I Need An Elise But Which One?

[rustyveedub]

I am looking at buying an elise and would like your opinions on which model to buy. I have 10k up to 15k for a very good car. I have a company car that i use 99% of the time but the Elise would need to be used for 1% of the time all year round. I would like to go away camping etc. in it, so boot space would be a consideration. I would be using it as an occasional run around, good road blasts and occasional track days. Oh and the Mrs will have to drive it from time to time.

 

Thanks for your advice in advance.

[Joff135]

Boot space???

 

The Elise is a fab car...but there isn't much space in the boot for a lot! Basically you have enough room for the roof to go into when it's off.

 

You will love the drive though...and as for models to buy, i personally love the S1 compared to its' replacement...especially if you are only using it at weekends and trackdays...feels like a more raw track car...especially the interior!

[Martin R]

First you need to decide if you want an S1 or a S2. Then which model you prefer. The S1 is a fair bit rawer than an S2 but it suits some. Me included. If it was to be a daily driver i would suggest a S2 as they have more comforts ( in Lotus terms ) and are more user friendly. Although lots of people do use a S1 as a daily driver. You really need to see a few and get a few test drives at local dealers. Nick Whales in your case. You could pop along to a local meet and have a look. Most on here dont bite. Dont be scared to buy private either off here or SELOC as they are known cars. Also if you do see one you like post up its reg number as it may be a known car. If you fancy a standard S1 look at Steve G,s in the for sale wanted section. Ive not seen any better

[rustyveedub]

I have seen inside the boot on a S2 and a 240r and they are big enough for my needs, Just wondering how the S1 boot compares?

 

Not sure about S1 or S2 thats what i am asking about. I prefer the looks of the S2 as it looks more up to date. But have gathered that the S1 is a better drive. I have seen that i can get a special S1 (111s, 160 etc.) or a standard S2 for my budget. What are the under body differences between them?

[Martin R]

S1 boot is possibly a tad bigger as the battery is in the front. A S2 is a S1 with a different body bolted on. Its also got a load of Girly bits to make it heavier They also tend not to clonk and bang as a real Lotus should

[rustyveedub]

Which one clonks and bangs

[gerags]

Which one clonks and bangs

 

The S1 does.

 

Also consider your 'orientation' when deciding between S1 & S2

 

[rustyveedub]

Which one clonks and bangs

 

The S1 does.

 

Also consider your 'orientation' when deciding between S1 & S2

 

I take it thats sexual orientation?

 

Is the S2 heavier? and therefore slower?

[Martin R]

You do tend to get a lot more rattles and bangs i a S1 as it has virtually no sound proofing. S2,s are a lot more refined. You need to try them really. Put it like this a S1 is like a fast go cart a S2 is like a slightly heavier fast go cart I expect an S2 is between 50 and 100 KG heavier for the same model IIRC.

[rustyveedub]

I expect an S2 is between 50 and 100 KG heavier for the same model IIRC.

Quite a lot then for a car that weighs so little. Do they have the same power in basic form?

[GCCK]

Yes. S1 std nominally 118bhp, S2 std 120bhp.

 

S2 undoubtedly more refined but as you can see light weight (and power-to-weight) is one of the reasons why many folks rate S1 as the purer driver's car.

 

Think E-type: the S1 3.8 is the classic and the collectable model. Although they "improved" it through S2 & S3, it got heavier, more cumbersome and no faster as time went on.

[Fiona]

I'm going to stick up for the S2 here and say that the S2 was the advancement of the lightweight sports car idea under Lotus. It offers the same thrills as the S1 but with a few features that make it "more liveable" with on a day to day basis, namely the roof, soundproofing and the comfy seats.

 

As Martin says, unless you drive both we can't really advise what would be best for you - it's all personal preference.

 

Welcome, btw.

[rustyveedub]

As Martin says, unless you drive both we can't really advise what would be best for you - it's all personal preference.

 

Welcome, btw.

Hi Fiona, Do you really own an Exige

 

I think i will have to take both out for a drive. But since i want one for the driving experience and my budget is not that large in the Elise world, i will probably end up with an S1.

 

How are the roof's better on an S2? Im assuming a that on a track a similar S1 and S2, That the S1 is faster?

 

Thanks for your replies.

[rustyveedub]

I am going to give both a test drive but from my budget and what i need, I will most probably have an S1. I have seen these two for sale on Pistonheads but they are at the top of my price range.

 

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/88608.htm

 

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/94112.htm

 

Since it would mostly be used for fast road work would the 160 be to much? Would the 135 be a better fast road car?

 

For not much more than one of the 160's i am into the lower S1 Exige price range, Would one of these be to much for my needs?

[neural9]

Hey Rusty - I've owned both for a long period of time and I can honestly say you're not going to be dissapointed with either.

 

Buying an S1 is cheaper than an S2 and if it's your first 'fastish' car then you really aren't going to notice the difference. Both rattle, squeek, clonk and bonk more than any other car you have ever owned. You're probably not even used to stones hitting the undertray making you feel like you're being sprayed with road grit.

 

The BHP of the car does make a difference - mainly in torque and acceleration in the midband.

 

Exige is a fantastic car, but if you're planning on doing miles in it remember that most are low mileage cars when it comes to resell. And, unless you're handy with a screwdriver, it has a permanent roof.

 

My advice is to appreciate the Elise for what it is. It isn't a fast car as in supercar territory, but they handle incredibly well. IMHO the stock Elise is as good as any for this purpose.

 

it's an emotional choice rather than a practical one. If you want a car specifically for speed, go buy an Exige S - everything else pales in comparison to this! The stock Elise will do you just fine if you're after true Lotus values.

 

My emotional choice: Standard S2 (pref with Toyota engine!). Get a geo check first thing, a hurricane for the improvement to sound and replacement speakers and a sub if you like your music.

 

Other than, just go get one and figure it out from there.