CUP 220 - S CUP or Exige v6

[rossybee]

Stuff

Can't disagree with this (even from my never-owned-a-lotus POV) - will the added cost of a V6 give more enjoyment pro-rata with the added cost over an SC?

[campbell]

Having had ownership of 3 very distinct Lotus power plants, my fave is the V6... by miles. Mated to a Sports exhaust, its sense of occasion was huge. And dynamically it’s a really good engine across the whole rev range.

If I had the budget I’d still have an Evora and an Elise.

But that’s just opulent.

[C7Steve]

Having had ownership of 3 very distinct Lotus power plants, my fave is the V6... by miles. Mated to a Sports exhaust, its sense of occasion was huge. And dynamically it’s a really good engine across the whole rev range.

If I had the budget I’d still have an Evora and an Elise.

But that’s just opulent.

Or just buy a V6 Exige.


Steve.

[campbell]

No. It’s not much lighter than an Evora. And needs too many visits to fuel stations to be a tourer. Interior is not worthy of a £50k car either I’m afraid.

Or it might have been on the list.

[IanD]

But big disadvantage you can’t take the roof off an Evora

Elise is talked about for lightness/nimbleness vs S3 Exige.
But does the Exige have more stability at speed and in fast sweeping bends (eg North Scotland typical roads) than a later Elise does ?

I know James talks about his Elise Cup aero feels like it really works but Steve also mentions Exige stability is different league compared to his 2004 Elise.

[C7Steve]

*2002 Elise (Rover K-Series).

The extra width of the V6 Exige is so much more planted, especially in the wet. Yes, the Elise is lighter and will be cheaper to run, but the engine note in the V6 is awesome and will bring a few smiles to enhance the driving experience. I am only on my second set of front pads and third set of rears and still on original disks (but will change next year) after four and a half years and 32,000 miles of spirited driving. Hardly any city driving and that includes two Frolics too. Myself and James Hall have probably driven the most miles in our cars in the Uk, with James having a Cup 250 and he would have had even more miles on it, if the circumstances had been different. I agree that the Evora is the better touring car with much better space for luggage behind the seats. The SC Elise is a brilliant car and probably the sweet spot of the range, but I preferred the V6 after my test drive of them both. Get yourself down to Leven and take a couple of cars out for a drive and see what you think yourself. Either way, you will be a happy bunny being back in a Lotus and you can wear your t-shirt in whichever car you eventually decide on.

Looking forward to hearing your own views and probably a good time to go test driving now and then pick up a good deal at the end of autumn.


Steve.

Ps. That includes you too, Ian D.

[C7Steve]

*spelling mistake edited.


Steve.

[Mikie711]

But big disadvantage you can’t take the roof off an Evora

Elise is talked about for lightness/nimbleness vs S3 Exige.
But does the Exige have more stability at speed and in fast sweeping bends (eg North Scotland typical roads) than a later Elise does ?

I know James talks about his Elise Cup aero feels like it really works but Steve also mentions Exige stability is different league compared to his 2004 Elise.

The simple answer is yes, by miles.
It's a lot easier to go quick in a V6 Exige than an Elise. The question should be is it more fun and the answer to that IMHO is no it isn't.

Ok, reading over what I wrote above a little expenation may be in order. Granted I haven't driven the newer Elise bit on the road I think the smaller platform of the Elise and the nimbleness makes it more engaging and in some ways exciting to drive. The Exige is an immensely capable car on the road and track but you have to be going a lot faster to get the same kicks as you do in an elise. The problem is I just don't see the Elise as a £50k car, granted I don't use any of mine as daily drivers so they spend most of the time in the garage so I can't justify having a car at that value that I will only use occasionally. One other point to bear in mind, a £40k Exige will deprecate a lot less than a £40k elise.

[campbell]

Elise S 220 appears to have flatlined around £30k retail.

SC 217 holding to £25k if you’re lucky.

S 134 appear to be CLIMBING and clean ones are £20k.

No need to spend £40k to have a tidy Elise . And anyway Mike you have a lovely one stashed in your garage already

[Mikie711]

I know, but it was talking about new or newish Elises especially cups and early V6 exige. Don't get me wrong I would love a Cup 430 but at that money there would be a lot of alternatives ahead of the cup.

[campbell]

Buying new is over-rated

[BigD]

But big disadvantage you can’t take the roof off an Evora

Elise is talked about for lightness/nimbleness vs S3 Exige.
But does the Exige have more stability at speed and in fast sweeping bends (eg North Scotland typical roads) than a later Elise does ?

I know James talks about his Elise Cup aero feels like it really works but Steve also mentions Exige stability is different league compared to his 2004 Elise.

The simple answer is yes, by miles.
It's a lot easier to go quick in a V6 Exige than an Elise. The question should be is it more fun and the answer to that IMHO is no it isn't.

Ok, reading over what I wrote above a little expenation may be in order. Granted I haven't driven the newer Elise bit on the road I think the smaller platform of the Elise and the nimbleness makes it more engaging and in some ways exciting to drive. The Exige is an immensely capable car on the road and track but you have to be going a lot faster to get the same kicks as you do in an elise. The problem is I just don't see the Elise as a £50k car, granted I don't use any of mine as daily drivers so they spend most of the time in the garage so I can't justify having a car at that value that I will only use occasionally. One other point to bear in mind, a £40k Exige will deprecate a lot less than a £40k elise.

So the V6 is more capable and you have to go faster to enjoy it. Doesn’t that sell it even more?
I find the v6 more engaging to drive than the Elise (I’ve had both) and it’s not any less nimble imo.

And running costs aren’t much worse than the Elise. Brake pads for example are the same price. (And no I haven’t been using rears like they’re going out of fashion).

[Mikie711]

There is no wrong decision here, they are both good cars with their own strengths and weaknesses.
It all depends what you are wanting the car for and how much you a prepared to spend.
Everyones opinion will differ, D likes his Exige I prefer the Elise, I have had both as well.

Buying new is over-rated

100% agree

[tonyg]

Just a little info in to the mix.
Before you buy an Elise Cup check the seat - my one moved and creaked continuously and was a total pain (it was one of the major contributing factors to me getting shot of it, believe it or not).The car sat for a month in Murrays/Leven while they sent the rails/seat back to get fixed and it came back worse.
As far as i know James' one is about as bad, and i suspect they may all do it.

[alicrozier]

Not just the Elise Tony.

The one surefire fix (approved by the selfish b'stard committee) is to fit the fixed seat mountings. Seat can also be a bit lower if needed.