What to get: NSX, 355, or Esprit V8 - Page 2 - LotusTalk

jlj3394 · 07-10-2007, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shawncweed

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

First of all, thank you for your service.

The shifter on the S2000 is probably the smoothest I've ever operated. The elise feels like a truck tranny in comparison. If that is your benchmark, everything else will be a step down.

FWIW, I never had a problem with the Esprit transmission, but I've only driven one a few times, I've never owned one.

Ferraris are outrageously expensive to maintain, a tuneup can cost $10k and up due to the fact that many of them require the engine to be removed to get to the plugs. It seems like Ferraris are purposely built in a manner that forces the owner to spend a boat payment on mainenance each month.

Moto44 · 07-10-2007, 02:08 PM

You might be just as happy renting the Ferrari. We rented this one for the day in Las Vegas. (Regarding choice of apparel: It was very hot that day.)

pchop · 07-10-2007, 02:12 PM

Shawn, I've owned a 355 spider and have seat times in both the NSX and Esprit V8 Turbo and here're some pros and cons for each

NSX
Pro: Reliability, super smooth engine, great bang for the buck
Con: Dated design, slow in comparison to Esprit and about the same as the 355. Resale Value.

Esprit V8 Turbo:
Pro: Supercar looks, performance and fastest of the 3.
Con: Tricky Shifter feel. reliability could be an issue. Resale Value

Ferrari 355:
Pro: It's an italian sexy exotic. Terrific handling and the engine is the nicest sounding V8 EVER! Resale Value. You pick you up for around $70K you probably gonna be able to sell it for around $60K.

Con: Repair cost "could" get expensive. Reliability could be a hit or miss. Mine was a 95 Spider and my car was virtually problem free. Of course you have your little gremlins like Cats going, etc.

Exige S
Pro: the best track toy for the money
Con: resale value and yoga like skills to enter and exit the car.

Just an FYI, I love Ferraris and 355 is MY FAVORITE. the $7,500 repair cost Viggen was referring to is the Major Service that the Ferrari cars need to have every 3 years or about 15,000 miles. They literally take out the engine, clean it change everything and put it back. It's about a 70-hour job and you car will be there for about 1-2 weeks. that's about $107/hr rate which is pretty good. But the cost of parts (should you need it) is a whole different story.

Driftaholic · 07-10-2007, 02:14 PM

Never owned a Ferrari. It is something I want to do when I can walk into Ferrari dealership and pay cash for a new one without worrying about a $45 plug.

I owned an Esprit Turbo. I had a lot of fun driving it but also a lot of problems matching the saying: “LOTUS: Lots Of Troubles Usually Serious." It is not the problems that stop me from buying another one. It is finding a good shop to work on it. I still love its design and lines. It is the one with the most personality but I will not buy another one.

I have a 93 NSX and I love it. Not as quick but a lot of fun everywhere, street or track. It is very easy to drive fast but it requires skills to drive it at the limit. It is very reliable. Not as expensive to maintain as your other options but also more expensive than a Honda. Is it a Honda? Big YES, but there is nothing wrong with that. I think Acura is the best all around car. Note that mine does not have power steering, so the steering feedback is not like other Japanese cars. I believe they added power steering starting with the 1996 models. It is my daily driver now. Like the EliseTalk community, the NSX community is also comprised of very nice and supportive people (http://www.nsxprime.com).

I have a 2005 Elise and I love it. I am glad you are keeping the Elise because to ask me which one I love more, Elise or NSX, is like asking me to tell which child I love more.

Ultimately, it is your choice. Drive them all then make your decision. From your options, it looks like you want a mid-engine exotic. If you are open to other suggestion in the $60k, I will include a Porsche, say a used 997 S or a new Caymen.

Good luck and thank you for your service.

gmendoza · 07-10-2007, 02:16 PM

If you want reliability, NSX. If you want a great performing exotic, the Esprit. If you want a great track car, the Exige S. The 355 doesn't excel in any of those categories but it's a Ferrari, need I say more?

With the Exige, like Elise, I feel that unless you are on a canyon or the track, there really isn't much to them. Whereas the Esprit is a lot better to drive around town (except for the front spoiler that doubles as a bubble gum scrapper on the 02+ cars) Entry/exit is a lot easier on the Esprit but the Elise/Exige may have more headroom. The Esprit is also a lot harder to drive fast on tight roads than the Elise/Exige. Rear visibility on the Esprit may be worst than the Elise but better than the Exige. Forward visibility goes to the Elise/Exige. Power goes to the Esprit; no contest.

Esprits build quality is not the greatest either. The gearbox cannot be power/speed shifted. The 1-2 synchro is slow. Also, other weak points are: input shaft, overhung 5th gear and 2nd gear's teeth. In other words, it's not a drag car.

The 02+ V8's are reliable but they are quirky. The biggest thing maint wise is the timing belts.

Also, I do not have a problem with a modded Esprit (mine's modded) as long as it's been modded and driven correctly. I would not recommend a V8 that has had boost increased by just replacing wastegates or manual boost controller. These can lead to very bad boost spikes (major cause of engine failure).

Having said that, I love my Esprit but I don't think they are for everyone.

brookester · 07-10-2007, 02:18 PM

I would think a supercharged NSX would be the most trouble free of the three. They also make a lot of goodies to dress up the car and make it perform better.

Marc W · 07-10-2007, 03:25 PM

Sounds like you enjoy the Elise and are willing to put up with the various quality issues so the Exige S would be my suggestion. I have never owned an NSX but have heard great things about them. The only downside I have heard is the "honda-like" feel they provide which is contrary to the Elise experience.

The ferrari 355 is a great car (my ex-neighbor has one) for the experience but the maintenance costs could cripple you if you drive it seriously and extensively. The car does sound great with tubis though.

The Esprit gets great reviews here and other Lotus sites for its exotic caliber looks and performance. Service cost would be my fear, escpecially if you mod it.

I would prefer the Cayman. Another neighbor has one and it is worth the test drive. It is probably the better all around car and the most comfortable.

I drive a C6 Z06 and would always suggest it as a possibility. Entirely a different car but very fast and easily modded to the extreme.

Marc

JimK · 07-10-2007, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brookester

I would think a supercharged NSX would be the most trouble free of the three. They also make a lot of goodies to dress up the car and make it perform better.

sadly, Comptech is out of business (or so I'm told). That is the only forced induction I'd put on an NSX. I saw a silverstone '04 NSX recently, damn, what a beautiful car! Proportions are just perfect! If I came into money, I'd get another NSX in a heartbeat.

Andrikos · 07-10-2007, 03:43 PM

My advice:

OPTION #1

Take your $60k + ~$500/month for maintenance you would otherwise need for the Ferrari or Esprit and put it an low risk account that earns about 5% interest.
Come 2010, buy the brand spanking new and uber modern Lotus Esprit with the money saved and be happy.

OPTION #2

You already have an Elise.
Spend the money for the FF 275 or 340R kit, add some CF goodies, light wheels and you'll have an affordable supercar you already own...

Just my 2 cents.

carl · 07-10-2007, 04:03 PM

Shawn, a better idea for 60-65 you can get a 01 996TT these cars are rock solid . You can add 50hp for $600 and the motors are good for 100k. I had a 02 GT2 and it was a rocket but a real hand full on the track. So keep the Elise for the track and do a 996TT there great drivers a little heavy for the track. And you wont louse more than 5k when you sell. carl

SillyPuppy · 07-10-2007, 04:04 PM

Just sold the Elise for a '97 F355 Spider - granted, I'm still in the honeymoon phase, but I just adore the car, and in retrospect, am thrilled I didn't choose either of the other two - while I love the Esprit, and will probably one day have one, it just wasn't my "dream car". I looked into NSX's, but from what I've heard from former owners, it doesn't drive as wonderfully as you'd expect... As for $45 spark plugs, my mechanic, who just finished work on my MR2 Spyder (and paid $8 apiece) was shocked at how much those were - he said the ones he buys for his Mondial (and will buy for my F355) are HALF as much - some things are brually expensive to fix on the F355, others are surprisingly normal. Don't believe ALL the hype...

Orrie

Stephen · 07-10-2007, 04:39 PM

I would not get any of those cars. But if you made me choose, then it would be the NSX just based on reliability.

For that money I recommend you get an Exige S or lightly used 997 or brand new Cayman S. The 997 and Cayman are more in the size and weight class as the other cars you picked

However, if you are being sold on those cars because of their looks or the name, or the excusivity of the brand, then I cetainly can't help you; my little brain cannot comprehend buying a car for those reasons. Yes, the Elise and Exige look pretty darn cool from most angles, and they are certainly exclusive and probably exotic; but none of those reasons had anything to do with why I bought them.

You have put yourself in harms way for your country on several occasions; you deserve much better than the cars you listed. The NSX is OK I guess, but just so dated; and I'm not talking about its looks.

lotuson74 · 07-10-2007, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmendoza

If you want reliability, NSX. If you want a great performing exotic, the Esprit. If you want a great track car, the Exige S. The 355 doesn't excel in any of those categories but it's a Ferrari, need I say more?

With the Exige, like Elise, I feel that unless you are on a canyon or the track, there really isn't much to them. Whereas the Esprit is a lot better to drive around town (except for the front spoiler that doubles as a bubble gum scrapper on the 02+ cars) Entry/exit is a lot easier on the Esprit but the Elise/Exige may have more headroom. The Esprit is also a lot harder to drive fast on tight roads than the Elise/Exige. Rear visibility on the Esprit may be worst than the Elise but better than the Exige. Forward visibility goes to the Elise/Exige. Power goes to the Esprit; no contest.

Esprits build quality is not the greatest either. The gearbox cannot be power/speed shifted. The 1-2 synchro is slow. Also, other weak points are: input shaft, overhung 5th gear and 2nd gear's teeth. In other words, it's not a drag car.

The 02+ V8's are reliable but they are quirky. The biggest thing maint wise is the timing belts.

Also, I do not have a problem with a modded Esprit (mine's modded) as long as it's been modded and driven correctly. I would not recommend a V8 that has had boost increased by just replacing wastegates or manual boost controller. These can lead to very bad boost spikes (major cause of engine failure).

Having said that, I love my Esprit but I don't think they are for everyone.

I have owned 3 Esprit V8's and pretty much agree with all I quoted here. I will add that if you are taller than 5' 10" you may find it uncomfortable. Please come home safely, If you live anywhere near the northeast, I will let you drive mine to see if you like it. They trully are the bargain in the exotic world - but good ones are hard to find & getting fewer by the day!
Please p.m. me for anything I can help you with as I owe you one!!!! Thanks for everything and come home safe my friend!!!!!!!!!!!!!

shawncweed · 07-11-2007, 04:22 AM

Collectively thanks...!

I was surprised at the breadth of insightful comments on this quest of mine...

A couple take aways for me.

1. While I lust for the Ferrari and could afford the buy in of the 355, I think I would learn to resent it if everytime I went to use it I thought about the costs. I would hate to go out to the garage and see this beautiful thing and not want to drive it because I was concerned with the the thought that by putting miles on it would bring me closer to a costly service...and god forbid someone scratch it or something...takes away the fun

2. The NSX is the logical choice.. handsome without being garish, quick, and reliable...I will defnitely test drive one when i come home on leave in SEP

3. The Esprit is the passionate choice...the one I think I could make if I got inside and it just clicked with me...it is hard to tell from the pictures what it is like to actually drive...I do have concerns though as some have mentioned reference the front ground clearance...My drive way is peculiarly steep and my S2000 lightly scrapes...which makes me think this may be a major problem on the Esprit.

4. I really like the Exige S idea, but the lack of rear vision seems to be a deal breaker, but wont know for sure until I test it out myself. When i come home in SEP we are taking our Elise (and I'll bring my S2000) down to FLA to get it serviced...My intent is to test both a used Esprit and an Exige S, and have the S2000 ready for trade in (plus some coin in my pocket) just in case...

5. I have never been a Porsche guy, nor a detractor...it is just that in the working class area where I grew up no one had one...Triumphs, Healeys, Alfas (usually broke), sure...no Porsches...I think they are masterfully made cars (as is the S2000 which is by far the best built car I have ever had) it is just I have never been compelled to them...that is except the GT3 in Orange...what a great machine...and if I was in that bracket I would buy it today...

6. The wild card choice would be to buy another elise, as some have suggested, and put a FORCEDFED 275, or like system on it...My wife won't entertain ideas of modifying the one I have (her pic is attached...yes, I am a lucky man)

To summarize, I think I am looking at:

1. 2003-4 NSX (Yellow with GruppeM exhaust, CA Intake and Headers)
2. 2003 Esprit (Yellow)
3. 2007 Exige S
4. 2005 Elise with some FORCEFED Love...

Thanks again

S

JeffYoung · 07-11-2007, 05:42 AM

The last year Esprits - 2003.5 -- had an uprated and more adjustable suspension. Worth seeking out. The ground clearance on them is nil though.

Vampyre · 07-11-2007, 06:03 AM

I would say the Lotus, very nice looking and it will look great next to the Elise you have.

The NSX is NOT a fun car to drive... Read some magazine reviews many say it is borning to drive since it has no bad habits.

If you want a mindless car the NSX is the one to get, if you want fun get the other ones you listed.

zOOmz · 07-11-2007, 07:09 AM

NSX, Although I don't like the new body styles as well as on the older models.

actwon · 07-11-2007, 07:51 AM

LTC Shawn,

First I would like to thank you for your service.

Second, Owning an Esprit v8 and having access to various 355's. My first question to you is how tall are you? If you are above 6' 0", you can forget about the 355.

I am 6' 2" and I HATE driving the 355 as I have to drive it in a very slouched position, because my head hits the roof and I need to tilt it. VERY UNCOMFORTABLE. Any Ferrari will cost more to maintain than the Esprit. The tranny issues people are talking about (shift linkage), does not apply to the V8 as they made changes to it when the v8's were produced. The llinkage problems were prominnent in the 4cyl's.

The major tranny issue is the 5th gear overhang. It snaps if you are doing more than 160mph, let off the throttle and slam it wide-open. The torque from reapplying WOT is what snaps the 5th gear over hang. I used my as an every day vehicle. I stopped because I wanted to modify it. There are plenty of stories of reliable Esprit ownership. You have to do your homework and vigilantly check the vehicles background. If you have any questions, please ask me.

Chris Mackey · 07-11-2007, 08:10 AM

Don't be a fool! Do whatever your wife tells you to do!

Option #4 would be the most fun, imho.

Moto44 · 07-11-2007, 08:20 AM

Since you already have fun cars, have you considered a motorcycle? Attend some track days... There is no more fun you can have on pavement than dragging a knee in a corner. Do I digress?

07-10-2007, 02:08 PM	#22 (permalink)
Moto44 Back in the Saddle Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,798	You might be just as happy renting the Ferrari. We rented this one for the day in Las Vegas. (Regarding choice of apparel: It was very hot that day.) Attached Images __________________ If nobody ever died doing it, how much fun could it be?

07-10-2007, 02:14 PM	#24 (permalink)
Driftaholic www.SanAntonioDrift.com Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 73	NSX Never owned a Ferrari. It is something I want to do when I can walk into Ferrari dealership and pay cash for a new one without worrying about a $45 plug. I owned an Esprit Turbo. I had a lot of fun driving it but also a lot of problems matching the saying: “LOTUS: Lots Of Troubles Usually Serious." It is not the problems that stop me from buying another one. It is finding a good shop to work on it. I still love its design and lines. It is the one with the most personality but I will not buy another one. I have a 93 NSX and I love it. Not as quick but a lot of fun everywhere, street or track. It is very easy to drive fast but it requires skills to drive it at the limit. It is very reliable. Not as expensive to maintain as your other options but also more expensive than a Honda. Is it a Honda? Big YES, but there is nothing wrong with that. I think Acura is the best all around car. Note that mine does not have power steering, so the steering feedback is not like other Japanese cars. I believe they added power steering starting with the 1996 models. It is my daily driver now. Like the EliseTalk community, the NSX community is also comprised of very nice and supportive people (http://www.nsxprime.com). I have a 2005 Elise and I love it. I am glad you are keeping the Elise because to ask me which one I love more, Elise or NSX, is like asking me to tell which child I love more. Ultimately, it is your choice. Drive them all then make your decision. From your options, it looks like you want a mid-engine exotic. If you are open to other suggestion in the $60k, I will include a Porsche, say a used 997 S or a new Caymen. Good luck and thank you for your service.

07-10-2007, 02:16 PM	#25 (permalink)
gmendoza My car sneezes Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Alta Loma, CA Posts: 222	If you want reliability, NSX. If you want a great performing exotic, the Esprit. If you want a great track car, the Exige S. The 355 doesn't excel in any of those categories but it's a Ferrari, need I say more? With the Exige, like Elise, I feel that unless you are on a canyon or the track, there really isn't much to them. Whereas the Esprit is a lot better to drive around town (except for the front spoiler that doubles as a bubble gum scrapper on the 02+ cars) Entry/exit is a lot easier on the Esprit but the Elise/Exige may have more headroom. The Esprit is also a lot harder to drive fast on tight roads than the Elise/Exige. Rear visibility on the Esprit may be worst than the Elise but better than the Exige. Forward visibility goes to the Elise/Exige. Power goes to the Esprit; no contest. Esprits build quality is not the greatest either. The gearbox cannot be power/speed shifted. The 1-2 synchro is slow. Also, other weak points are: input shaft, overhung 5th gear and 2nd gear's teeth. In other words, it's not a drag car. The 02+ V8's are reliable but they are quirky. The biggest thing maint wise is the timing belts. Also, I do not have a problem with a modded Esprit (mine's modded) as long as it's been modded and driven correctly. I would not recommend a V8 that has had boost increased by just replacing wastegates or manual boost controller. These can lead to very bad boost spikes (major cause of engine failure). Having said that, I love my Esprit but I don't think they are for everyone. __________________ '03.5 Final Edition Esprit ~ 5.7lbs/hp mildly modded - 430rwhp, 353rwtq www.fquick.com/gmendoza Last edited by gmendoza : 07-10-2007 at 02:23 PM.

07-10-2007, 03:43 PM	#29 (permalink)
Andrikos Lulu ROX! Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: RanchoSahuarita.com , AZ Posts: 3,724	My advice: OPTION #1 Take your $60k + ~$500/month for maintenance you would otherwise need for the Ferrari or Esprit and put it an low risk account that earns about 5% interest. Come 2010, buy the brand spanking new and uber modern Lotus Esprit with the money saved and be happy. OPTION #2 You already have an Elise. Spend the money for the FF 275 or 340R kit, add some CF goodies, light wheels and you'll have an affordable supercar you already own... Just my 2 cents. __________________ My daily driver is an orange plastic toaster

07-10-2007, 04:04 PM	#31 (permalink)
SillyPuppy Elise Smileage: 15,445 Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 556	Just sold the Elise for a '97 F355 Spider - granted, I'm still in the honeymoon phase, but I just adore the car, and in retrospect, am thrilled I didn't choose either of the other two - while I love the Esprit, and will probably one day have one, it just wasn't my "dream car". I looked into NSX's, but from what I've heard from former owners, it doesn't drive as wonderfully as you'd expect... As for $45 spark plugs, my mechanic, who just finished work on my MR2 Spyder (and paid $8 apiece) was shocked at how much those were - he said the ones he buys for his Mondial (and will buy for my F355) are HALF as much - some things are brually expensive to fix on the F355, others are surprisingly normal. Don't believe ALL the hype... Orrie __________________ '05 Elise, GG/Red, Touring, SS, HT - SOLD '97 F355 Spider '08 G37S Coupe, Wife's car '01 MR2 Spyder, Daily Driver

07-10-2007, 02:12 PM	#23 (permalink)
pchop Use Chopstix and Eat Rice Join Date: May 2006 Location: New York/Los Angeles Posts: 728	Shawn, I've owned a 355 spider and have seat times in both the NSX and Esprit V8 Turbo and here're some pros and cons for each NSX Pro: Reliability, super smooth engine, great bang for the buck Con: Dated design, slow in comparison to Esprit and about the same as the 355. Resale Value. Esprit V8 Turbo: Pro: Supercar looks, performance and fastest of the 3. Con: Tricky Shifter feel. reliability could be an issue. Resale Value Ferrari 355: Pro: It's an italian sexy exotic. Terrific handling and the engine is the nicest sounding V8 EVER! Resale Value. You pick you up for around $70K you probably gonna be able to sell it for around $60K. Con: Repair cost "could" get expensive. Reliability could be a hit or miss. Mine was a 95 Spider and my car was virtually problem free. Of course you have your little gremlins like Cats going, etc. Exige S Pro: the best track toy for the money Con: resale value and yoga like skills to enter and exit the car. Just an FYI, I love Ferraris and 355 is MY FAVORITE. the $7,500 repair cost Viggen was referring to is the Major Service that the Ferrari cars need to have every 3 years or about 15,000 miles. They literally take out the engine, clean it change everything and put it back. It's about a 70-hour job and you car will be there for about 1-2 weeks. that's about $107/hr rate which is pretty good. But the cost of parts (should you need it) is a whole different story.

07-10-2007, 02:18 PM	#26 (permalink)
brookester Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Chandler AZ Posts: 164	I would think a supercharged NSX would be the most trouble free of the three. They also make a lot of goodies to dress up the car and make it perform better.

07-10-2007, 03:25 PM	#27 (permalink)
Marc W Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Kansas City Posts: 50	Sounds like you enjoy the Elise and are willing to put up with the various quality issues so the Exige S would be my suggestion. I have never owned an NSX but have heard great things about them. The only downside I have heard is the "honda-like" feel they provide which is contrary to the Elise experience. The ferrari 355 is a great car (my ex-neighbor has one) for the experience but the maintenance costs could cripple you if you drive it seriously and extensively. The car does sound great with tubis though. The Esprit gets great reviews here and other Lotus sites for its exotic caliber looks and performance. Service cost would be my fear, escpecially if you mod it. I would prefer the Cayman. Another neighbor has one and it is worth the test drive. It is probably the better all around car and the most comfortable. I drive a C6 Z06 and would always suggest it as a possibility. Entirely a different car but very fast and easily modded to the extreme. Marc

07-10-2007, 04:03 PM	#30 (permalink)
carl Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 1,050	Shawn, a better idea for 60-65 you can get a 01 996TT these cars are rock solid . You can add 50hp for $600 and the motors are good for 100k. I had a 02 GT2 and it was a rocket but a real hand full on the track. So keep the Elise for the track and do a 996TT there great drivers a little heavy for the track. And you wont louse more than 5k when you sell. carl

07-10-2007, 04:39 PM	#32 (permalink)
Stephen Waiting for next Lotus... Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: West of Mississippi Posts: 1,889	I would not get any of those cars. But if you made me choose, then it would be the NSX just based on reliability. For that money I recommend you get an Exige S or lightly used 997 or brand new Cayman S. The 997 and Cayman are more in the size and weight class as the other cars you picked However, if you are being sold on those cars because of their looks or the name, or the excusivity of the brand, then I cetainly can't help you; my little brain cannot comprehend buying a car for those reasons. Yes, the Elise and Exige look pretty darn cool from most angles, and they are certainly exclusive and probably exotic; but none of those reasons had anything to do with why I bought them. You have put yourself in harms way for your country on several occasions; you deserve much better than the cars you listed. The NSX is OK I guess, but just so dated; and I'm not talking about its looks. __________________ 2009 Mini Cooper JCW - Dark Silver/Black - sport suspension/cold weather package 2008 997 GT3 - Carrara White/Black - PCCB's - 350 lbs of weight reduction Past Lotus Cars: 2005 NFB Elise, 2007 CO Exige S, 2005 AR Elise, 2008 CO Exige S 240

07-11-2007, 04:22 AM	#34 (permalink)
shawncweed Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 33	Great advice all around... Collectively thanks...! I was surprised at the breadth of insightful comments on this quest of mine... A couple take aways for me. 1. While I lust for the Ferrari and could afford the buy in of the 355, I think I would learn to resent it if everytime I went to use it I thought about the costs. I would hate to go out to the garage and see this beautiful thing and not want to drive it because I was concerned with the the thought that by putting miles on it would bring me closer to a costly service...and god forbid someone scratch it or something...takes away the fun 2. The NSX is the logical choice.. handsome without being garish, quick, and reliable...I will defnitely test drive one when i come home on leave in SEP 3. The Esprit is the passionate choice...the one I think I could make if I got inside and it just clicked with me...it is hard to tell from the pictures what it is like to actually drive...I do have concerns though as some have mentioned reference the front ground clearance...My drive way is peculiarly steep and my S2000 lightly scrapes...which makes me think this may be a major problem on the Esprit. 4. I really like the Exige S idea, but the lack of rear vision seems to be a deal breaker, but wont know for sure until I test it out myself. When i come home in SEP we are taking our Elise (and I'll bring my S2000) down to FLA to get it serviced...My intent is to test both a used Esprit and an Exige S, and have the S2000 ready for trade in (plus some coin in my pocket) just in case... 5. I have never been a Porsche guy, nor a detractor...it is just that in the working class area where I grew up no one had one...Triumphs, Healeys, Alfas (usually broke), sure...no Porsches...I think they are masterfully made cars (as is the S2000 which is by far the best built car I have ever had) it is just I have never been compelled to them...that is except the GT3 in Orange...what a great machine...and if I was in that bracket I would buy it today... 6. The wild card choice would be to buy another elise, as some have suggested, and put a FORCEDFED 275, or like system on it...My wife won't entertain ideas of modifying the one I have (her pic is attached...yes, I am a lucky man) To summarize, I think I am looking at: 1. 2003-4 NSX (Yellow with GruppeM exhaust, CA Intake and Headers) 2. 2003 Esprit (Yellow) 3. 2007 Exige S 4. 2005 Elise with some FORCEFED Love... Thanks again S Attached Images

07-11-2007, 05:42 AM	#35 (permalink)
JeffYoung Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 837	The last year Esprits - 2003.5 -- had an uprated and more adjustable suspension. Worth seeking out. The ground clearance on them is nil though.

07-11-2007, 06:03 AM	#36 (permalink)
Vampyre Sports Cars Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Rochester, New York Posts: 1,940	I would say the Lotus, very nice looking and it will look great next to the Elise you have. The NSX is NOT a fun car to drive... Read some magazine reviews many say it is borning to drive since it has no bad habits. If you want a mindless car the NSX is the one to get, if you want fun get the other ones you listed.

07-11-2007, 07:09 AM	#37 (permalink)
zOOmz Guest Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: San Diego Posts: 9,682 Images: 42	NSX, Although I don't like the new body styles as well as on the older models.

07-11-2007, 07:51 AM	#38 (permalink)
actwon Captain Insano Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Delaware County, PA Posts: 16	LTC Shawn, First I would like to thank you for your service. Second, Owning an Esprit v8 and having access to various 355's. My first question to you is how tall are you? If you are above 6' 0", you can forget about the 355. I am 6' 2" and I HATE driving the 355 as I have to drive it in a very slouched position, because my head hits the roof and I need to tilt it. VERY UNCOMFORTABLE. Any Ferrari will cost more to maintain than the Esprit. The tranny issues people are talking about (shift linkage), does not apply to the V8 as they made changes to it when the v8's were produced. The llinkage problems were prominnent in the 4cyl's. The major tranny issue is the 5th gear overhang. It snaps if you are doing more than 160mph, let off the throttle and slam it wide-open. The torque from reapplying WOT is what snaps the 5th gear over hang. I used my as an every day vehicle. I stopped because I wanted to modify it. There are plenty of stories of reliable Esprit ownership. You have to do your homework and vigilantly check the vehicles background. If you have any questions, please ask me. __________________ actwon ------- '09 Nike Shox '01 Esprit v8 '98 Audi A4 Q '95 Ducati 916

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07-11-2007, 08:10 AM	#39 (permalink)
Chris Mackey Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 2,587	Don't be a fool! Do whatever your wife tells you to do! Option #4 would be the most fun, imho. __________________ 2006 Elise, Ardent Red, Black Pack, LSS wheels, shocks and springs. ChuforiaGraffix.com SDD Lives On! SweetDaddyDelicious(at)hotmail(dot)com

07-11-2007, 08:20 AM	#40 (permalink)
Moto44 Back in the Saddle Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,798	Since you already have fun cars, have you considered a motorcycle? Attend some track days... There is no more fun you can have on pavement than dragging a knee in a corner. Do I digress? __________________ If nobody ever died doing it, how much fun could it be?