[kpbuck]

I am considering a 240 s as a track car. Have a 997s that I use as as a daily driver and weekend track car. Have a 2010 GT3 on order but it ocurrs to me a used 240 s for 50k makes a lot more sense. I dont need it for transportation and it looks the perfect solution - the only issue is I dont have the opportunity to track the car before owning it. I worry it may be just a hi powered go cart.... any thoughts?

 

[Demonized]

I am considering a 240 s as a track car. Have a 997s that I use as as a daily driver and weekend track car. Have a 2010 GT3 on order but it ocurrs to me a used 240 s for 50k makes a lot more sense. I dont need it for transportation and it looks the perfect solution - the only issue is I dont have the opportunity to track the car before owning it. I worry it may be just a hi powered go cart.... any thoughts?

Hell... might as well buy a 2007 Exige S, get a mohawk roof, and get a charliex tune, then you're only looking at $45,000, with more power.

 

[Marlonius]

Where the hell did you get $40,000??? :huh:

 

[chotto]

Where are you located? What tracks do you run at? I was at a track day yesterday which included a ton of Porsches (including GT3 and GT3 RS's). On a shorter course, there isn't much difference. In fact, the Lotus' usually put up better times. On some of the super speedway courses, it may be a different story. I'd go get some seat time in a Lotus. I'm sure anybody will let you jump in. It could save you a bunch of money for the same fun factor.

 

[U4IA187]

Ive lucky in that I drive both the 911 carrera s and the exige s240. Two very different cars. Since you are no stranger to track days, you will already understand that it can be a huge hole in the ground to throw away all your disposable cash. Maintenance costs aside for the two cars...

The lotus handles much differently than the 911. The responsiveness is as good if not better for the s240. Tactile response is superior. However, where the 911 acts like a surgical blade, the lotus is a hammer. Not terribly refined (in a good way) and brutal in its feedback. I love the lack of the understear I get from the lotus vs 911 on a flat chicane. POwer out of corners is lacking in comparison for the lotus. Braking later than anyone else dreams of, and making a good pass on the inside always makes me smile. Too bad I cant see their faces in a rearview mirror.

My personal experience is that my stock tires last many weekends of hard track driving. The brakes are phenomenal. Fluid changes arent that difficult. The engine has excellent responsiveness.

This isnt a plug for anyone, but there are performance drive days you can sign up for that host porsche and lotus. Skipbarber is the one I know of. Since I doubt any dealer would let you track a car before you buy it, you may want to seriously consider one of these experiences to get a taste.

Hope this helps.

 

[U4IA187]

BTW, your icon picture, is that your black 911 at sebring? Were you there last month? You probably saw my s240 #33 there as well. I dont know if Im gonna be there in august, but if you see my car around stop by and say hi. Ill show you the car.

 

[sleepe]

The motor is its achilles heel. It is an econobox motor pulled straight out of a Toyota celica.

 

[U4IA187]

Yeah, you dont get the same satisfaction from the sewing machine whine of the lotus versus the high rev screech of the porsche, esp a GT3.

 

[Certified Lotus]

I own a Porsche 997 C4S and an Exige S. The Exige is my dedicated track toy and I wouldn't have it any other way. Currently in the shop having a new engine put in it (long story, but don't run low on fuel) and I've been driving the C4S at the track a lot. Can't wait for the Lotus to come back, there is nothing like it. All I can tell you is at when I was being instructed at DE events, all the instructors told me it was the best road car that felt like a race car right out of the box. Every single DE instructor was that impressed. The Porsche's will blow by you in the straights, but they can't shake you in the corners (unless they are driving cup cars or GT3 RS).

If your in NJ, happy to provide a "ride".

 

[caboydman]

The 2010 GT3 is going to be an amazing car. I would get it for the center lock wheels alone.

 

[kpbuck]

wow - lots of great feedback

first Chotto - i run PBIR (Mororso) in Jupiter, Fl a couple of times a month, two mile course, I have Homestead and Sebring this summer as well & yes U4IA187 I was in Sebring in May, though I must admit I dont recall seeing your car that weekend. If you live nearby and PBIR is in your bubble I would be happy to have you join me as a guest for a track night -
As for the rest of the comments - thank you - sounds like a mixed bag with respect the cars performance and do I appreciate the fact that I already own a great track car that is hard to compare to the Lotus unfortunately I can see the only way to really get a better feel is to track the car - after I buy one....

 

[cstetter]

Consumables on the Lotus (brakes, tires, oil, ...) will last a lot longer and be much cheaper than the GT3 when tracked. Repairs and parts on the drivetrain and mechanical bits will also be a lot cheaper. The big downer is that any kind of hit can lead to $$$ body repairs and a chassis is relatively easily damaged which totals the car.

No other regular production car is as tossable as an Elise/Exige, though.

YMMV

 

[larez2]

...This isnt a plug for anyone, but there are performance drive days you can sign up for that host porsche and lotus...

There is a good driving school that uses Lotus cars in Pahrump, NV near Vegas:
Lotus Cars USA | Performance Driving School

I'm pretty much a noob, but from my experience, my 911 (996) seems a lot more predictable, especially near the limit. I find my Lotus (Elise) is much easier to upset/lose control, but I am still learning to drive it correctly (aren't we all? ) I have to say, I like driving the Lotus more at events since I feel like I am doing what it was made to do, and I am not as concerned about messing it up since it was cheaper than the 911.

Though the power to weight ratio of my Lotus is better than my 911, the 911 just feels a lot more powerful - I can't quite explain it. (not sure about the power to weight of the 240s vs a 997 GT3 though)

I consider myself a Porsche guy too - I recently read an article in MotorTrend about the 2010 GT3 - great review. If given the choice and I had the disposable income to buy one, I would over a used 240s anyday.

 

[HKFEVER]

Lotus is simply a SUPER Kart from hell with A/C to keep you cool from hell fire:evil: Low maintenance, parts' are cheap, and almost comes with everything you need for track.

 

[Mike_S]

I also have a 997S and only use my Exige S as the dedicated track toy. It does it's job well! Parts are cheap and the car has more than enough power for the bends.

 

[HI RPM]

Not only will you have cash spare from the purchase price, but coming from a ex Porsche Gemballa GTR650 owner, you could run a elise/exige for half the money it costs to track a Porsche competitivly ...

And there a hell of a lot more fun to drive :evil:

Definetly do it !

 

[MickOpalak]

I worry it may be just a hi powered go cart.

It is a hi powered go cart, but that's a good thing! It's not big, heavy and soft like a 911.

 

[kpbuck]

Not only will you have cash spare from the purchase price, but coming from a ex Porsche Gemballa GTR650 owner, you could run a elise/exige for half the money it costs to track a Porsche competitivly ...

And there a hell of a lot more fun to drive :evil:

Definetly do it !

Well - I think you guys have given me the intel I was looking for & it re affirms my thinking - after all life is a compromise isnt it? and it all comes back to being all about the Benjamins dosent it? and sure - if I wasnt trying to contain my addiction the 2010 GT3 is the bomb. My 997s is well sorted and I love it but having 200k tied up in Porsches.... thats just not prudent - what I walk away with from your comments is the Exige is a great track car but for those of us that are spoiled with abundant HP it's still powered by MR. Two
I am going to go drive the car today and see how it feels at the airport - I think the car feels right for the money - s 240 08' with track pack - tour pack - 2300m - balance of fac warranty - black with silver rally stripe for
50k

thanks again! Great forum and you people are very helpful - now I am going to burn my own little whole in the ozone.
cheers,
Kevin

 

[Green Hornet]

First off - I love the GT3. It is the only other car which really interests me. Very capable on the track and still has creature comforts on the road.

In my conversations at the track with owners I have noted the cost of operating the Porsche is quite a bit higher than the Lotus. They use up thier brakes at a much higher rate than we do and the cost of pads and rotors is a lot higher. Add the higher cost for your sticky tire of your choice and the difference is quite large financially.

For some this is meaningless. However, even if you have the extra money to spend on the car, the brakes, the tires etc. etc. do you really WANT to. For me the answer is no. Even though I really like those GT3s.

Whatever you decide - just do it. Don't forget to be safe in the process

Best Wishes -

 

[dickedup]

This little Lotus lacks something called "torque" amigo!

Yeah, you dont get the same satisfaction from the sewing machine whine of the lotus versus the high rev screech of the porsche, esp a GT3.

And you're absolutely correct with the sewing machine analogy.