New S2000 or used Lotus Elise?

[primm907]

Hopefully this will be a rather interesting question to ponder for most and has not been previously hashed on this particular forum. Recent searches have yielded 2005 model Elise's in the low $30k range with very low miles. Considering the similarities of the S2000 and Elise (light weight/great handling/reliable power and drivetrain), some feedback with regard to perceived pros and cons would be greatly appreciated. Of course if anyone has been personally blessed to have experienced driving both of these wonderful vehicles, your comments are highly valued. My intent is to determine which option would allow the greatest driving pleasure for a weekend, sunny day, back road, third vehicle, etc. Track time or autocross do not factor into the equation. Fire away!

[ActionMan]

Unfortunately I have not had the pleasure of driving an Elise. However at nearly 60% of the weight of S2000, it is quite a bit faster round the bends and possibly in a straight line. As a toy - something to take out on a sunny day for a quick blast down a twisty road, I would find the Elise to be superior. It's the lack of creaturely comforts and fear of inability to serve as anything more than a weekend toy / track day car that made the decision for me.

At present I prefer using my S2000 as my daily drive, even though I have other cars in my posession that might be more suited for that task. It's just so damn easy and fun to drive and yet quite comfortable and streetable. And it's winter now in Latvia. Snow and ice.

S2000 is not the same thing as an Elise/Exige.

[bladerunner]

For a weekend fun only car, I'd rather have a Lotus. It only weighs 1984 lbs.! compared to about 2855 for the S2000. Which basically means that the Lotus is to the Honda what the Honda is to say, a large family sedan. Can you imagine!

[Java Junky]

Again I get to play the "me-too" part. Godda agree with what's already been said.
What'd make r' break it for me would be the ability to keep it jus' for special occasions r' everyday use. If it's everyday there's no question: Stewie. If it's the occasional, sunny day blast through your secret twisties, let the neighbors all be peekin' out the windows whisperin' to each other "look! The garage door's goin' up!" while you allow daylight on your Lotus.
However ya go Primm, be well n' best'a luck.
Java

[john]

From what I've read and hear the ride quality of the Elise is compared to a go cart, I'd take the s2000 anyday and mine only gets driven on those nice sunny days in the summer.

[bobby2002S2K]

Well the elise is a out standing car in its own right.After the S2K is payed off I will more than likly get one if i can find a good deal to fill up that little space Beside stewie in the garage.

[aeroEng]

the Ellise will get you wet in the rain. You will also be lucky to not fog over... Just my personal experience. If I had a reliable daily driver I would do it, but as an only car... dunno.

[gomarlins3]

If you can swing it, get the Elise. To get the most out of it though you will want to start autoXing or tracking it even if you said that wasn't a factor. As mentioned above, it's short on creature comforts, but as a weekend/ fun car, I would say it's the better of the two.

[primm907]

Thank you for all of the honest replies. I truly didn't expect to get quite the number of Lotus confirmations on an S2k board, but it simply defines the core motivation of those involved within this community: the unadulterated love of an exquisite driving experience brought forth by a superior automotive machine. Now the saving of a few more coins (or timely exercised stock options) will hopefully lead to a fulfilling purchase. If this doesn't happen prior to my children becoming old enough to drive, I may never get my "toy"! And, the advice is appreciated Mr. GoMarlins. Perhaps an occassional weekend trip to a nearby track my be in order after all...

[Genesis]

There is a reason why most all exotics can be found with only a few thousand or less miles on them...That reason is they are usually quite miserable to spend anymore than a few minutes in at a time...Oh yeah, the first half hour is usually fun, but after that most are ready to get out...While I've not driven the Elise in particular, it's no doubt in mind the same way...

I've owned several exotics over the years, Ferrari, Porsche, Vipers etc. and they all shared that trait...Well, that and being unreliable as all he!!...

I would strongly suggest you seek out an exotic rental co. and rent one for the weekend...It will be money well spent...Don't be surprised if it's not all you thought it would be cracked up to be...Just my .02...

[s2000isu]

Ok here I come to disagree with you guys. The elise is an amazing car for track days but since you dont plan on taking it whats the point? You can only go so fast on a non prepped tree filled road no matter what car youre in. Since you arent a track guy I would take the s2000's comfort reliability and just overall usability for a weekend car. I think it all comes down to what you want in a car.

[gomarlins3]

Originally Posted by Genesis

I would strongly suggest you seek out an exotic rental co. and rent one for the weekend...It will be money well spent...Don't be surprised if it's not all you thought it would be cracked up to be...Just my .02...

That's good advice.

[aeroEng]

I agree, one i know of that has one to rent.

Tampa Bay Dream Cars - Tampa Bay area's premiere exotic car rental service.

Note:

2006 Lotus Elise - Available for Rental
For those willing to put up with its heavily compromised utility and comfort, the 2006 Lotus Elise provides the most unfiltered driving experience of any roadster sold today.

[ActionMan]

s2000isu has got a point. Elise would be a blast on a track where there's no one to get in Your way and You can freely explore the borders of grip, but on a public road, I'm not so sure You'd be able to push Elise further than say an S2000, so what's the point of giving up all the bonuses of the S2K for a more loaded trackday experience when You're not even into that? Elise - great car, but it's great at just one thing. For what it's worth, You'd get a lot more fun in an Ariel Atom than an Elise if trackdays is what You're into.

Fun, wind-in-Your-hair, twisty mountain road driving is not just about corner entry and exit speeds, there's a lot more to the sunday drive experience than just cornering speed.

[fhinner]

Well I had the pleasure to drive both and that for a while. The Lotus is giving your the this true feeling of speed. But I would go with a quote I did read in a European car magazine "The worst quality excitement you will ever get".

Basically the car is not well made (and that is nice). It is fairly exciting, but it really depends on what you want. The Honda is as exciting and has a very specific characteristic. So having the choice I go fot the S every day if I can get a older F20 engine one.

That is just me and I used both as a "toy".
Franz

[BabyItsaFact]

Hey, I'll keep my Honda, and race go-carts on weekends. That's what the Elise is, guys; a big expensive go-cart. Nothing better on the track, but if you need to go to the Wal Mart (yes, I call it "THE Wal Mart" . . . <shudder>) for some milk and cookies . . .

[RCduck7]

In the case if money should be less of an issue...
Buy a lotus elise or the hardcore lotus exige (what is my preference) and do a honda type R transplant.
I have a VX220 (actually a lotus with the 2.2 GM engine and a different badge) and had an s2000.
But i can understand as a dailly drive a lotus is a bit to hardcore.
Getting in and out the car can be a bit tiresome and if the roads are with a lot of putholes you would wish you were sitting in a luxury car.
But for the occasional moment you're on a B-road without traffic it makes it all wortwhile.
In my S2000 i had hard stopping moments when the back of the car was stepping out when i didn't expect it but with a mid engine based lotus there is just more confidence.

A link of my car that might be of intrest...

http://www.s2000.com/forums/all-othe...-my-heart.html