What to get: NSX, 355, or Esprit V8 - LotusTalk

shawncweed · 07-10-2007, 10:55 AM

Got a question for the assembled masses...

I am sitting here in Iraq for the 3rd time in 4 and a half years and am pondering what toy to get when I get back. When I came back in 2003 I bought a 2.2lr Honda S2000 which I still have...I love that car, it is well built, quick, and I like the full convertible aspect. In 2005 when I came back for the second time, I bought a Lotus Elise...Not as well built as the S2000, but even more fun to drive and looks great. Well this time when I get back I want to trade in my S2000 and get a new toy. I am willing to spend about 60k and have narrowed down my search to either a 2003 NSX, a 2003 Esprit V8, or 1998 Ferrari 355. My question is, I like the looks of the Esprit, but have never sat in, let alone driven one. Can any of you comment on how it compares to the other cars I mentioned? How is vision out of it? Maintenance? I have heard mixed things too about the transmission and shifter...? Any first hand comments would be much appreciated. Again, from what i have read, the Esprit's performance is greater than the others, but how is it to live with?

Thanks in advance.

LTC Shawn Weed
3rd Infantry Division
Baghdad, Iraq

Moto44 · 07-10-2007, 11:15 AM

I've driven and strongly considered both the 355 and the Esprit. However, neither car lives up to the fun factor of the Elise. Still, I would likely own one of them in addition to the Elise if it weren't for the cost of maintenance.

The cost of maintaining a 355 or an Esprit puts you squarely in the maintenance bracket of a full exotic. You get into dropping engines to replace clutches that wear out quickly and lots of niggly items that require regular attention.

Good luck with your decision.

JimK · 07-10-2007, 11:23 AM

NSX will be the least expensive to maintain and probably the most reliable daily driver. Not sure a F-355 is much faster than a 3.2 liter 6-speed NSX, Esprit definately the fastest of all 3.
BTW, thanks for protecting our freedom, sir. Godspeed.

Chris Mackey · 07-10-2007, 11:23 AM

I have nothing to offer in response to your question, but THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE!

Moto44 · 07-10-2007, 11:27 AM

I can also add that 60k will buy you a much nicer and newer Esprit than a 355.

PhlypSide · 07-10-2007, 11:40 AM

All spectacular cars when running.

Ferrari? You got $10-$12K sitting around everytime a major service comes up?
Esprit V8? Sorry but even though it's a Lotus this widely known as a "high maintenance" car

If you want to spend time driving and not waiting on the car at the shop (or wrenching on it yourself)?

2003 NSX.

And again thank you and the men and women in your division for serving over there. Come home safely!

flyguyskt · 07-10-2007, 11:50 AM

NSX...it may be my next car too.

shawncweed · 07-10-2007, 12:06 PM

Also...I have heard about issues with the transmissions on the Esprit...that the shift linkage was "notchy." Is this really an issue or just a slight annoyance you just get used to. The shifter on the S2000 is a perfect as one I have seen, and it took a while to get used to the one on the Elise, but while it was different, after a while I just seem to get used to it.

Lastly, the Exige S is in our price range...but when my wife went to look at it she said that just as it looks in the pictures, the rearward vision in entirely blocked. How is this to drive on the street? It seems it would drive you nuts, but like my father in laws old camper, I am wondering do you just get used to it.

Thanks

S

shawncweed · 07-10-2007, 12:08 PM

Thanks too for the kind words...I am daily humbled by the sacrifices these young kids make day in and day out. They are indeed America's finest.

Cegan09 · 07-10-2007, 12:26 PM

My vote is for the NSX. I absolutely love that car. I was at lime Rock park over the weekend for the American Le Mans Series race and they did a parade around the track with about 8 of them. Every time i see one i want one. Good luck with the decision.

And as the others have said, thank you for your service.

carl · 07-10-2007, 12:32 PM

Shawn, I had a 91nsx and a 95 F355 and some seat time in the Esprit turbo. The nsx is a great all around car not a lot of low end but it’s something you can use every day plus they are also fun at the track. The 355 is no better in real performance and has some big money problems (valve guides and headers) plus you get the Ferrari discount on all parts I.E $45 spark plugs. The Esprit turbo is not as user friendly as the NSX nor as good of a car but you can pump it up more easily. LTC is a lieutenant colonel? good luck carl

JeffYoung · 07-10-2007, 12:41 PM

Had a 93.5 Esprit. Sold it and got an Exige, but not after looking at a 328, a 348 (355 out of my price range), the NSX, a Z06 and early Esprit V8s.

If you get a later Esprit V8, it's probably (to me anyway) the best combination of exotic practicality you can get in that price range. Honestly, the NSX (and all Porsches in that range) didn't feel that much different from a BMW or Acura sedan. To me. The 328 was a great car, but maintenance scared me away and 348s are to be avoided at all costs (355s are great cars).

The V8 is reliable if kept up, you just have to make sure you go easy on the tranny and that the liners were done (if pre 98). Other than that, you may be replacing stuff, but it won't be outrageously expensive.

I wouldn't mod the car either, lots of folks do but I think you are asking for trouble with that tranny and the non-intercooled motor.

PM me if you want to discuss more.

shawncweed · 07-10-2007, 12:44 PM

Carl,

First off, yes, LTC is Lieutenant Colonel...took a while since I came in as a private in the early 1980s...

Second, you made me laugh pretty hard with the "Ferrari Discount" deal...took me a second to catch on...is that right? $45 bones for a freaking spark plug? I knew it would be expensive, but that blew me away...

I haven't even begun to think about the insurance aspect...but my wife seems to make all those things happen magically...

Any insight on the Exige S? I love the idea of that car, but the not ebing able to see out the back seems like a deal breaker...

I am rooting for the Esprit...seems like while the NSX is probably a better car logically, the Esprit has more personality...but the personality goes only so far...My TR6 had personality...but also left me straned in more tiny North carolina towns than I can remember!

Thanks again

S

JeffYoung · 07-10-2007, 12:57 PM

I'm driving a TR6 every day these days................and yes, I am crazy....

The Exige (don't have the S) is not too bad to see out of. You just use the side mirrors (the rear is useless even in the N/A Exige). The only time I've had issues have been in parking lots, and there I just stop and get out and look.

Esprits are great cars. Everyone should have one once I think. You will tire of it, but a great experience while it lasts. The F355, not so sure about. Great sound but I just wasn't bowled over by it (I actually liked the 328 driving experience better).

No knock on the NSX guys, great car, just very Honda like.

carl · 07-10-2007, 01:08 PM

Shawn, I now have a exige s had a elise also. the s has some low end but on the track its not any faster and both of my cars were set up the same. You need to remember these are not real cars there great track cars or weekend back road drivers. The thing with them is theres always something to take care of i do my own work so its ok but if you have to count on someone else could be a pain. If your going to track the car you can get a like new s for low to mid 50s. And the rear view is fine with the side mirrors and the multivex over lays. When are you coming back to the states? carl

PhlypSide · 07-10-2007, 01:09 PM

Exige S = no visibility out of the rear window, get a camera/tv setup.

Personally? If you've already got an Elise, consider getting a Bemani supercharger kit installed. Very liveable/reliable and you'll have more power than an S to begin with

Else I'd start looking for the NSX, much easier for the Mrs. to get into and out of as well.

I was also looking at 01+ NSXs instead of Lotus cars, but ended up here heheh.

P90Puma · 07-10-2007, 01:13 PM

www.nsxfiles.com

Owns both a NSX and a F355.

Mainly
http://www.nsxfiles.com/fcar.htm

Slightly out of date now. Last I read Doug is selling the 355 and picking up an Exige S. But he has gotten years and years use out of the 355.

Goose · 07-10-2007, 01:21 PM

Another "thank you" from me as well, Colonel. Please be sure to pass well wishes on to other soldiers over there...

I'd also recommend the NSX. Although not as "exotic" as the Esprit/355, as others have said, it's definitely the practical choice. I'm personally familiar with both the Esprit and the NSX, and believe me, you'll fare much better with the Acura.

Be patient and selective when shopping for an NSX. Unfortunately, many NSX owners modify their cars; many times such "improvements" are awful. Hold out for a low-milage unmodified one - they are out there. Try "NSX Prime" on the web for info. Hope this helps.

deddie · 07-10-2007, 01:28 PM

Based on the three options: NSX. However, if I was spending $60k on a 2 seater sports car I would get an Exige S.

Viggen · 07-10-2007, 01:52 PM

If you have VERY deep pockets it's a no-brainer for me.... the F355 would be what I would own. However paying $300-400 for 8 spark plugs and a oil filter isn't something that I can afford. A few weeks ago I stopped by a local european car shop just to say hi to a few people there, a F355 was up on the lift. As it turned out the owner had the car serviced 1.5 hrs away at a ferarri dealership & I cannot remember what they fixed, waterpump or something like that which equaled $7500 due to requiring the engine to be removed. Then 5 days later something else went out on the car which again required the engine to be removed & was probably going to have another $7K ish bill.... beautifull car but DAM are they pricey to maintain

I have always been a Esprit fan but driving a old saab I am so tired of owning a car with a weak trans that cannot take the power the engine can turn out. If I had the finds for a Esprit I would probably throw a new ZO6 motor in the car with a Porsche G50 or newer trans. More then likely I would drive the dam thing untill the trans &/or motor blew up then I would do the swap

NSX.... these cars have always been so boring to me just like about everything else from Japan however they are reliable & handle extremely well.

If you want something that is comfortble & affordable all while being slightly on the exotic side the NSX is pretty hard to beat. It is something that you could easily drive daily & not worry about being straned or having extremely high repairs. I would get the esprit though..... even if it's for a year or 2

If you broaden your choices the exige or like others state just slap a turbo or supercharger on your elise. More then likely when I can finally afford a sports car that is the route I will go

07-10-2007, 10:55 AM	#1 (permalink)
shawncweed Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 33	What to get: NSX, 355, or Esprit V8 Got a question for the assembled masses... I am sitting here in Iraq for the 3rd time in 4 and a half years and am pondering what toy to get when I get back. When I came back in 2003 I bought a 2.2lr Honda S2000 which I still have...I love that car, it is well built, quick, and I like the full convertible aspect. In 2005 when I came back for the second time, I bought a Lotus Elise...Not as well built as the S2000, but even more fun to drive and looks great. Well this time when I get back I want to trade in my S2000 and get a new toy. I am willing to spend about 60k and have narrowed down my search to either a 2003 NSX, a 2003 Esprit V8, or 1998 Ferrari 355. My question is, I like the looks of the Esprit, but have never sat in, let alone driven one. Can any of you comment on how it compares to the other cars I mentioned? How is vision out of it? Maintenance? I have heard mixed things too about the transmission and shifter...? Any first hand comments would be much appreciated. Again, from what i have read, the Esprit's performance is greater than the others, but how is it to live with? Thanks in advance. LTC Shawn Weed 3rd Infantry Division Baghdad, Iraq

07-10-2007, 11:15 AM	#2 (permalink)
Moto44 Back in the Saddle Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,802	I've driven and strongly considered both the 355 and the Esprit. However, neither car lives up to the fun factor of the Elise. Still, I would likely own one of them in addition to the Elise if it weren't for the cost of maintenance. The cost of maintaining a 355 or an Esprit puts you squarely in the maintenance bracket of a full exotic. You get into dropping engines to replace clutches that wear out quickly and lots of niggly items that require regular attention. Good luck with your decision. __________________ If nobody ever died doing it, how much fun could it be?

07-10-2007, 11:23 AM	#3 (permalink)
JimK rooster Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bettendorf, IA Posts: 2,142	NSX will be the least expensive to maintain and probably the most reliable daily driver. Not sure a F-355 is much faster than a 3.2 liter 6-speed NSX, Esprit definately the fastest of all 3. BTW, thanks for protecting our freedom, sir. Godspeed. __________________ curator of C32B, J35Z3, J37A1, F20C. former 2ZZGE owner.

07-10-2007, 11:23 AM	#4 (permalink)
Chris Mackey Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 2,587	I have nothing to offer in response to your question, but THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE! __________________ 2006 Elise, Ardent Red, Black Pack, LSS wheels, shocks and springs. ChuforiaGraffix.com SDD Lives On! SweetDaddyDelicious(at)hotmail(dot)com

07-10-2007, 11:27 AM	#5 (permalink)
Moto44 Back in the Saddle Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,802	I can also add that 60k will buy you a much nicer and newer Esprit than a 355. __________________ If nobody ever died doing it, how much fun could it be?

07-10-2007, 11:50 AM	#7 (permalink)
flyguyskt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: South Dakota Posts: 1,534	NSX...it may be my next car too. __________________ bourdeaux elise SOLD 2008 toyota yaris hatch...71 volkswagen type 2 with 79 hydraulic type IV 2.0/dual 40 idf webers! faster than a single speed bicycle oh yeah...i apologize in advance to the weak...

07-10-2007, 12:06 PM	#8 (permalink)
shawncweed Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 33	Esprit Transmission Also...I have heard about issues with the transmissions on the Esprit...that the shift linkage was "notchy." Is this really an issue or just a slight annoyance you just get used to. The shifter on the S2000 is a perfect as one I have seen, and it took a while to get used to the one on the Elise, but while it was different, after a while I just seem to get used to it. Lastly, the Exige S is in our price range...but when my wife went to look at it she said that just as it looks in the pictures, the rearward vision in entirely blocked. How is this to drive on the street? It seems it would drive you nuts, but like my father in laws old camper, I am wondering do you just get used to it. Thanks S

07-10-2007, 12:08 PM	#9 (permalink)
shawncweed Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 33	Thanks too for the kind words...I am daily humbled by the sacrifices these young kids make day in and day out. They are indeed America's finest.

07-10-2007, 12:26 PM	#10 (permalink)
Cegan09 Carb novice Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nashua NH Posts: 986	My vote is for the NSX. I absolutely love that car. I was at lime Rock park over the weekend for the American Le Mans Series race and they did a parade around the track with about 8 of them. Every time i see one i want one. Good luck with the decision. And as the others have said, thank you for your service. __________________ 1987 Porsche 924S - Project restarting very soon 1976 Yamaha XS500 '05 Elise - Dads

07-10-2007, 12:32 PM	#11 (permalink)
carl Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 1,050	Shawn, I had a 91nsx and a 95 F355 and some seat time in the Esprit turbo. The nsx is a great all around car not a lot of low end but it’s something you can use every day plus they are also fun at the track. The 355 is no better in real performance and has some big money problems (valve guides and headers) plus you get the Ferrari discount on all parts I.E $45 spark plugs. The Esprit turbo is not as user friendly as the NSX nor as good of a car but you can pump it up more easily. LTC is a lieutenant colonel? good luck carl

07-10-2007, 12:41 PM	#12 (permalink)
JeffYoung Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 837	Had a 93.5 Esprit. Sold it and got an Exige, but not after looking at a 328, a 348 (355 out of my price range), the NSX, a Z06 and early Esprit V8s. If you get a later Esprit V8, it's probably (to me anyway) the best combination of exotic practicality you can get in that price range. Honestly, the NSX (and all Porsches in that range) didn't feel that much different from a BMW or Acura sedan. To me. The 328 was a great car, but maintenance scared me away and 348s are to be avoided at all costs (355s are great cars). The V8 is reliable if kept up, you just have to make sure you go easy on the tranny and that the liners were done (if pre 98). Other than that, you may be replacing stuff, but it won't be outrageously expensive. I wouldn't mod the car either, lots of folks do but I think you are asking for trouble with that tranny and the non-intercooled motor. PM me if you want to discuss more.

07-10-2007, 12:44 PM	#13 (permalink)
shawncweed Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 33	Thanks for the Info... Carl, First off, yes, LTC is Lieutenant Colonel...took a while since I came in as a private in the early 1980s... Second, you made me laugh pretty hard with the "Ferrari Discount" deal...took me a second to catch on...is that right? $45 bones for a freaking spark plug? I knew it would be expensive, but that blew me away... I haven't even begun to think about the insurance aspect...but my wife seems to make all those things happen magically... Any insight on the Exige S? I love the idea of that car, but the not ebing able to see out the back seems like a deal breaker... I am rooting for the Esprit...seems like while the NSX is probably a better car logically, the Esprit has more personality...but the personality goes only so far...My TR6 had personality...but also left me straned in more tiny North carolina towns than I can remember! Thanks again S

07-10-2007, 12:57 PM	#14 (permalink)
JeffYoung Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 837	I'm driving a TR6 every day these days................and yes, I am crazy.... The Exige (don't have the S) is not too bad to see out of. You just use the side mirrors (the rear is useless even in the N/A Exige). The only time I've had issues have been in parking lots, and there I just stop and get out and look. Esprits are great cars. Everyone should have one once I think. You will tire of it, but a great experience while it lasts. The F355, not so sure about. Great sound but I just wasn't bowled over by it (I actually liked the 328 driving experience better). No knock on the NSX guys, great car, just very Honda like.

07-10-2007, 01:08 PM	#15 (permalink)
carl Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 1,050	Shawn, I now have a exige s had a elise also. the s has some low end but on the track its not any faster and both of my cars were set up the same. You need to remember these are not real cars there great track cars or weekend back road drivers. The thing with them is theres always something to take care of i do my own work so its ok but if you have to count on someone else could be a pain. If your going to track the car you can get a like new s for low to mid 50s. And the rear view is fine with the side mirrors and the multivex over lays. When are you coming back to the states? carl

07-10-2007, 01:13 PM	#17 (permalink)
P90Puma HiOnPSI Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Hamilton Ontario Canada. Posts: 521	www.nsxfiles.com Owns both a NSX and a F355. Mainly http://www.nsxfiles.com/fcar.htm Slightly out of date now. Last I read Doug is selling the 355 and picking up an Exige S. But he has gotten years and years use out of the 355. __________________ 94 Miata. Turbo?

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07-10-2007, 01:21 PM	#18 (permalink)
Goose Bucket of Cold Water Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: The cornfields of Ohio Posts: 1,078	Another "thank you" from me as well, Colonel. Please be sure to pass well wishes on to other soldiers over there... I'd also recommend the NSX. Although not as "exotic" as the Esprit/355, as others have said, it's definitely the practical choice. I'm personally familiar with both the Esprit and the NSX, and believe me, you'll fare much better with the Acura. Be patient and selective when shopping for an NSX. Unfortunately, many NSX owners modify their cars; many times such "improvements" are awful. Hold out for a low-milage unmodified one - they are out there. Try "NSX Prime" on the web for info. Hope this helps. __________________ Kevin Magnetic Blue/Hardtop/Starshield - sold 5/17/05

07-10-2007, 01:28 PM	#19 (permalink)
deddie Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: El Dorado Hills, CA Posts: 834	Based on the three options: NSX. However, if I was spending $60k on a 2 seater sports car I would get an Exige S. __________________ 2007 Carrera S 2007 Exige S 2007 CBR600RR

07-10-2007, 01:52 PM	#20 (permalink)
Viggen Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Dayton, Ohio Posts: 345	If you have VERY deep pockets it's a no-brainer for me.... the F355 would be what I would own. However paying $300-400 for 8 spark plugs and a oil filter isn't something that I can afford. A few weeks ago I stopped by a local european car shop just to say hi to a few people there, a F355 was up on the lift. As it turned out the owner had the car serviced 1.5 hrs away at a ferarri dealership & I cannot remember what they fixed, waterpump or something like that which equaled $7500 due to requiring the engine to be removed. Then 5 days later something else went out on the car which again required the engine to be removed & was probably going to have another $7K ish bill.... beautifull car but DAM are they pricey to maintain I have always been a Esprit fan but driving a old saab I am so tired of owning a car with a weak trans that cannot take the power the engine can turn out. If I had the finds for a Esprit I would probably throw a new ZO6 motor in the car with a Porsche G50 or newer trans. More then likely I would drive the dam thing untill the trans &/or motor blew up then I would do the swap NSX.... these cars have always been so boring to me just like about everything else from Japan however they are reliable & handle extremely well. If you want something that is comfortble & affordable all while being slightly on the exotic side the NSX is pretty hard to beat. It is something that you could easily drive daily & not worry about being straned or having extremely high repairs. I would get the esprit though..... even if it's for a year or 2 If you broaden your choices the exige or like others state just slap a turbo or supercharger on your elise. More then likely when I can finally afford a sports car that is the route I will go __________________ Exige S summer 2010.... hopefully