Esprit SE or Esprit V8 (Which is 'Better')
Discussion
I currently own a '90 SE, and am considering the purchase of a '98 V8. I'll have a 9 hour round trip in front of me to test drive the V8, and I'd prefer not to invest that time if it's not worth it.
Can anyone who has owned (or driven) each of these describe the driving differences and make a recommendation?
I know it's a personal taste decision, however, if it's not that different, I'd just assume keep the SE and not make the drive.
Thanks!
- Jason
Can anyone who has owned (or driven) each of these describe the driving differences and make a recommendation?
I know it's a personal taste decision, however, if it's not that different, I'd just assume keep the SE and not make the drive.
Thanks!
- Jason
Jason, I've never driven a four pot Esprit but a friend owned, until very recently, a V8 which I was fortunate enough to leather on a couple of exhilerating runs.
Naturally, the main impression left on me was the trademark steering; as fast and precise as a sparrow hawk; the fact that it was all wrapped up in such a glorious body, supported by such eye-popping acceleration made me question why the take up rate has been so poor on the V8-engined variants? Especially given the veritable 'bargain basement' prices of such.
The Renault 25-sourced gear box might have something to do with it (sorry but surely the nastiest gearchange ever[aye, only perhaps for the uninitiated, I'll grant you!]?) but you could forgive it that, if for no other reason than it's other worldly handling...
Bottom line? If you're an Esprit man then surely it makes ridiculously common sense to do this? The one I drove had a modified exhaust system and so the whole thing was imbued with a real sense of Le Mans chasing glory.
Here is a car which is basically British, maintains a respectably exotic prescence, goes like a latter day Ferrari, grips as well as a 4WD Porsche and is really quite cheap.
And you have to ask? Piccies on your profile as soon as, please!
Naturally, the main impression left on me was the trademark steering; as fast and precise as a sparrow hawk; the fact that it was all wrapped up in such a glorious body, supported by such eye-popping acceleration made me question why the take up rate has been so poor on the V8-engined variants? Especially given the veritable 'bargain basement' prices of such.
The Renault 25-sourced gear box might have something to do with it (sorry but surely the nastiest gearchange ever[aye, only perhaps for the uninitiated, I'll grant you!]?) but you could forgive it that, if for no other reason than it's other worldly handling...
Bottom line? If you're an Esprit man then surely it makes ridiculously common sense to do this? The one I drove had a modified exhaust system and so the whole thing was imbued with a real sense of Le Mans chasing glory.
Here is a car which is basically British, maintains a respectably exotic prescence, goes like a latter day Ferrari, grips as well as a 4WD Porsche and is really quite cheap.
And you have to ask? Piccies on your profile as soon as, please!
I for one would take a drive in the V8. I lot more low end torque, a little faster. I like the price of the SE better and a lot more friendly to tinker. I have noticed a lot more people work on the SE/S4/S4s than the V8 owners. They seem to send theirs out for repair more than do their own work. I like to work on my own car, makes me more one with the car. I know exactly what the car is doing and if there are hiccups can cure them. Maybe all it would take is for me to get used to the V8 for me to work on them as well. It is a fine ride with a much better sound than my SE. I have seen something about owners though and if the owners have payments to make on their cars when something really bad happens they are in a bad way financially. People who own their cars outright seem to have money to do the correct repairs and maintnece. While no one whats to shell out 2-3K at a crack for repairs it seems to affect the outright owners less than those that are already streched with large loan payments on financed cars. Some of the poorest exapmles of Esprit's were from owners on a budget. So if you can swing it so much the better in a V8. Better to be in superb SE than a poorly maintained V8.
Calvin 90 SE
Calvin 90 SE
i don't disagree with what the other guys have said here. Its totally down to personal preference. The V8 is VERY fast however.. its a quick as a 360 modena :-)
i've run both a 4 cylinder (GT3) and v8. IMO v8 IS the better car.
One question - is there nowhere closer you can test drive a v8? Nine hours is a LONG trip..!
i've run both a 4 cylinder (GT3) and v8. IMO v8 IS the better car.
One question - is there nowhere closer you can test drive a v8? Nine hours is a LONG trip..!
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