Discussion
What sort of budget do you have in mind? The big division is between series one and series two cars. Then S2s divide into Rover and Toyota engines. Rover engines come in a range of power outputs. Toyota cars divide further into naturally aspirated and supercharged models. The naturally aspirated ones are c. 134bhp or 190bhp. The supercharged cars are around 217bhp with much more torque.
In general, later cars are better built, more refined, more powerful and heavier. Toyota engines have servo assisted brakes with ABS, Rover cars have a nice unassisted pedal feel. None of them have power steering.
The closest thing to any Elise is another Elise.
Don't forget the VX220.
In general, later cars are better built, more refined, more powerful and heavier. Toyota engines have servo assisted brakes with ABS, Rover cars have a nice unassisted pedal feel. None of them have power steering.
The closest thing to any Elise is another Elise.
Don't forget the VX220.
Chopper01 said:
what's the difference betweemodels with 111, 135, R vs S vs Touring.
111 (I assume you mean 111S) is the 156bhp VVC K-series engine.Sport 135 is the basic non-VVC K-series with a bit of work to lift the power from 120 to 135bhp
135R is the above engine but a limited run with Lotus Sports Suspension (assuming its not been replaced), blue and grey alcantara interior, etc.
111R or later the Elise R is the 190bhp Toyota engine and 6-speed box. Quite peaky power delivery with the cam change, some love it, some hate it. Cam change point can be lowered with an ECU remap.
Elise S from 2006-2010 is the 134bhp Toyota engine and 5-speed box. Probably the most robust factory Elise drive-train overall. Some basic K-series models were also called the S as well to confuse things, as is the MY12 onwards supercharged car.
Touring normally means a Touring Pack equipped car.
kambites said:
The single biggest difference between S2s is that the K-series powered ones have unassisted brakes whereas the Toyota ones have a servo (and ABS). For me, that the single biggest factor that pushed me into a K-series car.
I'll second that. Tried a standard Rover S2, a Rover 111s and a 111r when deciding on mine.For road driving you can't beat the 120bhp S2. Great brakes/brake feel and the CR gearbox is a peach.
I'm looking at S2s now, a Sport 135 ideally, my friend picked up his K-Series S2 last weekend and I drove it. I loved everything about it, most of all the fact that I could drive it quite comfortably and I'm 6'7". I'd always ruled out an Elise as I read that they didn't make them for anyone over 6'. This is clearly b
ks and I feel that I have been cheated out of years of Elise ownership!
ks and I feel that I have been cheated out of years of Elise ownership!MiseryStreak said:
I'm looking at S2s now, a Sport 135 ideally, my friend picked up his K-Series S2 last weekend and I drove it. I loved everything about it, most of all the fact that I could drive it quite comfortably and I'm 6'7". I'd always ruled out an Elise as I read that they didn't make them for anyone over 6'. This is clearly bks and I feel that I have been cheated out of years of Elise ownership!
I picked one up a couple of weeks ago. Its an absolute blast, I love the engine too, it really encourages you to rev it hard and use the gears.ks and I feel that I have been cheated out of years of Elise ownership!otolith said:
I don't think tallness is a problem per se, but some oddly proportioned tall people struggle and people with particularly broad shoulders might have difficulties.
I'm only six foot and whilst I have plenty of head and leg room, I can't reach the steering wheel on a standard car. I've spaced mine out as far as I can while still being able to reach the stalks but it's still not really far enough. Next step is to get some custom made indicator stalks that bend forward about three inches further than the normal ones and modify the gear stick to bring it closer to me so I can space the wheel out another few inches. 
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