At the risk of sounding like Wilmslow

[PAH]

You don't have to wait for >8000rpm for vtec, it kicks in about 6000 rpm..

Sorry, that makes all the difference.

You can't compare the s2000 engine to the old rover k series unit that was in the elise. Even though the s2000 doesnt have bags of torque it has more than a rover powered elise (153 compared to 121) even at low revs. Plus the rover runs out of puff at a dismal 5500 revs with 118bhp. The light weight would mean the elise would probably lead to 20mph but after that it would be mullered.

Real world tests I've conducted myself (in the Exige, which had a VHPD 190bhp engine and close ratio gear box) proved otherwise.

Besides the Elise S1 was such a cutie. Like all the best looking things, it's curves that count.

[Ardesco]

LOTUS = Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious

Look nice but I wouldn't buy one. Should be picking up my new car on Sat, a nice Nissan 350Z.

[MrRobin]

a nice Nissan 350Z.

Bastard! Me want.

Is it brand new?

[Bagpuss]

Sorry, that makes all the difference.





Real world tests I've conducted myself (in the Exige, which had a VHPD 190bhp engine and close ratio gear box) proved otherwise.

Besides the Elise S1 was such a cutie. Like all the best looking things, it's curves that count.

Apples and Oranges really.You have to rev the engine for max power so it's not really suited to traffic light grand prix unless you have a large empty road in front of you. The elise is good at short burst of power to low speeds a bit like a Toyota MR2, which is faster than a porsche Boxster to 30 after 30 it's useless performance wise.

The Elise had a poor engine in Rover form, now it has an OK one in the Toyota form, still poorer than than the Honda Vtec, I've had a toyota VVC no comparison. The honda is tricky to get max performance from start in built up spaces so most people don't bother, before you know it you're doing 70mph. It's forte is twisty country roads, 50 - 70 mph or doing 100 plus on a track.

I don't know much about the Exige but I expect it isn't rover powered!

[PAH]

LOTUS = Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious

The Elise and its variants, basically everything Lotus have produced since then, seeing as the new Esprit and other models are always years away, are remarkably reliable. Main issue is the head gasket on the rover engines.

Had no real problems with either the Elise or Exige, despite putting lots of miles on both.

Look nice but I wouldn't buy one. Should be picking up my new car on Sat, a nice Nissan 350Z.

I like the power and drivability of the 350z with it being rear wheel drive, but the strange design of the boot is a bit off-putting.

A contractor friend had one and all he had from stopping his shopping flying around and twatting him on the head was a little net.

[PAH]

I don't know much about the Exige but I expect it isn't rover powered!

The Exige S1 I had was. Rover k-series VHPD (Very High Performance Derivative). Overall I think the close ratio gear box made the most difference though.

Never really considered the newer Elises and Exiges. Don't much like the slatted styling, and was always lusting after the M250 that the swines teased us with but never put into production. They seem to be doing the same with the new Esprit. Every time I check, it's slipped back another year.

[Ardesco]

Bastard! Me want.

Is it brand new?

Nope, 54 plate with 12,000 on the clock. Hopefully my license will last the year.....

[Ardesco]

I like the power and drivability of the 350z with it being rear wheel drive, but the strange design of the boot is a bit off-putting.

A contractor friend had one and all he had from stopping his shopping flying around and twatting him on the head was a little net.

A sensible car it is not, fun on the other hand....

[Bagpuss]

I've thought about a 350 z but the new road tax bands is putting me off. It's circa £400 a year to Gordon soon isn't it?

How much is the 350z , I'm thinking a 54 should be around 16k?

[PAH]

I've thought about a 350 z but the new road tax bands is putting me off. It's circa £400 a year to Gordon soon isn't it?

I think it's soon to be closer to a grand a year if it's band G and on the govermin's short list.

Otherwise yes 300 quid this year, 400 next year. Same as the scooby, which I briefly considered at my last car change.