Road & Track
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Mish-she-gan
Actually I was wrong. The T-Bird isn't dead . . . . yet. I stopped at Ford dealership today to test drive a new Mustang (I'm looking for a daily driver) and when I walked in there sat a one. They said it was an '05 and they said they are still selling them (at least for now). I thought for sure I heard some time ago from a good source that they were history.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Seattle
Originally Posted by UKXotics,Mar 9 2005, 08:11 AM
I've owned both he S ('04) and the Elise, and am deciding right now between another Elise, another S or a Boxster. That article was some good food for thought.
If that helps influence your decision any.
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From: SoCal
Originally Posted by Troy H,Mar 9 2005, 07:26 AM
1 - The Elise is to the S what the S is to regular cars. It's an ultra-hard-nosed track car that really is a mechanical extension of the driver's own being. Having said that, the guy that drove his to our Portland track day from Seattle had to wear earplugs to block out the engine/tire drone from making him deaf. It's a blast to drive, but only for 30 minutes at a time. The S is a much better "every day" car, will be many times more reliable and costs ~$10K less out the door. Just depends what you want.
The Elise is faster and more tossable. After all it's 800 lbs lighter, and much stiffer chassis.
As far as sportscar definitions...
You gotta be kidding me with the M3.
A sports car is under 3000 lbs. Two seats or less. Removable top.
Most of the cars in that R&T sports car comparison were not sports cars.
Miata
MR2
S2000
Lotus Elise
Thats about it.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: JAX
Originally Posted by Sownman,Mar 9 2005, 04:25 PM
Dont completely agree. I own an S and have driven an Elise. The Elise and S are closer than the S and "most regular cars".
The Elise is faster and more tossable. After all it's 800 lbs lighter, and much stiffer chassis.
As far as sportscar definitions...
You gotta be kidding me with the M3.
A sports car is under 3000 lbs. Two seats or less. Removable top.
Most of the cars in that R&T sports car comparison were not sports cars.
Miata
MR2
S2000
Lotus Elise
Thats about it.
The Elise is faster and more tossable. After all it's 800 lbs lighter, and much stiffer chassis.
As far as sportscar definitions...
You gotta be kidding me with the M3.
A sports car is under 3000 lbs. Two seats or less. Removable top.
Most of the cars in that R&T sports car comparison were not sports cars.
Miata
MR2
S2000
Lotus Elise
Thats about it.
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Saratoga
It was a great article except for the fact that the Elise received a full 20/20 points for having the highest EPA for MPG. The Elise's EPA MPG was something like 26/38 whereas the S2000's was 20/25. Actual tested MPG was 19 and 23 for the Elise and S2000, respectively. Still, R&D decided to use the manufacturer's estimated figures for the performance section, which used actual on-road performance numbers for the other ratings. This made absolutely no sense at all.
Still, I was proud of the S2000's results given the competition.
Still, I was proud of the S2000's results given the competition.
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From: Somerville, MA, USA
Originally Posted by Cayenne_S2000,Mar 9 2005, 07:21 PM
It was a great article except for the fact that the Elise received a full 20/20 points for having the highest EPA for MPG. The Elise's EPA MPG was something like 26/38 whereas the S2000's was 20/25. Actual tested MPG was 19 and 23 for the Elise and S2000, respectively. Still, R&D decided to use the manufacturer's estimated figures for the performance section, which used actual on-road performance numbers for the other ratings. This made absolutely no sense at all.
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From: SoCal
Originally Posted by robotkiller,Mar 9 2005, 06:37 PM
Ok so the M3, 911 not to mention the Ferrari Enzo(among others) are not sports cars? Ok...I'm sorry if I somehow misunderstood your post, because that doesn't make sense
Steve
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 284
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From: Chicagoland
Originally Posted by Sownman,Mar 9 2005, 09:56 PM
Don't know the weight on an Enzo,but if it's over 3000lbs in my opinion it is a GT car not a sports car. A 911 is clearly a GT car not a sports car. To the guy who said I was describing roadsters, I guess I was, a roadster and a sportscar are one in the same to me. Bigger,heavier,non opentop cars are super coupes or Gran Turing(GT) cars. I grew up in the era of TR4's, MG's. Austins. These are sports cars. The idea that a Corvette is the American sports car that was being sold to the public in those days I always thought was comical.
Steve
Steve
GT cars are definitely another class - sporty, but not a "sports car", strong engine, LOTS OF WEIGHT, not so harsh suspensions, and usually comfortable for long drives. I believe the G35, most Astons, some Ferraris, lots of BMWs, Audi S4, the new fast Caddys, fall into that class. A long distance runner, not a sprinter.