2005 vs 2006 Elise

[cbfischer]

the 06 seats are more comfortable then the 05, i know i have sat in both for extended periods.

[Obsidian]

Many of these decisions come down to personal preference.

Stating any of this stuff about seats/light appearance/LSD so mater-of-fact is a bit juvenile. I'm probably wider than the average Elise driver and I find the Probax seats more constraining shoulder-to-shoulder than the stock ‘05 seats. I’ve driven 300 miles with only one stop for gas and the seats and my rear were fine.

As was already stated the third (center) break light is LED on all Federal Elise models.

If I were buying a car right now I'd look for an early model '05 (for the dual oil-coolers) or just buy a used '05 and have new Nitron adjustable shocks put in. The other options don't make THAT much difference to the car to influence my personal decision.

[elise/europa]

I have a 2006, here in Canada, the 2005 was not avalaible.

If you want in the future to modify the car, buy a 2005. The 2006 is a pain of the ass since a lot of thing are not available at the moment, if it will in the future, like ECU modification for lower cam shifting rpm, or maybe a stupid thing like a cruise control.

Fly by wire look cool, but it is unnecessay item, and by for modification.

Other than that, like seat, light, your call...

[LARRY]

'05's rock!

What a GREAT year to buy a Lotus!

[brgelise]

Hum, 2ft. $$8K DUH!!! Just reviewed this old thread and had to laugh. I love my 2005 seats. I love the fact that I got a earlier 2005 sport with the dual oil coolers ( now this is something truly useful if you track the car) Pedal adjustment wasn't that tough and is set up for optimal performance at the track where braking will cause a deeper pedal than street. Downshifting on the street is "cool" but largely unnecessary. I make a habit out of kicking "cool" asses at the track routinely. Nuff said. Off to more monkey for real info today.

[rhythmmarketing]

Now I am more cofused than ever! what i really want to know is does the traction control make it a more trackable car? meaning get the 06. or not that big of deal get the 05 and stick the spare money into mods?

[ewalberg]

look up traction control threads to get a better sense for what it does (not much)... it's not Stability Control, which is what really makes a difference for keeping your butt on the road. All it does is cut throttle when it senses wheel spin, which mostly only kicks in when you're laying down too much power... which doesn't seem to really be an issue with a naturally aspirated elise unless you're in the rain... and i can still get my butt to come out so it's not even that sensitive.

I however do like the the LSD... i like LSD becuase it helps inside wheel spin, and i only realised i was getting it becuase i could feel the TC kick in time to time on tight turns at medium throttle on bumpy roads... and now i run all season tires so it's easier to break a tire loose so the LSD comes in even handier at keeping the power flowing... (all things considered though it's a hoot to drive no matter what, i can't imagine LSD making a whole lot of difference one way or the other unless it's for competition, (and then i sounds like it still depends on what kind of competition and what your setup is for it to even be a value). i've got it, i like what it does for me in my daily driver tires, but if i my car didn't have it i would still have bought it for it's other specs.)

[Surferjer]

I often turn the T/C off, but I love having a LSD. I have a late 2005 with every option offered.