Ultima or Noble??? That is the question.
Discussion
Not driven an Ultima, but looking at the "creature comforts" then the Noble is leagues ahead. It's got air con, windows that wind down 
, carpet, sowage spaces for drinks, sun glasses etc.
Having done a 5 hour journey in the M12, I felt no worse (apart from the heel on my right foot - wrong shoes) than a 5 hour journey in my X5. I'm not sure you could say the same about an Ultima.
So - depends what you want - if you want a totally focused track machine - then Ultima is the choice, if you like a comfy interior and the other things (like air con....) but still want something that will demolish any set of windy B roads then M12 is a fine choice.
J
, carpet, sowage spaces for drinks, sun glasses etc. Having done a 5 hour journey in the M12, I felt no worse (apart from the heel on my right foot - wrong shoes) than a 5 hour journey in my X5. I'm not sure you could say the same about an Ultima.
So - depends what you want - if you want a totally focused track machine - then Ultima is the choice, if you like a comfy interior and the other things (like air con....) but still want something that will demolish any set of windy B roads then M12 is a fine choice.
J
quote:
Not driven an Ultima, but looking at the "creature comforts" then the Noble is leagues ahead. It's got air con, windows that wind down
Having done a 5 hour journey in the M12, I felt no worse (apart from the heel on my right foot - wrong shoes) than a 5 hour journey in my X5. I'm not sure you could say the same about an Ultima.
So - depends what you want - if you want a totally focused track machine - then Ultima is the choice, if you like a comfy interior and the other things (like air con....) but still want something that will demolish any set of windy B roads then M12 is a fine choice.
J
I have air con - never done a 5 hours journey my Ultima turns it into a 3 hour one
l have done many 5+ hour journeys in my Ultima and although l have air con too, it can still get a bit hot when the sun is beating down through that large windscreen. Oddly the worst problem is a chaffed back!
This occurs due to the need to push against the seat when depressing the heavy clutch (unless you can do this by calling it rude names) so on mountain roads it can get a bit tiring. The only other problem is earache but that depends on your passenger.
This occurs due to the need to push against the seat when depressing the heavy clutch (unless you can do this by calling it rude names) so on mountain roads it can get a bit tiring. The only other problem is earache but that depends on your passenger.
Oddly the worst problem is a chaffed back!
Don't you mean this is caused by the hard acceleration of the Ultima !!
I also have Air-Con, Electric Mirrors, Central locking, Stack Instruments, full Alacantera upholstered, and you can have a MP3 Player if you want !!
By the way I herd that the M12 where now built in South Africa. No disrispect but I would not want my chassis to be welded by say an under payed person!!!
PPS I've just come back from the cost ( 160 Miles )and have no i'll afects.
Don't you mean this is caused by the hard acceleration of the Ultima !!
I also have Air-Con, Electric Mirrors, Central locking, Stack Instruments, full Alacantera upholstered, and you can have a MP3 Player if you want !!
By the way I herd that the M12 where now built in South Africa. No disrispect but I would not want my chassis to be welded by say an under payed person!!!
PPS I've just come back from the cost ( 160 Miles )and have no i'll afects.
quote:
By the way I herd that the M12 where now built in South Africa. No disrispect but I would not want my chassis to be welded by say an under payed person!!!
Same factory that makes AC Cobra's with a few P1's (oversize Caterham 7 derivative for the American market; current production about 1/week), with a smattering of Panoz.
Not exactly what you would call a "back yard" outfit :P There's a review on here www.pistonheads.com/features/default.asp?storyId=3561.
You'll find lots of major manufacturers use factories in Port Elizabeth...
J
I have sound deadening in mine and a stereo to go with the full leather interior.
The only draw back as far as I am concerned is getting in and out, but even that doesn't bother me.
In all other respects, looks, performance, cost to run I think the Ultima wins hands down. If I fancy comfy but fast I jump in my 360bhp cossie.
I am biased though.
The only draw back as far as I am concerned is getting in and out, but even that doesn't bother me.
In all other respects, looks, performance, cost to run I think the Ultima wins hands down. If I fancy comfy but fast I jump in my 360bhp cossie.
I am biased though.
.... not quite ..... The other posts have answered most ofthe questions.
Just to add my 2pworth regarding the comfort subject. I did Southampton to Dover (via Basingstoke & M25, due to time limits) and then on to Le Mans with the owners club earlier in the year. I was amazed at the cars touring ability. Left home at 05.30 and arrived late afternoon. No problems at all! The journey was intense and I would not have wanted to turn arround and headed straight back, but I was suprised how commfy the journey had been.
Paul
Just to add my 2pworth regarding the comfort subject. I did Southampton to Dover (via Basingstoke & M25, due to time limits) and then on to Le Mans with the owners club earlier in the year. I was amazed at the cars touring ability. Left home at 05.30 and arrived late afternoon. No problems at all! The journey was intense and I would not have wanted to turn arround and headed straight back, but I was suprised how commfy the journey had been.
Paul
quote:
I have air con - never done a 5 hours journey my Ultima turns it into a 3 hour one
I've done several 1 hour trips round a race track, in a race, and I felt somewhat knackered afterwards. Can't say I saw any Nobles out there though. Probably too busy putting their sunglasses away, and balancing their cans of Coke in the drinks holders
James
I have driven the Noble M12 and been to the Ultima factory ; sadly torrential rain stopped a test drive.
They are both excellent cars.
Nither really makes a good shopping car but the Noble
is slightly more practicle day to day. The Ultima
more track focused and extreme in every way.
The Ultima you have really to build yourself - allow 50K. The Noble - also 50K.
The Noble is easier to drive. Both will turn heads at
50 paces.
You need to decide what you need it for. Then call up
for a test drive / guided tour of factory (Ultima).
I would like both. They are that good.
They are both excellent cars.
Nither really makes a good shopping car but the Noble
is slightly more practicle day to day. The Ultima
more track focused and extreme in every way.
The Ultima you have really to build yourself - allow 50K. The Noble - also 50K.
The Noble is easier to drive. Both will turn heads at
50 paces.
You need to decide what you need it for. Then call up
for a test drive / guided tour of factory (Ultima).
I would like both. They are that good.
On a number of occasions I have seen the Noble and Ultimas on track days, Silverstone and Goodwood.
At Goodwood on Monday last, I was struck more than ever as to the rather (very!!!) harsh and to my ears, unpleasant, noise as the Noble came past the pits hard on the gas. The Ultima burbled by... V6 etc compared with V8... Give me the V8 anytime.
Wonder what the Noble sounds like when inside and pushing on? But a great car none the less.
Phil
At Goodwood on Monday last, I was struck more than ever as to the rather (very!!!) harsh and to my ears, unpleasant, noise as the Noble came past the pits hard on the gas. The Ultima burbled by... V6 etc compared with V8... Give me the V8 anytime.
Wonder what the Noble sounds like when inside and pushing on? But a great car none the less.
Phil
quote:
Wonder what the Noble sounds like when inside and pushing on? But a great car none the less.
Imagine a F15 fighter taking off - that's the turbo wine on the way up the rev range
Imagine chopping the end off a soda stream gas bottle - that's the waste gate noise on lift off
Loooovvvveeellllyyy.
To me I prefer turbo+wastegate dumps to V8/V12 "rumble" - but then each to their own.
J
quote:
A practical sportscar is an oxymoron.
prac·ti·cal Pronunciation Key (prkt-kl)
adj.
1. Of, relating to, governed by, or acquired through practice or action, rather than theory, speculation, or ideals: gained practical experience of sailing as a deck hand.
2. Manifested in or involving practice: practical applications of calculus.
3. Actually engaged in a specified occupation or a certain kind of work; practicing.
4. Capable of being used or put into effect; useful: practical knowledge of Japanese. See Usage Note at practicable.
5. Intended to serve a purpose without elaboration: practical low-heeled shoes.
6. Concerned with the production or operation of something useful: Woodworking is a practical art.
7. Level-headed, efficient, and unspeculative.
8. Being actually so in almost every respect; virtual: a practical disaster.
Seems 4. 5. 7. and 8. apply to my Noble
J
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