Lotus Elan or MK1 MX5?

N3M

N3M

N3M

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What would you go for?

I know the lotus would handle better and as standard mince the MX5, but tuning of the MX5 and part price and availability are holding me back from picking the Lotus... ive left it too late again this year to pick one up tho as prices are already hiking.... :rolleyes:
 
I DID go for an MX5.
Does that answer the question?
After all, what you're talking about is whether to choose a VERY reliable Japanese car (the MX is a simple motor, therefore even less to go wrong), or a classic Lotus built car from the 60/70s.
Really depends on what you want from it. Do you want to do lots of maintenance, or do you need a car for daily use?
 
Has to be an Elan Sprint. Beautiful car! I've always wanted one of those.

The "new" elan looks ok. but it's not a real one :) IMO of course ;)
 
One of these:

SamsonLotusElan2.jpg


Go on, you know you want to!
 
My suspicion is that he means one of these (not the hairy bloke)

vezey24rh.jpg


Izuzu lump if I remember rightly, always liked the look of them but never have the cash :)

MB
 
Matblack said:
vezey24rh.jpg


Izuzu lump if I remember rightly, always liked the look of them but never have the cash :)

MB
Click to expand...
one of the finest handling FWD production cars of all time.
IMHO a much better drive than the Mazda.
build quality/parts avaiability+prices are a different argument and something i cannot comment on without doing some research but in terms of "feel" the Lotus is much better.
 
The_Dark_Side said:
one of the finest handling FWD production cars of all time.
IMHO a much better drive than the Mazda.
build quality/parts avaiability+prices are a different argument and something i cannot comment on without doing some research but in terms of "feel" the Lotus is much better.
Click to expand...

Never had the chance to drive an Elan.
What are they like?
 
You do realise that lotus stands for Lots Of Trouble, Usually Serious. The Elan is a nice motor car but repairs will be expensive and the MX-5, as stated earlier, is a very simple car. RWD fun with the Mazda, parts are plentiful 2nd hand. I have an R-plate 1.8i and it's a hoot to drive.

The lotus looks lovely and will be a great drive, bt is such a risk that you pick up an absolute lemon, it's not worth it IMHO.
 
Kitchster_uk said:
You do realise that lotus stands for Lots Of Trouble, Usually Serious.

The lotus looks lovely and will be a great drive, bt is such a risk that you pick up an absolute lemon, it's not worth it IMHO.
Click to expand...
Like Ford is Fix Or Repair Daily? ;)

If you plump for the Elan, get it inspected at a decent Lotus specialist.
 
Isn't parts availability for all Lotus' excellent because the factory still supports everything they've made?

Being that *** MX-5 is based on the original elan, I assumed it was a choice between those two.
 
As i was hoping, the MX5 would be the favourite... the latest elan was the one i was refering to (note the Lotus with the hairy guy standing next to it....).

I prefer RWD in general tbh, and with parts being plentiful i would be shooting myself in the foot as this will also be a daily drive... i suppose a turbo conversion will always be an option with the Mazda too :rolleyes: :p

Thx Guys!
 
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