Anyone have any recommendations for a well handling vehicle with a decent weight to Power ratio.
I am starting to fall in love with Lotus Elise. The 2005 Models can be bought for low 30k now.
I know they are bare bones no Luxury but I am looking for a street legal pure performance vehicle. I don't need plush seats with a arm rest ;D
The only thing I am worried about is service costs which I have no idea what they are at this point.
A few stats on the Elise
- 0 to 60 in 4.9 Seconds 1/4 mile 13.5 Seconds give or take a few 1/10s =)
- 1,796 cc 1.8 liters in-line 4 mid engine
- Curb Weight: 1975 lbs.
- Fuel economy EPA highway (mpg): 27 and EPA city (mpg): 21
- 10.6 gallon main unleaded fuel tank
- Power: 141 kW , 190 HP SAE @ 7,800 rpm; 134 ft lb , 182 Nm @ 6,800 rpm
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2176/2543773593_8b3e4157f6.jpg)
Bellevue Lotus is a few miles away and right across from one of my job sites. They have at least 30 there in every color! Fun vehicle! SheMonster gave me a ride in one a few years back. [thumbsup]
Elise Service Intervals (http://www.elises.co.uk/servicing/index.html)
Lotus Elise & Elise 111S Servicing costs (the link above describes the ABC and timing...)
A Service £185.00
B Service £282.00
C Service £515.00
AABAACAABAAC (9k miles between services)
The web site above notes that you can probably do A and B yourself... That leaves you with the really expensive service every 54,000 miles. This is getting better and better...
You know... this is just me... but I would go for an Atom (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariel_Atom) if I were going to be in that market: 0 - 60 in 2.9 seconds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaWoo82zNUA
EDIT: I don't know why... but the YouTube video has a hard time playing when I embed it. And it embeds auto-magically... which pisses me off.
The servicing cost is less than what I was expecting for the Lotus Elise
That Atom seems to be in another class than a 2005 Lotus Elise though.
It's at least twice the amount of money at $65k which is out of my price range.
Plus I already have a vehicle ( S4R ) that I can get wet in when it rains. I was looking for something with a roof ;D
Let alone that is a huge over kill on the street. The Lotus would be pushing it as it is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaWoo82zNUA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaWoo82zNUA)
* 0-60 mph : 2.7 seconds (manufacturer's claim)
* Top Speed: 140 mph, 225 km/h (155 mph, 249 km/h supercharged)
* Power: 220 bhp (300 bhp supercharged)
* Weight: 456 kg (1,005 lb)
* Transmission: Honda six-speed with reverse
* Price: £20,000/£29,000 supercharged (cost in the US is over $65,000)
* Engine: 300 bhp (224 kW/304 PS) supercharged Honda Civic Type-R K20 (top spec)
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/2544724152_3bd0cd2d95_o.jpg)
Quote from: ROBsS4R on June 02, 2008, 01:55:55 AM
That Atom seems to be in another class than a 2005 Lotus Elise though.
It's at least twice the amount of money at $65k which is out of my price range.
Plus I already have a vehicle ( S4R ) that I can get wet in when it rains. I was looking for something with a roof ;D
Crap. I thought the Atom would be cheaper than that... I think I missed a very important point there. :)
Now you have me craving a new car. DAMN YOU!!!
How about an old-school Lotus? A Super Seven... Here's one with a 2litre Cosworth turbo motor in it, the owner says it's 615kg (1350lbs) and he's got 180hp at the wheels with 8 psi boost... (and the controller lets him dial up 15psi)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2384/2535173951_8f93dbedc9_m.jpg) (http://"https://www.flickr.com/photos/bigiain/2535173951/")
big
The guy in Franklin, TN that has a Monster-Miata makes it look fun. 5.0L in engine in a Miata has a pretty good power/weight ratio...
550 spyder replica. You can get one for between 20 and 30k. I had one of the original 200 Beck's produced before he moved production to South America. today I would buy a Vintage, the suspensions are better and the cars are more refined.
I just sold mine a year ago because I was moving over to japan. Had it since 1990 and loved it. It's another one of those vehicles you own and will always want back or swear to own another one. It'll gain more attention than anything else you could drive, the newer ones can be found with subaru power plants even if you don't want to deal with 2 liter VW motors.
Mine was close to 1300lbs dry, put out out 165 HP, you couldn't drive it in the rain bacause it was so light but it was a fair weather car for me anyway.
theres quite a few hitting the market now ( say that a little tongue in cheek alot is like 20 for sale countrywide)
check spyderclub.com for the guys with as much passion about them as we have for monsters.
I like the Elise a LOT but if you are taller than 5'9 or have a fat ass, you will not be happy.
The reason so many used ones are for sale is Americans are taller and fatter than the ideal driver size for that car.
They are very hot though, but don't fool yourself. If you don't have good roads nearby AND good insurance, you will be losing tons of money.
A typical parking lot "bump" can result in 5-7000 damage to the carbon fiber bodywork and going over a pothole means you might have to buy new wheels.
They are really track cars. If you have good roads and are the right size, and can park it defensively, then go for it. You will have serious priapism driving it.
Quote from: ROBsS4R on June 02, 2008, 01:55:55 AM
The servicing cost is less than what I was expecting for the Lotus Elise
it's a toyota motor... on top of that, they're pretty reliable, too.
Quote from: derby on June 02, 2008, 05:27:13 AM
it's a toyota motor... on top of that, they're pretty reliable, too.
...originally designed by Yamaha.
reliable except for the oil pumps grenading, but i haven't heard that happening on the Lotus yet.
Go test drive a Porsche Boxster if you want a convertible, or a Cayman if you want a coupe. Great everyday cars that are very comfortable.
Quote from: porschaholic on June 02, 2008, 07:22:05 AM
Go test drive a Porsche Boxster if you want a convertible, or a Cayman if you want a coupe. Great everyday cars that are very comfortable.
hmmmm, not a biased comment at all --->>
quote author=porschaholic [laugh]
Quote from: bigiain on June 02, 2008, 02:13:31 AM
How about an old-school Lotus? A Super Seven... Here's one with a 2litre Cosworth turbo motor in it, the owner says it's 615kg (1350lbs) and he's got 180hp at the wheels with 8 psi boost... (and the controller lets him dial up 15psi)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2384/2535173951_8f93dbedc9_m.jpg) (http://"https://www.flickr.com/photos/bigiain/2535173951/")
big
that's the ticket! i've been lusting after one of those for an age... no frills, super fun. and i believe there is a roof of sorts. i think buying one in a kit would be awesome, not too much trouble to put together. a friend of a friend bought one last year, what a great road-toy!
Quote from: ROBsS4R on June 02, 2008, 12:25:53 AM
Anyone have any recommendations for a well handling vehicle with a decent weight to Power ratio.
I am starting to fall in love with Lotus Elise. The 2005 Models can be bought for low 30k now.
I know they are bare bones no Luxury but I am looking for a street legal pure performance vehicle. I don't need plush seats with a arm rest ;D
The only thing I am worried about is service costs which I have no idea what they are at this point.
A few stats on the Elise
- 0 to 60 in 4.9 Seconds 1/4 mile 10.7 Seconds
- 1,796 cc 1.8 liters in-line 4 mid engine
- Curb Weight: 1975 lbs.
- Fuel economy EPA highway (mpg): 27 and EPA city (mpg): 21
- 10.6 gallon main unleaded fuel tank
- Power: 141 kW , 190 HP SAE @ 7,800 rpm; 134 ft lb , 182 Nm @ 6,800 rpm
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2176/2543773593_8b3e4157f6.jpg)
The engine should be super reliable, it came from Toyota corolla 1.8 VVTL-i Actually, you can take it to toyota to service the engine.
This car has very few electrical stuff, probably most expensive would be parts.
Obviously I'm going to vote for the Lotus as that is what I drive... (see image below).
It is a fantastic car, but is rather brutal to drive. I've done a coupe of 1000 mile days here recently while traveling and have been a bit sore afterwards. I'm 6'-6'1" and have no trouble at all getting in, out or driving. My friend is 6'3" and fits fine as well. Both of us are trim though - I'm not sure how someone with some beef on them would fit in.
Anyhow - the Elise is a no brainer! Pickup a used '05 (personal favorite year) for around $40,000 with very low mileage and drive the piss out of it. Mine is a daily driver and I only drive my truck when I have to haul a bike.
The Exige is nice too, a little more money - but goddamn are they quick! The supercharged version is crazy. I just don't like driving it as you can't see out of the back window so the blind spot on that car is almost everywhere besides in front of it, lol. People love to drive in the blind spot and take pictures and shit while you drive... I can't stand it.
I'm in search of a hard top now as I don't like the soft top, and I'm going to have the wheels painted and probably put an exhaust on it. I've only had the car a short time so I haven't gotten around to treating it like a Ducati Monster yet and modding it to death.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2350/2483065381_0d2aea836e_b.jpg)
If I didn't have the dogs to schlep around, I probably would have gotten an Elise instead of my 328i. [thumbsup]
yuck yuck yuck yuck. do not get a boxter.
there are much better cars for the same amount of jingle, and you won't have to deal with people asking you about your wannabe-porsche.
there is a dealership here in M-town that has a handful of elises at any given time, and several out on the road. Beautiful cars, and they look like so much fun.
Quote from: ato memphis on June 02, 2008, 08:51:30 AM
yuck yuck yuck yuck. do not get a boxter.
there are much better cars for the same amount of jingle, and you won't have to deal with people asking you about your wannabe-porsche.
there is a dealership here in M-town that has a handful of elises at any given time, and several out on the road. Beautiful cars, and they look like so much fun.
sweet! we had a boxter-hater thread on TOB, why shouldn't we have one here? ;D
ever driven one?
Yes. Twice. The first time it was new and exciting, so I had fun.
The second time was ho-hum, then I looked into the price, and I thought it was unfortunate. Neat car, but priced too high for what you were getting IMO. Total mileage of both trips was just under 200.
They are every other car in the upper-crusty 'burbs of Nashville (Brentwood area), which also makes them less desirable to me. The Lotus is more unique, and more fun in my book.
Then again, I suggested the giggle box. A v8 powered miata.
i'll concede that the lotus is more unique and more fun, but they really aren't in the same market as the boxter.
i boxter is a "real car" and a lotus is a gokart for the street. ;D
i'd easily take the lotus as a 2nd car.
Quote from: derby on June 02, 2008, 09:04:15 AM
i boxter is a "real car" and a lotus is a gokart for the street. ;D
I certainly agree here. However, priced so close to the Corvette and just as common, I'd take the 'vette. I'd choose the Elise or Exige over both though.
I would love to test-drive a lotus... ;D
good fun on the cheap? miata. esp. the FI kind. or the sickly 5.0 engine swaps (of which I have only seen in stories)
Quote from: teddy037.2 on June 02, 2008, 09:10:20 AM
I would love to test-drive a lotus... ;D
good fun on the cheap? miata. esp. the FI kind. or the sickly 5.0 engine swaps (of which I have only seen in stories)
miatas are a blast... easily one of the most fun cars i've ever driven. it's geared so short that you feel like you're wringing it's neck without getting into "ridiculous speed".
Quote from: ato memphis on June 02, 2008, 08:51:30 AM
there are much better cars for the same amount of jingle, and you won't have to deal with people asking you about your wannabe-porsche.
Enlighten me, cause we sure as hell didn't find one in a two year search for a car for Mags.
Vette? please. If you're going to look down your nose at the Boxster for it's image, you're going to suggest the king of the gold chain set as a replacement? [roll] And winding road (http://www.windingroad.com/features-page/porsche-boxster-chevrolet-corvette/) shares the same sentiment as I do: the Boxster is a better driver's car.
For us, it came down to the Elise and the Boxster. As much as we loved the Elise, the car needed to be able to serve as Mags' daily driver (which includes hauling banker's boxes full of files to and from court/the office) and accommodate the two of us (and luggage) for several hundred mile road trips to SF, Vegas, and San Diego. To that end, the Boxster was just a more livable car. We also lucked into a hell of a deal on a CPO 05 (first year of the current generation) that we picked up for damn near half price with a better warranty then new. I wanted an S, fully loaded with all the go fast parts (PASM, sportchrono, etc) but we ended up with a no-option base model. As much fun (and trouble [evil]) as we get into with it, I now think the extra power and technology would have been a waste for the street.
In the much more car crazy LA area, I can say that we've never had anyone disrespect the Boxster. Quite the opposite, we've had people motion us to roll down the window and comment on how much they love the car.
FWIW, I'm 6'3 and 260. I fit fine in the Elise, though ingress and egress are a bit of a struggle...but that's mostly with the top on. I'm sure Derby will chime in with the comedy gold that was my first try entering and exiting one ;D Once I'm in, I'm comfortable and it fits like a glove. I don't think it would be very comfortable with two people my size (shoulders touching), but it would be fine alone or with a petite passenger.
Tesla? Better service intervals than than Elise, but you have to sell both kidneys or knock off a bank :-\
Quote from: sqweak on June 02, 2008, 11:15:32 AM
I'm sure Derby will chime in with the comedy gold that was my first try entering and exiting one ;D
i was doing my best
not to mention it. ;D
Thanks for the info guys and gals [thumbsup]
Along the same lines. The wife and I are looking at a BMW Z4 coupe as her next car.
Two seater, handles well, built one on their website came in at $49k.
She has take one for a test drive, she was impressed.
I might catch some flack for this...
but I drove a Audi TT quattro for a while. It was a DAMN FUN car. I had the 2+2 hardtop. It was mildly practical with the rear seat (storage, not people) and the all wheel drive made it plenty of fun.
(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c269/Le_Pirate/DSCN1012.jpg)
it was a little dirty in this pic.
I had to get rid of it though...it was over 100k miles, and the previous owner hadn't kept up with the service like they should of :( had a couple issues due to that.
plus...i was getting way to many tickets on my morning commute [leo]
O.K. I know I'll get laughed at, but. . .
I did the toy search 2 years ago, looked at the Boxter S, Z4, Z3, S2000, Miata.
Ended up getting a Mini Cooper JCW.
2100 lbs, 210hp, takes corners better than the boxter S or either of the BMW's, and was equal to the Elise in everything EXCEPT 0-60 times. Fits me(i'm 6'2", 195-210 lbs), and every once in awhile I take it to one of our local autocrosses, and purely drive the piss out of it.
They go for under 40K new, and good used ones can be found for around 20-25K.
mine is an '05, the last year of the supercharged BMW engine. Since then they've gone to a turbocharged Peugot motor, and I don't have any specs on that engine, especially in JCW trim.
Sharon been driving Audi's for 20 years. They pissed us off over warranty coverage on a clutch. Yes I'll admit that she got it really hot in deep snow getting in to the garage, one time. I told her at the time that she knocked 10k to 20k miles off it's life. Six months later it died in rush hour stranding her waiting for a light. Audi wasn't going to cover anything till I loudly told Sharon that we were going to the BMW dealer while waiting in the Audi service department. [evil] ;D
QuoteEnded up getting a Mini Cooper JCW.
2100 lbs, 210hp, takes corners better than the boxter S or either of the BMW's, and was equal to the Elise in everything EXCEPT 0-60 times
Really ???
I new the Mini Cooper is a very nice vehicle but I had no idea it competes with the Lotus Elise. I always liked Mini Cooper's but they sure don't look as sporty as a Lotus Elise does.
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3116/2547397980_f53d587eb7_o.jpg)
If an Elise can do less than 11 second quarters, I'll eat my hat. It's a 13 second car.
Quote from: sno_duc on June 02, 2008, 06:33:55 PM
Along the same lines. The wife and I are looking at a BMW Z4 coupe as her next car.
Two seater, handles well, built one on their website came in at $49k.
She has take one for a test drive, she was impressed.
Thank god someone mentioned the Boot, M Coupes are my favorite car. Can't wait to get one. And I said M coupe NOT M3 Coupe. I'd go with an 2001 M coupe comes with the S54 motor. 315HP. probably around $25,000 for a real nice one.
They sure do look funny though.
Quote from: ROBsS4R on June 02, 2008, 08:42:14 PM
Really ???
I new the Mini Cooper is a very nice vehicle but I had no idea it competes with the Lotus Elise. I always liked Mini Cooper's but they sure don't look as sporty as a Lotus Elise does.Quote
No, they don't look as sporty, and they don't get pulled over for 57 in a 55 zone either.
I have had a number of sports cars over the years, 4 Fiat spiders, a Porsche 911SC, Maserati Biturbo, Mazda Rx-7, etc.
The Mini Cooper, especially with the JCW mods(which are factory mods, and come under warranty), is a quick little car that corners like a Ducati.
Check out the SCCA results for SOLO I and II for the past few years.
QuoteIf an Elise can do less than 11 second quarters, I'll eat my hat. It's a 13 second car.
Your right. That information came off one of the major car sites. I will go edit it now.
My brother in law recently bought a MazaSpeed3
He is very happy with it.
- 0 to 60 5.9 seconds 1/4 mile 14.2 seconds
- Turbo compressor
- Curb Weight 3153
- 2,260 cc 2.3 liters in-line 4 front engine
- 14.5 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank 12.1
- Power: 196 kW , 263 HP SAE @ 5,500 rpm; 280 ft lb , 380 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2137/2546680043_a8eaf81218_o.jpg)
Quote from: Bun-bun on June 02, 2008, 07:53:43 PM
Ended up getting a Mini Cooper JCW.
2100 lbs, 210hp
uhh, you obviously drove a different Mini than I (or anyone else) did. [roll]
The mini is 2500 lbs. Even the "uber mini", the JCW GP was only 80lbs lighter, and that was without a rear seat or A/C. I applaud your pride in ownership, but you're pushing zealotry friend. I really wanted to like the mini, but the pedal box was too cramped for my shoe size and I found the drive numb and uninspiring. It's a nice sporty daily driver, but it's not a sports car anywhere *near* the level of the Elise.
It's done well in Solo...in g&h stock where they're practically the only thing running. And what's at the top of the results sheet in super stock, A, etc? Lotuses, Vettes, and Porsches.
Quote from: ROBsS4R on June 02, 2008, 08:42:14 PM
Really ???
I new the Mini Cooper is a very nice vehicle but I had no idea it competes with the Lotus Elise. I always liked Mini Cooper's but they sure don't look as sporty as a Lotus Elise does.
it doesn't, they're in entirely different classes. The mini is a sporty car, the lotus is a sports car. ;)
Quote
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3116/2547397980_f53d587eb7_o.jpg)
That's the aforementioned JCW Mini GP, ignore the "cooper s" plates, it's a limited edition (~2000 imported) track focused car. Stick to the Lotus [thumbsup]
Rob,
Around the time I picked up the Duc, I had a rather serious Dodge stealth. '92 Vintage, all wheel steering, all wheel drive, twin turbo, heavily modified. Pushing an estimated 400 hp or so. Thing moved.
Shortly after riding the duc.....the Stealth became BORING. Everything the stealth did so impressively well.....the duc did farrrr better.
Looking at a sports car *may* not be the way to go for you. You'll get in, floor it, and wonder why you're accelerating so slow.
You might just go cheaper and get something comfy. Just sayin'.
QuoteLooking at a sports car *may* not be the way to go for you. You'll get in, floor it, and wonder why you're accelerating so slow.
I was thinking about that before I even posted this thread.
Not any car I can afford is going to feel like my S4R when I grab a handful. The closest thing based on some reviews and video's I read would be the atom but I don't have 65k to drop and if I buy a car it should come with a roof ;D
But knowing me I think I would still want some sort of sporty car. That may be a Mini Cooper or a MazdaSpeed3 etc.
I only have a few requirements. It has to be fun to drive, Be a Manual, water Proof and I want to feel every little bump and curve in the road. I like to feel when I am driving. Non of this floaty full power steering crap that most cars have these day.
Quote from: ROBsS4R on June 03, 2008, 12:11:24 AM
I only have a few requirements. It has to be fun to drive, Be a Manual and I want to feel every little bump and curve in the road. I like to feel when I am driving. Non of this floaty full power steering crap that most cars have these day.
I agree with you, I enjoy having a sporty dog-mobile, and get a bit frustrated with most of the rental cars that I get (except for the fun one I had in Germany ;D)
I was just thinking about my previous cars I owned ???
Man I have some bad decisions in there :-\
91 Toyota Truck :Totaled. Not my fault ;D I even helped the guy who caused the accident and gave him the shirt off my back because he was bleeding all over the place and he sued all of the cars he hit. He did not win a dime [thumbsup]
66 Mustang : Project Car. Sold
90 GT Mustang : Stolen
89 Oldsmobile : Given to me by my Grandmother when My Mustang was stolen.
95 Toyota Tacoma : Traded for Hummer
95 Hummer H1 : Sold. Bought during the Dot Com days
00 Mustang : Traded for Jeep
03 620 Dark : Sold
91 GMC Truck : Given to me by my Grandfather. Fell apart and Junked. He took bad care of it before he gave it to me.
05 Jeep Rubicon : Sold
05 S4R : Current one and only vehicle
Hmmm... Maybe I should not buy anything with my poor judgment :-\
I'd give you a pass on the *old* mustang and the 620. Other than that, nothing too exciting.
Maybe you should just hand me and the idiot friend of mine 10k and ask us to come up with something "fast and with a roof" for you.
It'll be interesting, if nothing else.
Quote from: someguy on June 03, 2008, 12:33:36 AM
Maybe you should just hand me and the idiot friend of mine 10k and ask us to come up with something "fast and with a roof" for you.
It'll be interesting, if nothing else.
Rob, if you are even remotely considering this, your first stop should be to the hardware store to pick up a fire extinguisher. :P
QuoteI'd give you a pass on the *old* mustang and the 620. Other than that, nothing too exciting.
Hey Hey Hey now. The Rubicon and the H1 Hummer were pretty nice offroad vehicles. Mind you we are talking about sports cars but those are the sports cars of offroad ;D
QuoteRob, if you are even remotely considering this, your first stop should be to the hardware store to pick up a fire extinguisher. Tongue
Maybe they can buy me a Firetruck. Kill 2 birds with one stone ;D
Quote from: ROBsS4R on June 03, 2008, 12:37:53 AM
Maybe they can buy me a Firetruck. Kill 2 birds with one stone ;D
I own a firetruck. :)
Quote from: ROBsS4R on June 03, 2008, 12:36:46 AM
Hey Hey Hey now. The Rubicon and the H1 Hummer were pretty nice offroad vehicles.
Dare I ask if they ever saw said offroad?
We could build you the hottest ride, cheap. No one would ever catch you
(alive).
Something like a Sunbeam Tiger http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunbeam_Tiger
QuoteI own a firetruck. Smiley
That makes sense.
Most people own a fire extinguisher... You own a firetruck ;)
QuoteDare I ask if they ever saw said offroad?
How Dare you >:(
They sure did. I like to go camping where you don't pull into a camping spot.
The only other people that are camping with you are people who 4 Wheeled in with you [thumbsup]
Quote from: ROBsS4R on June 03, 2008, 12:52:51 AM
They sure did. I like to go camping where you don't pull into a camping spot.
Me too, but last time I went camping I canoed into the spot. ;)
QuoteMe too, but last time I went camping I canoed into the spot. Wink
So when are we going camping then ???
All though I don't have a 4 wheel drive vehicle any longer but I do have a boat.
Tahoe has some Boat in only camping.
Edit : I have a Jeep Liberty to tow the boat but thats for minor 4 wheel driving ;D
Quote from: ROBsS4R on June 03, 2008, 01:05:04 AM
So when are we going camping then ???
All though I don't have a 4 wheel drive vehicle any longer but I do have a boat.
Tahoe has some Boat in only camping.
Edit : I have a Jeep Liberty to tow the boat but thats for minor 4 wheel driving ;D
Sounds fun, I just got a new sleeping bag from REI. [thumbsup]
(guess it's ok that you threadjacked your own thread. [cheeky])
QuoteSounds fun, I just got a new sleeping bag from REI. waytogo
(guess it's ok that you threadjacked your own thread. cheeky)
Yeah... Thats not against the rules. ;)
We will take the rest offline... Now back to which sports car I should buy [thumbsup]
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2176/2543773593_35669c0a03_o.jpg)
Don't underestimate the power of a Miata (Mazda MX5)!
I love the lightweight sportscar concept too. I'd love an Elise, or a Lotus 7 replica (Caterham perhaps?), but for a little less $$$ and a little more practicality I'd buy a used Miata and bolt an intercooled turbo to it. Huge enthusiast network. Lots of kits and parts and support. Fun as hell! [thumbsup]
I had one a few years ago. That sucker would do near a 5 second 0-60mph run, was super-sticky in the curves, with appropriate tail-out antics. Awesome fun, and got the adrenalin flowing something serious. It was only a 1.6, but running 13lbs boost and probably putting out around 190hp.
Think seriously about the Miata. Even unmodified they're a lot of fun. A turbo adds [evil] tho.
I didn't see much mention of the new Audi TT. Fairly quick and great interiors. Doesn't necessarily have the bling factor of the elise but it does have good performance, nice interior, all wheel drive, etc. The new 2009 RS version looks pretty nice.
(http://www.autospies.com/images/users/chewy/ttrs.jpg)
I used to have a MY 00 s2000! I loved it, until I got back to motorcycling. They can be had for cheap, and they have loads of aftermarket support. IE super chargers or turbo's! It's more refined than a elise but it can rip up road courses, auto x tracks all day long.
A
Quote from: sqweak on June 02, 2008, 11:00:59 PM
uhh, you obviously drove a different Mini than I (or anyone else) did. [roll]
The mini is 2500 lbs. Even the "uber mini", the JCW GP was only 80lbs lighter, and that was without a rear seat or A/C. I applaud your pride in ownership, but you're pushing zealotry friend. I really wanted to like the mini, but the pedal box was too cramped for my shoe size and I found the drive numb and uninspiring. It's a nice sporty daily driver, but it's not a sports car anywhere *near* the level of the Elise.
It's done well in Solo...in g&h stock where they're practically the only thing running. And what's at the top of the results sheet in super stock, A, etc? Lotuses, Vettes, and Porsches.
it doesn't, they're in entirely different classes. The mini is a sporty car, the lotus is a sports car. ;)
WOW! Looks like I hit a nerve there Sqweak.
I'm no zealot, I simply posted what I looked at, and what I ended up putting my $$ on. I can't speak to the size of your feet(I'm a size 12), but I found the steering to be as sharp as the S2000(Which I could not fit into.), and sharper than the Boxter S.
Also, the Mini's come from the factory with heavy wheels, and runflat tires. changing the wheels netted me an unsprung weight reduction of almost 90lbs(for 4 wheels), and going to a summer sport tire improved the handling even further.
As for the SCCA, maybe there's a reason they dominate their classes? Don't just go by raw times, either, check PAX times.
All of that said, is it the perfect car? Hell no. Not even close. It's more of a quick car than a fast car. The Lotus is a beautiful, fast, attention grabbing car, and will take the Mini after about 40-50 mph, and leave it in the dust on a straightaway. But you can't fit enough luggage in the Lotus for more than a short weekend. I can fit enough luggage in the Mini to go cross country. Top speed of the Mini is @ 130-135.
It's all in the eye of the beholder.
Subaru FTW pregnant doges!!!
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/112_0808_2008_cobb_tuning_subaru_wrx_sti/index.html
</thread>
;D
but seriously, that's some pretty impressive numbers for a daily driver. Unfortunately the looks of the impressa line look too similar to the mazda's :-\ I got nothing against the way the mazada s3 looks, I just don't' think a subaru should look like that :P
Here are some numbers:
Subaru WRX STI COBB Project STI
Power/torque 305 hp/290 lb-ft 350 hp/353 lb-ft
0-60 mph 4.7 sec 4.3 sec
0-100 mph 13.3 sec 11.6 sec
Quarter mile 13.4 @ 100.4 mph 12.9 sec @ 104.9 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph 106 ft 98 ft
Lateral acceleration 0.94 g 1.02 g
MT figure eight 25.3 sec @ 0.73 g 24.8 sec @ 0.76 g
I have an 04 STI. I checked out all of the other little rockets when I was buying her 3 years ago. Plain and simple bang for the buck was second to none. She is now stage 3 and way faster than I need her to be.
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2548511391_2d4c7cd6d7.jpg?v=0)
By the way that is a cayman in front of me and a 06 911 behind me...they didn't know what the hell hit em. It may not be as sexy as the Lotus (which I personally think is hideous) but she is a nice car.
QuoteSubaru FTW pregnant doges!!!
The Subaru WRX STI is a rather nice looking Vehicle
-Power/torque 305 hp/290 lb-ft
-0-60 mph 4.7 sec
-0-100 mph 13.3 sec
-Quarter mile 13.4 @ 100.4 mph
-Braking, 60-0 mph 106 ft
-Lateral acceleration 0.94 g
-MT figure eight 25.3 sec @ 0.73 g
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3270/2548676603_b69e178869.jpg)
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3034/2548676627_c64d8877dc.jpg)
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/2548676683_d6ffe04b06.jpg)
Quote from: Bun-bun on June 03, 2008, 12:41:31 PM
WOW! Looks like I hit a nerve there Sqweak.
Not at all. I just enjoy discussing/debating cars. :)
Quote
I'm no zealot, I simply posted what I looked at, and what I ended up putting my $$ on.
Right, but it's in how you described it that I chided about zealotry. I.e. The way you made rather fantastic statements based on your subjective opinion to describe it's performance, made a pretty major mistake about it's weight, and failed to mention that while it's at the top of _it's_ class (One populated by such performance stunner's as the FWD Civic and FWD Sentra [roll]) in Solo the other car's mentioned here are doing just as well in much more competitive classes above it. ;D Personally, I found the JCW S to be sluggish off the line, cramped, and overpriced...but that's my opinion :)
Quote
I can't speak to the size of your feet(I'm a size 12), but I found the steering to be as sharp as the S2000(Which I could not fit into.), and sharper than the Boxter S.
Size 13, extra wide. The width was the problem.
My issue with the mini has more to do with steering feel than turn-in. The thing that astounds me about the Boxster is how much feedback i get from the road surface transmitted through the wheel, something I don't get from the Mini.
Quote
As for the SCCA, maybe there's a reason they dominate their classes? Don't just go by raw times, either, check PAX times.
I was going off of the final results from 2007 nationals.
Quote
The Lotus is a beautiful, fast, attention grabbing car, and will take the Mini after about 40-50 mph, and leave it in the dust on a straightaway. But you can't fit enough luggage in the Lotus for more than a short weekend. I can fit enough luggage in the Mini to go cross country. Top speed of the Mini is @ 130-135.
It's all in the eye of the beholder.
Exactly. [thumbsup]
Quote from: ROBsS4R on June 03, 2008, 02:32:02 PM
The Subaru WRX STI is a rather nice looking Vehicle
-Power/torque 305 hp/290 lb-ft
-0-60 mph 4.7 sec
-0-100 mph 13.3 sec
-Quarter mile 13.4 @ 100.4 mph
-Braking, 60-0 mph 106 ft
-Lateral acceleration 0.94 g
-MT figure eight 25.3 sec @ 0.73 g
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3270/2548676603_b69e178869.jpg)
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3034/2548676627_c64d8877dc.jpg)
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/2548676683_d6ffe04b06.jpg)
That's the Cobb STI, not a stock sti. The numbers you quoted are for the stock sti.
Here is some more pics:
08 wrx:
(http://www.rallysubaru.com/assets/wrx_gen3_a.jpg) (http://www.rallysubaru.com/assets/wrx_gen3_b.jpg)
07 wrx sti:
(http://www.rallysubaru.com/assets/07_sti_spec_c_front.jpg) (http://www.rallysubaru.com/assets/07_spec_c_rear.jpg)
(http://www.rallysubaru.com/assets/06_rex_sti1.jpg) (http://www.rallysubaru.com/assets/06_rex.jpg)
BTW, the subaru 2.5 mil has a lot more power that can be easily tapped into.
These are the cobb sti numbers:
Power/torque 350 hp/353 lb-ft
0-60 mph 4.3 sec
0-100 mph 11.6 sec
Quarter mile 12.9 sec @ 104.9 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph 98 ft
Lateral acceleration 1.02 g
MT figure eight 24.8 sec @ 0.76 g
This is a cali smog legal car. Stock turbo and nothing done to the engine internals, just exhaust (still has Cat), air intake, & engine management software.
Some of these options are very different to the Lotus Elise.
Although they are all seriously capable machines with crazy fast numbers, a 4wd Audi or Subaru is not going to feel like an Elise or a Miata.
I went from a stock Miata, to a turboed Miata, to a Subaru WRX, to a Nissan 350Z, and although the Subi and the 350 were seriously capable cars (and are both fun in their own way) and were very fast point-to-point, they are heavy cars without the feel of the Miata (and a far cry from the Elise). All they do is make you drive faster for the same thrills = [leo]
Don't get sucked into "bigger is better" or "faster is better". 95% of the time you won't be able to use it.
Do you own a Ducati Monster because of its numbers? [moto]
Go drive them. And let us know what you think! ;D
What do you guys think about a Z3 M Coupe
I cant find very much information about it online.
0 to 60 in 5.1 to 5.3 ?
I imagine It handles very well.
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2548853787_28b35b6a4a_o.jpg)
M Coupe, I didn't think it had the z3 designation
QuoteM Coupe, I didn't think it had the z3 designation
Well when I search for M coupe all I pull up is the Z4 body which is out of my price range ;D
Isn't it still a Z3 model but a coupe ???
Quote from: ROBsS4R on June 03, 2008, 04:20:04 PM
Well when I search for M coupe all I pull up is the Z4 body which is out of my price range ;D
Isn't it still a Z3 model but a coupe ???
it's based on the z3. the model names were the "m roadster" and "m coupe". If you search for them now, you're right in that you'll be overwhelmed with stuff for the z4 based cars. Don't immediately qualify them as out of your price range, they have been having a _lot_ of issues with moving them (everyone was waiting for the new m3 instead) so they were *very* deeply discounting them.
go for the 01+ roadster/coupe, wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_M_Coupe) [thumbsup]
Quote from: ROBsS4R on June 03, 2008, 03:55:30 PM
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2548853787_28b35b6a4a_o.jpg)
Never driven one, but I think its ugly looks are awesome. Future Classic?
QuoteNever driven one, but I think its ugly looks are awesome. Future Classic?
Yeah I really dig the look of it. I am sure more people thinks its fugly rather than good looking.
Quote from: ROBsS4R on June 03, 2008, 06:10:04 PM
Yeah I really dig the look of it. I am sure more people thinks its fugly rather than good looking.
AFAIK, BMW charges *more* for the hardtop than the convertible (This is not standard practice). I've heard rumour that it's to keep the true enthusiasts separate from the people who would be poseurs.
I think the Hard top looks better and it handles better [thumbsup]
those little hardtop m coupes are awesome.
you should get one!
Bump....
Anymore suggestions?
Someone has one for sale at my friends apartment Complex.
Its a 1999 Grey with 85k on it. Looks really clean but he wants way to much IMO. 22k
Someone already mentioned it but the new Audi TT with the 3.2 V6 and DSG transmissions are rockets. The quattro makes them fun and very very fun in the snow. I don't think an Elise would be that great in the snow. The TT will do whatever you want it to and more. Plus the interiors are awesome. Just my opinion. When I was working on them I they were one of my favorite cars to drive. You can pick up an old body style (not the 08 for around what you are looking to spend). Someone mentioned warranty problems but do you really expect a manufacturer to cover a clutch that has been burnt up? Come on.
I didn't realize how heavy the M Coupe is.
Looks like I need a 2001 plus model since it has 75hp more than the previous years. Thats substantial.
The Audi TT is Nice looking vehicle also.
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3087/2551417883_c50b287cc3_o.jpg)
Quote from: derby on June 02, 2008, 09:20:16 AM
miatas are a blast... easily one of the most fun cars i've ever driven. it's geared so short that you feel like you're wringing it's neck without getting into "ridiculous speed".
+1
some of the most fun i've had is autocrossing miatas... very easy to control and rotate...
The M coupe's came with two different engines S52 (240hp) and S54 (315HP) i think 99 - 00 were S52 and 01 was S54.
the hard top stiffens the car up BIG time and it's faster than the m3 coupe.
very very cool car and pretty rare. I see them here and there. between that and an elise I'd go m coupe and then still have cash left over for something to pull my bike around.
the one caution with the m coupe is that the rear subframe's develop cracks. BMW repaired them under warranty and even strengthened them with the car was under warranty. If you purchase one make sure the the subframe was either repaired to strengthened before any issues occurred. If it was not I think BMW charges something like $5k
I've only ever seen two of those suckers. A Bimmer blue and the deep red color. Both just south of Nashville in the 'burbs.
In the Bay Area I see them every once in a while
Looks like I will have a problem finding one with the S54 engine
North America S52 engine: 2,180 built from 07/98 through 06/2000
North America S54 engine: 690 built from 02/2001 through 05/2002
I rather get a Lotus Elise over a M Coupe with the S52 Engine. 75 Hp is a huge difference between the S52 and S54
My father almost bought one... the service intervals were like 6k miles and the cost was enough to think twice. He stuck with the Z4... although, if he fit the Elise better... he probably would have taken it... doesn't fit the tall people that well. I still want one though. There was a recent article where somebody turned the Elise into a fully functional submarine, 007 style... you drive into the water and it functions beneath the surface as well. Looked pretty cool.
Quote from: ryandalling on June 05, 2008, 04:10:51 PM
My father almost bought one... the service intervals were like 6k miles and the cost was enough to think twice. He stuck with the Z4... although, if he fit the Elise better... he probably would have taken it... doesn't fit the tall people that well. I still want one though. There was a recent article where somebody turned the Elise into a fully functional submarine, 007 style... you drive into the water and it functions beneath the surface as well. Looked pretty cool.
Sweeet!
(http://img2.netcarshow.com/Rinspeed-sQuba_Concept_2008_800x600_wallpaper_08.jpg)
http://www.netcarshow.com/rinspeed/2008-squba_concept/
Don't discount the S2000. I traded my E46 ZHP in for one and it is one hell of a little car. Got a lot more refinement than the Miata, but a lot more go as well. There are a few roads down here in Hawaii that I have quicker times in the car than either of my motorcycles. The car was actually built by Honda's racing dept, if that tells you anything.
My buddy went through the windshield of an M coupe. The state police said they'd never seen anyone get thrown that far and live. He just used the money from his setllement to buy a 2004 Porsche 911 Cabriolet. It's freaking amazing.
I know a lot has been said back and forth throughout this thread but when it's all said and done I'd still go for the Elise. It's a truly unique car that seems really fun to drive.
Hmm after watching this Top Gear episode I have mixed feelings about the Z4.
The Boxster S might be a option
http://youtube.com/watch?v=hySg3brDeM8 (http://youtube.com/watch?v=hySg3brDeM8)
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/2557415841_6db9af46fa.jpg)
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3276/2558265420_ab8015dd93.jpg)
And here is the Boxster Versus the Z4 versus the S2000 [thumbsup]
http://youtube.com/watch?v=M--kAu6XpKY (http://youtube.com/watch?v=M--kAu6XpKY)
The s2000 looks like a winner also.
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3065/2557452279_709b4a3080.jpg)
S2000 for the win! You'll love the high red line, much like a bike, and you can find alot of farkles for them!
the S2000 is a very nice car...i must admit
Quote from: metallimonster on June 04, 2008, 01:56:14 PM
Someone already mentioned it but the new Audi TT with the 3.2 V6 and DSG transmissions are rockets. The quattro makes them fun and very very fun in the snow. I don't think an Elise would be that great in the snow. The TT will do whatever you want it to and more. Plus the interiors are awesome. Just my opinion. When I was working on them I they were one of my favorite cars to drive. You can pick up an old body style (not the 08 for around what you are looking to spend). Someone mentioned warranty problems but do you really expect a manufacturer to cover a clutch that has been burnt up? Come on.
I loved my TT...fo sho
I think I found my new car
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Mio5fTKqWgM (http://youtube.com/watch?v=Mio5fTKqWgM)
Fun until some kids knock you over sitting at a stop light. I personally like the looks of the Lotus Exige S and Porsche Caymans also look very nice.
How has nobody suggested a DeLorean yet?
Quote from: ato memphis on June 09, 2008, 06:43:41 AM
How has nobody suggested a DeLorean yet?
i hope that was an attempt at humor. ;D
more like an attempt at awesome.
you only have to get it up to 88.
Quoteyou only have to get it up to 88.
I read somewhere that they were not to reliable during filming ;D
Don't laugh but I always wanted a Delorean and a knight Rider KIT
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3119/2564975733_fca4d16fd1_o.jpg)
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3114/2565806384_e23b6b4653_o.jpg)
Quote from: ato memphis on June 09, 2008, 06:55:18 AM
more like an attempt at awesome.
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g266/altersys/awesome.jpg)
Quote from: ROBsS4R on June 09, 2008, 01:39:51 PM
Don't laugh but I always wanted a Delorean and a knight Rider KIT
Batmobile! :D
(http://www.kruse.com/news/StarsCarsAubFall05/5103Batmobile.jpg)
Quote from: metallimonster on June 04, 2008, 01:56:14 PM
Someone mentioned warranty problems but do you really expect a manufacturer to cover a clutch that has been burnt up? Come on.
Yes I do. When I buy an upscale German car I expect an upscale no bs warranty. Like BMW's
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Owner/BMWUltimateService/Default.aspx?enc=/eiUrYOZAxtXbrazY6tfkqsr3kYfdxLIjxkcwoIvvrzlcPh+jmwQRu+3I8+OH/BXNtxxMY3Mc+B0kvjmLKDzrg==
4 years / 50k miles the only thing you cover is tires. And they expect you to DRIVE the car [evil]
I suppose if you brought it in with racing slicks on and the numbers still soaped on the side windows they might aurgue.
QuoteBatmobile! Cheesy
I was actually thinking of something like this ;D No accidental tip overs on that and see if a police officer trys to stop you for a license plate bent to forward [evil]
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3165/2566467827_08b79fdbdb.jpg)
Quote from: sno_duc on June 09, 2008, 11:33:02 PM
Yes I do. When I buy an upscale German car I expect an upscale no bs warranty. Like BMW's
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Owner/BMWUltimateService/Default.aspx?enc=/eiUrYOZAxtXbrazY6tfkqsr3kYfdxLIjxkcwoIvvrzlcPh+jmwQRu+3I8+OH/BXNtxxMY3Mc+B0kvjmLKDzrg==
4 years / 50k miles the only thing you cover is tires. And they expect you to DRIVE the car [evil]
I suppose if you brought it in with racing slicks on and the numbers still soaped on the side windows they might aurgue.
+1. That's them having faith in their product.
Quote from: sno_duc on June 09, 2008, 11:33:02 PM
4 years / 50k miles the only thing you cover is tires. And they expect you to DRIVE the car [evil]
One of the things that really sold me on my car. [thumbsup]
Quote from: BWClark on June 03, 2008, 06:01:44 PM
Never driven one, but I think its ugly looks are awesome. Future Classic?
Everytime I look at this car all I can think is....ambigously gay duo!
Okay
With the extensive research I have done online I have selected 3 candidates..... Now I need to go drive them
05 Lotus Elise
This one really calls my name. Looks like a Million Buck. It is light, fast and Nimble and a head turner. Faster than the M S52 and near equal to the M S54. The cost is in the low 30ks
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2176/2543773593_8b3e4157f6.jpg)
M Roadster S52 or S54 ?
All though I want the S54 which is very hard to find the difference is performance is a few tenths of a Second I have read for the additional Premium. I do not know if its is worth it. Many People think its a rather Fugly car and out of the 3 I have listed it very well be the least reliable from what I have read. You can find the M coupes 20k - 30k
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2548853787_8dc56b7a7e.jpg)
S2000 Any Year
I did lots of research and you cant really go wrong with any year. They change the rev limiter in the newer models. This is the slowest between my 3 selections with a 0 to 60 of 5.8 Seconds but the biggest bang for the buck. Engine is bullet proof. You can find a huge assortment of them between 10k - 20k
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3065/2557452279_709b4a3080.jpg)
Comments ???
Sports cars like motorcycles have to reach you at an emotional level.
What I consider drop dead gorgeous is different from what you or anyone else does.
You'll know when you have found "your" car.
[clap] Good choices. Now go drive and let your butt decide.
All three are beautiful cars....but that damn lotus is like a siren that won't stop calling my name [laugh]
probably the least practical of the three, but I have to give it my vote...it's making me
drive the bimmer and the s2000 FIRST. Then go drive (and inevitably buy ;D) the Lotus. You'll see. [evil]
I owned a 2005 Elise and currently own a 2007 Exige S. I am 6 ft and 210lbs...I can get in and out. They are wonderful cars. I drive my Exige every day...and yes the blind spot sucks. I also do about 7-10 track days a year, where the car really shines.
None of the other cars you mention here really are in the same league as the Elise. But you must know what you are giving up to own one. You will be driving a clown car. You will look stupid getting in and out of it. Your wife will not be able to wear a skirt and get in and out of it without spreading her knees about four feet apart. It will so loud on the highway as to negate the use of a cell phone or the radio. The heat is about worthless if it gets really cold. The A/C is worse. You must get the hard top the soft top is a joke. The hard top does not fit in the car....the list goes on.
When I got rid of my 2005 Elise it had 59k on it and I had zero problems with it. It was utterly reliable.
Also as a side note. Before I had my Elise I had a Subaru STI. My Elise uses brake pads at half the rate of my STI which would go through an entire set in a single day at the track and tires at three times the rate of the STI which would get 2-3 track days on a set. Cost of use for the Elise is very low and the gas mileage is great.
Do you have an idea of when you're going to decide and finally buy one? I can't wait to see the pics of the Lotus that you buy! <-you can see which one I'd choose! [cheeky]
Little Old, but still my favorite car ever.
1993 VW Corrado SLC (VR6 if your from the other side of the pond)
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/2466819022_f5fd3d2d47.jpg?v=0)
Quote from: MuscovyDuc on June 18, 2008, 02:57:14 PM
Little Old, but still my favorite car ever.
1993 VW Corrado SLC (VR6 if your from the other side of the pond)
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/2466819022_f5fd3d2d47.jpg?v=0)
WOW
haven't seen one of them in years
they are great looking,
a friend of mine had one and it was the sh!t (speed controlled spoiler and all VR6 of course)
It depends on what you want out of the car.
The Elise is the best sports car, by far. The S2000 is #2. The M coupe/Roadster is #3. The Elise is the closest thing you will get to a motorcycle unless you get an Atom or 7. Go test drive one. It is a completely different experience to the other two. It's not a good cruiser unless you are skinnyish and average height or less. Little trunk space. There is something about driving a Mid/rear car. Either you will "get it" or not. If not then this car is not for you. Try going to Elisetalk.com and research. Sadly Elisetalk was just bought by VS/Autoforums at the same time as TOB so it has gone down hill a bit though not as bad as TOB. The Elise will never be a great 0-60 car. But when you can over take 600+HP cars on corners it is a great feeling. Extreme late braking and apexing will be your friend. Lightweight is the way to go and that is the Elise. Cars are about acceleration, braking and cornering. Extra horsepower helps acceleration, lightweight helps all three.
The M Coupe (aka "the shoe") is the best cruiser and has the best luxury. S54 engine is better for fun, S52 is better for city/cruising. The S52 is lower reving (~6500 vs ~8500) but much more low down torque. For a good cruiser/luxo car the BMW wins. It's a fun car but doesn't handle as well compared to the other two. The rear end is loose. A camber kit on the rear helps if you set the front and rear with ~1 degree more than stock negative camber. The s52's are just uber torquey and a s54 with a shark kit will be nearly the same. It loves to oversteer.
The S2000 is the middle car, neither as sporty as the Elise nor luxo as the BMW. The ride is a bit harsh though not like the Elise. The old 4cyl's rev like hell but you need to keep the RPM's for any kind of fun. The newer 6cyl's aren't as revvy but you will still be changing gears a lot. Not a great cruiser, you're a more cramped than the BMW, less than the Lotus. It's a nice car but of these three it's dead last for me.
FYI I owed a S52 M Roadster, I have driven a 4cyl s2000, and have been to the Lotus factory several times and have taken several driving classes on the test track and a Lotus driving class at Silverstone. For me it's either the Lotus or the BMW and that would depend on if you want a sportier car or a luxo car that you can have some fun in. My bias is the Elise, but then again, if you want a real sports car then it should be your bias too. :)
Watch this to see Ducati's influence on the Elise:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNslaF5Scbc
Are you single? If so the Lotus is the only choice IMO.
Decent gas mileage too [thumbsup]
So after Owning the Honda s2000 for a few months I am going to sell it.
I thought I did my research which took me about 6 months to decide but I made the wrong decision.
In short Amazing gear box with nice short shifts. Pretty good power and when the V-tech kicks in with the cam timing change is a nice boost in power. Front suspension is very nice and stiff with a little bump steering.
Now the bad
I was very disappointed in the rear suspension. Way to soft in my opinion. Rear end is really twitchy. In order to get the car to the point I want it at will cost me about 2 to 4k. The fact of the matter the Car sits in the garage and I go take out my S4R no matter if its sunny or rainy it seems so I am going to sell it.
In the future I may look at a front wheel drive or all wheel drive car.
I would go with the Elise, the S2000 if an Elise doesn't work out for you. Both should be reliable, Hondas are reliable and the Elise has a Toyota based motor IIRC ~
JM
Dare I say it....
JCW mini
Quote from: ROBsS4R on March 03, 2009, 12:08:18 AM
In the future I may look at a front wheel drive or all wheel drive car.
imho, sports cars (like bikes) should be rear wheel drive.. the only exception is the quattro or something similar like infiniti's X models...
FWD cars are for touring and good mileage, not for tearing up the road!
Go drive a Cayman. An S would be better.
I think that's a bit out of his price range. It would be awesome though, those are pretty badass...
Quote from: ducatizzzz on March 03, 2009, 09:20:23 AM
imho, sports cars (like bikes) should be rear wheel drive.. the only exception is the quattro or something similar like infiniti's X models...
FWD cars are for touring and good mileage, not for tearing up the road!
+11ty billion.
Sorry you're unhappy with your S2k, I've loved owning mine for the last 2 yrs. Haven't found looseness at the back to be a problem, but maybe you have more challenging roads than I do.
After going through 9 pages of the dialog I need to know...which car did the original poster go with? Did I miss it somewhere near the end? Hate a good story with no final episode.
If still undecided.......go with the Elise!
better late than never
die-hard Lotus guy
Quote from: abrussich on August 04, 2009, 11:05:31 AM
After going through 9 pages of the dialog I need to know...which car did the original poster go with? Did I miss it somewhere near the end? Hate a good story with no final episode.
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=3717.msg356911#msg356911 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=3717.msg356911#msg356911)
Quote from: ato memphis on June 02, 2008, 08:51:30 AM
yuck yuck yuck yuck. do not get a boxter.
there are much better cars for the same amount of jingle, and you won't have to deal with people asking you about your wannabe-porsche.
there is a dealership here in M-town that has a handful of elises at any given time, and several out on the road. Beautiful cars, and they look like so much fun.
I was wayyyy disappointed in the boxster. Had more fun in a 350z by far.
I"ve been in an Elise. They're fast and fun, but don't even consider one unless you're less than 6' tall. I'm 6'4", and I couldn't fit comfortably in the car - headroom and legroom were abysmal, not to mention ingress/egress.
From what I've read, the new Lotus Evora should be awesome. [evil]
(http://www.caranddriver.com/var/ezwebin_site/storage/images/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/sports_car_central/2010_lotus_evora_first_drive_review/2010_lotus_evora/2010_lotus_evora_6/2154498-1-eng-US/2010_lotus_evora_6_cd_gallery.jpg)
Another option - have you shopped for a used M3? The MY2002-2005 models are a helluva lot of car for the money.
Rob
why not just upgrade the rear suspension?
Quote from: bluemoco on August 04, 2009, 01:09:48 PM
From what I've read, the new Lotus Evora should be awesome. [evil]
The Evora is faster around the Hethel test track than the Elise due to the increase in torque. It should be a much more American friendly car than the Elise. Our roads/driving are much more conducive to the the Evora vs the British "B" roads the Elise was designed for...
Over 6 foot is not a problem for all. I'm 6"-2" and a bit over 200 and fit easily and comfortably in an Elise or Exige. While getting in and out is never graceful, once in the seating position is quite comfortable and not a problem on long trips. One thing we found at the Houston car show was that it was not so much ones overall height but more where the height was situated. People with long legs and shorter torsos fit better than the other way around. We had a guy 6'-5" get in and out on his own and once in he was comfortable. A little bit later I had to help pry a guy out who got stuck, who was 5'-10".
Long and short of it is, (no pun meant), there is no height limitation to the car, it's just a matter of some will fit and some won't.
As for the Evora, yes it is an awesome car and should do well for those who were put off by the Elise/Exige's minimalist features.
Quote from: bluemoco on August 04, 2009, 01:09:48 PM
I"ve been in an Elise. They're fast and fun, but don't even consider one unless you're less than 6' tall. I'm 6'4", and I couldn't fit comfortably in the car - headroom and legroom were abysmal, not to mention ingress/egress.
From what I've read, the new Lotus Evora should be awesome. [evil]
(http://www.caranddriver.com/var/ezwebin_site/storage/images/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/sports_car_central/2010_lotus_evora_first_drive_review/2010_lotus_evora/2010_lotus_evora_6/2154498-1-eng-US/2010_lotus_evora_6_cd_gallery.jpg)
Another option - have you shopped for a used M3? The MY2002-2005 models are a helluva lot of car for the money.
Quote from: Eeyore on August 04, 2009, 04:19:44 PM
Rob
why not just upgrade the rear suspension?
To Late I sold it =)
We had some cut backs at work and I didnt want to have a car payment for something I rarely drove. I have another thread going someplace. Lets see if I can dig it up later. I am doing more research now for a possible purchase early next year. I want to just pay cash and not worry about a payment so I am currently saving up.
This time around I am leaning towards a Evo 9 or 04-05 WRX STI
Oh here it is...
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=20904.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=20904.0)
Two words, Dune Buggy. You can have a nice one for under 10k, infinitely customizeable...