59 replies to this topic

[Rallyreason]

I have been considering buying a Lotus Elise. I have been advised that a S1 111s is the model. However this are not common and seem to be a lot of money compared to the likes of the VX220 range.

 

I am sure that this has been argued to death in the past? If so sorry for bringing it up.

 

Anyway how does the VX220 models compare to the Elise? I am not bothered about extra comfort as it will be a second car used for weekend runs and the occasional track day. Currently i have a GBS Zero kit car (that has just gone up for sale) so any of these options are more refined. However i do enjoy the feedback i get from the Zero and it goes very well.

 

I know the Turbo version has more power, but is it also heavier?

I do prefer light weight and i do not want any kind of lag or a sudden surge of power. Especially if you are in mid corner. 

 

How tuneable are to 2 versions? The Vauxhall engine is used in quite a few kit cars using Jenvey throttle bodies and aftermarket ECU and they produce some good power. Is this something that is also done in the VX's?

 

Sorry for all the questions and i am sure that i may have some more once i really start looking into it.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

[tommobot]

Supercharged 2.2. Job done

[J4EY D]

Na with ITB's, forged pistons, balancer shaft delete, lightened flywheel, performance cams and much much more 

 

Oh and in a lovely silver colour!

[spuk87]

From your needs above I'd agree get a 2.2 NA and then supercharge if you want more power. Turbo doesn't sound like what you're after.

 

The NA will be heavier than the Elise though and probably slightly less sharp in the corners. But cheaper to run, buy, insure, service etc. and a fair bit more grunt.

[.Adam.]

I went from a 170bhp Westfield to my VX Turbo, and so far, have been very happy. I figured that after 600kg in my Westie, then any car would feel a bit lardy, so thought I might as well take the extra power(and weight) of the Turbo. Time will tell how well I get on, I had my Westie for 10 years, hoping I enjoy the VX enough to keep that for a long time as well!

[anz3001]

If you can afford it buy the Lotus

[Mike (Cliffie)]

Buy the Elise and foxtrot oscar...

 

Just kidding. The Elise will hold value better but buy the S1 if you want the more focussed car for feedback.

 

Buy the VX for:

 

The best community (us)

Better power

Cheaper tuning bits

250 BHP from an NA supercharged conversion for about £3k

 

[Boombang]

S1 Elise is still my favourite of all Lotus drives but I regret not buying an Exige a few years back when had the cash.

[Goosenka]

S1 Elise is still my favourite of all Lotus drives but I regret not buying an Exige a few years back when had the cash.

 

I like your replacement choice though 

 

You sold it yet?

[Boombang]

Still for sale, had interest in lots of parts but can't be arsed breaking it.  If anyone bothered to call they'd find I am happy to let it go for very little!

 

OP - buy a race Saxo, trailer and a tow car.  I can help with the first two.

[jonnyboy]

Having owned all the variations I have two answers

 

2.2 NA Supercharged is answer 1. Technically just a regular old NA is just as good but if you simply want to go faster supercharging is a better means of being able to actually use the power.

 

Answer 2 is buy a 111S Elise but an S2. K series engines are superb and the Elise has a slightly more hooligan nature than the VX. VX Rides better, Elise is a more tail happy and playful.

 

You can't really go far wrong with any of the variants but they are my picks.

[anz3001]

 

Elise is a more tail happy and playful.

 

 

More so than the Turbo?  

[jonnyboy]

Totally. The turbos not a plaything and the power delivery doesnt lend itself to fun driving in the same way as an NA or SC car. Plus its heavier in exactly the wrong place.

[hughcam]

Having owned both a vx220 NA and currently a mint low mile s2 111r I would say the vx220 is the best bargain sports car you can get. The Elise 111r is basically just a faster more refined (proper heating, nice interior and seats etc) version of the same car. The vx imo is vastly superior to an s1 elise in all but the handling department - even in this regard its most likely not far behind....

 

If resale value means a lot to you buy either car with the lowest mileage you can. Mint VX220's with sub 30,000 miles seem to be appreciating....

 

However dont discount high mile or 'Cat' cars at the right price - these are simple cars to work on and there are some serious bargains to be had  

[turboluca]

Having had Vxt , Vx na , Elise 111r , I'd go for a turbo tuned car . But it's personnel choice mate. If you want to come down my house on weekend Your more than welcome take you out in a vx220 na , an vx220 turbo an a stage 4 Vxr !

[spuk87]

Totally. The turbos not a plaything and the power delivery doesnt lend itself to fun driving in the same way as an NA or SC car. Plus its heavier in exactly the wrong place.

Must be down to setup - mine loves to throw the back end out if you lift off, or put your foot down, or turn hard. Basically any time I turn the wheel if I provoke it.

[jameso]

 

Totally. The turbos not a plaything and the power delivery doesnt lend itself to fun driving in the same way as an NA or SC car. Plus its heavier in exactly the wrong place.

Must be down to setup - mine loves to throw the back end out if you lift off, or put your foot down, or turn hard. Basically any time I turn the wheel if I provoke it.

 

 

Agree, if you are off throttle on my car and turn in enough the tail comes out without any use of the throttle pedal. just depends on ur geo and suspension setup

[rob999]

S1 Sport160 would be my shout for your possible budget. If you want to spend less buy an NA then SC it when ready. .Org is pretty funny compared to other similar um...car forums

[Rallyreason]

Thanks for all the positive comments. There is a lot to think about and research.

 

Are there any variations of the VX220 n/a or are they all the same? Like special editions? 

 

The VX220 n/a does look great value for money and apart from 1 track day at Blyton i cant recall seeing many if any VX220 around.

[Bumblebee]

lightening yellow n/a and vxr220 turbo are the special additions

Edited by Bumblebee, 12 August 2013 - 09:58 PM.