S2000 or Lotus Elise
10-09-2003, 06:44 PM
#1
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S2000 or Lotus Elise
Man, after months of test drives (Z4, Boxter,TT,350Z,RX8) I finally decided to go with the S2000 (2004).
So I get home from work Monday to find my new copy of R&T with the article
about the US Elise due here in 04. And after going to see one at my local Losus dealer 2 hrs away I am back to the decision process once again.
So I get home from work Monday to find my new copy of R&T with the article
about the US Elise due here in 04. And after going to see one at my local Losus dealer 2 hrs away I am back to the decision process once again.
10-09-2003, 06:48 PM
#2
Get whatever car fits your needs and makes you happy. Honestly, the Elise and S2000 are two VERY different cars.
If you don't know what I'm talking about, then you obviously haven't spent much time with either car.
If you don't know what I'm talking about, then you obviously haven't spent much time with either car.
10-09-2003, 06:51 PM
#5
That is a real tough decision. If I was in the market for a new roadster right this minute, I'd opt for the Elise. But thats because I'm an ex-pat 
Unlike the Honda "S"/racing heritage, I can relate more to the history of Lotus, a car company that every English junior-high school boy in the early eighties aspired to be a part of.
So for me, the decision is moreso personal, rooted in subjective nostalgia, rather than hard objective data or facts.
Asif
Unlike the Honda "S"/racing heritage, I can relate more to the history of Lotus, a car company that every English junior-high school boy in the early eighties aspired to be a part of.
So for me, the decision is moreso personal, rooted in subjective nostalgia, rather than hard objective data or facts.
Asif
10-09-2003, 06:58 PM
#6
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I agree, they are totally different. the elise will make the s look like a luxury car. It is totally all about the sports in sportscar. No power anything I believe. The engine is the 1.8 na from the celica and the car is hella light. If it were a true weekend only car I'd opt for the elise, but since I use my s as a daily driver it's my choice.
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10-09-2003, 07:39 PM
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Since I have already modified my S2000 to be an almost all out sports car, the Elise was looking very attractive in terms of what I wanted in that segment. Hearing about the Elise transmission and opinions about the Toyota engine have given me pause. I like the size of the S2000 compared to that of my Miata, and I think the S2000 is 'fast enough' for me at this time. I'm fine with the S2000 and will continue to see how the Elise is over the next year or so.
10-10-2003, 04:39 PM
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Tough call, depends on your priorities. I can see how someone who cross-shopped and picked the S2000 may be given pause by the intro of the Elise. The S2000 is the most no-compromise sports car in the US
... until next spring. No contest here in which is the rawest.
Price: est $38,500 vs $32800 (but likely available for $30K+). S2000.
Exclusivity: Elise
AutoX: Elise
Track: Elise
Real world performance: Elise
Handling: always subjective, but ... Elise
Looks: Your opinion counts, not mine.
Real world livability: S2000 ... big
Refinement: S2000
Reliability: S2000 (sure, Elise has a Celica motor, but the rest of it is a Lotus)
Service: Do you want a car with a questionable record and having only 37 dealers nationwide, closest 2 hr away? S2000.
Fun: not sure. Probably Elise, until the harshness and potential problems get to you.
Have you sat in one? Try to get out of one? I wouldn't buy until I've driven it (which I have. Well, an S1). They really are a no-compromise car.
I'd be real tempted. Let us know which way you go ...
... until next spring. No contest here in which is the rawest.
Price: est $38,500 vs $32800 (but likely available for $30K+). S2000.
Exclusivity: Elise
AutoX: Elise
Track: Elise
Real world performance: Elise
Handling: always subjective, but ... Elise
Looks: Your opinion counts, not mine.
Real world livability: S2000 ... big
Refinement: S2000
Reliability: S2000 (sure, Elise has a Celica motor, but the rest of it is a Lotus)
Service: Do you want a car with a questionable record and having only 37 dealers nationwide, closest 2 hr away? S2000.
Fun: not sure. Probably Elise, until the harshness and potential problems get to you.
Have you sat in one? Try to get out of one? I wouldn't buy until I've driven it (which I have. Well, an S1). They really are a no-compromise car.
I'd be real tempted. Let us know which way you go ...
10-10-2003, 04:58 PM
#10
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it really depends on your intent and purposes for this car. if you have other cars at home, then i'd get the elise. on the other hand, if this will be your one and only car, then the s2000 will be the more "practical" choice. imo, the elise is a toy. i cannot imagine using it as a daily driver.