S2 to S3 Exige?

[stuttgart737]

Must be plenty of guys on here who have made the move and I'd be interested to get a bit of feedback. I'm really loving the S2 but am starting to take an unhealthy interest in the S3, particularly now in Sport 350 form. The question is has anyone regretted getting out of the S2. I know that I'll only really get a feel for it after a test drive but I'm a bit reluctant as that usually ends in retail therapy occurring.

So, is the S3 better in every regard or is the increased performance offset by any loss of involvement? What I really like about the S2 is the frantic power delivery, total connection to the car and the looks. I really don't find it too slow and have something else for out and out performance so, with that in mind, should I make the leap?

[CTE]

In my opinion. .no question...the S3 blows the S2 into the weeds in every department! I that clerk enough for you?
Buy the right car and it will not cost you much either...

[400SE Dave]

I went from an S2 220 to the V6. I also loved the S2 but the V6 is in a different league and feels more grown up to me. I never feel less involved in the V6, only thing I miss is the whine of the SC but the better exhaust note makes up for that.

Do it, you will not regret it!!!

[Exige77]

You're going the wrong way

S1's is where its at.

[stuttgart737]

Thanks for the replies so far. Not really looking for grown up and would miss the supercharger whine. What I really like about the S2 is how far removed it is from a more mainstream car.. I'll have to risk a test drive in an S3 and see how it feels.

[Bebee]

I took a V6 out for half hour while Oakmere did the recall on my oil pipes on the S2 SC.
First thing I noticed was the throaty note as it started, I also felt I was sitting slightly higher too.
The drive felt more road comfy, and the pipes sound on the right foot were infectious, in many ways it reminded me of my Griff and the power pulling away in a rolling 3rd.
It felt a little less 'in-touch' with the road to my S2 but still formidable grip, don't get wrong I'd love one, and could stretch to it, they even gave 24k against mine but it's that stretch that needs to warrant the swap, at the monument no, if ever, it's too special for me, it would have to be a stable mate to my S2, having said that, it's the only motor that I would swap my S2 for.

[stuttgart737]

Bebee said:

I took a V6 out for half hour while Oakmere did the recall on my oil pipes on the S2 SC.
First thing I noticed was the throaty note as it started, I also felt I was sitting slightly higher too.
The drive felt more road comfy, and the pipes sound on the right foot were infectious, in many ways it reminded me of my Griff and the power pulling away in a rolling 3rd.
It felt a little less 'in-touch' with the road to my S2 but still formidable grip, don't get wrong I'd love one, and could stretch to it, they even gave 24k against mine but it's that stretch that needs to warrant the swap, at the monument no, if ever, it's too special for me, it would have to be a stable mate to my S2, having said that, it's the only motor that I would swap my S2 for.

Well, I had a brief drive in a Sport 350 and came to pretty much the same conclusion. No doubt a very desirable car and one which, like you, I'm sure will one day be on the drive. However, I also felt a bit less connected to the action and would not be ready to lose the S2 to get into one just yet, if ever. So looks like a complementary car rather than a replacement for me.

Actually quite relieved as I don't feel any pressure to shell out more cash and lose a car I'm really enjoying.

[kambites]

stuttgart737 said:

Thanks for the replies so far. Not really looking for grown up and would miss the supercharger whine.

The S3 is supercharged too.

[Bebee]

stuttgart737 said:

Bebee said:

I took a V6 out for half hour while Oakmere did the recall on my oil pipes on the S2 SC.
First thing I noticed was the throaty note as it started, I also felt I was sitting slightly higher too.
The drive felt more road comfy, and the pipes sound on the right foot were infectious, in many ways it reminded me of my Griff and the power pulling away in a rolling 3rd.
It felt a little less 'in-touch' with the road to my S2 but still formidable grip, don't get wrong I'd love one, and could stretch to it, they even gave 24k against mine but it's that stretch that needs to warrant the swap, at the monument no, if ever, it's too special for me, it would have to be a stable mate to my S2, having said that, it's the only motor that I would swap my S2 for.

Well, I had a brief drive in a Sport 350 and came to pretty much the same conclusion. No doubt a very desirable car and one which, like you, I'm sure will one day be on the drive. However, I also felt a bit less connected to the action and would not be ready to lose the S2 to get into one just yet, if ever. So looks like a complementary car rather than a replacement for me.

Actually quite relieved as I don't feel any pressure to shell out more cash and lose a car I'm really enjoying.

A test drive is the only way really.

I'd like a well sorted Triumph Vitesse Mk2 convertible as a stable mate, a much slower route.

[400SE Dave]

Bebee said:

I also felt I was sitting slightly higher too.

Same seats on the same runners in the same tub so not sure why you would feel that?

[Bebee]

400SE Dave said:

Bebee said:

I also felt I was sitting slightly higher too.

Same seats on the same runners in the same tub so not sure why you would feel that?

Padding, certainly felt more comfortable.

[stuttgart737]

kambites said:

stuttgart737 said:

Thanks for the replies so far. Not really looking for grown up and would miss the supercharger whine.

The S3 is supercharged too.

Yep, well aware of that thanks. If you look at a previous post, someone remarked that the S3 does not have the same frantic shriek as the S2.

Like I said, in my brief experience the S3 is a highly desirable car but there's quite a bit I would miss about the S2 if I swapped today. However, if you were looking for one Lotus to cover all the bases, the S3 makes a pretty good case for itself. One for the future for me.

[ZP]

S3 has wider track hence wider body.

WRT the supercharger whine - it's present in the V6, but nowhere near as pronounced as on the S2
The seats in the V6 aren't Probax like the S2, so may be the reason they felt different.