S1 V's S2 opinions wanted please

[cobralady]

Boyfriend is buying an elise, owned an S1 previously, what are the advantages to buying the S2, and are there any disadvantages? anything he should watch out for? niggling things that tend to go wrong with them etc? Anyone here owned both and can give us a good run down of the comparisons between the two, would be much appreciated

[Davey S1]

S2 is a bit more refined and easier to drive on the limit as it tends to understeer as opposed to the oversteer on the S1

Looks are a personal thing but I like both. S1 is now a classic shape.

If its just going to be a weekend / summer / trackday car go for a nice S1 which already has some mods on. If its an everyday car take an S2

[cobralady]

thanks for that. It will be an everyday car as he allready has a westfield SEight for fun days out track days etc. It sounds like the elise S2 will be a bit more controllable on the limit, and easier to live with.

(boyfriend is a bit of a perfectionist lol )

[theRossatron]

The roof of the S2 is also much improved over the S1(no allen keys required) and mine doesn't leak at all.

The sills are slightly lower so is slightly easier to get in and out of.

The S2 does have a rather annoying way of accessing the windscreenwash however, 3 allen key bolt need undoing to remove the panel rather than the bonnet of the S1.

[D4V KC]

theRossatron said:

The S2 does have a rather annoying way of accessing the windscreen wash however, 3 Allen key bolt need undoing to remove the panel rather than the bonnet of the S1.

Not on the '04 model revision (released late '03), they put the washer bottle in the engine compartment. Inspired bit of thinking, surprised other car manufacturers don't do the same......

I've had an S1 111s and now an S2 111s and can honestly say that I find the S2 the nicer car to drive as everyday transport. In the wet, the S2 can still be driven quickly, where as the S1 turns into a bit of a handful....
In the dry, I find you just need to adopt a different driving style for the 2 cars. But they still scream feedback to you through the wheel and to your ar5e from the seat.

The S2 roof is very quick (45 secs-1 min) in comparison to the S1 (2-3 mins).

As it's an everyday car, you may want to hear the stereo, this has far better reception in the S2. Though once the sports exhaust is on and an induction kit (must have's IMHO) you wont hear the radio over 60MPH!

As has been said, the sills on the S2 are lower and slightly narrower, allowing far better/easier access. IMHO the build quality on the S2 seems a little better too.

Good luck with the new motor! D4VKC

[cobralady]

thanks!
Yes I agree about the sills, they are definately lower so you can get in and out a bit easier.
The roof is also easier to get on and off, so thats a bonus.
Sounds good being able to drive it in the wet! The Westie doesnt even go out on wet days cos it just slides and spins like mad if the road is damp lol
Thanks for the advice guys, this is a really good site to ask questions and the advice given is allways spot on - cheers!

>> Edited by cobralady on Monday 23 May 12:21