S1 vs S2 - Time for a Change?

[Stu-C123]

I'm hoping someone might be able to offer some experience here.

A few years ago I had an S2 Elise SC. Loved it but sold it to move abroad for a while. Then I came back home and had an S2 Exige (supercharged version). Unfortunately that car is no longer with us for reasons I won't go into.

I'm now left looking for a replacement and can't get my mind off an S1. What I'd really love is a Sport 160, but I'm well aware these cars are pretty hard to come by.

I've never driven an S1. Can anyone offer a comparison between supercharged S2 cars and say an S1 111S or a Sport 160? I imagine there will be a sizeable performance drop but does this detract from the experience? I found an S2 111R a bit frustrating because you have to really rev them to unlock the performance. Is this an issue with any of the S1 cars?

Thanks!

[Stu-C123]

Jodele said:

Hey Stu,

The S2 was a big evolution forward from the S1 and a correction of all the "mistakes" made in the S1. It is a much better car. Have a look here on the documentary of the Lotus Elise. Very informative.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hd6YM5oAasA

Thanks I'll have a look at that. Build quality etc aside I'm wondering if I'd miss the performance of an SC car.

[Stu-C123]

Indeed I've wondered about a Honda conversion. Again as for the 111R though I wonder if the VTEC has to be revved to get to the power? I think I'd find this quite frustrating to drive.

Basically yes, it sounds like I need to drive a few variants. I'm up in Edinburgh and there aren't too many for sale around here at the moment! Some travelling ahead I think. I must say the more I've thought about an S1 the more it appeals (in principle anyway).