Road and track - Evora or Exige?
Discussion
Hoping for some guidance from you knowledgeable owners. A while back I posted up a thread about the idea of buying a 3 Eleven, but good sense has taken over and I've realised I'd use it rarely and don't like the risk profile of dropping nearly 100k on a track special with no practicality in a country where it rains a lot.
So I've moved on. My next question is, for road and trackday use, which is the better compromise, Evora or Exige. I don't really need the extra seats in the Evora given this would be a third car and I could put up with more of a track bias given intended use. I'm possibly answering my own question here - any reason not to prefer the Exige?
Are all Exiges quiet enough not to hit noise limits on most UK tracks? I've read that the latest Evora 410 is too loud for most.
Also, are the top spec Exige Cup/Race versions worth paying extra for and what are views on residuals after a couple of years? I suspect the cars find a level after a while, but presumably get hit with an initial drop like most things - there seems a reasonable supply of new cars sat around with dealers, so it doesn't suggest a massive lack of supply that might underpin nearly new values?
Any advice greatly appreciated. Thanks, Mick
So I've moved on. My next question is, for road and trackday use, which is the better compromise, Evora or Exige. I don't really need the extra seats in the Evora given this would be a third car and I could put up with more of a track bias given intended use. I'm possibly answering my own question here - any reason not to prefer the Exige?
Are all Exiges quiet enough not to hit noise limits on most UK tracks? I've read that the latest Evora 410 is too loud for most.
Also, are the top spec Exige Cup/Race versions worth paying extra for and what are views on residuals after a couple of years? I suspect the cars find a level after a while, but presumably get hit with an initial drop like most things - there seems a reasonable supply of new cars sat around with dealers, so it doesn't suggest a massive lack of supply that might underpin nearly new values?
Any advice greatly appreciated. Thanks, Mick
Depends on how you plan to use the car. If you're talking a couple of track days a year and weekend hooning but you want the option to comfortably cover ground on longer road trips and so on I'd pick the Evora. If you're doing more than half a dozen track days a year and want something more focussed pick the Exige. It will be cheaper on brakes and tyres too.
Both will do well on residuals. Lotus only supply around 350 new cars a year in the UK and there is a loyal following for all models. Including the more interesting paint colours.
Evora 410 with sports exhaust activated will struggle for noise at most UK circuits. I've driven it at Hethel and it's very loud. It does sound like a mini 458 Italia at full chat though and I'm not exaggerating.
There is a wealth of info on V6 Cup over on The Lotus Forums. Check out YouTube too as there is a good in depth ownership perspective from one of the TLF guys.
Both will do well on residuals. Lotus only supply around 350 new cars a year in the UK and there is a loyal following for all models. Including the more interesting paint colours.
Evora 410 with sports exhaust activated will struggle for noise at most UK circuits. I've driven it at Hethel and it's very loud. It does sound like a mini 458 Italia at full chat though and I'm not exaggerating.
There is a wealth of info on V6 Cup over on The Lotus Forums. Check out YouTube too as there is a good in depth ownership perspective from one of the TLF guys.
What he said. The Exige is a very focused car with few creature comforts. The Evora offers 90+% of the Lotus experience but in a more sophisticated package.
If you are doing a lot of track work then I would (and did) go for a Cup as they have a lot of the track goodies fitted. Just bear in mind that they come with a 1 year warranty rather than three although that covers track use as well as road.
If you are doing a lot of track work then I would (and did) go for a Cup as they have a lot of the track goodies fitted. Just bear in mind that they come with a 1 year warranty rather than three although that covers track use as well as road.
I've only driven S2 Exige's but I really can't say I've missed any creature comforts.
It has central locking, electric windows, heating and air con and a stereo. Not sure what else you need in a lightweight drivers car.
I think both cars are excellent, the Exige having the benefit of being able to go topless and will have an advantage on track esp if you are looking at one of the upgraded offerings.
It has central locking, electric windows, heating and air con and a stereo. Not sure what else you need in a lightweight drivers car.
I think both cars are excellent, the Exige having the benefit of being able to go topless and will have an advantage on track esp if you are looking at one of the upgraded offerings.
Thanks guys. That's pretty much what I expected. I'm leaning towards the Exige as track ability is more important than road. And having visited the lotus forums yesterday I've concluded the rear seats in an Evora are pretty redundant. My older children would not fit and I have no need to try to lever in a child seat for my youngest.
So Exige it is. I'll now study the differences between the available versions. It will be a recent or new car so Cup or one of the new Sport versions.
Two more questions - if I may push my luck - is the roadster still nice and stiff v coupe? Assume the aluminium tub design should help with that but memories of a TVR V8s come back when I think of anything roofless. That was wobbly. But the roadster appeals for warm days.
The new gear linkage - did that feature on the cup versions or is it new to the Sport?
Thanks again guys.
So Exige it is. I'll now study the differences between the available versions. It will be a recent or new car so Cup or one of the new Sport versions.
Two more questions - if I may push my luck - is the roadster still nice and stiff v coupe? Assume the aluminium tub design should help with that but memories of a TVR V8s come back when I think of anything roofless. That was wobbly. But the roadster appeals for warm days.
The new gear linkage - did that feature on the cup versions or is it new to the Sport?
Thanks again guys.
I don't believe there is any fundamental structural difference between the Roadster and Coupe since the roof panel on the Exige can be removed anyway. Aside from the lack of aero addenda on the Roadster it has also a slightly softer suspension set up. I haven't driven one but I imagine it is a marginal difference. The Exige S rides really well in any case.
The gear linkage is an interesting one. Shift quality would appear to vary from car to car according to the dealer. Recently drove an Exige S expecting the gear shift to be the weak link but it was really good, to the point where I didn't feel I needed to try the new redesigned and exposed gear shift on the Exige Sport 350. On track I have driven an Exige S and it's plenty hardcore enough (for me). I've done hours of track time in a variety of cars and the car is bloody quick and very capable out of the box anyway. Personally wouldn't want the additional compromises of the Cup but I can understand the reason why anyone would stump up the extra for the additional focus this car gives.
I believe the Cup has separate motorsport cables but somebody more knowledgeable may be along shortly to confirm.
The gear linkage is an interesting one. Shift quality would appear to vary from car to car according to the dealer. Recently drove an Exige S expecting the gear shift to be the weak link but it was really good, to the point where I didn't feel I needed to try the new redesigned and exposed gear shift on the Exige Sport 350. On track I have driven an Exige S and it's plenty hardcore enough (for me). I've done hours of track time in a variety of cars and the car is bloody quick and very capable out of the box anyway. Personally wouldn't want the additional compromises of the Cup but I can understand the reason why anyone would stump up the extra for the additional focus this car gives.
I believe the Cup has separate motorsport cables but somebody more knowledgeable may be along shortly to confirm.
Why not test drive them both and go from there. I think you will be surprised at just how good the Evora is. Less of a compromise than you might think. There is a hell of a lot more to the Evora than the rear seats.
The performance difference between Cup and 350 is negligible, it was the factory fitted track essentials (in my mind) that made it for me, baffled sump, harnesses, rear cage etc. The early 360 Cups came with the old linkage, the later ones were based on the 350 so got all the upgrades. The Cup is pretty uncivilised though, it's fundimentally a race car. No sound deadening makes a big difference to the noise on the road and the standard suspension is firm. The stereos next to useless once you pick up a bit of speed but then so is the one in the S so I use noise cancelling ear phones in both when on a longer run.
The chassis on the Roadster and the Coupe is the same. I took the roof off my old Coupe then drove 4K miles round Europe without it including 3 track days. No problems.
The performance difference between Cup and 350 is negligible, it was the factory fitted track essentials (in my mind) that made it for me, baffled sump, harnesses, rear cage etc. The early 360 Cups came with the old linkage, the later ones were based on the 350 so got all the upgrades. The Cup is pretty uncivilised though, it's fundimentally a race car. No sound deadening makes a big difference to the noise on the road and the standard suspension is firm. The stereos next to useless once you pick up a bit of speed but then so is the one in the S so I use noise cancelling ear phones in both when on a longer run.
The chassis on the Roadster and the Coupe is the same. I took the roof off my old Coupe then drove 4K miles round Europe without it including 3 track days. No problems.
Edited by foxsasha on Saturday 21st January 09:49
One other thing to consider with the Exige is the possibility to pick n mix your preferred upgrades from the Cup. Personally if you are serious about extensively tracking the car you will notice the extra weight of the Evora back to back after the Exige. Regardless the Evora is a serious performance car that can hold its own on track and still be really enjoyable.
The Evora is very quick and capable on track but feels relatively heavy and loose when compared to the Exige. Ultimately the Exige is faster, although I have not driven the new 410 on track to know how they compare...I`d think a pretty good alternative. The only issues with the Exige are noise and getting in and out for some people, but its easy enough when you have the knack. I have a roadster and have been informed by the factory that they are faster than the coupes simply because of the drag caused by the various aero!...although the top speed is limited...a Cup will be faster and more precise, but the standard car is pretty damned good. If you want even more performance you can upgrade the car...might be best to buy the cheapest car you can find and spend £10-12k on it having the power boosted to 460hp and various suspension and brake tweaks...it would be blinding then.
@foxsasha. Are they your vids on YT - Dr P? 12 and 24 month ownership reports. I watched them last night and thoroughly enjoyed them - thanks to you or whoever took the time to make them. Some nifty wheelsmanship in places too - esp wet donnington. That looked fun.
On other qu I forgot to ask....is the auto (IPS?) trans any good? I'm assuming it's a torque converter rather than DCT? If so I imagine it's too slow for this type of car if using on track. Or am I being unfair? I love good DCTs, but paddle op slush boxes are generally not good in my experience.
Thanks.
On other qu I forgot to ask....is the auto (IPS?) trans any good? I'm assuming it's a torque converter rather than DCT? If so I imagine it's too slow for this type of car if using on track. Or am I being unfair? I love good DCTs, but paddle op slush boxes are generally not good in my experience.
Thanks.
mickv said:
@foxsasha. Are they your vids on YT - Dr P? 12 and 24 month ownership reports. I watched them last night and thoroughly enjoyed them - thanks to you or whoever took the time to make them. Some nifty wheelsmanship in places too - esp wet donnington. That looked fun.
On other qu I forgot to ask....is the auto (IPS?) trans any good? I'm assuming it's a torque converter rather than DCT? If so I imagine it's too slow for this type of car if using on track. Or am I being unfair? I love good DCTs, but paddle op slush boxes are generally not good in my experience.
Thanks.
They're not, no.On other qu I forgot to ask....is the auto (IPS?) trans any good? I'm assuming it's a torque converter rather than DCT? If so I imagine it's too slow for this type of car if using on track. Or am I being unfair? I love good DCTs, but paddle op slush boxes are generally not good in my experience.
Thanks.
I had a V6 auto. Loved it on the road but it was a little slow on track but the car was still huge fun to drive.
Have a V6 Cup at the moment and I bought it for very similar reasons to yours. Worthwhile track extras are all included as standard, harnesses, baffled sump, roll over protection and cut outs/extinguishers. But its truly a stripped down vehicle. No central locking, radio, no immobiliser.
i now need to use the 3rd car in our household at least some of the time to commute and use it for some touring. Maybe a regular Exige roadster would be more suitable than a Cup but the Evora 400 thats on its way next week is a better bet for me.
yes it feels heavier than the Cup of course and despite 55 more hp its no faster but it has delicious steering (assisted) fantastic composure and damping thats a lot more compliant than my Exige, sounds fantastic and is of course vastly easier to live with.
But it's loud, too loud for a lot of track days I reckon , though it's LSD offers a lot of potential for some fun I wouldn't mind exploring
i now need to use the 3rd car in our household at least some of the time to commute and use it for some touring. Maybe a regular Exige roadster would be more suitable than a Cup but the Evora 400 thats on its way next week is a better bet for me.
yes it feels heavier than the Cup of course and despite 55 more hp its no faster but it has delicious steering (assisted) fantastic composure and damping thats a lot more compliant than my Exige, sounds fantastic and is of course vastly easier to live with.
But it's loud, too loud for a lot of track days I reckon , though it's LSD offers a lot of potential for some fun I wouldn't mind exploring
Lagerlout said:
Elise Cup I'd suggest. Won't eat tyres on a track day like an Exige. Sublime on the road. As long as you're not a six vs. four snob... 
Snob, that's me! Our other 2 cars are both 4 bangers and I find them a bit humdrum. It would have to be the Exige. LSD on Evora does sound like fun though, but form what I can gather the e-diff on the Exige does not do a bad job.Just gone through a similar debate myself. Was lucky enough to get on track with an Exige 350 auto and an Evora 410. No noticeable difference in speed but the Exige was more raw whereas the Evora felt easier to drive. A lot of this was down to the assisted steering in the Evora. Turn in and general steering feel was similar on both. Upshot was that I decided on the 410 as it does the track thing well but is also a decent daily driver. Bell and Colvil are offering an exhaust upgrade that reduces weight and (importantly) keeps the noise down to an acceptable level for most tracks
Just gone through a similar debate myself. Was lucky enough to get on track with an Exige 350 auto and an Evora 410. No noticeable difference in speed but the Exige was more raw whereas the Evora felt easier to drive. A lot of this was down to the assisted steering in the Evora. Turn in and general steering feel was similar on both. Upshot was that I decided on the 410 as it does the track thing well but is also a decent daily driver. Bell and Colvil are offering an exhaust upgrade that reduces weight and (importantly) keeps the noise down to an acceptable level for most tracks
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