giugario esprit v stevens esprit

[andersb]

it would be interesting to hear some views from owners of the above cars and what they think of the opposite one. i pesonally own an 85 esprit turbo(giugario)shape and personally think it is a better styling than the new stevens shape? and that is not putting the stevens shape down because it is a superb looking car. but to me when it came to buying an esprit there was only going to be 1 winner? anyone like to add there views

[simonelite501]

In my honest opinion, there is only one Esprit. Then there is the Stevens. My personal favorite is the S2 for styling, or the S3 for the better chassis.

>> Edited by simonelite501 on Sunday 26th May 14:35

[727driver]

What are you guys smoking? Where can I get some?

[melw]

I'm with you Simon. For 'practicality' in an early Espirt I guess the S3 is the best bet, in fact I prefer the N/A to the turbo. Overall for me the S2 has the purest lines.

[Marc_100]

I have to say that in the late 80's when the 'new' Esprit came out, I couldn't believe that Lotus played with the design of a classic. I really wasn't keen on the Stevens shape and much preferred the wedge. However, now around 15 years later (whew!), I think the wedge looks seriously dated to be honest whereas the Stevens is just about holding it's own. I know the styling is not for everyone , but I still love it, and will hopefully get one before I'm 30 (29 last week!).

Rock on Lotus!

[simonelite501]

Quote: "I think the wedge looks seriously dated".
I totally agree, The Esprit is a child of it's time and it does look dated. But so do I!

[melw]

Absolutely, it's timewarp...BUT it's also a real statement of the times. I like the S4 but it has a kind of generic supercar look about it. There's no mistaking the earlier cars for anything else.

[wonderman]

I hope you are not buying it just for it's body shape because the Stevens Esprit is a far superior machine .

[simonelite501]

A hard statement to justify. Superior in what context?

[727driver]

Better laid out interior, mechanically more reliable, better handling, more powerful engine, etc...

[simonelite501]

Just as I'd expected. Better laid out=personal choice, Better handling=less fun to drive/less skill required, mechanically more reliable=when it does break, it's not as easy to fix at home,etc.

[kmaier]

Yea, shame on Lotus for updating, refining and enhancing their product over the past 25 years. If you want a timeless design that never changes, buy Russian. Everyone has an opinion on this... that's fine. It's mine that the newer cars are substantially better than the old ones in numerous ways that matter to me. But at the end of the day, I hope that everyone is actually enjoying their Lotus. It's a shame that many owners drive them so infrequently... I'm going out for a ride.

Regards, KM
2000 V8

[simonelite501]

Exactly my point! None of the models are "Better" than any of the other models, just different! I really dig the S2, but what ever gets you through the night, right?! Manufacturers must move on of course, but the fact that a cars newer and more mechanicaly advanced doesn't mean that the older ones aren't any good!

[kmaier]

Not entirely true. Much of the newer models are just plain better. Examples:
- AP Racing Brakes on Sport 350 and later model years
- Kelsey-Hayes 430 ABS Controller
- AP twin-plate clutch and updated hydraulics
- Simplified gearchange linkage
- GM, Bosch, VDO and other components in place of Lucas
- OZ Racing Wheels

Then there's the not-so-much-better:
- GM Airbag Steering Wheel (yes, still ragging on it)

Granted, there is nothing "wrong" with the older models (yes, they're different) but such obvious improvements are just that. Cherish the older models for what they are, but for the most part comparisons are really not valid. Buy the one you like the most (or within the $ range) and enjoy it for what it is... a Lotus!

Regards, KM
2000 V8

[ErnestM]

This is like...

"Which do you prefer, blondes or brunettes..?"

"Well, provided the collars and cuffs match..."

(apologies to 007)

Personal preference...
Personally, I like both! (and the cars aren't bad either )

ErnestM

[melw]

Sure the newer Esprit is a more refined car, but the early car is a classic and at times like these the heart rules the head! Yep, the guigiaro car is slower, no where near as well equiped, probably less reliable...BUT it's got it's own character and place in Lotus history..... plus it looks great!

It's like trying to compare a 355 Ferrari to a Dino 246. Personally I'd take both but if I had to choose it would be the Dino everytime. New Elan..old Elan? even the Elise S1 or S2.

Ahhh decisions, decisions....!

[madmike]

quote:
It's like trying to compare a 355 Ferrari to a Dino 246. Personally I'd take both but if I had to choose it would be the Dino everytime. New Elan..old Elan? even the Elise S1 or S2.

Ahhh decisions, decisions....!

Ferrari 355.
Old Elan.
Elise S2.

There, that wasn't so hard.

Oh yeah, and a Steven's Esprit for me.

Mad Mike
93 SE

[andersb]

i dont think that theres much doubt that the later esprits are more reliable and refined and probably a better all round car? but in terms of pure looks and classic lines theres only 1 winner.

[727driver]

Yeah right! Hows that ABBA collection coming along?

[simonelite501]

OOH! Hark at her!