Any Elise owners tracked an MX5?
Discussion
Can't decide between an MX5 (ultimately would be suspension sorted and turbo'd upto 250hp ish) or Elise S1 for my next weekend/track 'toy'.
I know the Elise is going to be the better focussed track 'tool' but would be interested on any opinions as to how far behind a well sorted MX5 is as it's a cheaper route. Used to have one years ago but not sure how they stack up on track, although saw a fair few out there when I was using the Exige with LoT...
Was all set on the MX5 route (above spec can be bought for £5-6k) but then foolishly started browsing the classifieds and saw this
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1087916.htm
which is probably a bit pricey for the miles but would be gagging for a duratec/honda in a year or so when funds permit.
Just don't want to go down the MX5 road and find its a pig on track.
Any thoughts?
I know the Elise is going to be the better focussed track 'tool' but would be interested on any opinions as to how far behind a well sorted MX5 is as it's a cheaper route. Used to have one years ago but not sure how they stack up on track, although saw a fair few out there when I was using the Exige with LoT...
Was all set on the MX5 route (above spec can be bought for £5-6k) but then foolishly started browsing the classifieds and saw this
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1087916.htm
which is probably a bit pricey for the miles but would be gagging for a duratec/honda in a year or so when funds permit.
Just don't want to go down the MX5 road and find its a pig on track.
Any thoughts?
I would rather track the Elise as lot more focused, having said that one of my friends has a MX5 which is set up for the track with a turbo (I think) and even in the 111R I could not keep up, alough I am slow on the track 
Not much help, but think the MX5 would require a lot of work to get to be good on the track, but same I guess would apply to the Elise.
Elise !
Not much help, but think the MX5 would require a lot of work to get to be good on the track, but same I guess would apply to the Elise.
Elise !
mrh3113 said:
Can't decide between an MX5 (ultimately would be suspension sorted and turbo'd upto 250hp ish) or Elise S1 for my next weekend/track 'toy'.
I know the Elise is going to be the better focussed track 'tool' but would be interested on any opinions as to how far behind a well sorted MX5 is as it's a cheaper route. Used to have one years ago but not sure how they stack up on track, although saw a fair few out there when I was using the Exige with LoT...
Was all set on the MX5 route (above spec can be bought for £5-6k) but then foolishly started browsing the classifieds and saw this
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1087916.htm
which is probably a bit pricey for the miles but would be gagging for a duratec/honda in a year or so when funds permit.
Just don't want to go down the MX5 road and find its a pig on track.
Any thoughts?
A Stock S1 Elise doesn't have a hope in hell of keeping up with a sorted 250bhp turbo MX5 on track unless the Stig is at the wheel of the Elise and joe bloggs at the wheel of the MX5.I know the Elise is going to be the better focussed track 'tool' but would be interested on any opinions as to how far behind a well sorted MX5 is as it's a cheaper route. Used to have one years ago but not sure how they stack up on track, although saw a fair few out there when I was using the Exige with LoT...
Was all set on the MX5 route (above spec can be bought for £5-6k) but then foolishly started browsing the classifieds and saw this
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1087916.htm
which is probably a bit pricey for the miles but would be gagging for a duratec/honda in a year or so when funds permit.
Just don't want to go down the MX5 road and find its a pig on track.
Any thoughts?
But then if building the MX5 it'll end up costing more than an S1 Elise.
A 250bhp stripped out track MX5 is more comparible to a Toyota Exige in my experience. They weigh about the same, the Exige has a bit more grip and will be able to brake later, but the MX5 will pull away down the straights easily.
A Honda Elise S1 does kick behind
I wish I could justify / afford one.Steve
Daily driver VX220 n/a & Track Day Eunos turbo ~260bhp/ton
Edited by Herman Toothrot on Thursday 23 July 10:32
Herman Toothrot said:
A Stock S1 Elise doesn't have a hope in hell of keeping up with a sorted 250bhp turbo MX5 on track unless the Stig is at the wheel of the Elise and joe bloggs at the wheel of the MX5.
But then if building the MX5 it'll end up costing more than an S1 Elise.
A 250bhp stripped out track MX5 is more comparible to a Toyota Exige in my experience.
Steve
Daily driver VX220 n/a & Track Day Eunos turbo ~260bhp/ton
To be honest I'm not too bothered about outright grunt (as I'd probably upgrade an Elise in time anyway), its more about the handling... does the MX5 convert its road handling well on to track, like the Elise does? (notwithstanding setup is obviously going to make a big difference).But then if building the MX5 it'll end up costing more than an S1 Elise.
A 250bhp stripped out track MX5 is more comparible to a Toyota Exige in my experience.
Steve
Daily driver VX220 n/a & Track Day Eunos turbo ~260bhp/ton
I just don't want to lose that 'ohmygodthisissuperb' feeling in the Elige when you chuck it into a bend... if an MX5 can get close to that fun/grin factor then I'd give it a go. There's also the small matter of about 300kg difference - do you really feel all of this extra lard or does the MX5 hide it well enough?
Herman Toothrot said:
If fun is fast reacting go-kart then the Elsie will be the better bet. If you want to got very fast or very sideways then MX5 Turbo.
I'd agree strongly with that quote. I own both a honda elise and a 1.6 mk1 mx5 (114bhp), and I've also been in Herman's 250bhp mx5. The honda elise is quicker and handles like a go-kart, the mx5 is a lot more driftable and you can play with it on the limit a lot easier.A mk1 1.6 mx5 (114bhp) is not a patch on a standard elise, it does handle well but in a straight line it is slower, and it doesn't give you the connected feel an elise does and out of the box the elise is better. Although it's the closest I've found to an elise so far (ignoring kit cars etc)
(all comments based on track only, and all imo
)p.s. a friend is selling his s1 (silver) honda elise if you're interested?
Edited by smiles1 on Thursday 23 July 20:01
That Elise looks pretty good vfm given the spec. Replace the tyres, refresh the suspension and for under £10k you'll have a nice car.
Cant's understand why everyone gets so worried about mileage: modern engines stand up to miles very well and if you can replace a K cheaply or go the Honda/Audi/Duratec route. The rest of the car will end up like Tigger's broom so why worry?
Cant's understand why everyone gets so worried about mileage: modern engines stand up to miles very well and if you can replace a K cheaply or go the Honda/Audi/Duratec route. The rest of the car will end up like Tigger's broom so why worry?
smiles1 said:
Herman Toothrot said:
If fun is fast reacting go-kart then the Elsie will be the better bet. If you want to got very fast or very sideways then MX5 Turbo.
I'd agree strongly with that quote. I own both a honda elise and a 1.6 mk1 mx5 (114bhp), and I've also been in Herman's 250bhp mx5. The honda elise is quicker and handles like a go-kart, the mx5 is a lot more driftable and you can play with it on the limit a lot easier.A mk1 1.6 mx5 (114bhp) is not a patch on a standard elise, it does handle well but in a straight line it is slower, and it doesn't give you the connected feel an elise does and out of the box the elise is better. Although it's the closest I've found to an elise so far (ignoring kit cars etc)
(all comments based on track only, and all imo
)p.s. a friend is selling his s1 (silver) honda elise if you're interested?
Edited by smiles1 on Thursday 23 July 20:01
I quite like the idea of the MX5 being easier to play with on the limit. My experience with the Exige was that it wasn't especially forgiving on the limit - once it broke traction on the A048s you had to be quick to get it. But by god it gripped like buggery up to that point....
Honda Elise is a long term ideal but not sure I can justify the expense right now... but perhaps you can PM me some details... you never know, I could be tempted!
Get a Mk1 Eunos for a few grand that's got a few choice mods and see if you enjoy it. You'll probably be able to sell it for whatever you've paid if you decide in a couple of months it's not for you.
A £7k Elise is going to cost you money, much more than an MX, and especially if you track it.
All depends on the tracks you want to drive though really, and HOW you want to drive. If you want precision and grip then the Elise is your bag. If you want hoonery on smaller tracks then the MX may be more fun.
Both very different in my experience. A well set-up 130bhp MX5 is a hoot in the wet, especially in places like Abbeville where you can goon around to your hearts content. An Elise is a bit more tricky to learn, but you can do similar.
A £7k Elise is going to cost you money, much more than an MX, and especially if you track it.
All depends on the tracks you want to drive though really, and HOW you want to drive. If you want precision and grip then the Elise is your bag. If you want hoonery on smaller tracks then the MX may be more fun.
Both very different in my experience. A well set-up 130bhp MX5 is a hoot in the wet, especially in places like Abbeville where you can goon around to your hearts content. An Elise is a bit more tricky to learn, but you can do similar.
What power do the supercharged MX5's run? I had a play with a Mk1 at Croix a year or so back, I was trying quite hard as I was gutted at the pace of the MX5. I eventually caught him and the guy let me by and away I went into the distance. Afterwards, I went and had a chat, it was supercharged running trick suspension/brakes and A048 tyres so felt better for my tired 120hp Elise.
I forgot to ask the power though.
I was very tempted after this to buy one and sell the Elise to do more track days. I stuck with the Elise, it suits my lifestyle better as I do more road miles than track miles
I forgot to ask the power though.
I was very tempted after this to buy one and sell the Elise to do more track days. I stuck with the Elise, it suits my lifestyle better as I do more road miles than track miles
RonnieP said:
I'll have a pint of what you drink, is it legal? Herman lol - its obviously giving you hallucinations
Try matching your 'basic' Mazda with the, ahem, more modified Elises/Exiges for balance - you won't get a look in
er did I not state "Turbo" MX5. Try matching your 'basic' Mazda with the, ahem, more modified Elises/Exiges for balance - you won't get a look in
Of course a stock MX5 is no match, but then you can have approximately 6x stock mk1 mx5s for one S1 Elise.I got talking to (s)Miles above on a track day as I'd caught traffic and he caught me up, I saw the Elise behind me and though nothing of it as it'd vanish into the distance behind me moment we were past the traffic. It was a real shock when it didn't and I pulled over after the next corner to let him past. No other Elise has ever suprised me like that. Miles came over to say hello with a smile on his face saying "you didn't expect to still see me behind you then did you", and let me know it was a 225bhp Type R Elise. Up until that moment I'd always dismissed Elises as "all talk" and actually slow*.
- Slow is relative, 118?bhp basic S1, what 700kg at best? 170bhp ton if lucky. That is slow when compared to 250bhp and 950kg giving about 260bhp/ton. Almost another 100bhp per ton! Although if you've not been in a 260bhp car before it'll feel plenty fast enough.
Edited by Herman Toothrot on Friday 24th July 08:57
Mark B said:
What power do the supercharged MX5's run? I had a play with a Mk1 at Croix a year or so back, I was trying quite hard as I was gutted at the pace of the MX5. I eventually caught him and the guy let me by and away I went into the distance. Afterwards, I went and had a chat, it was supercharged running trick suspension/brakes and A048 tyres so felt better for my tired 120hp Elise.
I forgot to ask the power though.
I was very tempted after this to buy one and sell the Elise to do more track days. I stuck with the Elise, it suits my lifestyle better as I do more road miles than track miles
Depends what supercharger if it was a 1.6 it'd be an MP45, minimum 150bhp and maximum of 190bhp. If it was a 1.8 with an MP62 anything up to 270bhp.I forgot to ask the power though.
I was very tempted after this to buy one and sell the Elise to do more track days. I stuck with the Elise, it suits my lifestyle better as I do more road miles than track miles
Turbos can be anything from 150bhp to well whatever really, a chap runs 360bhp on mx5nutz forum, but the majority will be around 200bhp to 250bhp. got to remember a 250bhp turbo kit for the mx5 is £3Kish, for track work you need extra cooling so add a high volume rad and oil cooler still only about £3.5K you can pick up a 1.8 car now for under £2K so £5.5K can give you a very quick MX5. Of course you'll then want to upgrade all suspension, brakes etc...
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