What to get: NSX, 355, or Esprit V8

[Stephen]

I would at least test drive a 997 and Cayman S. If you are going to spend the coin, then consider all possibilities; you never know what you are missing.

[JoshS]

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.

We, traded cars one day. Lots of power, really exciting ride, though I wasn't confident in the turns, didn't feel connected to the road like my Elise. Large stock steering wheel doesn't make things any easier. I was a little annoyed by the Turbo blow off, but I guess you get used to that. I'm surprized that thing has any teeth on the gears after I was done grinding them (just kidding). But, if I wasn't doing the canyons I'd really like this car over my Elise or the NSX.

[dododge]

Originally Posted by lotuson74

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.

Yeah, this was a surprise; I always assumed the Esprit was spacious because of its larger size. At a recent meet I had a chance to sit in a 2003 Esprit and (as its owner pointed out) in some ways it actually feels more cramped that the Elise. Up against your right side is the large and tall center console which runs the entire length of the cabin. The front wheels are so wide that the footwell quickly narrows to be just enough for the pedals, and there's nowhere to easily rest your left foot/leg when you're not using the clutch (unlike the Elise's dead pedal). If you're the slightest bit big-or-tall you definitely need to sit in one to understand what it's going to be like.

Of course with two people in the car it's an entirely different situation. The Esprit has a lot more elbow room, and no worries about the passenger's leg getting in the way of the gearshift.

[swistun]

NSX hands down. Maintenance on the other two will break you, unless you're independently wealthy... I only say this because I know what your paycheck looks like .

If I were you, I'd just keep the Liz.

BTW, those 15 month deployments must be a b!+ch...

Luke
3BN 7TH MAR, 1MARDIV
Ramadi

[Moto44]

Originally Posted by swistun

I only say this because I know what your paycheck looks like .

Perhaps his wife is a medical equipment sales rep.

[swistun]

Originally Posted by Moto44

Perhaps his wife is a medical equipment sales rep.

hehe.. that would probably make him dependently wealthy...

[StallionX]

NSX = gorgeous, exotic, no exotic feel/character, EXTREMELY RELIABLE (200k miles is nothing on this car) SLOWEST of the bunch
355 = gorgeous, exotic(ferrari), plenty of feel/character, maintenance pricey, faster and gets your blood flowing far more effectively
Esprit v8 = gorgeous, exotic, plenty of character, maintenance pricey, fastest (by far, faster than a 360 also and on par with the f430 if lightly modded)

Personally I went with the Esprit.. and if I were to go ferrari it would be for a 360 or higher.. mainly due to the fact that the 355 which very nice just isn't fast enough for me after the esprit.. now if I were KEEPING the esprit then a 340/355/328 would be just fine..

If you dont have the cash for extra issues, go NSX..

[Bavarian Motorist]

First off, for 60k, you're looking at a 348 at best, not a 355. Or if you do find one, it probably isn't in good condition


From what I've heard from NSX owners and enthusiasts alike, it has tons of exotic character and is an amazing drive. Along with that, the maintenance costs appear to be very high. I've never driven it but that's what I've gathered. General consensus.


I would go NSX or Viper

[StallionX]

if you have a dealer license you can find 355's in good shape at the auctions ALL day for 60k..

NSX is nowhere near as high as a ferrari or esprit, the NSX and Viper are pretty close maintenance cost-wise.. which is to say relatively cheap as hell..

[Bavarian Motorist]

Getting another Elise seems strange to me...


It's as though you're limiting yourself to a few brands.


Expand your frame of perspective and give Porsche a try.

[Tristar Racing]

How much can a used GT3 be had for? Im not even sure what year they started with those. The thought of a car like that without the turbo lag makes me smile.

[Bavarian Motorist]

Originally Posted by Tristar Racing

How much can a used GT3 be had for? Im not even sure what year they started with those. The thought of a car like that without the turbo lag makes me smile.

A 997? Still very new and still in very high demand. I wouldn't expect much of a discount.


A 996 on the other hand...perhaps $70-80k.

[Stephen]

Originally Posted by Bavarian Motorist

A 997? Still very new and still in very high demand. I wouldn't expect much of a discount.


A 996 on the other hand...perhaps $70-80k.

Correct.

[bli8]

I am selling my '95 F355 for $74K, car has had all the major service but I might put it on eBay at end of summer. I just had a new clutch put in so I want to enjoy the car during summer evenings here in Socal before parting w/ it. I'm not going to comment how it stacks up against the other two cars as my comments won't be objective and I have not driven the other two cars. You can download high res. pictures here: ftp://bli888.dyndys.info/F355

[StallionX]

a 95 for 74k? that is a touch high is it a spyder?

[PhlypSide]

Originally Posted by Tristar Racing

How much can a used GT3 be had for? Im not even sure what year they started with those. The thought of a car like that without the turbo lag makes me smile.

&& GT3 also has an insanely tuneable suspension. And not to knock on our AWD friends, but many here would probably rather have the RWD GT3 than the AWD Turbo/GT2.

[PhlypSide]

Originally Posted by StallionX

a 95 for 74k? that is a touch high is it a spyder?

With service for Ferraris at ~$10K, maybe the car is $64K, but recently had a $10K+ service performed.

[exarkun1178]

saw an nsx the other day at work, im ducking now, it looked dated. as far the 355, not brand new, but still a head turner. upkeep costs are all high, the 355, more so. i feel as though thats part of the entry into that club. hands down the 355. my 2 cents.
best of luck.

[PhlypSide]

Not a stab at anyone in particular, but why does everyone seem to say the NSX is "dated"?

Does it matter? Is newer always better?

Besides with comparatively vast array of aftermarket tweaks you can do to the NSX it can be refreshed pretty effectively. I like the 01+ fixed headlight models as they look adequately "refreshed" from the factory to me.

[Bavarian Motorist]

I agree with the fixed headlight look. Looks great from the front. The back on the other hand..


But looks are too subjective