Interesting Elise comparison test - LotusTalk

NJdrool · 06-25-2008, 08:59 AM

F430 vs Elise vs Dodge Caliber vs Mustang GT500

ransackman · 06-25-2008, 09:42 AM

WTF is a dodge calibre?

snuggles1 · 06-25-2008, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJdrool

F430 vs Elise vs Dodge Caliber vs Mustang GT500

What a good writeup - I'm going to start reading these guys more often. I like the way they present the info, and they have a clear "emperor-has-no-clothes-approach" which I value. Thanks!

jhnmdahl · 06-25-2008, 10:01 AM

Looks like the Mustang GT500 has 500+ horsepower put to the ground with 285/40ZR18 rear tires. Wonder why the put it up against a 190hp variant of the Lotus instead of an Exige 240, which at least approaches half the horsepower...

JUNGLISTluder · 06-25-2008, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhnmdahl

Looks like the Mustang GT500 has 500+ horsepower put to the ground with 285/40ZR18 rear tires. Wonder why the put it up against a 190hp variant of the Lotus instead of an Exige 240, which at least approaches half the horsepower...

+1

Looks like a supercharged Lotus would have destroyed everyone!

Mr. Know · 06-25-2008, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhnmdahl

Looks like the Mustang GT500 has 500+ horsepower put to the ground with 285/40ZR18 rear tires. Wonder why the put it up against a 190hp variant of the Lotus instead of an Exige 240, which at least approaches half the horsepower...

I'm really tired of comparos that pit the best production car vs the entry level car...not saying the Elise is a bad entry point...but there are 3 other variants which all have more power.

snuggles1 · 06-25-2008, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Know

I'm really tired of comparos that pit the best production car vs the entry level car...not saying the Elise is a bad entry point...but there are 3 other variants which all have more power.

such a fair point ...at least R & T did that run last year of the Exige S vs. the AMG. They should at least mention that this is the basic Elise. The way they presented other info was good tho, esp. on the Ferrari.

Chili Red · 06-25-2008, 10:55 AM

An Exige S should brake into the 1:40's on that track. My first track day ever was at MSR Houston and I was pulling 111MPH (traqmate verified) on the same straight they were only able to get 106. Take into consideration that I was also slow coming out of the turn before that. I'm guessing a really good driver could be closer to 115 in an Exige S on the same straight.

The sad part is my best time on that track is 1:56, but I should be in the low 1:50's on my next visit as my driving has improved considerably..

Cali · 06-25-2008, 11:18 AM

This line from the article says it all: "It [the Elise] feels more like a true race car than any of the other cars in our test, and if that’s important to you, perhaps the Elise is your winner."

Yes, it's important to us...

ojars · 06-25-2008, 04:51 PM

loved the article!

interesting subjective comparison.

the statistics of the times are dubious. these things ought to be done properly for comparisons to have meaning.

slope · 06-25-2008, 05:16 PM

I enjoyed the article and liked how it was written. It had some pretty funny observations. I especially liked the line about all of the millionaires on ferrari chat.

Aedo · 06-25-2008, 05:42 PM

Great fun article! Thanks for the link!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhnmdahl

Looks like the Mustang GT500 has 500+ horsepower put to the ground with 285/40ZR18 rear tires. Wonder why the put it up against a 190hp variant of the Lotus instead of an Exige 240, which at least approaches half the horsepower...

And as to why the base Elise? Simple - it wasn't the test they had planned that day but there just happened to be an F430 and an Elise - so the test cars weren't selected by design but but opportunity!

Mr. Know · 06-25-2008, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aedo

And as to why the base Elise? Simple - it wasn't the test they had planned that day but there just happened to be an F430 and an Elise - so the test cars weren't selected by design but but opportunity!

I wasn't referring to this test in particular, as they do explain it in the article. I'm speaking in general...they always test the top of the heap from an automaker against the lower end of the power spectrum Lotus. For example, test a base Corvettte vs. an N/A Elise vs. a base Mustang (I'm certain the price points are all very close) and see who shines.

Aedo · 06-25-2008, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Know

I wasn't referring to this test in particular, as they do explain it in the article. I'm speaking in general...they always test the top of the heap from an automaker against the lower end of the power spectrum Lotus. For example, test a base Corvettte vs. an N/A Elise vs. a base Mustang (I'm certain the price points are all very close) and see who shines.

Your point is completely valid - I was simply posting as most comments were essentially "why did they test the base model?" - did they read the article or simply look at the result?

06-25-2008, 08:59 AM	#1 (permalink)
NJdrool Finally Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 455	Interesting Elise comparison test F430 vs Elise vs Dodge Caliber vs Mustang GT500 __________________ Bob in NJ 06 Sport Elise # 23 Stage II/Micromirror/Green wire mod/S111 tow hook/BWR front plate holder/Green filter/desnorkled/HID's-Hi & Low/Stealth Bulbs.

06-25-2008, 10:55 AM	#8 (permalink)
Chili Red Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 2,105	An Exige S should brake into the 1:40's on that track. My first track day ever was at MSR Houston and I was pulling 111MPH (traqmate verified) on the same straight they were only able to get 106. Take into consideration that I was also slow coming out of the turn before that. I'm guessing a really good driver could be closer to 115 in an Exige S on the same straight. The sad part is my best time on that track is 1:56, but I should be in the low 1:50's on my next visit as my driving has improved considerably.. __________________ 2007 Exige S - Chili Red 2009 Mini Cooper S - Chili Red Gotham 265, Nitron Sport Pro, Moroso oil pan, RTVBrace, Volk CE28N/R888, Cup Wheels/A048, 2Bular Ultra 4", Rapfix II w/ Sparco P300, S111 CF Splitter, Ultradiscs, Pagid RS42, V-Force Harness Bar, Schroth PROFI II, Fire Extinguisher, Folding Tow Hook, Odyssey PC680, re-ENFORCER, LLumar 30% tint, Traqmate, DashDAQ, Chasecam, Alpine IVA-D100 w/ Backup Camera. Last edited by Chili Red : 06-25-2008 at 11:06 AM.

06-25-2008, 11:18 AM	#9 (permalink)
Cali Shish Kebab Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 785	This line from the article says it all: "It [the Elise] feels more like a true race car than any of the other cars in our test, and if that’s important to you, perhaps the Elise is your winner." Yes, it's important to us... __________________ "Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?" - George Carlin

06-25-2008, 04:51 PM	#10 (permalink)
ojars Michigan Heavy Metal Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Delray Beach, FL -- Louisville, CO Posts: 171	loved the article! interesting subjective comparison. the statistics of the times are dubious. these things ought to be done properly for comparisons to have meaning. __________________ Storm Titanium, Touring Package (Biscuit), Star Shield 01-Jun-05 delivery mods -- removal of driver's sun shade, Multivex mirrors, CIPA 31000 rear view mirror + adaptor, battery tender

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06-25-2008, 09:42 AM	#2 (permalink)
ransackman retarted user Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 573	WTF is a dodge calibre?

06-25-2008, 10:01 AM	#4 (permalink)
jhnmdahl Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 779	Looks like the Mustang GT500 has 500+ horsepower put to the ground with 285/40ZR18 rear tires. Wonder why the put it up against a 190hp variant of the Lotus instead of an Exige 240, which at least approaches half the horsepower...

06-25-2008, 05:16 PM	#11 (permalink)
slope Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: florida Posts: 484	I enjoyed the article and liked how it was written. It had some pretty funny observations. I especially liked the line about all of the millionaires on ferrari chat.

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