What to get: NSX, 355, or Esprit V8

[JeffYoung]

Yeah, it's kind of silly. Not as bad as when you first turned me on to the "Dogpatch" but I think it stemmed from a lot of folks who never owned sports cars, much less Lotus, buying one for $50k or wahtever and thinking they had the end all be all faults be damned.

I mean, the car is STILL made in Hethel, buzzes and rattles like a Lotus, and makes so so power. Great car, for what it is, but Lotus through and through -- not enough money for full and complete development.

Bothersome, but natural I guess from anytime a niche marque hits it "big" relatively speaking with a model.

[TheRedMenace]

Originally Posted by JeffYoung

Yeah, it's kind of silly. Not as bad as when you first turned me on to the "Dogpatch" but I think it stemmed from a lot of folks who never owned sports cars, much less Lotus, buying one for $50k or wahtever and thinking they had the end all be all faults be damned.

I mean, the car is STILL made in Hethel, buzzes and rattles like a Lotus, and makes so so power. Great car, for what it is, but Lotus through and through -- not enough money for full and complete development.

Bothersome, but natural I guess from anytime a niche marque hits it "big" relatively speaking with a model.

I think you're kinda missing the point a bit. If he buys the Ferrari he's still going to have to spend the dough to maintain it as well - and the 355 ain't exactly a Honda.

Don't get me wrong, the 355 is one of my favorite Ferrari's but I think the Lotus is a no-brainer. The Esprit is faster, better looking and rarer. He'll also have a bunch of money left over to spend on maintenance and mods. There's also nothing worse than pulling up to a car show and seeing 15 of the same thing you're driving. That's never a problem with the Esprit. Even in LA I almost never see them.

Just be forewarned though that whichever car you buy, most of the owners are total dicks.

[JeffYoung]

Yeah, we kind of shifted topics away from his choice, to this Lotus fetish about the Elise that seemed to start in 05.

A 355 is not a cheap car to maintain, or purchase for that matter. I totally agree that a late 4 cylinder or V8 Esprit is a much better deal, and other than that noise the engine makes probably a better performer/driving experience.

[lotuson74]

Here let me respond to your concearns directly.
1. seeing out back is fine once the mirrors are adjusted properly (side mirriors have a hidden set screw) if the spoiler is in your way - PM me, I have a spare Sport 350 wing that solves any issues.
2. The spoiler is low (especially low on the 02+ cars) but they are rubber & no damage occurs if you are going slow and they drag. Also, you can do as I've done - and put on the 99 spoiler (It looks better when painted body color & gives tollerable clerance. Furthermore, You can simple unbolt it completely (6 screws) and not worry about it or repair it as necessarry.
3. At 5'10" I think it will fit you fine (unless you are over 260lbs.)

Also, I just got back from racing my friend's 04 Esprit V8 against my 06 B.M.W. M5 - I did everything in my power to beat his Esprit but... He pulled me about 3 cars every time from 20 or 60 to 140mph. Then we connected a boost guage and he was only getting 9psi.!!!! His only mods. are K&N filters and hollowed stock cats.

I do like to get Jeff going though, He is just jealous that I ran circles around his Exige at V.I.R. (I think he is just a bad driver cause I've seen some Exige's run pretty darn fast)

[lotuson74]

Kirk is a really fast driver and a total stud. Not to mention a multi-billionaire!

[lotuson74]

Sorry about that, Sometimes I just like to post to myself.

[lotuson74]

Originally Posted by gmendoza

Can you change the avitar?
I think the quote is: to "kick" a dead hoarse.

[JeffYoung]

No dude, you were scared to show up at the track, remember?

[lotuson74]

Originally Posted by JeffYoung

No dude, you were scared to show up at the track, remember?

Listen up you wanna-be, get a life - your boyfriend is calling!!!
Don't push me, I might Hulk out on you

[lotuson74]

Hey Jeff seriously, Let me know of any track days at V.I.R. i REALLY WANT TO RUN ON THAT TRACK!!! i GOTTA GO TO BED , im gettrting droonk.

[lotuson74]

I knew I could get Jeff going!
All he needs is a Briggs & Stratton motor a seat and an un-mowed yard to put him at his best.

[StallionX]

Hehe..

on topic, I actually went through this same choice, NSX, Esprit V8, F355

I chose Esprit for this reason, I honestly felt it was the best looking, it was definitely the fastest.. it sounded awesome (in a totally different way than the f355) The Esprit V8 has a unique sound to it's engine which I personally adore, the f355 has a positively amazing exhaust note as well..

The NSX would have been the cheapest option in the long run and honestly probably would have made me happy enough and in hindsight would have saved me at lesat 10k in maintenance thus far..

You may want to consider an NSX with a few power mods.. it's an true exotic, and one that can be driven 200k miles without it's engine showing any signs of compression loss.. It's a engineering marvel that neither Lotus or Ferrari can match.. Gotta hand it to them w/ the NSX.. it's a fantastic engineering accomplishment..

If you want to buy a car that you have to have at least 10k in the bank for at any time.. get an Esprit or Ferrari.. If you want to buy the car drive the piss out of it with minimal concerns about maintenance.. NSX is the key..

If in the future for whatever reason my finances start hurting.. I would go NSX or Viper or something that I feel will be cheap(er) to keep running in a heartbeat. The lotus/Ferrari is not that way.. They *MIGHT* give you 40k miles of little maintenance or they *MIGHT* cost you 20k in those 40k miles to fix problems.. That is the risk you take to own these cars..

Look at your budget amigo.. if you just want to fork out 60k and then be done with it.. go NSX.. if you dont mike 60k+ 10-20k more per year in maintenance.. look at Esprit/F355..

[zOOmz]

Senna seemed to enjoy the NSX.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izaWlKxVo1A

[dickedup]

Originally Posted by JeffYoung

Yeah, it's kind of silly. Not as bad as when you first turned me on to the "Dogpatch"......

Bothersome, but natural I guess from anytime a niche marque hits it "big" relatively speaking with a model.

Still shake my head in f***ing wonderment about how Buzzy was being perceived as the next best thing since sliced bread by so many Hoopleheads.



Reality has finally caught up with the vast bulk of 'em.

[dickedup]

Originally Posted by TheRedMenace

Don't get me wrong, the 355 is one of my favorite Ferrari's but I think the Lotus is a no-brainer.

The Esprit is faster, better looking and rarer.and mods.

There's also nothing worse than pulling up to a car show and seeing 15 of the same thing you're driving. That's never a problem with the Esprit. Even in LA I almost never see them.

Just be forewarned though that whichever car you buy, most of the owners are total dicks.

That Hoople needs a Ferrari. It may be the only time in his life he will ever be able to purchase one.

Three compadres have owned 355's and they have ALL said what a great vehicle it is. Even the A/C works like a hose in the blazing Texas heat.



Love my 1998 Esprit...but I bought it soooo right.

For what the colonel wants in a sports car, it's a no-brainer...and you just can't beat Marenello's product.

NSX?

Give me a break.

[JeffYoung]

Come on down on the 25th Quirky. I'll spank you in my 110 hp SM. Truly, I might. Oh wait! I forgot, you won't show. I done scairt the turd out of 'em!!!

[StallionX]

Originally Posted by dickedup

That Hoople needs a Ferrari. It may be the only time in his life he will ever be able to purchase one.

Three compadres have owned 355's and they have ALL said what a great vehicle it is. Even the A/C works like a hose in the blazing Texas heat.



Love my 1998 Esprit...but I bought it soooo right.

For what the colonel wants in a sports car, it's a no-brainer...and you just can't beat Marenello's product.

NSX?

Give me a break.

It's important he knows what he is getting into though.. if he plops 60-70k on an NSX there is a good chance he wont be putting more into maintenance.. an Esprit or Ferrari can get EXPENSIVE..

My advice to him is judge his finances.. OR just make a decision how much he wants to pay to enjoy his car.. a Viper or NSX will cost less than an Esprit or F355 by farrrr..

[yelnsx]

NS X

[JeffYoung]

Did they fix the rear tire wear issue with teh later NSXs? What else is a potentially troublesome item on them?

[StallionX]

Originally Posted by dickedup

Still shake my head in f***ing wonderment about how Buzzy was being perceived as the next best thing since sliced bread by so many Hoopleheads.



Reality has finally caught up with the vast bulk of 'em.

what is a hooplehead? what is a buzzbomb? What is this? lotus elise lingo?