictate then - that unless you plan to track your car - there is little to be gained from higher BHP - I've purchased a standard S2 - but currently driving a 111s - to be honest apart from the sound ( very nice!!) - it feels about the same - but then I'm not drivng much over 60 on standard roads and 80(ish) on the motorway - hence my thoughts that on the track is where they really shine - or am I missing something - more than possible - lol
Thanks for the replies, very interesting. Looks like the 111s is the way forward for me, if I can find a good un.
All I can remember from my track day was that the 111r really took off from about 6000rpm (though was too busy to look at rev counter too much - hit the limiter a few times) and then revved like a XXXXrd. Felt very hard core if I can use those words. Can't afford a 111r, but looking for similar feel in a S1.
All I can remember from my track day was that the 111r really took off from about 6000rpm (though was too busy to look at rev counter too much - hit the limiter a few times) and then revved like a XXXXrd. Felt very hard core if I can use those words. Can't afford a 111r, but looking for similar feel in a S1.
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