2007 Elise vs. 2008 Elise SC - LotusTalk

vincesf · 09-27-2009, 07:10 AM

I am contemplating purchasing one of 2 cars, a 2007 Elise or a 2008 Elise SC. Pluses that I favor on the 2007 Elise, it comes with a hardtop, and also has the older style bumpers (no bumperettes), but comes with the updated headlights. The 2008 SC has no hardtop, but of course it comes supercharged, and with the updated interior. Neither car has Traction Control. Price differential is $10,000, and also assume both are in like new condition with the same number of miles. Are the upgrades on the 2008 and particularly the SC with Supercharger worth the $10,000 extra over an '07?
Thanks,
Vincesf

mhouston23 · 09-27-2009, 07:20 AM

Bumpers? What bumpers?

Man of Steel · 09-27-2009, 07:36 AM

I would buy the 2007, invest the $10k, and add an aftermarket SC when the car goes off warranty next year. Spend less than half the difference at Lotus Driving School in Parhump, NV.

...m... · 09-27-2009, 09:04 AM

...go for the '07 with an aftermarket supercharger, far better performance for less money and no dorky spoiler nor bumperettes ...

MikeinAlexandria · 09-27-2009, 09:54 AM

Hve you driven the Elise with and without the supercharger? I have not. But everyone I have met with one loves it. Where do you live, countryside, city? I am guesing a S/C Elise would be fantastic on curvy roads with gobs of torque. But before making a final decision, test drive! And let that experience guide you.

vincesf · 09-27-2009, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ...m...

...go for the '07 with an aftermarket supercharger, far better performance for less money and no dorky spoiler nor bumperettes ...

I must admit that I have not yet warmed up to the look of the rear spoiler on the SC and it doesn't do much for rear visibility, but I can certainly live with it. I can also live with the bumperettes; however, my understanding is that the 2008 had some nice upgrades in the quality of the interior materials and of course most notably has the supercharger.

vincesf

vincesf · 09-27-2009, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeinAlexandria

Hve you driven the Elise with and without the supercharger? I have not. But everyone I have met with one loves it. Where do you live, countryside, city? I am guesing a S/C Elise would be fantastic on curvy roads with gobs of torque. But before making a final decision, test drive! And let that experience guide you.

I have owned an '06 Elise, but have not driven an Elise with a supercharger.

vincesf

Rei · 09-27-2009, 05:39 PM

VF engineering SC kit cost 10k = 260hp, vs 220hp you do the math same money 40hp and warranty well lets be realistic how many teeth do you want to pull to get anything covered by lotus USA.

Snowphun · 09-27-2009, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ...m...

...go for the '07 with an aftermarket supercharger, far better performance for less money and no dorky spoiler nor bumperettes ...

Many (most?) MY07's have the bumperettes. I think they look pretty good on the car, especially *if* they save some headaches related to a low speed bump.

antinym · 09-27-2009, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rei

VF engineering SC kit cost 10k = 260hp, vs 220hp you do the math same money 40hp and warranty well lets be realistic how many teeth do you want to pull to get anything covered by lotus USA.

huh? the VF is $6300, add $1000 for installation. And that puts you at 280 HP (crank) for Stage 1.

Lifespan · 09-27-2009, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snowphun

Many (most?) MY07's have the bumperettes. I think they look pretty good on the car, especially *if* they save some headaches related to a low speed bump.

Yeah. If car does not have the "bumperettes", I would still suggest spending the $100 to put them on as they will probably save you from some real damage from potential rubbing.

vincesf · 09-27-2009, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lifespan

Yeah. If car does not have the "bumperettes", I would still suggest spending the $100 to put them on as they will probably save you from some real damage from potential rubbing.

This is an early 2007 and does not have the bumperettes. I did not know that you could have them put on. That's an interesting option.

Thanks,
vincesf

ads_green · 09-27-2009, 11:53 PM

I think it also depends on how used you are to light rwd cars and with the engine mid mounted.

If you are relatively new then the 2007 car would be ideal to get as it will be more forgiving to your right foot. You can then see how it goes and if you get on with it then there are many different options (both from the factory and after market) that will allow you to add more power later on.

The other advantage of this way is that you always have a tried and tested upgrade path and it'll feel like you've got a new car once you've added the charger. Starting with the supercharger whilst is great fun means that once you get used to the power it gets more expensive to feed the power demon.

Demonized · 09-28-2009, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rei

VF engineering SC kit cost 10k = 260hp, vs 220hp you do the math same money 40hp and warranty well lets be realistic how many teeth do you want to pull to get anything covered by lotus USA.

VF engineering does nothing in this community.

Vision Function is the company that makes the supercharger kit for the Lotus. I was also under the impression that the kit was $6900...

Further-more. The VF kit puts you at ~260hp at the wheels, the Elise SC has 220 at the crank (~200 at the wheels, or there about).

RENDERMAN · 09-28-2009, 05:47 AM

To make your choice easier. Unless you're going to make the car go fast in a straight line, buy the 2008 and don't mess with the engine. You can pick up a used 2008 hardtop later for about $1200+ paint.

RoadDad · 09-28-2009, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snowphun

Many (most?) MY07's have the bumperettes...

There were 100 launch cars in 2007 that do not have the bumperettes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snowphun

...especially *if* they save some headaches related to a low speed bump.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lifespan

... I would still suggest spending the $100 to put them on

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lifespan

...as they will probably save you from some real damage from potential rubbing.

ewalberg · 09-28-2009, 02:48 PM

shoot, i'd get the 07, and add the factory supercharger! It's a packaged kit that's available for sale, it'll still cost you less after installed than the 08 and will be fully CARB legal, and fully warrantteed by lotus!

I think the rear winglet on the 08 is a BAD idea for daily drivers as there's already a marginal view out the rear. Looks fine, but functionally i'd consider it borderline unacceptable. I would LOVE a supercharger... doesn't need a huge boost, but just a little more would be very nice... and that's what you get with factory stuff... plus you can still get a charieX tune to give you more for regular street driving. That said the car is still a riot to drive as is, so it doesn't NEED a supercharger to have fun, but it is probably the one mod i'd LOVE to do... just can't justify the cost... but if you're looking at an 08 for 10k more, i think it's an obvious choice to go 07 with factory SC...

I should look into adding those bumperettes to my car... it's a DD for me...

vincesf · 09-29-2009, 06:33 AM

Thanks for the advice all. I found a great deal on an '08 Elise California Edition, much cheaper than even an '09 Purist Edition, plus it included a Hardtop, ProBax Seats, Starshield, Advan O48 tires on Special Edition Wheels, a Tesla quality interior, a 3-year warranty, and because I live in California, the nameplate fits. Also, the rear winglet does not seems to be that bad on visibility, and I made sure to drive it first, and can certainly live with it. Of course it is not Supercharged, but it seems from reading the posts, that can be added in the future.
Thanks again,
vincesf

Snowphun · 09-29-2009, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoadDad

There were 100 launch cars in 2007 that do not have the bumperettes.

So the 2007+ rear bumper is completely useless?

marcinr · 09-29-2009, 11:04 AM

I was making the same decision as you are now a year ago. I ended up buying a used 2007, which saved me a bunch of money, then I had the factory supercharger installed. After all the costs of transport, SC installation, etc, it still cost a lot less than a brand new factory SC car. What you end up with if you go this route is a car identical to the factory Elise SC, except no spoiler or single tip muffler, and with the older instrument cluster.

09-27-2009, 07:10 AM	#1 (permalink)
vincesf Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 113	2007 Elise vs. 2008 Elise SC I am contemplating purchasing one of 2 cars, a 2007 Elise or a 2008 Elise SC. Pluses that I favor on the 2007 Elise, it comes with a hardtop, and also has the older style bumpers (no bumperettes), but comes with the updated headlights. The 2008 SC has no hardtop, but of course it comes supercharged, and with the updated interior. Neither car has Traction Control. Price differential is $10,000, and also assume both are in like new condition with the same number of miles. Are the upgrades on the 2008 and particularly the SC with Supercharger worth the $10,000 extra over an '07? Thanks, Vincesf

09-27-2009, 07:20 AM	#2 (permalink)
mhouston23 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 166 Images: 3	Bumpers? What bumpers? __________________ 2008 Persian Blue Elise SC - HT, Sport, Touring 2008 Honda Fit Sport (Daily Driver) 2003 Honda S2000 (Sold) 1999 Honda Prelude SH (Traded)

09-27-2009, 07:36 AM	#3 (permalink)
Man of Steel Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 158	I would buy the 2007, invest the $10k, and add an aftermarket SC when the car goes off warranty next year. Spend less than half the difference at Lotus Driving School in Parhump, NV. __________________ 2006 Ardent Red Elise Touring Pack, Star Shield, hard top, Valentine 1 and bracket, sun visor delete, micro mirror, carpet buttons, new mats, Sector 111 "bootie", racing stripes FAIL :-( ;Chuforia graffix, Stage II exhaust, de-snorkeled, Green filter.

09-27-2009, 09:04 AM	#4 (permalink)
...m... Denuo Volatilis Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,716	...go for the '07 with an aftermarket supercharger, far better performance for less money and no dorky spoiler nor bumperettes ... __________________ 2005 Federal Elise \| Touring \| Storm Titanium ...73,000 miles and aging beautifully... 2000 New Beetle \| Turbo \| Reflex Silver ...107,000 miles of steadfast service...

09-27-2009, 09:54 AM	#5 (permalink)
MikeinAlexandria Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 460 Images: 5	Hve you driven the Elise with and without the supercharger? I have not. But everyone I have met with one loves it. Where do you live, countryside, city? I am guesing a S/C Elise would be fantastic on curvy roads with gobs of torque. But before making a final decision, test drive! And let that experience guide you. __________________ 2005 Elise in Racing Green with the touring pack 2007 MINI Cooper S in Sparkling Silver 2001 BMW Z3 Coupe in Sapphire Black (sold) 2002 MINI Cooper in yellow (sold) 1996 BMW Z3 Roadster (Racing Dynamics version) (sold) Founder of the Racing Green Confederate

09-27-2009, 05:39 PM	#8 (permalink)
Rei Lotus/TRD Geek Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond WA Posts: 623	VF engineering SC kit cost 10k = 260hp, vs 220hp you do the math same money 40hp and warranty well lets be realistic how many teeth do you want to pull to get anything covered by lotus USA. __________________ Kids in the Back seat causes Accidents Accidents in the Back Seat causes Kids Moral Stick with a Two Seater

09-27-2009, 11:53 PM	#13 (permalink)
ads_green Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 361	I think it also depends on how used you are to light rwd cars and with the engine mid mounted. If you are relatively new then the 2007 car would be ideal to get as it will be more forgiving to your right foot. You can then see how it goes and if you get on with it then there are many different options (both from the factory and after market) that will allow you to add more power later on. The other advantage of this way is that you always have a tried and tested upgrade path and it'll feel like you've got a new car once you've added the charger. Starting with the supercharger whilst is great fun means that once you get used to the power it gets more expensive to feed the power demon.

09-28-2009, 05:47 AM	#15 (permalink)
RENDERMAN Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Miami 305 Posts: 916 Images: 6	To make your choice easier. Unless you're going to make the car go fast in a straight line, buy the 2008 and don't mess with the engine. You can pick up a used 2008 hardtop later for about $1200+ paint. __________________ WILL.I.AM 2005 Saffron yellow Custom Elise…. Adobe Photoshop CS4 Certified Instructor Check out my work, Site under construction... http://www.wilsart.com/

09-28-2009, 02:48 PM	#17 (permalink)
ewalberg Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Redwood City, CA Posts: 717	shoot, i'd get the 07, and add the factory supercharger! It's a packaged kit that's available for sale, it'll still cost you less after installed than the 08 and will be fully CARB legal, and fully warrantteed by lotus! I think the rear winglet on the 08 is a BAD idea for daily drivers as there's already a marginal view out the rear. Looks fine, but functionally i'd consider it borderline unacceptable. I would LOVE a supercharger... doesn't need a huge boost, but just a little more would be very nice... and that's what you get with factory stuff... plus you can still get a charieX tune to give you more for regular street driving. That said the car is still a riot to drive as is, so it doesn't NEED a supercharger to have fun, but it is probably the one mod i'd LOVE to do... just can't justify the cost... but if you're looking at an 08 for 10k more, i think it's an obvious choice to go 07 with factory SC... I should look into adding those bumperettes to my car... it's a DD for me... __________________ 2006 Aspen White Elise. Hard top (never left it's shipping box), LSS, LSD, Traction control, Red leather.

09-29-2009, 06:33 AM	#18 (permalink)
vincesf Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 113	Thanks for the advice all. I found a great deal on an '08 Elise California Edition, much cheaper than even an '09 Purist Edition, plus it included a Hardtop, ProBax Seats, Starshield, Advan O48 tires on Special Edition Wheels, a Tesla quality interior, a 3-year warranty, and because I live in California, the nameplate fits. Also, the rear winglet does not seems to be that bad on visibility, and I made sure to drive it first, and can certainly live with it. Of course it is not Supercharged, but it seems from reading the posts, that can be added in the future. Thanks again, vincesf

09-29-2009, 11:04 AM	#20 (permalink)
marcinr Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: San Francisco Bay Area Posts: 172	I was making the same decision as you are now a year ago. I ended up buying a used 2007, which saved me a bunch of money, then I had the factory supercharger installed. After all the costs of transport, SC installation, etc, it still cost a lot less than a brand new factory SC car. What you end up with if you go this route is a car identical to the factory Elise SC, except no spoiler or single tip muffler, and with the older instrument cluster.

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