s1 or s2 Elise
Discussion
Having just put a deposit down yesterday on an S1, this was a question I have literally obsessed over for the last 6 weeks. After a tonne of reading, speaking to people and researching, I came to the conclusion there's not *that* much different per se, ie an Elise feels like an Elise whether S1 or early S2.
Now, I love to get in to the details, hence I obsessed over it, changing my mind frequently until I finally made a decision
I chose an S1 because I wanted it to be as raw as possible and I preferred the shape. I also wanted it to as cost neutral as possible (I want to get another Caterham eventually and this is a 2-3 year stop-gap) and S1's are more likely to do that than S2s because fewer S1s were made and I got a lovely condition Norfolk Mustard car.
The S2 is slightly heavier than the S1, but as you're just looking at early K series S2s, the difference is minimal and the S2s have the close ratio box so performance is pretty much identical. The S2's handling was more biased to understeer but this can be dialled out easily with a geo setup.
I'd say for you, it comes down to looks, whether you want any touring creature comforts vs rawness and what you can find for sale within spec and budget. Finally have a look at Elises.co.uk to get all the details of each model.
Now, I love to get in to the details, hence I obsessed over it, changing my mind frequently until I finally made a decision
I chose an S1 because I wanted it to be as raw as possible and I preferred the shape. I also wanted it to as cost neutral as possible (I want to get another Caterham eventually and this is a 2-3 year stop-gap) and S1's are more likely to do that than S2s because fewer S1s were made and I got a lovely condition Norfolk Mustard car.The S2 is slightly heavier than the S1, but as you're just looking at early K series S2s, the difference is minimal and the S2s have the close ratio box so performance is pretty much identical. The S2's handling was more biased to understeer but this can be dialled out easily with a geo setup.
I'd say for you, it comes down to looks, whether you want any touring creature comforts vs rawness and what you can find for sale within spec and budget. Finally have a look at Elises.co.uk to get all the details of each model.
I have owned both; early S2 K (Long Tail Roof) and currently a S1 (111s).
I don't think there is much between the two for rawness, the early S2's were still basic (no abs, non-servo brakes and pretty close in weight).
I do prefer how the S1 drives though, I can't really describe why I just prefer it.
As you will know the S1 roof is not the greatest, even the long tail roof on the S2 is better.
Try and get a test of good examples of both before buying, get a feel for them.
I don't think there is much between the two for rawness, the early S2's were still basic (no abs, non-servo brakes and pretty close in weight).
I do prefer how the S1 drives though, I can't really describe why I just prefer it.
As you will know the S1 roof is not the greatest, even the long tail roof on the S2 is better.
Try and get a test of good examples of both before buying, get a feel for them.
ds666 said:
I didn't see any Norfolk Mustard cars for sale - where did you get yours ?
I put a wanted ad up on SELOC and it was answered by a chap who was just about to list it in the for sale section. I put the ad up on the day he'd decided to sell, however the weather was so bad he didn't want to take it out the garage to take photos. He got in contact on the off chance and the rest is history. Suffice to say, it's exactly what I was after so I'm pretty happy.AndrewGP said:
ds666 said:
I didn't see any Norfolk Mustard cars for sale - where did you get yours ?
I put a wanted ad up on SELOC and it was answered by a chap who was just about to list it in the for sale section. I put the ad up on the day he'd decided to sell, however the weather was so bad he didn't want to take it out the garage to take photos. He got in contact on the off chance and the rest is history. Suffice to say, it's exactly what I was after so I'm pretty happy.
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