340R or Exige?
Discussion
Apologies if this has been asked before, but I'm a newbie to the Lotus forum and know very little about either model if the truth be known.
I'm thinking of buying a new weekend car that I can use for the occasional trackday. Having had an Ultima Spyder, Noble M400, Marcos Mantara, two Westfields and a Civic TypeR as second cars over the past few years, I think it's about time I got into a Lotus! Can someone who knows about these things please give me some pointers in the Exige v 340R argument, other than the obvious bad weather advantage of the Exige :-)
Thanks,
Dom.
PS: My old Mum once had a Lotus Excel so I need to keep up the family tradition ;-)
I'm thinking of buying a new weekend car that I can use for the occasional trackday. Having had an Ultima Spyder, Noble M400, Marcos Mantara, two Westfields and a Civic TypeR as second cars over the past few years, I think it's about time I got into a Lotus! Can someone who knows about these things please give me some pointers in the Exige v 340R argument, other than the obvious bad weather advantage of the Exige :-)
Thanks,
Dom.
PS: My old Mum once had a Lotus Excel so I need to keep up the family tradition ;-)
Tough call between the two to be honest, altough both very similar cars they feel quite different to drive.
Your senses are generally a tad more bombarded in the 340R for obvious reasons although the performance between the two is pretty much identical. I would suggest have a good drive of both and see what you think.
Me personally would choose the Exige.
No the 340R.
No, wait, the 340R.
Oh bugger
Your senses are generally a tad more bombarded in the 340R for obvious reasons although the performance between the two is pretty much identical. I would suggest have a good drive of both and see what you think.
Me personally would choose the Exige.
No the 340R.
No, wait, the 340R.
Oh bugger
You'll find Lotus don't stock many replacement parts for the 340R anymore making them difficult to repair. For example replacement windscreens are very difficult to get hold of, alloy wheels are more rare than hens teeth.
They look like amazing cars, check out the big resource on yahoo for them. I still prefer an S1 Exige myself.
They look like amazing cars, check out the big resource on yahoo for them. I still prefer an S1 Exige myself.
I've just had to make the same decision... there's neither any 340Rs OR S1 Exiges in NZ so I had to chose only one to import... The Exige won out. They both represent "hardcore" takes on the theme, the 340R probably being more of a sunny Sunday b-road basher and the Exige being a little more track-biased.
What swung it for me was that based on my existing S1 Elise usage, I figured that while I'd LOVE the sheer hooliganism of the 340R, I really needed something that I could pack my race gear, some jerrycans, a few days worth of luggage and (if I'm lucky) a fit bird into and go a-hooning.
With the 340R I feared I'd spend my life living by the weather reports. While I never really used my Elise in the rain and don't intend to use the Exige in the wet either (I'm a GJOB), I'd still like the freedom not to feel like I have to alter my plans for a weekend away because of nasty weather etc. While I KNOW I could just drive the 340 in the rain anyway, realistically due to its value (add about 40% for the real value in NZDollars after importation costs are considered etc), I couldn't justify using a 340R in the same manner.
Add in the fact that I think the Exige edges it on looks and it's CERTAINLY got better aero, the 340R just didn't add up. While I'd LOVE a 340R in the garage for those sunny Sunday afternoons, I fear that's all it would add up to be and I'd not really get my moneysworth.
And just to let you know, the following pics are my baby... she's currently on a boat in the middle of the pacific ocean and due to dock in 9 days. I've never seen an S1 Exige in the flesh. She'll be joining Huskydog's Exige S1, which (coincidentally just landed here yesterday) as one of only two ever to be allowed into NZ.... I can't fookin' wait!
What swung it for me was that based on my existing S1 Elise usage, I figured that while I'd LOVE the sheer hooliganism of the 340R, I really needed something that I could pack my race gear, some jerrycans, a few days worth of luggage and (if I'm lucky) a fit bird into and go a-hooning.
With the 340R I feared I'd spend my life living by the weather reports. While I never really used my Elise in the rain and don't intend to use the Exige in the wet either (I'm a GJOB), I'd still like the freedom not to feel like I have to alter my plans for a weekend away because of nasty weather etc. While I KNOW I could just drive the 340 in the rain anyway, realistically due to its value (add about 40% for the real value in NZDollars after importation costs are considered etc), I couldn't justify using a 340R in the same manner.
Add in the fact that I think the Exige edges it on looks and it's CERTAINLY got better aero, the 340R just didn't add up. While I'd LOVE a 340R in the garage for those sunny Sunday afternoons, I fear that's all it would add up to be and I'd not really get my moneysworth.
And just to let you know, the following pics are my baby... she's currently on a boat in the middle of the pacific ocean and due to dock in 9 days. I've never seen an S1 Exige in the flesh. She'll be joining Huskydog's Exige S1, which (coincidentally just landed here yesterday) as one of only two ever to be allowed into NZ.... I can't fookin' wait!
Esprit. that Exige of yours looks absolutely perfect!! 
I bet it's going to be the longest 9 days of your life whilst you await its arrival, well worth it though. I can honestly say that your Exige is one of the nicest examples I've seen in a long time, it's one of those that just looks right if you see what I mean.
Yours sincerely,
Jealous of Essex.
I bet it's going to be the longest 9 days of your life whilst you await its arrival, well worth it though. I can honestly say that your Exige is one of the nicest examples I've seen in a long time, it's one of those that just looks right if you see what I mean.
Yours sincerely,
Jealous of Essex.
Thanks for the quick feedback all.... That Exige of yours does look lovely Esprit 
By the sounds of things, whilst the 340R does something for me in the way that the Ariel Atom does in the asthetics department, it looks like the Exige might be the better bet in terms of getting some reasonable use out of it in this wet country of ours! Not that I want to drive a car like that in the wet, just nice to know that you'll be dry when the heavens open unexpectedy!
Looking for guidance again; what are the various options in the used Exige space and what engine choices might I have? There seems to be a lot of talk about the S1... is this the most popular model and, if so, why? Budget is probably up to £25K max. Also, what's the Exige like on a 2-3 hour journey? I might want to take it up to my office in London from time to time.
Thanks again.
Dom.
By the sounds of things, whilst the 340R does something for me in the way that the Ariel Atom does in the asthetics department, it looks like the Exige might be the better bet in terms of getting some reasonable use out of it in this wet country of ours! Not that I want to drive a car like that in the wet, just nice to know that you'll be dry when the heavens open unexpectedy!
Looking for guidance again; what are the various options in the used Exige space and what engine choices might I have? There seems to be a lot of talk about the S1... is this the most popular model and, if so, why? Budget is probably up to £25K max. Also, what's the Exige like on a 2-3 hour journey? I might want to take it up to my office in London from time to time.
Thanks again.
Dom.
Hi Dominic,
Up to £25k opens up pretty much any Exige spec that you want although an '06 will still be £2k more than that.
I am a huge fan of the S2 190 Exige and for £25k you could get a very nice late car for. With the S2 I would whole heartedly recommend getting one with A/C as even if you don't think that you will use it much it makes a big difference on re-sale and with a Pack of some sort be it Touring, Sport et al...
As regards whether to go S1 or S2 route is purely a personal choice, the S1 is a much rawer car with a real mini GT racer on the road kind of feel to it but the S2 would be a much easier car to live with. An S2 is quieter, easier to get in and out of and easier to drive (ABS with servo helps) but is devoid of some of the character of an S1.
If you do go the S1 route then I would say it would be best to find a 190 car preferably with the Emerald ECU as it really smooths out the idle and power delivery.
To sum up -
S1 is perhaps the more special and collectable car but the S2 is probably the beter car. It's a tough call!!
Up to £25k opens up pretty much any Exige spec that you want although an '06 will still be £2k more than that.
I am a huge fan of the S2 190 Exige and for £25k you could get a very nice late car for. With the S2 I would whole heartedly recommend getting one with A/C as even if you don't think that you will use it much it makes a big difference on re-sale and with a Pack of some sort be it Touring, Sport et al...
As regards whether to go S1 or S2 route is purely a personal choice, the S1 is a much rawer car with a real mini GT racer on the road kind of feel to it but the S2 would be a much easier car to live with. An S2 is quieter, easier to get in and out of and easier to drive (ABS with servo helps) but is devoid of some of the character of an S1.
If you do go the S1 route then I would say it would be best to find a 190 car preferably with the Emerald ECU as it really smooths out the idle and power delivery.
To sum up -
S1 is perhaps the more special and collectable car but the S2 is probably the beter car. It's a tough call!!
Edited by L100NYY on Thursday 20th September 15:10
Thanks guys I'm hoping I've made the right choice! It'll be interesting seeing an Exige S1 in the flesh for the first time... I love them in photos enough to buy one and I'm told they've even more road presence in person
For me, my car had to have the sports interior, had to be a 190, had to be in either Titanium or Yellow (although am happiest with the Titanium) and had to have no aircon (I've a pet hate against aircon in sports cars, even ones that NEED it like the Exige. I'll post up some photos that I've actually taken when it's actually arrived and I can get my messy little hands on it
Oh and L100NYY ,As for the wait, it's only 7 days now... the above was largely a cut and paste of a response to a similar question I answered on SELOC a couple days ago It's been over 4 months now sinc I first decided to get an S1 Exige and after months of searching and the hasle of buying a car from halfway around the world, it's all FINALLY nearing a conclusion I'm sure I can wait another week... I hope.
I'm hoping I've made the right choice! It'll be interesting seeing an Exige S1 in the flesh for the first time... I love them in photos enough to buy one and I'm told they've even more road presence in person For me, my car had to have the sports interior, had to be a 190, had to be in either Titanium or Yellow (although am happiest with the Titanium) and had to have no aircon (I've a pet hate against aircon in sports cars, even ones that NEED it like the Exige. I'll post up some photos that I've actually taken when it's actually arrived and I can get my messy little hands on it
Oh and L100NYY ,As for the wait, it's only 7 days now... the above was largely a cut and paste of a response to a similar question I answered on SELOC a couple days ago
It's been over 4 months now sinc I first decided to get an S1 Exige and after months of searching and the hasle of buying a car from halfway around the world, it's all FINALLY nearing a conclusion I'm sure I can wait another week... I hope.Edited by Esprit on Thursday 20th September 15:25
Esprit,
You must be a like a kids at Christmas at the moment then, keep on peering upi to the roof to see if Santa has got your Exige with him!
As regards the aircon issue, I would only recommend it on the S2 as the ac system on S1's is rather like having an asthmatic hamster blowing warm air in your face!
This is my friends Exige which looks abso-ruddy-lutely superb.....
You must be a like a kids at Christmas at the moment then, keep on peering upi to the roof to see if Santa has got your Exige with him!
As regards the aircon issue, I would only recommend it on the S2 as the ac system on S1's is rather like having an asthmatic hamster blowing warm air in your face!
This is my friends Exige which looks abso-ruddy-lutely superb.....
Thanks L100NNY... Really useful advice. Would I be right in guessing that you work for a dealership? Not a negative at all, just wondering where you are in relation to me (north Wiltshire, near Swindon) and what you might have in stock at the moment 
Think I may need to drive both an S1 and S2 to really get a feel for the differences.
I've noticed a couple of S2's for sale on the web with a sound insulation pack. Does this make a big difference and is it really THAT noisy without it?
Thanks,
Dom.
Think I may need to drive both an S1 and S2 to really get a feel for the differences.I've noticed a couple of S2's for sale on the web with a sound insulation pack. Does this make a big difference and is it really THAT noisy without it?
Thanks,
Dom.
L100NYY said:
Esprit,
You must be a like a kids at Christmas at the moment then, keep on peering upi to the roof to see if Santa has got your Exige with him!
As regards the aircon issue, I would only recommend it on the S2 as the ac system on S1's is rather like having an asthmatic hamster blowing warm air in your face!
This is my friends Exige which looks abso-ruddy-lutely superb.....
Looking at that lovely Exige got me thinking... Would it not look rather nice in some sort of McLaren F1 colour scheme? Silver and black with orange bits, so to speak You must be a like a kids at Christmas at the moment then, keep on peering upi to the roof to see if Santa has got your Exige with him!
As regards the aircon issue, I would only recommend it on the S2 as the ac system on S1's is rather like having an asthmatic hamster blowing warm air in your face!
This is my friends Exige which looks abso-ruddy-lutely superb.....
Hi Dom,
I do indeed work for a dealership, this one in fact - www.castlesportscars.co.uk - I was initially a Lotus customer prior to working for them so I guess I can kind of see it from both points of view I guess!
I'll put some thoughts together for you in the morning.
I do indeed work for a dealership, this one in fact - www.castlesportscars.co.uk - I was initially a Lotus customer prior to working for them so I guess I can kind of see it from both points of view I guess!
I'll put some thoughts together for you in the morning.
The main differences really between the S1 & S2 Exige is the engine, comfort and the number of cars produced. They only produced around 600 S1 Exiges while the S2 is more a more widely produced model with a tougher engine (if you ignore the oil stravation problem).
The S1 Exige runs a VHPD K series engine that essentially you need to rebuild every 30/40k Even then the engine is like driving around in a hand grenade without a pin in. However they are still very much sought after and they are priced above the lower end of the S2 Exige prices.
I'd always go with the S1 as its a classic, but if you're looking to do long trips then its S2 really. You might need to drive an S2 to understand the power delivery as theres nothing up 6300k then the second cam cuts in, some people don't get on with it. (you can of course have that lowered to 5.5k or somewhere near there).
Given your money there would be no choice, it would be an S1 Exige for me. Drive them both as you'll just get conflicting views on any forum.
Join up at http://www.exiges.com/
The S1 Exige runs a VHPD K series engine that essentially you need to rebuild every 30/40k Even then the engine is like driving around in a hand grenade without a pin in. However they are still very much sought after and they are priced above the lower end of the S2 Exige prices.
I'd always go with the S1 as its a classic, but if you're looking to do long trips then its S2 really. You might need to drive an S2 to understand the power delivery as theres nothing up 6300k then the second cam cuts in, some people don't get on with it. (you can of course have that lowered to 5.5k or somewhere near there).
Given your money there would be no choice, it would be an S1 Exige for me. Drive them both as you'll just get conflicting views on any forum.
Join up at http://www.exiges.com/
Well, yesterday I had my first experience of driving an Exige S. All I can say is; I MUST HAVE ONE 
I also drove the Elise R which, lovely as it is, just doesn't have the wow factor that the Exige S did for me.
So now I need to buy one and am talking to a few dealers. A couple of questions that I hope someone which more experience of Lotus ownership can help with:
1) Can you really take the rook off an Exige and, if so, what effect does it have on the drive and handling of the car?
2) I've uped my budget and am looking at getting a new Exige S... in terms of resale value, do the limited edition cars do better than the standard ones? One option I have is a new Club Racer in that strange powder blue colour. Didn't do much for me at first, but is starting to grow on me so to speak.
3) Do they suffer from overheating in heavy traffic? I may be driving into London on a few days...
4) Can you retrofit the adjustable traction control system? A lot of very nice cars out there but not many with this option.
5) Does anyone know of an owners club in the south west (Swindon area)? I quite like the social side of ownership...
That's about it for now. Can't wait to join the Lotus fold... still struggling to wipe the smile off my face from the 6-8000rpm madness that is the Exige S
Cheers,
Dom.
I also drove the Elise R which, lovely as it is, just doesn't have the wow factor that the Exige S did for me.So now I need to buy one and am talking to a few dealers. A couple of questions that I hope someone which more experience of Lotus ownership can help with:
1) Can you really take the rook off an Exige and, if so, what effect does it have on the drive and handling of the car?
2) I've uped my budget and am looking at getting a new Exige S... in terms of resale value, do the limited edition cars do better than the standard ones? One option I have is a new Club Racer in that strange powder blue colour. Didn't do much for me at first, but is starting to grow on me so to speak.
3) Do they suffer from overheating in heavy traffic? I may be driving into London on a few days...
4) Can you retrofit the adjustable traction control system? A lot of very nice cars out there but not many with this option.
5) Does anyone know of an owners club in the south west (Swindon area)? I quite like the social side of ownership...
That's about it for now. Can't wait to join the Lotus fold... still struggling to wipe the smile off my face from the 6-8000rpm madness that is the Exige S
Cheers,
Dom.
... hope the following helps a bit:1 - Yes you can take the roof off - and I suspect the vast majority of people will not notice any loss of performance on speed limited public roads - but you do get to enjoy open top motoring
2 - No idea - L100NNY can help on that issue
3 - Doesn't on mine and I've not come across anyone else mentioning it as an issue. The only thing I would say is that there's no rear view apart from the side mirrors which you might prefer when driving through London traffic
4 - Don't believe so - someone else can confirm hopefully
5 - SELOC appear to members all over the place!!
Good luck
Ps Ben - your m8's Exige is stunning
Edited by bjc388 on Saturday 22 September 12:21
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