Esprit --> Elise ?

[wcdeane]

I'm an Esprit owner in the US, and I truly love my car. It is the fastest most nimble car I have ever owned. I have definitely learned the errors of my mussel car days. Be that as it may, and however incredible the Esprit may be, I just can't stop thinking about the new "Federalized" Elise that is coming to the US. And, yes I know that I got to get in a very long line to get one...I was just curious about what UK Elise owners think of this new edition of the Elise.

What UK version of the Elise best compares to this new one? Does it compare well? Is the Toyota power plant and transmission a good thing? Are there any murmurings of a turbo Elise in the not too distant future? Should a guy wait...or buy now? What else is there to consider?

Regards...Walt '91 SE

[bogie]

The new UK 111R is pretty much the same car - only a few minor differences.

Go for it !

I think the new engine is going to be a lot better from a reliability point of view. Power wise its quicker than most of the other factory Elises that have been offered in the past (bar the Sport 190)

i know the new car is heavier, but as a daily driver the extra bits n bobs like aircon will be a godsend.

I had a good look around the new car and had a short drive - its far better screwed together, seats are comfy, windows dont rattle etc. If I was buying new again it would be the one Id go for.

theres a wealth of info on the US car at www.elisetalk.com

cheers

bogie

[skinner]

Hmmmmm. Not too sure if you would enjoy the apsects the ELise thrives in. Having access to both an Elise and an Esprit I would have to say that they are two very different motors.

For blasting across miles in no time and total comfort the Esprit is fantastic, but put it through a town or some of our B roads and it is a little more difficult. The Elise on the other hand is superb for point to pointing but can be a little more compromised on motorways. The practicality of the two is also something to consider. If it is a weekend toy that you fancy then Elise it is, but as a more touring type of car the Esprit has it.

I am setting myself to be shot down for this one, but I think the Esprit is a fantastic car (just trying to keep it below 100 was a challenge in itself) and in the States I would prob prefer one to an Elise, simply because of the make up of your roads.

So that will be set up to be shot for not defending the Elise and for crass generalistaions (sp) over roads in the US of A then!!

[wcdeane]

Hey, why not stir things up a bit. It makes for spirited chat...not unlike our driving.

I can relate to what you are saying. We have some very good roads here in the US, and for a guy or gal that can handle the speed, an Esprit is the right ride. Another thing to consider, though. I have to say that top-end-wise the Esprit has more than I can really handle. I find it a little scary when telephone poles start looking like a picket fence. After all, how often can/should a person be going 160 - 170 MPH??

The Elise on the other hand, won't go quite as fast, but is billed as having the same outstanding acceleration, with better handling characteristics. I could be wrong, but I actually envision myself as having more fun with an Elise in the sub-100 MPH range (which is where I'm at most of the time anyway) than with the Esprit.

Thanks for your perspective!

Walt

[S Works]

wcdeane said:

I could be wrong, but I actually envision myself as having more fun with an Elise in the sub-100 MPH range (which is where I'm at most of the time anyway) than with the Esprit.

You know what Walt I think there must be few cars out there that can give you as big a grin within the speed limit as an Elise.

I've never had the pleasure of driving an Esprit but I've driven a few TVR's and an M Coupe whose power and general mechanical ability must come close. I have to say that while a part of me craves the ultimate power delivery of a car like a TVR Chimeara or a Breadvan the Elise gives me everything I could want in a sportscar and still retain my license!

[sydneyse]

Having previously had a modified Esprit SE, and now driving a S2 111s (I changed as petite wife had issues parking the Esprit in a city environment); the elise is FAR more fun blasting through tight roundabouts, and city back streets (as well as country winding roads). On the Freeway, the elise is slow, noisy and uncomfortable compared to an Esprit... the elise shines in dynamic response (great on mountain passes- or track) however, on corners I know, I've achieved higher outright cornering speeds in the esprit (and for that matter, my e46 M3-which has hamann wheels & coilover suspension).
Really, the choice depends on what kind of roads you have access to (and time you spend on said roads!)
I've had my S2 for 12 months, and put 10,000Km on it (with 10 weeks of the road for respray); on the other hand, in the same period I've put 30,000km on the BMW..

[wcdeane]

sydneyse said:

Really, the choice depends on what kind of roads you have access to (and time you spend on said roads!) I've had my S2 for 12 months, and put 10,000Km on it (with 10 weeks of the road for respray); on the other hand, in the same period I've put 30,000km on the BMW..

Nice to have such choices. I'd love to have both (my Esprit and an Elise), but I'm afraid that it has to be one major boy toy at a time.

Thanks for the comments. It is all very encouraging...that is, if I can get my hands on one.

Regards...Walt