V6 Exige v 997.1 GT3 - sorry

V6 Exige v 997.1 GT3 - sorry

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BertBert

Original Poster:

19,707 posts

218 months

Sunday 30th September 2018
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Sorry for another comparison question, but as a long time 911 owner, I wanted to get a 997.1 GT3, but sadly, my man maths falls way short!

Many years ago I drove an early Toyota engined exige, but can't remember much about it. Is there anyone with experience of both who can help out with any comparisons? I've been meaning to get into the world of Lotus again, my previous experience being an early Elan, early L7 and many Caterhams.

Cheers
Bert




CTE

1,496 posts

247 months

Monday 1st October 2018
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I`ve no experience but try YouTube and "jayemm on cars"...one of his video`s is about his mates experience of doing pretty much just that, although it is the 430 CUP which after testing just about everything, he plumps for.

Caterbroon

73 posts

137 months

Monday 1st October 2018
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I used to have a 997 C4S which I loved. I now have a V6S Exige which I also love. The 997 was really comfy, easy to drive and looked great (IMO). The new exige is really comfy as well and also looks great. I used to have an Elise 111R and the difference between it and the exige is quite marked I think. Its still difficult getting in and out but once in its really quite pleasant on lengthy journeys. Even Mrs CB thinks so - to the extent she would take the Exige over the 997 any time.

For B road driving around northern Scotland I would say the Exige is better. I suspect that for a daily or motorway / Dual carriageway driving the porsche would be better. One thing is for sure - Porsche know how to charge when repairs or any work is to be carried out.

BertBert

Original Poster:

19,707 posts

218 months

Tuesday 2nd October 2018
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Thanks both for the thoughts. Had a look at Jayemm on youtube and he has some useful videos, although the fact-to-chat ratio is a bit on the low side!

I'm off to Bell and Collvill on Saturday to see what's what. It's possible that the Evora might be a better bet as even tough it's an occasional use car, sometimes I'll want to do my commute in it which involves a #long# time on the M1! I much prefer the look of the Exige to the Evora though.

Bert

Tucko

20 posts

128 months

Tuesday 2nd October 2018
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Never had a 911 but the exige is remarkably comfortable on long journeys,done a couple of 4 hour motorway jaunts and it's fine .once driven you will be hooked!!!

nw942

459 posts

112 months

Wednesday 3rd October 2018
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The Exige is a reasonably comfortable place for me on long journeys. I have done 4 hour drives to a track day and then back again in the evening. But there is quite a lot of noise, and the car is always talking to you in some way. If you are in the mood it's perfect, but if not it can be a bit tiring.

The suspension on them is fairly compliant, but you can get jostled a bit on certain bits of road. Brakes are generally very strong and the steering is unassisted and communicative. Quite a rearward weight distribution, so plenty of traction.

I've driven 987 generation Caymans and 991 GT3s. Both are clearly nicer and more comfortable places to sit, the latter especially so. But if you are doing occasional commutes in the car I would say the Exige would be fine.

I think the 350 is currently considered the sweet spot in the Exige range in terms of price/performance,

BertBert

Original Poster:

19,707 posts

218 months

Saturday 13th October 2018
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So to report back test drove an S at Bell and Colvil today, was gobsmacked, really enjoyed it. Didn't expect it to be so good!

I might have to think about an Evora though as I hadn't realised how little space for stuff there is in the Exige, not sure I could get enough stuff in with Mrs Bert for a week in Europe. I know there is the obvious alternative!

B&C were great, didn't expect an unaccompanied test drive in the slightest. Awesome.

Bert

djmotorsport

479 posts

250 months

Saturday 13th October 2018
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Mrs DJ has an Evora 400, while I have en early Exige S - Mine has the bigger boot!

Although the Evora does have storage space behind the seats.....

BertBert

Original Poster:

19,707 posts

218 months

Saturday 13th October 2018
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Does the Evora have a front boot?

By the way to answer my own question, the exige is quite different to the 997 GT3! I suspect more akin to the Cayman. But I absolutely loved it!

djmotorsport

479 posts

250 months

Saturday 13th October 2018
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No front boot!

But both are daily drivers and are awesome!

CTE

1,496 posts

247 months

Monday 15th October 2018
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Who wears the trousers in your household??

I've dragged my missus around Europe on a bike for 2 weeks, so the Exige was a walk in the park, and besides, use soft luggage and you`d be surprised what you can get in.

The Evora on the other hand has loads for storage room and is a more comfortable place to be, at the expense of the more focused driving experience the Exige gives...its it still a beautifully balanced and responsive car though and in truth has the more advanced chassis.