TVR v LOTUS

[scottish grinnal]

Thinking of selling my TR7v8 and buying something else as a summer toy. What would you
choose between a TVR Tuscan or a Lotus Esprit v8. The 2 examples below are in the price
range I would be looking at.

Lotus
http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

TVR
http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

What are the pros and cons of each one ???

[Dinoboy]

I'd go for the Lotus, will hold its value and much more like a proper supercar exotic to me.

[Hollowpockets]

TVR if it were me, the lotus feels basic and uncomfortable in comparison, the Tuscan has more grunt and easier to drive.

Just make sure it's had the speed six engine re-built since it left the factory, if the top end goes on you it would be 5k. I had to do this with a T350.

I believe the gearbox is a weak point on the lotus esprit so worth checking up on.

Edited by Hollowpockets on Tuesday 4th October 12:20

[S2red]

Both nice cars but in that price range I'd be sorely tempted by a Cayman if I had money

[slipstream 1985]

phoaarrrr the lotus especially in that colour. i love tvr's but the later esprit's are just stunning!

[6C4GTS]

Have always loved esprits since I was a kid - never had a TVR.
Cayman may be too normal for a weekender.
Probably both could generate big bills but I assume you are not looking for regular transport.............so.........what about this!!

Special weekend toy!

[900T-R]

What a dilemma to have... I'd go for the TVR, but my first drive would be to the likes of Steve Gugielmi et al to sort geo and suspension once and for all so I could enjoy it without having that 'what if it decides to pull a trick on me' feeling in the back of my head. Having fulfilled that condition the Tuscan will IMO be the nicer car to live with - interior, ergonomics (you'd better be no taller than 5'10"ish to be comfortable-ish in the Lotus, finish (comapratively), grunt, noise, sense of occasion.

But if I encountered you driving the Lotus when out and about in the TVR I'd think 'now that's a great car', anyway.

[scotty_d]

Hi Billy

The lotus is nice.

But once you go down the TVR route nothing else comes close and the Tuscan mk1 is one of the most stunning cars ever made looks like it belongs from the year 2150

The lotus looks a bit dated now but will be much better handiling that the TVR but when a tuscan is set up well they do drive well . That tuscan with the power re-build is a sound bet good for 150k+

As you know i am Biased but Drive both or at least get a run in each of them. If you come along to the Glasgow TVR meet there are a couple of Guys with MK1 tuscans Rob the RO has one so might be worth while talking too about them.

[slipstream 1985]

pop up headlights too!

[KENZ]

I'd have the TVR but I'm not mad on the colour.

[Andrew[MG]]

6C4GTS said:

Have always loved esprits since I was a kid - never had a TVR.
Cayman may be too normal for a weekender.
Probably both could generate big bills but I assume you are not looking for regular transport.............so.........what about this!!

Special weekend toy!

Crappy looking seats for such a nice car.

[OlberJ]

T350!

[St. Anger]

slipstream 1985 said:

pop up headlights too!

Should be a no brainer!

Also, just noticed you are very local to me OP - in fact I'm sure I see the Mini every morning - will be sure to give a wave next time.

[smgEsprit]

Mmmm, with that budget I would go for both (sort of)...

An 89-93 Esprit SE (if it had to be a later style) for around £9-10,000 and a 91-93 TVR V8S for around £6-7,000 would do nicely!

(although it has to be said, I don't mind getting my hands dirty...)

[johnycarrera]

That's a very close call, think I'd have the TVR, especially if it's had TVR Power's rebuild with the uprated guaranteed parts (and not just their standard rebuild).

If it was me with that budget though I'd buy a track spec 911 or 964

[MrCippo]

It has to be the TVR init?

[renmure]

Got to be the Esprit.

[justin220]

Tough choice.. The Esprit looks better, but think I'd go for the TVR.

In fact I'd buy a T350.

[tvrolet]

Between the two, it has to be the TVR. But then you're on the slippery slope, since if you've accepted the Speed 6 motor, then the T350 (as has been said) is a better car as standard in terms of handling. But then if you've accepted the hard top (let's ignore the horrid roof panels on the 'T') then why not go the whole hog and look at a Cerbera 4.2 or 4.5? Best engine TVR ever made, loads of high mileage examples still going strong, sounds the best, looks te best, best interior and while maybe not as nimble as the Tuscan/T350, it feels a whole lot more planted when properly set up. And you can take 2 extra dwarf chums on trips too

[FamilyDub]

The TVR would get my vote, more of an occasion, I'd think.