Whats best Elise 111R, VXT220 or VXR T 220

Whats best Elise 111R, VXT220 or VXR T 220

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Discussion

Leggy

Original Poster:

1,021 posts

229 months

Saturday 2nd September 2006
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Was considering an Elise 111R when the price is right and had ignored the VX's. But looking at their prices they look good value.
But whats the best to drive?

DanL

6,437 posts

272 months

Saturday 2nd September 2006
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It all depends on what you're after, really... The only Elise to match VXT/VXR performance levels is the 111R, so handily you're looking at directly comparable cars. They deliver their power in very different ways though, so you should drive both to see which "style" you prefer.

From an ownership point of view, don't underestimate the power of the badge. The Lotus will hold it's value better (although this does lead to the VXs being bargains by comparison). You'll also be explaining why you didn't buy an Elise (or exactly what a VX220 is) on a regular basis if you were to go for the VX over the Elise. I rather liked owning a car that wasn't the obvious choice though.

They all have ABS, but the VXR has the much improved ABS unit from the 111R - in comparison, the ABS in the VXT has had some criticism, but it's no worse than any other car's ABS unit in my opinion. You will find yourself driving the car harder, however, so the ABS tends to activate more often than it might in other cars.

Off the top of my head, other differences between a VXR and a VXT are: Exige seats, "carbon fibre effect" interior trim, only available in red with black bits (excepting about 5 special order cars in other colour combinations), lighter Oz wheels, bigger turbo (giving more power), and an option of fully adjustable Ohlins suspension. I may have missed a couple of things, but those are the main ones.

I've not driven a 111R, but I've sat in a few - the cabin is a very nice place to be, probably a bit nicer than the VXT. The Elise also has the option of air conditioning. No idea how effective this is, but if you're stuck in traffic on a hot day with the roof off then every little helps I should think!

That's my 2p - as lots of people will tell you, drive them all and go for the one you like most.

Dan

Lazydonkey

177 posts

230 months

Sunday 3rd September 2006
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To handling wise they are all essentially the same (note. i mean if you are coming from a hot hatch etc they will all seem similar at first) but engine wise they are chalk and cheese. you have a torquey NA engine (VX 2.2) a high rev screamer (111r) and the whizz bang turbos (VXT and VXR).

To sit in, to own, to look at they are similar but it all comes down to money. NA's start at £12k, VXTs at £17k, VXRs at £22k and 111R at £24k.

That was what made my mind up for me. Love the Elise but can't justify all the cash for what is essentially the same car with a posher badge. Personally i like the fact no-one knows what it is.

Clownfish

153 posts

218 months

Monday 4th September 2006
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VX gives best value for sure.


Dakkon

7,826 posts

260 months

Tuesday 5th September 2006
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Well I bought a VXT so that's my choice, would love to be taken out in a VXR to see the difference.

clownfish

153 posts

218 months

Tuesday 5th September 2006
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Where are you Dakkon, I live in Essex, work in Hants.


I also have a VXR!


Dakkon

7,826 posts

260 months

Tuesday 5th September 2006
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clownfish said:


Where are you Dakkon, I live in Essex, work in Hants.


I also have a VXR!




Newbury in Berkshire, so a bit of trek from Essex yes

clownfish

153 posts

218 months

Tuesday 5th September 2006
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Yes, but look at the post again and see where I work!


Dakkon

7,826 posts

260 months

Tuesday 5th September 2006
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clownfish said:

Yes, but look at the post again and see where I work!




YHM

Gav vxr

14 posts

230 months

Wednesday 6th September 2006
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I currently have a VXR220 Stage 4 tune fpr sale, if you're in the market for a very very quick VX then please PM me

Car is just been advertised on Autotrader

Price is £21995

Cheers


Gavin

fridaypassion

9,380 posts

235 months

Thursday 7th September 2006
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I've just bought a vx na for 13k, mint condition with 7k on the clock. Equivanelt perormance/milage elise would have cost 2-3k more. Decision made!

VX is far prettier too IMO