Real world difference between 350 Sport and 380+

[Paza3]

Hi Guys

I am looking at the idea of a S3 Exige next, and it appears that anything post 350 sport is a good idea due to its development along this period. I currently have a Mac 650s which am selling with the idea of going for one of these next. I have had 3 x 2s Exiges over the years so familiar with the brand. (S2 N/A, S, and S with hanger 300s conversion)

I wanted to understand was there a noticeable difference between say a 350 Sport vs 380 or even 410 in the real world? I don't track these days so its more countryside drives and European trips etc.

A lot of reviews mention the exhaust being a key factor +/-, I'd ideally want to 380+ exhaust set up as a friend a few years back had a Evora 400 and it sounded sensational at full chat in the Swiss mountains ,alternatively is it relativity straight forward to upgrade a 350 Sport system?

Thanks in advance.

[BertBert]

Not really answering the query, but I think the exhaust noise is a red herring. It gets raved about in reviews above all else and I actually find it very irritating. It was a key factor in my decision to sell my Evora 410

[JamesQ]

I’ve been fortunate to own an Exige 350, Mac 650s, Mac600LT and now an Exige 420. To summarise between them. Exige 350 was excellent but exhaust was a little lame and I felt it lacked top end power. I did think about upgrading exhaust which is quite straightforward but decided to sell it after 4 years with virtually no financial loss. The Mac 650s was ballistic but a little remote and fragile. Great exhaust sound (sports exhaust). It broke down and cost a lot of money and I decided to move it on. I was then very fortunate to own the 600LT for two years. Undoubtedly a great car but ultimately Mac ownership was too expensive for me and so now back to an Exige 420. It has very meaty low down torque with no throttle lag and so in everyday road driving feels at least as fast as the Macs. Not quite the same top end but still surges upto the red line noticeabley stronger than the 350 did. I have fitted the exhaust switch and when you are in the mood the unvalved exhaust note below 4,000 rpm is very satisfying. 4,000-7,000 rpm V6 scream is good but I preferred the Macs in the upper range. The 410/420 is a little less practical than the 350 with poor rear vision and a manual strut for the rear boot. It’s best as a weekend or special occasion car. It will be a lot more reliable than a Mac and cost a lot less to run. Coming from a Mac, a lightly used 410 (or a new 420) would be my recommendation.

[Paza3]

JamesQ said:

I’ve been fortunate to own an Exige 350, Mac 650s, Mac600LT and now an Exige 420. To summarise between them. Exige 350 was excellent but exhaust was a little lame and I felt it lacked top end power. I did think about upgrading exhaust which is quite straightforward but decided to sell it after 4 years with virtually no financial loss. The Mac 650s was ballistic but a little remote and fragile. Great exhaust sound (sports exhaust). It broke down and cost a lot of money and I decided to move it on. I was then very fortunate to own the 600LT for two years. Undoubtedly a great car but ultimately Mac ownership was too expensive for me and so now back to an Exige 420. It has very meaty low down torque with no throttle lag and so in everyday road driving feels at least as fast as the Macs. Not quite the same top end but still surges upto the red line noticeabley stronger than the 350 did. I have fitted the exhaust switch and when you are in the mood the unvalved exhaust note below 4,000 rpm is very satisfying. 4,000-7,000 rpm V6 scream is good but I preferred the Macs in the upper range. The 410/420 is a little less practical than the 350 with poor rear vision and a manual strut for the rear boot. It’s best as a weekend or special occasion car. It will be a lot more reliable than a Mac and cost a lot less to run. Coming from a Mac, a lightly used 410 (or a new 420) would be my recommendation.

Hi JamesQ

Thanks for the feedback its super useful, I think the appearance of the 410 is quite an upgrade too and a lightly used one would probably be sensible. It seems the difference on the used market is (350) 55ish or (410)66-70ish. Probably once you factor some carbon goodies and a new exhaust you're not going to be too far away.

My Mac experience has been really positive to be fair, two seals that have needed replacing in 5k miles I've had a really positive experience, however they are not the cheapest cars to run this is true.

I think I probably need to go test drive some variants once I am in a position to move forward.

[GaryF]

Hi OP, I've had my Sport 350 for about six weeks now and have got to love it. On the road, it is quick. The exhaust does blare rather loudly at +4,500 rpm - would not want that turned up any louder. With the exhaust valve switched to open, it also emits some nice little burbles on the overrun. However, I'm already thinking about the Komo Tec 430 upgrade to turn it into something really special.

I think you will enjoy an S3 Exige in any form

Edited by GaryF on Saturday 21st May 14:02

[J66JBo]

I have a 350 Sport. As above, it’s loud and wouldn’t want any more volume as it’s not exactly subtle as it is.
On the road it’s more than quick enough and there really isn’t a great deal between it and a 410, certainly not (IMO) £20k or so. A few thousand on a Komotec would get you any extra power if you really feel you need it.

[keo]

The power wasn’t the main reason (although it is nice) I picked a 410 over a 350. You get the carbon bits, better suspension, brakes and wheels so I thought it was worth the extra. But I am sure what ever Lotus you buy you will be happy.

[piper]

I am fortunate enough to own a Exige Sport 350, it’s my 10th Lotus since 1982. My experience in driving a 410 Sport was not massively different, pulled a bit harder towards the higher end of the rev range but not massively discernible though.

The airbox is very restrictive on the Sport 350, so thinking about the Komotec 370 kit which would sort that. I have driven a McLaren and a few other Supercars; however I do like the interaction and tactile involvement of a 3 pedal car, its all part of the fun,
I can’t afford a supercar anyway but the ones I have driven are for me just too fast to enjoy, my wife has a MX5 ND and that brings the point home as it is so much fun to wring out in the gears

The Exige Sport 350 does feel fast enough for the road for me, unless I was doing lots of track days than maybe the 410 would have been a consideration.

[J66JBo]

piper said:

I am fortunate enough to own a Exige Sport 350, it’s my 10th Lotus since 1982. My experience in driving a 410 Sport was not massively different, pulled a bit harder towards the higher end of the rev range but not massively discernible though.

The airbox is very restrictive on the Sport 350, so thinking about the Komotec 370 kit which would sort that. I have driven a McLaren and a few other Supercars; however I do like the interaction and tactile involvement of a 3 pedal car, its all part of the fun,
I can’t afford a supercar anyway but the ones I have driven are for me just too fast to enjoy, my wife has a MX5 ND and that brings the point home as it is so much fun to wring out in the gears

The Exige Sport 350 does feel fast enough for the road for me, unless I was doing lots of track days than maybe the 410 would have been a consideration.

The Alias induction kit might be an option for you?

[Paza3]

Thanks for all the feedback, its really helpful

[lotusgeek]

I've just picked up a new 410 on Friday and like you had an Exige S2 NA and S2 S before. Before that I had an Elise S1 111s

I took a gamble as I'd never even seen an S3 (I live on a small rock with very few Lotus) and intial impressions are great. I've only done 400 miles so far so am yet to truly explore it's full potential.

The chassis and steering feels very similar to the S2, with sublime damping and feedback. It feels more stable which I presume is due to the increased wheelbase. Maybe not quite as agile but then again it's early days. I suspect with some tweaking of the suspension and anti roll bars it could feel more agile.

The performance is on another level compared the S2 S with it feeling genuinely quick. Saying that, for me it's a car that feels slower than it is. I reckon that's because the chassis is so good and you feel so connected that 80mph doesn't feel fast at all. The theatre of the open gear shift is cool with the occasional click clack. I seem to be struggling with heel and toe but am looking forward to the challenge of mastering that with this one.

The interior feels a little better put together but it's basically identical. Mine has the carbon seats and they look stunning but after a few hours I confess I was keen for a break.

In summary it feels like another significant step forward as it did when I went from the Elise to the Exige.

I choose the 410 as it was what was available and I prefer the look of the carbon front panel and I'd had Nitron suspension before so wanted that again.

I hope this helps and good luck.

[Paza3]

Well guys good news, my Mclaren looks to be sold and collected tomorrow.

If anyone knows of any 350, 380 or 410's do drop me a pm.

Thanks in advance

[GaryF]

Bell & Colvill have a 410 in Burnt Orange and a 350 in Miami Blue. Maybe you likee? :-

https://www.bellandcolvill.co.uk/all-used-cars/use...
https://www.bellandcolvill.co.uk/all-used-cars/use...

Me no likee the Miami colour personally, and I have no idea why I am speaking like this...

[Paza3]

Thanks GaryF

I've actually gone and put a deposit on the DT Performance 380, it was too good a deal to turn down really.

The specification and additional options are epic.

I've gone back and done my due diligence on the various groups and forms and I am happy with what I have found to date. They are also offering a compressive warranty on the car.

Booked to physically see her on Monday!

[Rocketreid]

Paza3 said:

Thanks GaryF

I've actually gone and put a deposit on the DT Performance 380, it was too good a deal to turn down really.

The specification and additional options are epic.

I've gone back and done my due diligence on the various groups and forms and I am happy with what I have found to date. They are also offering a compressive warranty on the car.

Booked to physically see her on Monday!

It’s certainly a looker and great power for the money.

If you don’t mind me asking did you pay close to advertised price ?

[GaryF]

Fantastic

[J66JBo]

They have had that car since December. I’d get it properly checked over before taking delivery given the power it’s running.

[Paza3]

I intend for it to be fully investigated, fundamentally I will have a very comprehensive warranty covering all parts and labour on the car for an agreed period and a 2k mile road trip planned around Spain and Portugal to test in out at the end of June, if there are any issue its going to shake them out. I plan to get a full bore investigation and compression tests etc and anything else that is advisable. If any of that proves to be unfavourable it would simply be retuned under the statutory provisions in place, the law is pretty simple and Tom seems a pretty decent chap with a good reputation so I have no concerns.

Assuming all is well, as its running in a "safe zone" 6.5 psi I'd be quite comfortable going forward as it offers a very compelling package, seeing its at the same value point as a standard 380, but with near 30k of extras!

Edited by Paza3 on Thursday 26th May 20:27

Edited by Paza3 on Thursday 26th May 20:27

[Rocketreid]

Paza3 said:

I intend for it to be fully investigated, fundamentally I will have a very comprehensive warranty covering all parts and labour on the car for an agreed period and a 2k mile road trip planned around Spain and Portugal to test in out at the end of June, if there are any issue its going to shake them out. I plan to get a full bore investigation and compression tests etc and anything else that is advisable. If any of that proves to be unfavourable it would simply be retuned under the statutory provisions in place, the law is pretty simple and Tom seems a pretty decent chap with a good reputation so I have no concerns.

Assuming all is well, as its running in a "safe zone" 6.5 psi I'd be quite comfortable going forward as it offers a very compelling package, seeing its at the same value point as a standard 380, but with near 30k of extras!

Edited by Paza3 on Thursday 26th May 20:27

Edited by Paza3 on Thursday 26th May 20:27

Sounds like you have it all covered,

The weak point is the clutch and the gearbox. If it had the 430 Clutch then all good. At that power forged internals are advisable or you just factor in you may need a rebuild if tracked hard in future but less likely for just road use

However I believe this car may have been tracked !

[Paza3]

Rocketreid said:

Sounds like you have it all covered,

The weak point is the clutch and the gearbox. If it had the 430 Clutch then all good. At that power forged internals are advisable or you just factor in you may need a rebuild if tracked hard in future but less likely for just road use

However I believe this car may have been tracked !

Hi chap, whatever info you do have could you send me a PM? just seeing how everything aligns to my understanding.

Thanks

I don't intend to track the car, however interested in the best prevention, I was looking at the hanger 111 gearbox oil cooler kit seems a pretty sensible enhancement to keep temps at 100, and not that expensive.

EDIT: I am no longer proceeding with the car. Still looking for a 380 or 410.

Edited by Paza3 on Thursday 26th May 22:05

Edited by Paza3 on Friday 27th May 12:30