Discussion
Lotus Carlton is in some ways very similar to a Holden to run and in some ways very different.
the performance is scarily similar, both are super-saloons, yet almost super-docile, too. The Lotus Carlton has the edge in terms of handling, though.
The Lotus is robust in the bits that are "Carlton" and just the opposite in the bits that are "Lotus". Think cracked cylinder blocks, random and instant clutch failure and brake reliability issues. The Holden (well at least mine) seems built from Granite in comparison. Lotus parts are about, but a bit tricky to find - just have a look for random things on ebay and you'll see what I mean.
Out on the road, the Lotus is definitely still a cult car, those in the know will instantly recognise it. Compared to that, the Holden looks like an Omega, which may appeal to you, or may not. Personally, it's one of the best things about owning it for me - i really don't want anything that looks in any way special, but that's just me.
To drive, the Holden performs very solidly, goes like a jet fighter, but doesn't stop very well - it feels very solid. The Lotus feels like more of a thoroughbred, much lighter in the way it handles and especially in the way it stops - provided the brakes are working, they're still better than anything else I've tried, apart, perhaps, from the Bentley.
Also for the Lotus, there's very good club support from Autobahnstormers. I'd tentatively suggest that all of the Lotus Carltons in regular use are in regular contact on the club forum.
in technical terms, they're actually almost the same car. The Carlton is basically an Opel Omega "A", whilst the Holden is very heavily based on an Opel Omega "B", I've already identified a few things that are identical from the first 1987 Carlton to the last VX.
the performance is scarily similar, both are super-saloons, yet almost super-docile, too. The Lotus Carlton has the edge in terms of handling, though.
The Lotus is robust in the bits that are "Carlton" and just the opposite in the bits that are "Lotus". Think cracked cylinder blocks, random and instant clutch failure and brake reliability issues. The Holden (well at least mine) seems built from Granite in comparison. Lotus parts are about, but a bit tricky to find - just have a look for random things on ebay and you'll see what I mean.
Out on the road, the Lotus is definitely still a cult car, those in the know will instantly recognise it. Compared to that, the Holden looks like an Omega, which may appeal to you, or may not. Personally, it's one of the best things about owning it for me - i really don't want anything that looks in any way special, but that's just me.
To drive, the Holden performs very solidly, goes like a jet fighter, but doesn't stop very well - it feels very solid. The Lotus feels like more of a thoroughbred, much lighter in the way it handles and especially in the way it stops - provided the brakes are working, they're still better than anything else I've tried, apart, perhaps, from the Bentley.
Also for the Lotus, there's very good club support from Autobahnstormers. I'd tentatively suggest that all of the Lotus Carltons in regular use are in regular contact on the club forum.
in technical terms, they're actually almost the same car. The Carlton is basically an Opel Omega "A", whilst the Holden is very heavily based on an Opel Omega "B", I've already identified a few things that are identical from the first 1987 Carlton to the last VX.
Edited by 2woody on Thursday 28th January 14:29
Edited by 2woody on Thursday 28th January 14:32
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