What to get: NSX, 355, or Esprit V8

[EspritMike]

Originally Posted by lotuson74

Here is the truth: The Porsche GT3 is a melted gum-drop looking pig of a slug that sounds like a Hoover vacume being drug across a gravel driveway (where the GT3 should stay) either that or a farmers feild.

I've heard it described as looking like a frog taking a dump. I think that's more accurate. It also has the engine in the dumbest position imaginable (short of Audis hanging off the front end). Porsches are truly examples of a poor design well executed.

Originally Posted by horseX

Listen, I'm not saying the esprit is perfect machine, it's an exotic car that has good qualities and bad..

Sheesh. That wasn't too hard, was it? Pointing out negative points to a potential owner does not equal "hater".

In summary: I'm not a fanboy. Of Porsche, Lotus, Ferrari, whatever. I just like cars.

[PhlypSide]

Originally Posted by StallionX

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

Merely language dickedup's favorite TV show (so it would seem):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deadwood_(TV_series)

[lotuson74]

Originally Posted by 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!!!

Seriously the 25th. July? PM. me with the contact info. please!

[StallionX]

Deadwood is a good show.. too bad it was cancelled.. makes me sad in the groin region..

[JeffYoung]

Your pussy hurts?

[StallionX]

Originally Posted by JeffYoung

Your pussy hurts?

That is kinda personal? are you coming on to me sexy?

[JeffYoung]

LOL.....well, you made me laugh..touche my friend. Truce called, back to work. Have a good day man.

[dickedup]

Originally Posted by PhlypSide

Merely language dickedup's favorite TV show (so it would seem):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deadwood_(TV_series)

Unfortunately, there is supposed to be a couple of two hour "wrap-up" episodes.... but no one seems to know what the Hell happened to them.





How about this name for the next Lotus car. Should appeal to all those that
"get it" ( ), want to feel "unique" and "special".

The 2009 Lotus Elitist?








"Looky@Me!!!"

[dickedup]

Originally Posted by StallionX

Deadwood is a good show.. too bad it was cancelled.. makes me sad in the groin region..

Amazingly....much of the verbage is the same.

[yelnsx]

Originally Posted by JeffYoung

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

This is my sixth NSXes(not at the same time, of course), not one single one of them had any problems. Earlier ones have tranny issues. Just brakes, oil changes, tires and you're good to go.

As with tire wear, have your alignment guy do alignment with later year(94+, not sure) spec if you have and earlier ones and you'll be fine. I have Continentals with 15k on them and the rears are about to go, the fronts still have at least 50% left.

[yelnsx]

Shawn,

I have both an 02 NSX and an 07 Exige S. PM me when you're back and we'll take both cars out for a long canyon drive if you're up for it. I'm in the Los Angeles area.

355: A Ferrari owner once told me that don't buy a 355 if you want the F1, paddle shift tranny. Go with a 360 if you can afford it.

Esprit: Never own one, it didn't do anything for me. Please don't get offended guys. I'm sure it drives great. Just not my kinda car.

NSX: Super reliable. You should know, you own a Honda.

Bottom line, you have know what you like and what you want and the only way to do that is go drive it.

[Goose]

I just looked at this thread again and noticed that your wife was interested in an Aston.

In a word: Don't.

DB7's are beautiful and unique cars, but like many of these types of cars (what I call "ultra-exotics"), they can be very expensive to own. Another description of "ultra-exotic" is "low-volume/hand-built" - usually not good things when it comes to making a reliable car. Although our beloved Elise falls squarely into the "low volume/hand built" category, its simplicity helps to make it somewhat cheap and reliable. This cannot be said for the DB7; put the Aston wings on the hood an be prepared to be bent over for parts/service - or anything else associated with it.

I reiterate my recommendation of the NSX. Best of luck with your search.

EDIT: Just read Jeff's question regarding problem areas with the NSX. Yelnsx is spot-on (he should know since he's an owner); they're pretty damn reliable. Early tire wear issues were due to having a goodly amount of toe-in on the rears. Early owners bitched about chewing up tires quickly, so later (~1994 and later) alignment specs were straightened out in the rear. As far as I know on the transmission, the only problem was a snap ring failure problem which was associated with a specific serial number group - well documented and not hard to spot in the used market.

Hope this helps...

[yelnsx]

If you want an Aston Martin, I'd go with the V8 Vantage but that'll be as much as a 360.

[gmendoza]

Originally Posted by lotuson74

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

Huh? You want me to change my avitar? How's that?

... and you are right about the Dunlops. I'm starting not to like them. Also I believe Harry @ Viking said the Esprit would handle better if the front alignment was set to 0 toe in/out instead of the stock toe out. Is this what you are talking about?

[lotuson74]

With the front - yes, set to 0.00 toe. But I think I also toed the rear wheels out slightly - like 0.04 - 0.06?? (you need to make shims or remove shims where the trailing arm mounts to the frame)
I did not know this adjustment existed until I got under the car for the 400th. time and noticed it!

BTW I meant the avitar on the post where the guy was beating the dead hoarse. That was good

[shawncweed]

YelNSX,

Thanks for the offer and may in fact try and get out there. I am stationed in Savannah, but grew up in SoCal (Hunting Beach) and my father still lives in Long Beach...I am planning on getting out to visit him next Spring when I am "sprung" from this place...

Your NSX is exactly the one we have looked at...Yellow, and 2002/03...how would you compare it to your Exige S? I have read the passion debate and am interested in your views too on your impressions between the 2. Which one puts the bigger grin on your face?

Also, Goose...thanks for the info on the DB7...I have only ever seen one (Savannah is not much of a car town), and while it sounded great, it looked odd with the top down and just seemed too large...I didnt like the midget rear seats too...who would design something like that on purpose?

Lastly, I read over the past week about the new Lotus Exige GT3 which debuted in Geneva...Is this bound for the US...and are they serious about a 100k price tag? Seems rediculous to me, given a 911 GT3 retails for a smidgeon more and that the mechanicals are essentially the same as on the Elise minus the blower whcih can be had aftermarket...It is quite striking though...

Thanks

S

[yelnsx]

Originally Posted by shawncweed

YelNSX,

Thanks for the offer and may in fact try and get out there. I am stationed in Savannah, but grew up in SoCal (Hunting Beach) and my father still lives in Long Beach...I am planning on getting out to visit him next Spring when I am "sprung" from this place...

Your NSX is exactly the one we have looked at...Yellow, and 2002/03...how would you compare it to your Exige S? I have read the passion debate and am interested in your views too on your impressions between the 2. Which one puts the bigger grin on your face?


Thanks

S

Shawn,

IMHO, if you plan to track your car at least once a month then Lotus Elise/Exige, hands down. For the street, daily commute and/or track couple times a year, then the NSX.

The Exige S and Elise is pretty much the same accept Exige S has more downforce and power. Since you already have an Elise, why not get something else.

Haven't tracked my Exige S yet. Just bought it recently and already having the speedo and oil leak problems.

To answer your question, I don't think you can say Elise without a smile and Exige S without a grin. But, if I was to have one car then it has to be my NSX...sorry guys.

[shawncweed]

YelNSX...

It is 119 today and have spent most of the day inside and had a chance in the lull of things to think over this problem some more...a couple things:

1. After looking around I was amazed at how reasonable a good, late model, low mile Esprit is...generally between 45-55k...also, the interior on the 2002-2003 models looks almost usable...

2. I am also intrigued on this mythic "Red ECU" preinstalle on some of the for sale models that allegedly boosts HP to 450...since my gut tells me, nothing is for free...what is the cost of this in terms of wear on the engine, turbos, clutch, etc...what else needs to be added to ensure the proper integration of this addition...

3. I still am rooting for the NSX...and just hope I can find one reasonable close for what i want to pay...I like the idea of getting one which had a comptech supercharger installed by the dealer...as i ahve heard some dealers ut west will do...but not in Savannah or Hilton Head...

4. Lastly, I took tha advice f a couple posters and started looking at 911s...I really never considerd a 911 cabriolet but found them on autotrader at a reasonable price...I am just not a fan of the looks that much...however, I did find several 2001-2002 911 Turbos for the magical 50-55k number...these are low mile 415hp, 0-60 in 4 flat, 0-100 in 9.3 cars...and look modern and even have some space behind the seats...This really shocked me, as I figured these cars were in the high 80s or so...

any thoughts?

[jlr]

My vote would be for a "real car" first and foremost -- either a 996 GT3 or NSX. Either one is entertaining, the Porsche much more so and a properly driven GT3 is hard to catch. I've got a Morgan Plus 8, and my mechanic works on various exotics -- lots of Ferraris in the shop -- so I would avoid the Ferrari unless I had another 25k to spend on it over time. The problem with the Esprit is that it lacks the intimate charms of the Elise/Exige, but is still somewhat kit-carish. I've always lusted after an Esprit myself, but I could never buy a GTish sports car that feels so thrown together. The Morgan, BTW, feels thrown together too. English cars are wonderful --interesting, charming, and full of character. They are like cars built by elves in the rolling countryside. Problem is, elves can't build cars.

[JeffYoung]

LOL..that's a great post.....(and I am about to hop into my TR6, built by elves, and hope I make it to lunch....).