Discussion
Just ordered one of the last facelifted Elise R's to be produced...had a 111r a few years ago and loved it, so didn't hesitate when I decided to go back to Lotus. However, some mates have been saying they would've gone for the SC....obviously just because it's the fastest and most hardcore Elise (short of going for an Exige). Just wondering on peoples opinions here.....is the SC worth the extra, or does the R have enough oomph already? Let's face it, when it hits the magic 6200, and goes banzai, surely that's going to be enough? Would you not have to drive the sc like a loony, or be tracking it regularly to really get the benefit?
I was in the same boat as you when choosing my 3rd Elise. I found the R a really good car but as you need to rev the nuts off it to make it go fast, it can be hard work on the road sometimes. As soon as I tried an SC I knew straight away it was a faster car and much easier car to drive on the road. My mind was made up. This was on a car that wasn't run in so I wasn't using the higher rev range. I tried another SC at a different dealer (with miles on this time) and it blew me away again. Using the revs delivers even more manic power and I realised that it is significantly faster than an R than the extra 30bhp on paper says. The power is so much more accessible all of the time. My 2009 car is so much better built that the pre 2007 cars which is of interest to older Elise owners.
Anyone buying an SC needs to also go for the TRD airbox (for max supercharger scream) and a 2Bular exhaust which sounds awesome (but not intrusive when cruising).
So in answer to your question is an SC worth the extra money. Without question, Yes!
Anyone buying an SC needs to also go for the TRD airbox (for max supercharger scream) and a 2Bular exhaust which sounds awesome (but not intrusive when cruising).
So in answer to your question is an SC worth the extra money. Without question, Yes!
It's all relative, though - a base 1.6 has more performance than anyone actually needs for UK roads, so it's just a question of how much you want and how much you can afford.
The R does need stirring to use all of the performance - if you short-shift just before the cam change, you will only have as much performance as (for instance) someone wringing an RX-8 or Civic Type-R out to the limiter.
If I could afford it, I would have an SC, but I'm pretty happy with the R.
The R does need stirring to use all of the performance - if you short-shift just before the cam change, you will only have as much performance as (for instance) someone wringing an RX-8 or Civic Type-R out to the limiter.
If I could afford it, I would have an SC, but I'm pretty happy with the R.
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