997 GT3 to Evora
Discussion
Good Evening Gents (and Girls if applicable!).
I'm contemplating changing my much loved 2007 911 GT3 for something a little less expensive, but more importantly, more practical.
As much as I love my car, it seems a little unfair that my two young children cant come along and enjoy the fun.
Yes, I know there are 2+2 911s, but having had a Turbo before hand it left me a little cold, and I wouldn't consider a Carrera for a number of reasons, none of which are relevant here.
So - What I think I want is an Evora S with IPS. I was a little nerves of manuals after learning that its an Avensis Diesel box. Is this true? Or need I not worry about this transmission? I do prefer to change gear if I'm honest!
Also, are there any specifics I should look out for? I see, Sport, Technology Premium Packs?
Finally, is there anyone else thats done the same change? i.e. 911 to Evora? The thing I'm probably most concerned of is the drop in build quality, as by all accounts, the Evora drive is sublime!
I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Stevie
I'm contemplating changing my much loved 2007 911 GT3 for something a little less expensive, but more importantly, more practical.
As much as I love my car, it seems a little unfair that my two young children cant come along and enjoy the fun.
Yes, I know there are 2+2 911s, but having had a Turbo before hand it left me a little cold, and I wouldn't consider a Carrera for a number of reasons, none of which are relevant here.
So - What I think I want is an Evora S with IPS. I was a little nerves of manuals after learning that its an Avensis Diesel box. Is this true? Or need I not worry about this transmission? I do prefer to change gear if I'm honest!
Also, are there any specifics I should look out for? I see, Sport, Technology Premium Packs?
Finally, is there anyone else thats done the same change? i.e. 911 to Evora? The thing I'm probably most concerned of is the drop in build quality, as by all accounts, the Evora drive is sublime!
I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Stevie
I doubt any one has gone from a 997 GT3 to a Evora.
You are going to notice a massive performance drop.
Nice car but still a bit slow imo, rumours may have a more powerfully one launching at FOS.
Also it weighs too much for a Lotus and the 345bhp seems like a figure they plucked from the sky.
Both the Cayman and BMW 1m out drag the Evora s no problem with so called less bhp.
2012 models have the higer build but not many about.
Great car to drive, just needs that final polish which Lotus seem to fail at, very fustratiing.
You are going to notice a massive performance drop.
Nice car but still a bit slow imo, rumours may have a more powerfully one launching at FOS.
Also it weighs too much for a Lotus and the 345bhp seems like a figure they plucked from the sky.
Both the Cayman and BMW 1m out drag the Evora s no problem with so called less bhp.
2012 models have the higer build but not many about.
Great car to drive, just needs that final polish which Lotus seem to fail at, very fustratiing.
Probably a good idea to head over to www.thelotusforums.com. Its very active and these kinds of debate have been covered. In fact there is a new Evora S owner here in Scotland who has just traded his 911 (admittedly a C2S). He only had the 911 a month!
Here's EVO's review, which mentions the 911 as an alternative.
http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/2738...
Here's EVO's review, which mentions the 911 as an alternative.
http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/2738...
Having driven both recently mate heres my 2p. I nearly brought a 997 c2s recently
, couldnt justify the extra for the gt3. I ended up going evora after spotting one and loving the look as I ha always snubbed Lotus before and after a blat on a log test drive was very surprised. I would say in the real world you won't notice too much performance drop. Straight line yes but round twistes evora would edge it unless you are a really skilled driver and can get the most form the gt3.
The handling is sublime on the road gives you loads of confidence and brakes are awesome standard. the GT3 was the sort of car I found it's difficult to push to the limit on road I found and in the damp pushing on was sketchy on twistes like wise in c2s. Although if I was going to use for regular track gt3 was a weapon and half!
The evora is practical but can be a bit of a pain to get in and out of (says the wife). Her and kids are out in her car today so I took the lotus food shopping and got a weeks worth of shopping in it (just). The +2 seats you can get 2 small kids in back - just, has a low roof so only way adult can get in back is with legs spread at an angle! I just use the back seats for shopping and cold clubs
Ref gear box it is a Toyota deisel box but not that bad. Older cars had cable issues and crap change as a result but it's sorted on later cars.
The IPS is a good box but I prefer changing gear and assuming cables have been sorted it's quite slick. Clutch's can make a bit of noise at low revs but once you get used it no biggie, doesn't seem to affect performance and I drove a few like it.
It attracts quite a bit of attention as not that common. Go and have a test drive and see what you think. Only real word of caution is dealership coverage. Is there one near you? Lotus warranty claims seem to be better than Porsche, the have sorted every little niggle for me really quickly (all minor) but my closet is some way away. They are very mod friendly and the Lotus field engineer even recommended some to me, not Lotus but no affect on warranty. Unlike Porsche who I found to be like the warranty Gastapo!
, couldnt justify the extra for the gt3. I ended up going evora after spotting one and loving the look as I ha always snubbed Lotus before and after a blat on a log test drive was very surprised. I would say in the real world you won't notice too much performance drop. Straight line yes but round twistes evora would edge it unless you are a really skilled driver and can get the most form the gt3.
The handling is sublime on the road gives you loads of confidence and brakes are awesome standard. the GT3 was the sort of car I found it's difficult to push to the limit on road I found and in the damp pushing on was sketchy on twistes like wise in c2s. Although if I was going to use for regular track gt3 was a weapon and half!
The evora is practical but can be a bit of a pain to get in and out of (says the wife). Her and kids are out in her car today so I took the lotus food shopping and got a weeks worth of shopping in it (just). The +2 seats you can get 2 small kids in back - just, has a low roof so only way adult can get in back is with legs spread at an angle! I just use the back seats for shopping and cold clubs
Ref gear box it is a Toyota deisel box but not that bad. Older cars had cable issues and crap change as a result but it's sorted on later cars.
The IPS is a good box but I prefer changing gear and assuming cables have been sorted it's quite slick. Clutch's can make a bit of noise at low revs but once you get used it no biggie, doesn't seem to affect performance and I drove a few like it.
It attracts quite a bit of attention as not that common. Go and have a test drive and see what you think. Only real word of caution is dealership coverage. Is there one near you? Lotus warranty claims seem to be better than Porsche, the have sorted every little niggle for me really quickly (all minor) but my closet is some way away. They are very mod friendly and the Lotus field engineer even recommended some to me, not Lotus but no affect on warranty. Unlike Porsche who I found to be like the warranty Gastapo!
It's a bit of a pity the first response you get is from mrdemon, who hangs around Lotus forums trolling on behalf of Porsche. 
It's like asking which is the best camera, or watch. You need to decide for yourself - starting with a test drive. Then let us know how you feel and we'll argue with you for no apparent reason.
It's like asking which is the best camera, or watch. You need to decide for yourself - starting with a test drive. Then let us know how you feel and we'll argue with you for no apparent reason.
Tuna said:
It's a bit of a pity the first response you get is from mrdemon, who hangs around Lotus forums trolling on behalf of Porsche.
It's like asking which is the best camera, or watch. You need to decide for yourself - starting with a test drive. Then let us know how you feel and we'll argue with you for no apparent reason.
Wondered how long it would take him to spout in with 'a 1M is faster'... Clearly not long.It's like asking which is the best camera, or watch. You need to decide for yourself - starting with a test drive. Then let us know how you feel and we'll argue with you for no apparent reason.
I've driven a GT3 recently and being completely honest, I prefer the Evora. The engine is a beaut, and the build quality seemed a good bit better, but apart from that I didn't see what all the fuss is about. Maybe I'd appreciate it more if I spent more time with one. Certainly didn't feel as special to be sitting in, and the steering wheel is far too big.
As for the Evora, Sport and tech packs are must haves IMO. the rest is all personal.
The MY12 IPS SC Evoras are absolutely superb.
mrdemon said:
I doubt any one has gone from a 997 GT3 to a Evora.
You are going to notice a massive performance drop.
Nice car but still a bit slow imo, rumours may have a more powerfully one launching at FOS.
Also it weighs too much for a Lotus and the 345bhp seems like a figure they plucked from the sky.
Both the Cayman and BMW 1m out drag the Evora s no problem with so called less bhp.
2012 models have the higer build but not many about.
Great car to drive, just needs that final polish which Lotus seem to fail at, very fustratiing.
I'm not specifically looking for a faster car. If I did, I would buy a 997tt or GTR.You are going to notice a massive performance drop.
Nice car but still a bit slow imo, rumours may have a more powerfully one launching at FOS.
Also it weighs too much for a Lotus and the 345bhp seems like a figure they plucked from the sky.
Both the Cayman and BMW 1m out drag the Evora s no problem with so called less bhp.
2012 models have the higer build but not many about.
Great car to drive, just needs that final polish which Lotus seem to fail at, very fustratiing.
I stopped chasing HP after my 996tt. Now, its more about, feel, aural pleasure and enjoyment.
I ended up on youtube on Friday night and though after watching one amazing review after another on the Evora that it maybe worth a look. Shortly after, I looked at the classified, only to see how cheaply they can be bought now compared to my last look in Summer 2011.
As for it being 'too slow' and 'too heavy', thats a first I've heard. Still, everyone's entitled to their opinion as always.
Hedgerley said:
Probably a good idea to head over to www.thelotusforums.com. Its very active and these kinds of debate have been covered. In fact there is a new Evora S owner here in Scotland who has just traded his 911 (admittedly a C2S). He only had the 911 a month!
Here's EVO's review, which mentions the 911 as an alternative.
http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/2738...
Thank you Edgerley, Here's EVO's review, which mentions the 911 as an alternative.
http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/2738...
thats helpful, didn't know any other sites to look for the Evora. I'll use the link and watch the review too. Thanks!
P155flaps said:
I would say in the real world you won't notice too much performance drop. Straight line yes but round twistes evora would edge it unless you are a really skilled driver and can get the most form the gt3.
This is how I would see it. On a drive, for me its about enjoyment and okay, pace to a certain degree, but feel and aural please would tip the scales for me. The GT3 has both in abundance, but the lack of back seat is becoming more of an annoyance the more I leave it at home in favor of Julies 3-Series Touring. P155flaps said:
The handling is sublime on the road gives you loads of confidence and brakes are awesome standard. the GT3 was the sort of car I found it's difficult to push to the limit on road I found and in the damp pushing on was sketchy on twistes like wise in c2s. Although if I was going to use for regular track gt3 was a weapon and half!
Not sure I agree with this. Yes, the GT3 (as always with 911s, maybe more so with the GT3) does take time/miles to master, but thats a quality I respect/enjoy. Getting to learn and to understand its dynamics. You do drive a 911 different from other cars, something that will put some off, but encourage others to master. Once you are in tune with it, some serious progress can be covered!P155flaps said:
The evora is practical but can be a bit of a pain to get in and out of (says the wife). Her and kids are out in her car today so I took the lotus food shopping and got a weeks worth of shopping in it (just). The +2 seats you can get 2 small kids in back - just, has a low roof so only way adult can get in back is with legs spread at an angle! I just use the back seats for shopping and cold clubs
Ref gear box it is a Toyota deisel box but not that bad. Older cars had cable issues and crap change as a result but it's sorted on later cars.
The IPS is a good box but I prefer changing gear and assuming cables have been sorted it's quite slick. Clutch's can make a bit of noise at low revs but once you get used it no biggie, doesn't seem to affect performance and I drove a few like it.
Thats a relief re gear box as the rest seemed fairly sound.Ref gear box it is a Toyota deisel box but not that bad. Older cars had cable issues and crap change as a result but it's sorted on later cars.
The IPS is a good box but I prefer changing gear and assuming cables have been sorted it's quite slick. Clutch's can make a bit of noise at low revs but once you get used it no biggie, doesn't seem to affect performance and I drove a few like it.
P155flaps said:
It attracts quite a bit of attention as not that common. Go and have a test drive and see what you think. Only real word of caution is dealership coverage. Is there one near you? Lotus warranty claims seem to be better than Porsche, the have sorted every little niggle for me really quickly (all minor) but my closet is some way away. They are very mod friendly and the Lotus field engineer even recommended some to me, not Lotus but no affect on warranty. Unlike Porsche who I found to be like the warranty Gastapo!
Ah! A test drive! And Dealer Support! I tried to call Murray Motors THREE times yesterday to see if they had a demo on. I'm still awaiting a call back. Shocking. I hate time wasters (I sell cars for a living), but I'm not going to change what I have until I've tried one. Any takers!?
Thanks for the detailed post, its really appreciated !
Stevie
Tuna said:
It's a bit of a pity the first response you get is from mrdemon, who hangs around Lotus forums trolling on behalf of Porsche.
It's like asking which is the best camera, or watch. You need to decide for yourself - starting with a test drive. Then let us know how you feel and we'll argue with you for no apparent reason.
I've tried to arrange a test drive with Murray in Sitehill, Edinburgh. Called three times, leaving a voice mail on my third attempt. It's like asking which is the best camera, or watch. You need to decide for yourself - starting with a test drive. Then let us know how you feel and we'll argue with you for no apparent reason.
I was though last year. Seemed like nice guys, but very disappointed with their lack of response.
Stevie
justin220 said:
Wondered how long it would take him to spout in with 'a 1M is faster'... Clearly not long.
I've driven a GT3 recently and being completely honest, I prefer the Evora. The engine is a beaut, and the build quality seemed a good bit better, but apart from that I didn't see what all the fuss is about. Maybe I'd appreciate it more if I spent more time with one. Certainly didn't feel as special to be sitting in, and the steering wheel is far too big.
As for the Evora, Sport and tech packs are must haves IMO. the rest is all personal.
The MY12 IPS SC Evoras are absolutely superb.
Hi Justin, I've driven a GT3 recently and being completely honest, I prefer the Evora. The engine is a beaut, and the build quality seemed a good bit better, but apart from that I didn't see what all the fuss is about. Maybe I'd appreciate it more if I spent more time with one. Certainly didn't feel as special to be sitting in, and the steering wheel is far too big.
As for the Evora, Sport and tech packs are must haves IMO. the rest is all personal.
The MY12 IPS SC Evoras are absolutely superb.
at the rate Evora's loose their money, it would need to be an early S for me. I couldn't stomach the depreciation. Something my current car has hardly suffered in 12 months and 10,000miles.
Yes, the engine is a beaut and can see why you couldn't see what all the fuss was about with the 'rest'. My first drive of a GT3 was when running a CSL. I thought the clutch was too heavy, mid range lacking and overall appeal, not much more that a regular 911. Oh I was wrong! Even after 10,000miles, I'm still learning to extract everything it has to offer! As I said, if it had a back seat I dont thing I would change it.
Theres a reason why a 2007 GT3 is almost twice the price of a 2007 C2S
Steviebeee said:
I've tried to arrange a test drive with Murray in Sitehill, Edinburgh. Called three times, leaving a voice mail on my third attempt.
I was though last year. Seemed like nice guys, but very disappointed with their lack of response.
Stevie
That is very, very unusual Stevie. Brandon is very responsive and all over prospects (me included but I am sticking with the Esprit for the moment) He is very much into the Lotus community here in Scotland, attends our monthly meets and is generally an all round splendid chap. For an American. I think he is also Europe's top sales guy so far this year, following in the illustrious footsteps of his predecessor Graham Robertson. That's why most of the Evora's are here in Scotland.I was though last year. Seemed like nice guys, but very disappointed with their lack of response.
Stevie
I'll call him tomorrow and see what's up. BTW, where are you?
Edited to add - just tried emailing Brandon. He's been on leave, back today, Monday. You should get a call hopefully.
Edited by Hedgerley on Monday 11th June 00:57
RobYob said:
mrdemon said:
Both the Cayman and BMW 1m out drag the Evora s no problem with so called less bhp.
Only on planet Topgear.Hedgerley said:
Brandon replied this morning Stevie. He is back from his vacation and will be in touch soon if he hasn't already.
He did indeed. Going to try for early Saturday. Just too busy with work just now. We dont open till 11am on Saturdays so this will be my window of opportunity!
Really looking forward to trying one. Would be great for the whole family to come along for a change!
I'll let you know how I get on and thanks for posting.
Stevie
Is this a fact? I'm curious to know why they did it then, I wonder if ze germans put pressure on or TG have a thing against Lotus. If it is, indeed, true.
Indeed, from what I heard after 3 attempts where the S wiped the floor with the other two, they eventually switched the TC off and let rip with massive wheelspin to slow it down.
The Wookie said:
RobYob said:
mrdemon said:
Both the Cayman and BMW 1m out drag the Evora s no problem with so called less bhp.
Only on planet Topgear.Oilchange said:
Is this a fact? I'm curious to know why they did it then, I wonder if ze germans put pressure on or TG have a thing against Lotus. If it is, indeed, true.
Admittedly I've heard it second hand, but it was widely talked about within where I work (you may be able to guess by my profile) after the programme was shown.The Wookie said:
Admittedly I've heard it second hand, but it was widely talked about within where I work (you may be able to guess by my profile) after the programme was shown.
Cant see that much in it to be honest http://www.fastestlaps.com/comparisons/bmw_1er_m_c...Gassing Station | Evora | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff