Would you choose an Exige S or a CSL?

The Oily Bits S2 Specific Topics
1

I’m having a dilemma!

The Exige is superb, and with it’s extra power from the Gotham it goes like a bullet.

My only gripe is that I find it a bit of a bugger for driving to track days, which is all I use it for. It’s comfy (apart from the noise) but I just find it almost dangerous for motorway driving. The blind spots are huge, and the only technique I can manage, is to accellerate into a gap to change lane

(permission to call me a pussy on that one!)

I have no room or desire to use a trailer, so that’s out…

So for slightly better practicality, I thought maybe a CSL would be the way to go. I doubt it would be as quick (bear in mind mine is 250 bhp and probably hits 100 inside 10 seconds)

They certainly seem to be held in high regard on track though. And I can imagine a nice comfy drive back from Spa / Ring, which I plan to do at least twice per year.

So, question, would you have one over an Exige? Are they that good?

I have already confided in Jonny on this

2

Drive the exige more on the road and you will get used to it and it will feel less intimidating on the motorway.

Although the CSL may be a great car, and will certainly be more comfortable on the road, it will be more expensive to track it that the exige.

3

I use my on the road quite a bit and don’t have a problem with the blindspots. Just seem to have got used to it.

Have you thought about getting the multivex mirrors ? A couple of people i know have them say it nearly totally removes the blind spots.

http://www.eliseparts.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=631

4

I have to admit, it doesn’t get driven much (4k per year) so maybe some more exercise would be good

Hmmm, thanks Chris, they look like a good product! They also do cheap car covers

Any other views on the CSL?

5

If you got a CSL would you be more inclined to use it on the road? Would be a good justification to change to the missus!

I seem to remember someone telling me that the std brakes are a bit naff so maybe look for one with an aftermarket conversion.

They do seem quick in the wet (traction control?), I saw a few months back at Oulton that was going well when I could barely see the track.

Why not get a 2-11, no blind spots then!

6

I use my Exige mainly for trackdays and living near Aberdeen that means a 90 min drive even to Knockhill. The occasional excursions to Cadwell and Oulton are a tad longer. I find it fine to drive on motorways, reasonably comfy if a bit too noisy, only concern is in the wet when the 48s are a bit on the bald side, would be same with CSL on Michelin Cup tyres I think. If you are after something as good on track as Exige but with a bit more creature comforts probably should be looking at GT3. Some 996s now are reasonable price, but would be more expensive to run.

7

As far as the noise is concerned, I had a revelation using some �30 philips in ear noise cancelling headphones. They remove the vast majority of the wind/engine/exhaust noise and you can still hear the radio/stereo quite clearly or ipod if you plug it in. The difference in ‘freshness’ on stepping out of the car after a 2 hour trip was amazing.

Not had a CSL but know someone who had; no doubt a very capable beast but prepare for the running costs on consumables to escalate…

8

It’s a difficult one. I don’t think you will beat the Exige for on track feel with anything that is more practical and nice to drive on the road. As everyone has said you are gonna go through tyres and brakes a lot quicker in a big heavy car like a CSL.

Do you think you do less track days because your not a massive fan of driving the Exige on the road?

9

Have both…sell the S pick up a CSL (less than any ad price, someone will bite your hand off) THEN repurchase a std Exige on a 54 plate and have the best of both worlds…I know the outlay is more but nows the time to buy - Mod-away my friend!

10

Some interesting views here, thanks chaps.

Neil - I too have heard the brakes need sorting. I’m off to Combe on Saturday and there is a CSL going so I will try and get a ride

GDR - I looked at 996 and 997 GT3’s but as you say, they are going to be pricey to run. Can’t beat the Exige there!

Stavros - another good point on running costs. BMW servicing isn’t good price wise!

Sean - good question. I don’t feel I do less that I want to, or would do more in another car - I kind of just bear it I try and do one every other month. Driving to the Ring and to Spa is my main issue, as these are long drives. CSL seems really suited to that.

I do like the sound of these mirror things though. I use earplugs on a long journey, so that’s covered.

I’m also deciding whether to put my name down for the Nissan GTR as a different option! Chalk and cheese to the Lotus, I know :s

11

I’ve owned a CSL and moved to an Exige so can comment.

The CSL is a great car, very similar to a GT3 on running costs, and a superb car for runs to Spa/Ring etc.

BUT,

It’s nowhere near as focused as an Exige, and I think you’d be dissappointed on track. They are very capable, but you won’t get the same level of driver involvement or feedback. You really need to run the CSL on Michelin cup tyres to get the best from it, which are roughly 1k a set, and you’ll go through them pretty quick…same with brake pads.

I miss mine occasionally on the road, but not on track at all.

If all you are using the car for is trackdays (and getting to/from them) then I personally would stick with the Exige.

12

quote
“I think you’d be dissappointed on track”


I dont think you would I have have Both aswell

both great car on track

you would in no way be dissapointed with a CSL on track bar the running costs.

And on the Road the CSL’s 360Bhp puts a smile on your face every time you floor it.

And rembember the CSL is a 7.50 nurburgring car

Porsche and nissan are only just beating those times now and the CSL is 5 years old.


Also MarkyB your quote
“I doubt it would be as quick (bear in mind mine is 250 bhp and probably hits 100 inside 10 seconds)”

I would doubt your car hits sub 10 seconds 100MPh
but a CSL does a 10 second 100Mph and thats with a slow 0-30 due to traction issues
60-100MPh the CSL would be faster than your car.

13

quote
“I think you’d be dissappointed on track”


I dont think you would I have have Both aswell

both great car on track

you would in no way be dissapointed with a CSL on track bar the running costs.

And on the Road the CSL’s 360Bhp puts a smile on your face every time you floor it.

And rembember the CSL is a 7.50 nurburgring car

Porsche and nissan are only just beating those times now and the CSL is 5 years old.


Also MarkyB your quote
“I doubt it would be as quick (bear in mind mine is 250 bhp and probably hits 100 inside 10 seconds)”

I would doubt your car hits sub 10 seconds 100MPh
but a CSL does a 10 second 100Mph and thats with a slow 0-30 due to traction issues
60-100MPh the CSL would be faster than your car.

If this forum ever gets to the point of needing a moderator you get my vote

14

Not to get into sprint time battles but the Standard Exige is quoted as anywhere between 9.8 and 11 second.

I have an extra 30 bhp so I am fairly sure it will do it. I might film it

CSL is generally quoted as 11-12.

But as you say, the in gear acceleration is where it counts.

It’s rare I do standing starts but it does give an indication of a car’s ability.

15

quote
“I think you’d be dissappointed on track”


I dont think you would I have have Both aswell

both great car on track

you would in no way be dissapointed with a CSL on track bar the running costs.

And on the Road the CSL’s 360Bhp puts a smile on your face every time you floor it.

And rembember the CSL is a 7.50 nurburgring car

Porsche and nissan are only just beating those times now and the CSL is 5 years old.


Also MarkyB your quote
“I doubt it would be as quick (bear in mind mine is 250 bhp and probably hits 100 inside 10 seconds)”

I would doubt your car hits sub 10 seconds 100MPh
but a CSL does a 10 second 100Mph and thats with a slow 0-30 due to traction issues
60-100MPh the CSL would be faster than your car.

My standard 177bhp S1 exige was as fast as my CSL around Oulton park.

More importantly, it was also at least twice the fun.

The CSL is a superbly capable car as I said, but if you are looking for driver involvement and enjoyment from track days (which is what its all about for me) - then an Exige is way ahead.

For a track-day only car (which is what is being talked about here) an Exige is a far better choice, you really will feel that weight of the CSL on track after an Exige.

All IMHO of course…

Of course, you could always sell your car, and get a CSL for Euro trips and a cheap S1 for UK trackdays. Best of both worlds

16

lol @ quoted times NA 9 seconds to a ton

yes the Elise/exige is the best track car over all
and cheap as cheaps to run one.

but you are dreaming with your Lotus times
also taking into account a Lotus is one of the fastest cars to 30Mph, thats means its even slower 40 -100 Mph range.



and if you look at what Auto car managed in the 270Bhp Exige is was over 12 seconds to 100MPh.(bit strange that one though i thought)

but the Exige S has a proven 11.87 time

When i went side by side in my NA Exige with a SC one its about the same the SC car just seems to feel faster when your driving it.

But a 960Kg S2 with 250Bhp (250 is not that proven either) as dynos can read out what ever you like, is NOT going to be a sub 10 seconds 100Mph car.

not that its a bad car just just not as fast as you may think it is imho.

I have a GPS performance monitor if you want to prove a real time to the forum :wink:

17

I’m not that fussed tbh, jsut wanted to compare it with the CSL.

Book figures are higher for the CSL 0-100.

18

This thread is in danger of going from an interesting thread, to being moved to the muppet show forum.

Agree with the main view of people of who have had both, CSL great for Euro trips to Ring and Spa, hard to beat. But at a cost and the Exige is a better circuit car at less cost and you’ll develop as a better driver.

I have had both.

19

i think you’d need more than 250 bhp in an s2 to get to 100mph in 10 seconds to be fair mate. I would rather have a csl than an s2 exige but id rather have an s1 exige than a csl. I did like davep’s csl but i just think there to expensive for what they are, there twice the price of a normal m3 almost.

20

Ok look, lets drop the 0-100 thing, it’s been taken out of context now and driving the thread off topic.

The consensus seems to be stick with the Exige and buy some of those fancy mirror things and some headphones

The Exige has been really good in terms of running costs (touch wood) it’s actually cost me nowt in terms of wearing parts and it’s been on 4 trackdays, one of which was 2 days at Spa!