Exige vs Elise?? - LotusTalk

Sweet Adrenaline · 07-04-2009, 08:02 PM

Totally in love with the way the Exige looks, but I am wondering: really other than the looks what is the difference in performance and handling...I know that both Elise and Exige are both great driving machines, but not sure which would be the best fit for me...I would primarily use it for Auto X and drives to the mountains.

I'm sure this topic is probably way over done (sorry), but I am new here and was curious...Thanks!

apk919 · 07-04-2009, 08:15 PM

Well Andrea, I may be a bit biased... but seriously, how can an Elise compete with this?

goelise · 07-04-2009, 08:26 PM

Them fightin' words Lotus brother!

apk919 · 07-04-2009, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goelise

Them fightin' words Lotus brother!

I do love that pic...

Sweet Adrenaline · 07-04-2009, 08:40 PM

Still not making it easy for me (great pix BTW)...I guess a test drive is in order, considering my only experience driving (AutoX) is a Noble M400.

apk919 · 07-04-2009, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweet Adrenaline

Still not making it easy for me (great pix BTW)...I guess a test drive is in order, considering my only experience driving (AutoX) is a Noble M400.

Seriously, there's much more variation in mods than there is between the Elise and the Exige... so each car you consider has to be carefully compared based upon engine, suspension, aero, brake components, weight reduction, etc.

...m... · 07-04-2009, 10:08 PM

...performance wise, with similar suspension and powertrain set-ups, they're essentially the same car - the elise is a little faster in a straight line, the exige is a little faster through the turns, but those differences are negligible compared to driver ability...

...the exige carries more of a hard racecar poise, the elise more of a touring roadster poise - i suggest basing your decision primarily on which character best suits your desired role for the car...

LouieLaguna · 07-04-2009, 10:11 PM

His question is a great one...
At the end of the day...they ARE the same car. One has a 'fixed' roof and the other doesn't. The Exige doesn't have any more inherent performance vs the Elise. Yes, the Exige comes out of the box (mostly) with more hard core stuff...but, nothing that you can't easily bolt one the Elise. Heck, even the modern SC stuff you can bolt on the Elise makes it equal to (if not greater) vs a 260S etc in terms of sheer numbers.

If anything the Exige is the less practical and street worthy (thus, cooler) of the 2. If you are going to drive the car mostly off track...the Elise is the better way to go.

Oh...not to mention there area a crap load more Elises making then better used car bargins. I look at the 260S (a gorgeous beast to be sure) and think to myself how much it would cost to 'create' the same car dynamically with your starting point being a $30k Elise. All in...maybe...if you shop a bit...$15k?

cokey · 07-04-2009, 10:24 PM

how is the elise faster in the straights if the exige has more power?

and whats your basis of saying the elise would be better suited for track use?

cokey · 07-04-2009, 10:25 PM

or are you basing that off of he didn't say an exige s?

DaveR · 07-04-2009, 10:27 PM

The BIGGEST difference....other than the rear view, the ease of the removable roof, and the availability of a soft top is.......oh and a supercharger is..........areodynamics!!!! The Exige at 100mph creates a downforce force of 100lb.....same speeds with the Elise is 14lb. Ask yourself this question.....'Am I going to track this car??'..... If not....then both models will suit you. Its the style you perfer. Both are track worthy dont get me wrong....It just comes down to what your needs and style are.....

.....oh P.S......The Elise can be made to be supercharged.....'05 and up.

kmt63 · 07-04-2009, 11:37 PM

when i bought my 06 elise.it was all i could afford at the time.i really wanted the exige.i like the extra room in the engine bay.they come with a rear wing and front splitter.better seats.among many other improvements.

RoadDad · 07-04-2009, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LouieLaguna

One has a 'fixed' roof and the other doesn't.

Neither roof is "fixed." They are both removable in the exact same manner, take the same time to take off, take the same time to put on.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LouieLaguna

If anything the Exige is the less practical and street worthy (thus, cooler) of the 2.

In what way exactly is the Exige less practical? The smaller boot? Lack of rear view? They have the same interior space/layout, ingress/egress...

In what way exactly is the Exige less street worthy? Why exactly is it cooler to be less street worthy?

Quote:

Originally Posted by cokey

how is the elise faster in the straights if the exige has more power?

The Elise has a slightly faster top speed than the NA Exige due to the drag created by the Exige wing. Otherwise it is not "faster in the straights."

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveR

the ease of the removable roof, and the availability of a soft top is.......

Again, both share the same ease of removal and installation.

The soft top is available for the Exige either through a dealer or often sold here on the forum. Once the Exige soft top conversion is done, it is the same as the Elise.

sleepe · 07-05-2009, 12:35 AM

Other than the differing clams, the two cars are essentially identical underneath. The mods really differentiate the two cars.

The major difference is in aerodynamics.
-Robert

PARKERTE · 07-05-2009, 04:15 AM

Well, The Exige is geared more for track duty as we all know ( on this BB ) but I recently had a 08' Exige 240S pull up to my basically stock '05 Elise with A048's/Sport Wheels, Track sport ECU, 11 lb AGM battery. I was'nt going to race him , but he revved it, so I dumped the clutch and power shifted and took off about 3 car lengths ahead and let off the gas before he wailed past me hearing his supercharger kick in. He had 50 more HP, and more weight. Put it this way, Throw Mario Andretti in a stock Elise, and he'll most likely beat any novice driver with an Exige on the Track, it's about driving skills when the cars are closely matched. Elise = Road and Track Exige = Track Performance edge over Elise

...m... · 07-05-2009, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoadDad

The Elise has a slightly faster top speed than the NA Exige due to the drag created by the Exige wing. Otherwise it is not "faster in the straights."

...the elise is 50-100 pounds lighter and offers less drag and downforce; the exige is 50-100 pounds heavier and offers more drag and downforce, QED...

...still, those differences are nominal, really, in light of the potential for aftermarket modifications...supercharged exiges are available with a factory intercooler, but aftermarket forced injection and intercooling solutions outperform them and are readily installed in both cars, likewise aftermarket aerodynamics, suspension, weight reduction, and the like...

...the elise wins out on visibility while the exige wins out on engine bay space, but again both limitations can be remedied somewhat via aftermarket modifications...

...really it's a matter of stylisitic preference more than anything else - for myself, as a street car, i prefer the open-glass visibility and less-encumbering deck lid of the elise boot, plus its open-air styling feels more classic in my mind, but for others, as a track car, they'll prefer the enclosed-cockpit structure and more-encompassing rear hatch of the exige boot, plus its race-focused styling will feel more extreme in their minds...horses for courses, really, but in the end they're essentially the same car...

(personally, i think anyone who's sold on the exige is best-served by a 2006 naturally-aspirated model, modified to taste, but individual needs may vary)

Tyger · 07-05-2009, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweet Adrenaline

Still not making it easy for me (great pix BTW)...I guess a test drive is in order, considering my only experience driving (AutoX) is a Noble M400.

I think autoX (and driving in general) is a lot more fun in an open car.

If you're not really going to track the car (not talking autoX), I'd get the Elise, unless you're really in love with that Exige look (I'm not).

goelise · 07-05-2009, 07:48 AM

Seriously - you cannot go wrong with either. Test drive both and see/feel the differences yourself. Its a very subjective choice, both cars are very similar and driver skill can make up for advantages one might have over the other on paper. Nothing stops you from modding one to be 'faster' than the other. How much are you willing to $pend?

Good luck in your decision, and welcome to the insanity!

Quote:

Originally Posted by apk919

I do love that pic...

Yours too!

ducboy · 07-05-2009, 09:50 AM

Take the one that moves you. It's raining now, so it's time to put the top back on my Exige

drken · 07-05-2009, 09:53 AM

I've driven both, but I bought the Exige 240S.
I personally prefer factory mods to homegrown, just my personal preference after experimenting with my 952 with larger turbo, intercoolers, etc. and then finally realizing the wisdom of Porsche factory mods based on racing experience and development.
If you’re planning to drive the car at the limits, the Exige will reward you with a little more due to it’s larger performance envelope.
Hands down, it’s the best driver’s car I’ve ever owned compared to the other great European marques with real racing heritage.

07-04-2009, 08:02 PM	#1 (permalink)
Sweet Adrenaline Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: San Diego, California Posts: 313	Exige vs Elise?? Totally in love with the way the Exige looks, but I am wondering: really other than the looks what is the difference in performance and handling...I know that both Elise and Exige are both great driving machines, but not sure which would be the best fit for me...I would primarily use it for Auto X and drives to the mountains. I'm sure this topic is probably way over done (sorry), but I am new here and was curious...Thanks! __________________ There are a number of mechanical devices which increase sexual arousal, particularly in women. Chief among these is the Noble M400.

07-04-2009, 08:15 PM	#2 (permalink)
apk919 User Restricted By ΑDMIΝ Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Limbo Posts: 6,280 Images: 20	Well Andrea, I may be a bit biased... but seriously, how can an Elise compete with this? __________________ * 2009 Lotus Challenge Series Rookie Of The Year * (Thanks Jim, Tom, Jack, Rob & Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch!) My videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/apk919

07-04-2009, 08:26 PM	#3 (permalink)
goelise AR #1275 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Midwest, USA Posts: 2,527 Images: 1	Them fightin' words Lotus brother! __________________ '06 Ardent Red Elise - black interior with LSS, Touring, HT, Starshield, Lotus Sport Clutch, Moroso Oil Pan, 2ZZ(#2), Ekological HIDs, Lotus Driving Lights, Stebel Horn, Bootie, Razo '06 Pedal mod,Snorkel Delete,Odyssey 680 with s111 bracket. Future Mods:LETSLA (ordered), Rear toe link brace Thank you FVMC! WOO-HOO!

07-04-2009, 08:40 PM	#5 (permalink)
Sweet Adrenaline Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: San Diego, California Posts: 313	Still not making it easy for me (great pix BTW)...I guess a test drive is in order, considering my only experience driving (AutoX) is a Noble M400. __________________ There are a number of mechanical devices which increase sexual arousal, particularly in women. Chief among these is the Noble M400.

07-04-2009, 10:08 PM	#7 (permalink)
...m... Denuo Volatilis Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,715	...performance wise, with similar suspension and powertrain set-ups, they're essentially the same car - the elise is a little faster in a straight line, the exige is a little faster through the turns, but those differences are negligible compared to driver ability... ...the exige carries more of a hard racecar poise, the elise more of a touring roadster poise - i suggest basing your decision primarily on which character best suits your desired role for the car... __________________ 2005 Federal Elise \| Touring \| Storm Titanium ...73,000 miles and aging beautifully... 2000 New Beetle \| Turbo \| Reflex Silver ...107,000 miles of steadfast service... Last edited by ...m... : 07-04-2009 at 10:26 PM.

07-04-2009, 10:11 PM	#8 (permalink)
LouieLaguna Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 51	His question is a great one... At the end of the day...they ARE the same car. One has a 'fixed' roof and the other doesn't. The Exige doesn't have any more inherent performance vs the Elise. Yes, the Exige comes out of the box (mostly) with more hard core stuff...but, nothing that you can't easily bolt one the Elise. Heck, even the modern SC stuff you can bolt on the Elise makes it equal to (if not greater) vs a 260S etc in terms of sheer numbers. If anything the Exige is the less practical and street worthy (thus, cooler) of the 2. If you are going to drive the car mostly off track...the Elise is the better way to go. Oh...not to mention there area a crap load more Elises making then better used car bargins. I look at the 260S (a gorgeous beast to be sure) and think to myself how much it would cost to 'create' the same car dynamically with your starting point being a $30k Elise. All in...maybe...if you shop a bit...$15k?

07-04-2009, 10:24 PM	#9 (permalink)
cokey i'm fast Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: brooklyn ny Posts: 317	how is the elise faster in the straights if the exige has more power? and whats your basis of saying the elise would be better suited for track use? __________________ BMW steel grey 04' neon srt4 ???hp ???ft lbs pulled the motor myself n rebuilt it.. got my baby back and its running strong. here for the love of the Elise, Exige and gaining the knowledge before I can get my own... my car.. http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f152...ny-pics-62883/

07-04-2009, 10:25 PM	#10 (permalink)
cokey i'm fast Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: brooklyn ny Posts: 317	or are you basing that off of he didn't say an exige s? __________________ BMW steel grey 04' neon srt4 ???hp ???ft lbs pulled the motor myself n rebuilt it.. got my baby back and its running strong. here for the love of the Elise, Exige and gaining the knowledge before I can get my own... my car.. http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f152...ny-pics-62883/

07-04-2009, 10:27 PM	#11 (permalink)
DaveR Rothrock Lotus Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Springfield, PA Posts: 182	The BIGGEST difference....other than the rear view, the ease of the removable roof, and the availability of a soft top is.......oh and a supercharger is..........areodynamics!!!! The Exige at 100mph creates a downforce force of 100lb.....same speeds with the Elise is 14lb. Ask yourself this question.....'Am I going to track this car??'..... If not....then both models will suit you. Its the style you perfer. Both are track worthy dont get me wrong....It just comes down to what your needs and style are..........oh P.S......The Elise can be made to be supercharged.....'05 and up. Last edited by DaveR : 07-04-2009 at 10:42 PM.

07-04-2009, 11:37 PM	#12 (permalink)
kmt63 Elise Driver Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: vancouver wa Posts: 380 Images: 2	when i bought my 06 elise.it was all i could afford at the time.i really wanted the exige.i like the extra room in the engine bay.they come with a rear wing and front splitter.better seats.among many other improvements. __________________ rls west~nci motor sports fabrication

07-05-2009, 12:35 AM	#14 (permalink)
sleepe Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Rehoboth Beach, DE Posts: 1,049	Other than the differing clams, the two cars are essentially identical underneath. The mods really differentiate the two cars. The major difference is in aerodynamics. -Robert __________________ Elise'06ST:RAC/r888-Ultradiscs-Larini 8"-Braille-Saikou Michi cans-Nitron sportpro-RTVbrace-widened undertrays-manly's motor inserts-FF engine damper VF2

07-05-2009, 04:15 AM	#15 (permalink)
PARKERTE Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Southeast Michigan Posts: 45	Elise Vrs Exige Well, The Exige is geared more for track duty as we all know ( on this BB ) but I recently had a 08' Exige 240S pull up to my basically stock '05 Elise with A048's/Sport Wheels, Track sport ECU, 11 lb AGM battery. I was'nt going to race him , but he revved it, so I dumped the clutch and power shifted and took off about 3 car lengths ahead and let off the gas before he wailed past me hearing his supercharger kick in. He had 50 more HP, and more weight. Put it this way, Throw Mario Andretti in a stock Elise, and he'll most likely beat any novice driver with an Exige on the Track, it's about driving skills when the cars are closely matched. Elise = Road and Track Exige = Track Performance edge over Elise

07-05-2009, 09:50 AM	#19 (permalink)
ducboy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: St. Louis Posts: 167 Images: 1	Take the one that moves you. It's raining now, so it's time to put the top back on my Exige __________________ 1996 Ducati 916 Strada Nichols Flywheel, Motowheels Slipper clutch, Arrow Titanium Exhaust, lots of CF bits 2007 Exige S265 PoB, Touring, Track, TC, LSD, SS, Gotham tune, Larini 6" Club Sport, Sector eliminator; 55W DDM HID; Manly Motor Mounts, Carbon Splitter, Braille, Sector Tow Hooks, Multivex 2008 VW Rabbit 2.5 (daily driver) 2008 Ford F-150 5.7 4x4 (hauler)

07-05-2009, 09:53 AM	#20 (permalink)
drken Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 56	I've driven both, but I bought the Exige 240S. I personally prefer factory mods to homegrown, just my personal preference after experimenting with my 952 with larger turbo, intercoolers, etc. and then finally realizing the wisdom of Porsche factory mods based on racing experience and development. If you’re planning to drive the car at the limits, the Exige will reward you with a little more due to it’s larger performance envelope. Hands down, it’s the best driver’s car I’ve ever owned compared to the other great European marques with real racing heritage.

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