Elise or Exige

[Monty1502]

I've had six Elises - and unfortunately sold my last 220SC about six months ago to fund divorce legal fees. I immediately regretted it and definitely need to buy another !

I've recently sold some of my other classics which I hadn't driven for sometime and want to buy another Lotus in time for the summer. However rather than jump straight to another Elise I've been debating an Exige convertible, ( I've only driven one in a short test drive many years ago and at the time decided to go for another Elise ) . At the time my reason for not buying was that, although the performance was incredible, the Exige was a similar ( ? ) size to the 718 Boxster S I had at the time, and I felt that another Elise would ( and was ) be a "different" type of drive i.e smaller / more agile / "dainty" !

However fast forward and I'm now in a position to buy, I still have a Boxster S ( albeit a 981 - manual, switchable exhaust , all the right bits ) and I'm in a similar dilemma - i.e Elise or Exige ( must be a convertible ) - any thoughts from people with experience of both ?

Thanks

[hajaba123]

I've had both, Elise S2 S and SC and had an Exige V6s for the last 20 months

All brilliant but Exige the best by an absolute mile. while it's not as delicate and the lack of power steering manoeuvring is a real pain the rest of it is stunning. Pace, torque, sound looks (glass engine cover). Get a decent drive in one and see how you go

BTW all exiges are convertible, it's the same bolt off roof as an Elise and the same soft top, you'll just need to drill (or get someone else to) a few holes and pop some plastic bits in

[GTRene]

Exige V6 is indeed bigger, also faster and so on, but I guess its more what are you using it for?

I like small cars and also the V6 Exige (some model types) but... maybe a fast Elise is the best in between?

say like such special Elise 260 cup or a 250 cup.

I rather would have this for most cases then a Exige V6





https://www.evo.co.uk/lotus/elise/20220/lotus-elis...

[keo]

I have had a vx220t, Elise 111r and now an Exige 410 Anniversary. It’s a tough choice, often I think an Elise is all you need. The Exige is a bit quick. But it makes hell of a noise!

I am thinking about doing the soft top conversion on mine. I used to love my Elise with the roof off and I do miss it.

[Spindoctor]

I had a VX220t and loved it - was running 295bhp so went like a rocket. I didn't feel the need for an Elise after that, although I know they're different. After a few other cars in between, I've now got an Exige 410 Sport (with the soft top - and I only drive it with the roof off). The size difference isn't significant, they're both pretty small cars. The Exige does feel slightly heavier but its more refined, looks better, and is even quicker. With the open-valve button, the sound is a thing of greatness. But the last generation Elise Cup is a lovely thing too... not an easy decision.

[stu1984]

I have literally just put my 2015 Elise S Club Racer (217bhp) up for sale on SELOC this afternoon if thats of interest (in the best colour too - Chrome Orange)? Great car and the supercharged 1.8litre is the perfect power for the Elise in my opinion. 250 cup would be great as well of course, but would be an extra £10k at least!

[CarterDesk]

I’ve had both and unless you need the extra speed/noise/theatre for me the Elise was the better all round package.
Each to their own of course.

[Belle427]

I had this dilemma but luckily for me I couldn't afford the Exige!
I think it's a better looking car personally though.
If you prefer roof off motoring the Elise makes more sense, much easier getting in and out with the roof off.
I find it comical getting in and out with the roof on.

[Monty1502]

Thanks very much for the replies, just made an enquiry on an Elise 250. Sounds Interesting !

[GTRene]

Monty1502 said:

Thanks very much for the replies, just made an enquiry on an Elise 250. Sounds Interesting !

those look indeed interesting, also looked at afew of those, I also looked for a 260 cup lat week, found none on the channels I use here, so they are rare, a bit different (front hood and RS gaps cool) I guess when one comes free they will be expensive or fast gone.

[ziggy328]

I know I should try it for myself, however I have a quick question.

I currently have an Evora which I've had for the best part of 2.5 years and put 25,000 miles on it during that time. I'm currently pondering the following options.

1. Refresh the Evora, new PPF and a paint detail prior to it being applied.
2. Chop the Evora in for a 410 sport version.
3. Chop the Evora in for an Exige.

Now for my question, Just how easy or otherwise is it to actually get in and out of an Exige with those high/wide sills?

I don't want to look a tt at the petrol station

[Spindoctor]

ziggy328 said:

Now for my question, Just how easy or otherwise is it to actually get in and out of an Exige with those high/wide sills?

Do you wear short skirts while driving?

[ziggy328]

Spindoctor said:

ziggy328 said:

Now for my question, Just how easy or otherwise is it to actually get in and out of an Exige with those high/wide sills?

Do you wear short skirts while driving?

Not as minuscule as your sense of humour but thanks nevertheless for asking.

[jasonrobertson86]

Personally not a big fan of the exige s3, much prefer an elise even though the exige has quite a lot of road presence.

[ziggy328]

I have had a look at the Elise for the first time. Literally due to the fact it would be easier to enter/exit. Was quite surprised at their acceleration figures.

[Spindoctor]

ziggy328 said:

Spindoctor said:

ziggy328 said:

Now for my question, Just how easy or otherwise is it to actually get in and out of an Exige with those high/wide sills?

Do you wear short skirts while driving?

Not as minuscule as your sense of humour but thanks nevertheless for asking.

It’s actually very tricky getting out of an Exige in a short skirt. I know people who can testify to that.

That aside, yes it requires a technique and how easy it is depends on your height, weight and physical dexterity. I’m old but I don’t have a problem - yet. As you said, it’s best to try it and see. It’s a great driving experience so it’s worth the effort of getting in and out.

[ziggy328]

Spindoctor said:

ziggy328 said:

Spindoctor said:

ziggy328 said:

Now for my question, Just how easy or otherwise is it to actually get in and out of an Exige with those high/wide sills?

Do you wear short skirts while driving?

Not as minuscule as your sense of humour but thanks nevertheless for asking.

It’s actually very tricky getting out of an Exige in a short skirt. I know people who can testify to that.

That aside, yes it requires a technique and how easy it is depends on your height, weight and physical dexterity. I’m old but I don’t have a problem - yet. As you said, it’s best to try it and see. It’s a great driving experience so it’s worth the effort of getting in and out.

I'm gong to go and give it a go, minus the skirt. Wish me luck!

[James.Burton]

My opinion:

Exige V6 is in theory great. But if you want to drive a fast car on the limit, the longer wheelbase of the Evora 400,410,430 would be a better car. Not a convertible, but you still have your Boxster.

If you want Lotus softtop fun, the smaller lighter weight, better balanced Elise is better as a road car. From S1 111S, to S2 SC (would be my fav), through to 250 Cup. Lots of options.

If you were thinking Exige for the blinding acceleration. Tesla.

[jasonrobertson86]

James.Burton said:

My opinion:

Exige V6 is in theory great. But if you want to drive a fast car on the limit, the longer wheelbase of the Evora 400,410,430 would be a better car. Not a convertible, but you still have your Boxster.

If you want Lotus softtop fun, the smaller lighter weight, better balanced Elise is better as a road car. From S1 111S, to S2 SC (would be my fav), through to 250 Cup. Lots of options.

If you were thinking Exige for the blinding acceleration. Tesla.

Agree. Evora is a better GT car but still fun. Exige has a weird sort of balance/handling and I much prefer the elise.

[Monty1502]

I've been looking to see what was available since my original post and bought a Roger Becker ( RGB ) edition Elise 220 today. This will be my seventh Elise, can't wait to collect it next week.

I decided an Exige was probably too close to my Boxster S ( size wise ) and the Elise is more of a Sunday afternoon car , having said that I've been across the Alps to Italy for the Mille Miglia a couple of times in my previous Elises , looking forward to some European trips in my new car.

Thanks for all the replies