A&Q about Lotus
Q:
I finally had a chance to drive an Exige so I thought I'd just post a little about the experience for anyone considering one or the other.
A friend with an Exige stopped by and we installed the rear clips for the soft top. The installation went very smoothly since we had my Elise parked right behind it to take measurements from. He was kind enough to let me take the Exige for a spirited run up and down a nice road near where I live.
I have a 2005 Elise with about 6,000 miles, his 2006 Exige has almost 10,000 now. In regard to build quality they feel about the same, so an extra 4,000 miles doesn't seem to do any harm and I know the Exige has hard, track day miles so the cars obviously hold up well.
The physical differences are that mine is a bone stock 2005 Elise, no modifications other than a quick release undertray kit, stereo mods and aiming the headlights . The exige has an aftermarket exhaust, cold air intake and comp brake pads as well as a panel eliminator to show off the exhaust and a number of track day safety items.
Driving impressions:
- The exhaust and intake certainly feel like they add more bottom end punch, the car sounds and feels like it's getting to the cams faster, especially so when you have the engine loaded up at low revs.
- The sound is great. I kept dipping into the throttle just to hear the deep exhaust note and the roar of air being sucked into the engine behind my head. I would cackle gleefully each time I hit the gas pedal. I definitely think I would get in trouble if my car sounded like that.
- There are a few very distinct handling characteristics I noticed. I am very familiar with the road and I can't count the number of times I've driven it in the Elise, so I'm positive I could feel a difference. Turn in is much quicker on the Exige, the suspension seems to settle in immediately. The touring Elise, while go-kart in comparison to any other vehicle on the road feels like it hesitates a millionth of a second when compared with the Exige. The Exige just "Gets down!". The middle of the turn feels identical, I couldn't tell a difference. Once both settle into a groove they just go. Exiting the turn was a little different, and it may have been that tiny bit of extra low end power or maybe the tire balance or fly by wire throttle sensitivity, I couldn't tell you, but the rear got a little loose in the Exige when putting down the power leaving the turn, I just felt the slightest shift as I floored it going onto a straight section of road.
- Suspension compliance is great. Even though it's the "sport" suspension pack you really don't notice a major difference. No clunking, bouncing, loose teeth, etc... It feels a lot like the Elise.
- Can't comment on rear visibility. I forgot to look in the rearview mirror
- The Exige did have aftermarket brake pads, but I can't imagine that's the only difference between 2005 and 2006. My brake pedal has what feels like 3 inches of travel before it even engages, then it's great. The Exige brake hits hard right off the return spring. I almost sent us both over the hood the first time I hit them, I couldn't believe how firm and fast they were. Can the 2005 Elise be set up this way?
- The fly by wire was far less intrusive than I thought it was going to be. The throttle felt like it was opening and closing exactly as I would want. I was worried the car would try to "save gas" and respond with it's own mind, but it really felt very smooth and responsive. I don't think It's something I'd sell my car for, but if I was shopping I no longer think it's something that would keep me from buying a car with it.
I definitely appreciate the chance to take an Exige out and really feel what it can do. THANKS!
Conclusion: I wouldn't trade in my Elise for an Exige, the difference is not great enough. I might have opted for the Sport pack had I known it wouldn't really be that harsh, but I don't regret not buying it. I'm super happy with my Elise and if you don't have one yet, you'll be happy with either should you find yourself buying one.
If anyone is considering putting a soft top on their Exige it's not that bad. I know there is a great thread with pictures here somewhere. I'd also be glad to offer any advice. It's not a difficult task and it lets Exige owners drive top down with a soft top in the trunk and no worries of a rain storm sneaking up on them.
A:
Thanks for the writeup. I always tell people that if the Exige's looks don't make you jump up out of your chair and run circles of joy then buy an Elise.
Which brake pads did he have? Am I blind and just not seeing that in your post?
A:
How harsh the LSS is really depends on the road. In Phoenix, I use to think it was Lexus plushness. I don't feel that way driving through Down town Los Angeles' crater alley.
Could you feel the extra downforce?
A:
mmm phoenix roads
A:
Originally Posted by Allan Gibbs
How harsh the LSS is really depends on the road. In Phoenix, I use to think it was Lexus plushness. I don't feel that way driving through Down town Los Angeles' crater alley.
Could you feel the extra downforce?
We do have nice roads around here, so perhaps that's why the suspension didn't seem all that different.
It's a tight road, the fastest I went was 80 and that was on a very straight section for a just brief moment, I was not able to perceive any noticeable difference from the downforce. I'm sure on a track at speed you would notice it.
A:
Did you have your shims pulled or have the car aligned?
I noticed after I pulled the shims on my car the turn in was faster.