RE: 2009 Lotus Elise, white base package. Not the base package. If you are to trade, get the SC. Otherwise you are giving up too much, stick with the Z.

According to 2010 Lotus Elise - Specifications, Pictures, Prices
"The big change is the addition of a new entry-level model, dubbed simply the Lotus Elise. The base Elise model comes with a 1.6-liter engine developing 134 horsepower and 118 lb-ft of torque. Although about on par with many entry-level compact models, the Elise's lightweight design ensures overall performance is not compromised, with the two-door still able to scoot from zero-to-60 in just 6 seconds. Top speed is capped at 124mph."

:iagree:

U.S. Only gets the 1.8 n/a and 1.8 s/c. besides, 1.6 is also for the 2011 model year.

2009 is the car i'm looking at.

http://www.cars.com/lotus/elise/2009/

189-hp, 1.8-liter I-4 (N/A)
218-hp, 1.8-liter I-4 (S/C)

Here's an excellent website and forum you should join to learn more: Lotus Talk

A friend of mine used to have an Elise that he would leave with me when he was driving one of his other automobiles. It is one of the best handling automobiles in the world, and a blast to drive; you really never want to get out of it because it's that fun. It has no real trunk space. It is not very high so when you go to park other drivers do not see it when backing-up. (You think the 370Z is bad? The Elise is worse.) Other drivers constantly want to race you. People are constantly pressing their face on the windows when you park it so they are always smudged. Other jealous people will throw sh!t through the top when left off (yes, this constantly happened). There is NO front or rear protection so parallel parking is basically out. Plan on spending more time detailing it as it's a mid-engine.

I've been on there since Feb 2006 :hello:

F' it...you only live once, so go for the Elise! The Elise is an automobile that will always be picked up by another enthusiast until its wheels fall off. If you don't have children, and you're single, then just go for it.

well I took a good look at the car today at the dealership, along with my Z. Damn, the Z looks sexy as hell, maybe even better than the Elise. I need to think about this harder.

I couldn't DD an Elise, its just too impractical in every way. But, as a weekend car for going for a blast through the mountains it is the best car to own IMO.

The Z isn't terribly practical either, but its way better than the Elise. The Z is more comfortable, has more space, more creature comforts and will do 90% or so of what an Elise will do on a twist road.
IMO\\\


IMO - for DD get a Z
for pretending you are driving a race car, get an Elise.

I owned a Celica GT-S for 6 years and while I loved the car and loved the way the engine sounded rev'ing to 8000+ RPM, in the end, it is still a 1.8L that you have to push very hard to get the most out of it. I'm still not convinced on the reliability of the 2zz engine. Over my 6 years with it, I had to have the head replaced under warranty and then I spun a rod bearing at 60,500 miles that they refused warranty on so I had to replace the motor. I was religious about maintaining the car too and didn't beat on it. I don't know if Lotus has made any tweaks to the engine to make it more reliable, but if it were my money, I would stay away.

:iagree:

I guess I'll decide by the end of today.

http://www.the370z.com/members/mattj...ise-purist.jpg

:tup: She's a beauty!

Sorry for 2010 vs 2009 review. It is a big difference.

No A/C in a daily driver is not an option in my neck of the woods, unless you can take a shower after you get to work, lol.

this car is the Purist edition with the sport package, some parts of the touring (leather), and it has A/C.