13 replies to this topic

[McFly]

Hi everyone! This is my first post so I will introduce my self: I'm from Madrid, Spain, and I love sports cars, specially driving them through what you call B-road, and tracks...of course My "time machine" at this moment is a Clio 182, which IMHO is a real drivers'car...but now I feel I need to go further and buy a rear-wheel drive sport car. Here in Spain it's really difficult to buy a no compromise sport car with good value for money, and the only "logical" choices are Lotus Elise and vx220, still being the former overprized in Spain. So I've been for a long time reading all the information I could about xv220 and Elise, trying to find if the Elise has something to offer that justifies it's higher prize tag. For what I read and tried (drove both, fortunately) I think xv220 N/A is a torquier and cheaper alternative to a S2 Elise with 120 BHP...Did I miss something? Support may be (now that production is over)? In fact, my "investigations" and tests aroused new doubts in me: can a B-road junkie feels underpowered with time in the vx220 n/a...the throttle response of the turbo is not so immediate, and despite the increased pull, I'm still not 100% convinced about the turbo set up...¿can a ECU remap make me forget about that? I also found the turbo too linear, with no significant power gain at any given rev range...again, ¿can a ECU remap make me forget about that? I will appreciate your comments and advices. Regards, McFly

Edited by McFly, 20 July 2007 - 11:35 PM.

[SteveA]

The increased price of the Lotus is purely down to the Badge. Lotus are a prized sports car manufacturer where as Vauxhall are known for their family rep mobiles. One quote I like is 'VX220. Faster, better, cheaper.' Remaping the turbo really does change the car completely. I thought the Std car was quick untill I got my stage 2, which is blisteringly quick. As you would say in spain 'Me Gusta'

[andyr]

The increased price of the Lotus is purely down to the Badge. Lotus are a prized sports car manufacturer where as Vauxhall are known for their family rep mobiles. One quote I like is 'VX220. Faster, better, cheaper.'

Remaping the turbo really does change the car completely. I thought the Std car was quick untill I got my stage 2, which is blisteringly quick.

As you would say in spain 'Me Gusta'

As above - each to their own, IMO the elise is way underpowered for such a fantastic chassis. The only thing wrong with the turbo is the suspension which (again IMO) allows too much body roll the N/A definately sesms to like the bends better.

I would always choose the turbo above the NA but do think if you go down that route you may find yourself wanting to mod your car the first time you chase an NA through the twisties!

Good luck whichever way you go

[theotherjonnymac]

There are plenty of threads on here that debate this topic on a regular basis. The VXT is a better car than the Lotus - but the Lotus has the prestigious badge. If you want to pay a few more grand for the badge then it is your choice!

[gazcaddy]

Buy a VXT

[McFly]

Thank you for your comments!! That's exactly what I need to know So It seems vx220 turbo's power delivery is not such an issue, mostly after an ECU remap....what about turbo lag? did you notice it before or after the remap? I have already started to read some threads about this topic...It will be hard work to catch up with you guys!

[dw1]

Hi, and if youre Spanish your written English is amazing! You could teach a few people on this site how to write If you got a VXT, like others have said, then it would definitely need a remap. I have a VXT and when using it on track at full bore you don't notice any lag. However, compared to the purity of of NA there will always be a slight difference. Linear power on a VXT is normally a good thing, but if you didn't want it linear your could always get a remap that would give a more noticeable turbo shove. I've only driven an NA briefly so I dont really know any better, I just really enjoy the shove from the turbo and dont know any different. I think the differences we are talking are small rather than comparing say the driving feel between a VX and a Corsa. Whichever you choose, you wont be dissapointed. Cheers

[theotherjonnymac]

A remap takes out the flat spot and there is certainly no turbo lag.

[Shep]

Wouldn't you be better off getting an opel speedster? (left hand drive)

[McFly]

Thank you again! So VXT is a winner choice...I will try both N/A and TURBO again and see how much I can bargain over the asked prices And yes, here in Spain it's called Speedster...a left handed one is a must for me!

[Joe-Turbo]

i remember the dealer saying to me "If you want a nice badge, buy a lotus. If you want a great car, buy a vx220*" *turbo

Edited by Joe-Turbo, 21 July 2007 - 05:03 PM.

[Purebob]

I am not sure i would buy a car with terrible ventillation, no aircon and lots of bare metal in the cabin if I lived in Spain. Think carefully Mcfly if this car wll work for you in Spain.

[Joe-Turbo]

would prob be better off with a 111R with air con

[McFly]

I am not sure i would buy a car with terrible ventillation, no aircon and lots of bare metal in the cabin if I lived in Spain.
Think carefully Mcfly if this car wll work for you in Spain.

The only issue could be engine overheating in the higest levels of tune...I expect no problems at all with a TMS stage 2 upgrade, for example...after all Opel (Vauxhall) also comercialized Speedster Turbo here in Spain.

Don't worry about my...actually, I do not ever use my Clio's aircon when I'm in maximum attack through B-roads or a tracks...for me, roof off will be a good achievement

would prob be better off with a 111R with air con

Lotus 111R is too expensive, even second hand...here in Spain Lotus market is really, really small In fact, I've heard several times that Lotus Elise S is better option than 111R for road use...and given that, I think It makes sense to rather prefer a vx220 N/A or VXT also.