T350 vs. Lotus

[blackpoolrocket]

I started a similar thread over on the cerb forum which got a lot of interest.

TVR Cerbera vs. Lotus
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Unfortunately I realised later I had this all wrong, mainly because I want to use my TVR for everyday use and as much as I would love to own a cerb for this purpose all the experts said NO.

running one as an everyday car
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

This thread pretty much sealed the deal for me.

So I’m still at that indecisive place of pre buying TVR dilemma.

The new and updated thread is T350 vs. Lotus.

I have £25,000 to spend but beyond that nothing else and if something goes wrong its a bank loan, so apart from obvious running costs which should I go for T350 or Lotus??

Here’s two to start you off.

T350 performance no contest
Lotus chances of engine rebuild low

[malbon]

SEOT

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/333403.htm

[bobd]

T350 for space performance etc. Lotus if you are a midget.
Buy as late a TVR as possible, but dont go balls out on your finances. Clutch £1k service costs etc.
No choice imho, but I would recommend you give it some thought ie warranty etc
good hunting

[bomb]

T350 is a gentlemans car.

Lotus is a hooligans car.

'Choose your weapons'...... !!

Nuff said.

[TGJR]

Don't assume the Lotus would be a trouble free engine. The cylinder head went on my wifes Elise at 35k miles and cost close to £1k if I recall correctly.

The Elise was fun but the TVR a far more comfortable and practical car with more grunt and not far behind on handling. If I had £20k it would be a T350 without doubt. If I had £12k it would be an Elise.

[eburacum]

I have owned both cars,totally different kinds of kit with a totally different kind of image.
What the lotus lacks in sound and looks offers a more forgiving ride.
What the Tvr lacks in handling offers better looks and sound.
As far as build quality goes i don't think that there was any difference between the two, however I think the TVR has the edge.
I find the TVR a more powerful car, but can bite you in the arse if you have a momentary lapse in concentration.
I think the 350 is a better choice, not as many on the road, more user friendly in the way of comfort, go for a well looked after one and forget all the crap about the speed 6.

[malbon]

The car I posted will wipe the floor with any T350 or Tamora in acceleration, handling braking and reliability as well as costing a LOT less to run - Supercharged Honda conversion over 300bhp. 100 in 8 seconds. But like people say - totally different cars. You wont get the more GT interior and comfort you do in a Tivver - nor the sound. Horses for courses though. Drive them both and make your own decision.

[TGJR]

malbon said:

The car I posted will wipe the floor with any T350 or Tamora in acceleration, handling braking and reliability as well as costing a LOT less to run - Supercharged Honda conversion over 300bhp. 100 in 8 seconds. But like people say - totally different cars. You wont get the more GT interior and comfort you do in a Tivver - nor the sound. Horses for courses though. Drive them both and make your own decision.

That car sounds like a fantastic track tool and would be a few seconds quicker than a standard T350 around an average track (T350's can also be tweeked!!!).

Seems a bit odd that the owner is selling so soon because he does not want an SC car??? Must be a significant downside.

[malbon]

Funny bunch though, are Lotus owners ;-) The owner said the driving experience was too effortless. Just wafting around in the same gear blasting everything away. I can see where he's coming from, there is a certain satisfaction blasting through the gears driving at 80% and having to 'try' to keep the car on song - especially in a track orientated car like an elise.

Anyway...i feel im slightly trolling ! Just trying to give the poster another option as ive driven them both. Both fantastic cars - all subjectional though as to which youd buy.