good shots of the Elise....I had no idea the interior cabin was so tight. I know how low they are to the ground, but geez legs and shoulders touching?

that's a little too cozy!

 

Thanks for all the info guys. When I test drove the Elise I found the seats to be not the most comfortable. They seemed to have no lower lumbar support. The Elise seats are just straight. Unfortunately I have a trick lower back.
How are the seats in the S2000. I have a 1988 Honda civic hatchback with an amazing 460,000kms on it, and the seats in it are the most comfortable I have ever sat in.
I just don't want to buy the Lotus because it is so new, funky looking and an attention getter, and then find out that it hurts my back and I get tired of it(getting in and out is quite difficult with the roof on. You have to be a bit of a contortionist to do it smoothly.
Oh, I forgot to mention that I will have to sell the Subaru Sti in order to afford either car. Whatever car I get will be my only vehicle for a while. I plan on doing some track days on racetracks and maybe try autocrossing. No one has mentioned how the S2000 performs on a racetrack or in autocrossing????
Is it true that the 2004 S2000 an easier car to drive at its limit? I have read a lot of posts which state that the older S2000 has a tendency to snap oversteer, can someone elaborate?? Also, I drove a friends S2000 in 2001 and I liked it except for the plastic rear window, however that issue has now been addressed. I read that the shifter in the 2004 is even better, is that right? Can it get any better?

A couple of months ago I was lucky enough to get a ride and drive the Radical SR3 track car and it was the most incredible ride of my life. Better than any rollar coaster. Actually I had that head rush feeling when the ride was over. It was at Dunnville race track where the show "Sports car revolution" was being filmed. Tom was testing the new Lambo Gallardo. The radical would be my choice for a track specific car.
Cheers

 

I too would recommend the Elise for the same reasons many have already stated.

 

I think you should just stay with your STi. Quite obviously you don't like the Elise for reasons of practicality. You also seem cautious about the S2000. Neither of these cars will be as easy to drive fast as an STi (although they would feel more rewarding = fun to drive).

 

an s2000 handles well enough.. trust me. if you are a freak that is obsessed with 'floating' on the road then i'd say get the elise.. if you are looking for a great all around roadster that is just a tad on the bare side get an s2000.. its plenty cush for me and the seats actually help me to correctly align my back (i currently am suffering from a jank-ass lower back as well) and you could throw the extra 5 or 10 grand into mods such as a supercharger or a hardtop. or if you wanted to get it closer to the handling of the elise get a nice suspension put on it.

i think that the elise has some strange lines. the whole car looks too short and stubby.. the s2000 has such a sleek body. but thats just me.

 

If you are going to sell your STi, and have only one car...then I'd definitely get the S2000. Its a compromise between a track focused car, and a daily driver. If the Elise is to be your only car, well I think its a bit too much for daily driving, especially if you have a bad back. The S2K performs very well on the track and autocross, in fact thats where it really shines. Its not exactly a drag car, although the acceleration is respectable.

As much as I like the Elise, if I had a choice...I would still choose the S2000. I prefer its more 'sleek' design, and the extra creature comforts (over an elise anyway) are an added bonus. I wouldn't be able to justify spending over 100k (AUD) for a bare-bones go-kart, unless I become a millionaire or something. lol

Anyway thats my $0.2.

CN: like the Elise, but wouldn't buy one. S2K does the job for me

 

- the elise is really ugly, as far as driving... its probably a different story...

 

That, my friend, is a matter of opinion. I believe that the Elise is one of the best looking sports cars for under $45000 in the world.

 

[QUOTE=nastinupe1,Nov 4 2004, 02:20 PM]That, my friend, is a matter of opinion.

 

The S2000 is worth a drive before you choose...these cars are miles apart in my mind and i would choose the S2000 for every day driving and an odd track day now and then, in fact i did just that and look here, what is this? well it's the 10,000 I saved going with the honda...and what is that?it 's not the tow truck coming for my British car that won't start!

The S2000 is a great every day roadster, for any type weather, top up in just seconds, pretty good crash protection, a marvelous engine and gearbox and killer chassis and brakes...the Lotus may have a slight advantage on a track or 0-60 but it is made of plastic and held together with glue, over time what will that be like to live with...and then there is the cramped interior to live with,getting in and out, etc...

If you want the lotus and car get one, do so...cause later on you may not be able to. my vote would be for the real world winner the S2000...oh...i cannot imagine the lotus having a crappier stereo than the S2000, so that may be enough to make you choose...go drive one, drive both in the rain!!! get in and out of each car 10 times and CHOOSE.