My first post on here so just thought I�d introduce myself!
I�m currently considering getting an Exige or Exige S next year to replace my current steed. As I�ve now moved into a job that I commute to on the train, I can get away with a less practical car that doesn�t require four seats and a big boot.
My current chariot is a MKV Golf R32 which is a good all round car. However I really miss the enjoyment and fun of my old Lotus Elise Sport 135 and nothing I�ve had since really compares in terms of tactile feedback and driver enjoyment. Prior to the Elise I had a Caterham Superlight (original 1.6 version) and now part share a Caterham R300 with my father. Caterhams are great fun, but I still miss the Elise!! I think it�s the incredible way they ride the bumps on the road as if they�re gliding on air!
Anyway, having not driven an Exige before, I�d like to know how they compare to the Elise? I have driven the 111R, so would imagine this is identical to the standard Exige. However does the Exige handle any differently? Also are the tyres that come with the Exige terrible in the wet?
Final question, and this is the big one for me, is the Exige S the better car over the Exige? With the Golf I�m used to having a good deal of torque, so my initial feelings are that the Exige S will be better in gear and therefore a better �real world� performer. On top of that, it would allow me at a later stage (as I couldn�t afford it straight away) to buy the new Performance Pack.
Anyway, good to finally be on the forum and looking forward to speaking to some like minded petrolheads!
Hi, I can’t compare the Elise/Exige, but I am getting into an Exige S from a 911 next week and confirm that the “in gear” thrust of the S is brilliant, for road use at least?
Also, I was astonished at the quality of “ride” on bumpy back roads, not at all what I was expecting.
I don’t think the new �3k Performance Pack can be retro-fitted to cars that aren’t suitable for it now, ie: MY08 models onwards (may be wrong?).
I can’t comment on the S, but I own a 111R (with Ohlins & the motorsport ECU) & i have driven the Exige S2 a fair bit.
The standard suspension of the exige is more track focussed than the elise, so no sensation of ‘gliding on air’ over the bumps, otherwise the driving experience is pretty similar 111R/Exige NA. The A048’s are fab in the dry & surface damp, but you need to take care when there’s a risk of standing water.
The M’sport ECU is a must have on the NA engine.
I’m sure the S is a very quick road car even when being lazy behind the wheel (IYSWIM). Not much in it on track though
HTH
Oh, the Ohlins are fab, & seem to retain the ride quality of the standard 111R
Are you sure we are not related? weirdly very similar car history
S1 Elise to S1 Sport 190 to Mk4 Golf R32 now S2 Exige S
for what it is worth without the S I never would have bought an Exige I got so used to the extra torque from the lazy V6 of the Golf, but as soon as I drove the S I was sold there is always torque pretty much what ever gear and speed which is great for on the road, I must admit there is not a great deal of difference on track, you won’t ever stride away from a N/A just a gradual gap will open and if the driver of the N/A can drive better than you the extra HP won’t help a bit.
I however found the standard suspension was a bit lame and floppy so I went for Nitrons to give me back the flat cornering I missed from my 190.
All in all you will not regret either of them
Oh how time flies. Don’t ask me why I’ve not logged back in here but since posting this topic up, I’ve fallen well and truly back in love with the Lotus!
I did eventually sell the Golf R32 in 2008 and bought myself an Elise SC. What a great car, but it was never going to compete with the Exige!
So when I was offered a really good trade in on my Elise in January this year, I swapped it without a thought! Was it worth it? Ooooh yes it was!!
Having just had a 2bular sports exhaust (8x22) and 130mm sports cat fitted last Friday, I’m now enjoying the car more than ever! All it needs now is my “Cup 260” upgrade from Lotus Motorsport
So, now I’m an Exige owner, I feel that I should be posting more on this forum!
This car gets better and better, although I wasn’t quite prepared for the excessive tyre wear (5000 miles for the rears). Still I guess it’s the price you pay for all of that grip.
I’m going to be doing more track days next year as I’ve had a shoulder problem that has really prevented me from doing it so far. In fact, I go into hospital tomorrow to have it operated on (in a sling for 6 weeks! ) so fingers crossed it’ll fix it and I’ll be back on my feet for some proper driving next year.
The only things I’ve had fitted to the car is a TRD airbox and last week a 2bular 8x22 oval exit exhaust and sports cat. I do plan to go ahead with the Lotus Motorsport 260 upgrade as well, along with the uprated engine mounts, but that will have to wait until probably Easter next year when the weather picks up again. I also had Steve Gugliemli carry out his “Fast Road Geo” on the car which really did increase the grip and remove a lot of the bump steer from the car.
Before I had the exhaust fitted, I went on a rolling road day and the car produced a healthy 246.7bhp with just the TRD airbox fitted. My father has an Elise SC and produced spot on 218bhp, so the dyno appears to be accurate.
) so fingers crossed it’ll fix it and I’ll be back on my feet for some proper driving next year.