I wonder if you can give me some help. I am looking to buy an exige but the problem is I know nothing about cars. I know a fair bit about Lotus but am such an idiot technically I really cant understand a lot of the technical info available on the net. I am tryin to decide between a Series 1 Exige and Series 2 Exige and am finding it hard. I dont really know what the difference is. I know for instance the S1 has the K-Series engine and the S2 has the Toyota VVTL-i engine and I know the toyota engione swaps (cam??)or something that means the engine changes set-up from a more sedate run-around to a beast but thats it as far as the differences go. I know whether you prefer an S1 or an S2 will come down to taste, but can anyone tell me what are the differences between the cars that I should be deciding upon. For instance, is the build quality a lot better on the S2?
Sorry to be a pain and thanks for any help anyone can give.
If you don’t know much about cars (and don’t want to get down and dirty with them) then go for the S2 Exige.
Straight out of the box fun with a reliable engine.
i know bugger all about cars but the odd minor niggle i’ve had has been easily resolved on this site. Buy an s1 the smiles per mile far out weight any faults test drive one if you haven’t got a stupid grin on your face for the rest of the day or after parking up less than an hour later you don’t make up an excuse to go out again try a porsche
Really depends on what car you’re looking for.
Sports car with some luxuries like aircon, ABS, and a smooth and reliable engine?: S2
A lighter car (so better on track, not really that much of a difference on the road), more RAW, less refined engine but lighter, no ABS and the only luxury option (aircon) doesn’t work that well: S1
The K series engine can be unreliable but it comes down to how it was built, they are very delicate. ANd since you’ll get an S1 for less money hgan an S2 you can factor in an engine rebuild, refresh or conversion, like the Audi TT turbo or Honda. You’ll then have a car that nothing can touch.
Some people ave done that here, S1 with mega power, like Mr Admin, Mike Lane, and Quo (?), more than 300 BHP. But they get heavier that way.
The chassis are equivalent, but the LSS (Lotus Sport Suspension) in the S2 seems to be better (?). For both there are plenty of aftermarket suspension choices that are better anyway
Like previosuly said, expect to do some DIY in an S1.