Would you swap your 911 for a Lotus Esprit?

[RG5]

Aside from the Carrera 3.2 that I own, I have always wanted a Lotus Esprit. Preferably a mid 80s turbo like on For Your Eyes Only, or one of the X180 Peter Stevens re-style models. I have even deliberated over the pros and cons of changing my 3.2 Carrera for one.

So, lets have some comments from the board.

Would you swap your 3.2 Carrera for an Esprit. What are the pros, the cons? Are the Esprits a mechanical nightmare compared to our faithful steeds.

Any insights would be welcome!

RG5

[87911jon]

About 10 years ago I swapped my perfect red '86 Lotus Turbo Esprit with 25k miles for a '83 911 Cab and some cash. Bought the Esprit as a toy to drive and occasionally take to the track. Wrong. I remember the car not inspiring confidence (compared to Porsches). However... as much as I LOVE 911s, it was the only car (out of 40?) that I enjoyed looking at while it was sitting in the garage. Still often think about buying another.

[89911]

The very question should get you kicked off this board. Unless your on an 80's kick (why not a DeLorean?) I couldn't think of a more unfavorable car to compare a 911 to. Whens the last time you saw one on the road?

[WPOZZZ]

Originally Posted by 87911jon

About 10 years ago I swapped my perfect red '86 Lotus Turbo Esprit with 25k miles for a '83 911 Cab and some cash. Bought the Esprit as a toy to drive and occasionally take to the track. Wrong. I remember the car not inspiring confidence (compared to Porsches). However... as much as I LOVE 911s, it was the only car (out of 40?) that I enjoyed looking at while it was sitting in the garage. Still often think about buying another.

I know exactly how you feel, as I had a red 89 Esprit Turbo. It felt like a kit car and it creaked alot, but it was sexy as hell and I keep thinking about getting another one.

[Sunroof]

Sure they are sharp looking cars and fast, but I have known three owners of these cars over the years and simply, the general rule on Lotus Esprit Turbo's is, "plan on spending one dollar for every mile driven for repair and maintenance"..............

Its your money.................

Bob

1973.5T

[84porsche]

Originally Posted by 89911

The very question should get you kicked off this board. Unless your on an 80's kick (why not a DeLorean?) I couldn't think of a more unfavorable car to compare a 911 to. Whens the last time you saw one on the road?

I want one of each of those for my car collection one day. I saw a nice yelllow Espirit behind me yesterday. So far, I think they are one of the best looking Lotus designs. So I too would be on an 80s kick. And for my 90s kick, I'd like a Lamborghini Diablo and a Ferrari 355GTS to go with my 993 TT that I don't own yet.

[unclebilly]

Tell you what, I'll buy a Lotus and trade you for your 911.

These cars are like Jags, no body seriously wants them and they are hard to sell unless they are bargain priced.

British cars are turds. Stay clear. I remember when I had my V12 VDP, I picked up one of my british co-workers, his comments were, "Nice motor mate... typical british car... took care of all the wrong details." They look good, might handle well but reliability and function were the lowest priorities.

[unclebilly]

Oh yah, and my V12 got horrible mileage when it got cold outside (under 10MPG in town) and had no power to back it up. I took it to a jag specialist to have him go through it to see why it was so bad. Apparently, it was in perfect running condition and it was running normal. It had 70,000 miles on it.

[RG5]

Originally Posted by 89911

The very question should get you kicked off this board. Unless your on an 80's kick (why not a DeLorean?) I couldn't think of a more unfavorable car to compare a 911 to. Whens the last time you saw one on the road?

That comes across as a little defensive. Just an fun question from my part. Seriously I could probably never ever swap my carrera for an Esprit but they do look cool.

[Noel]

I would consider an Elise though....OK, maybe not swap but add it to the fleet.

[RG5]

LOTUS = "Lots Of Trouble, Usually Serious"

[saintz]

no

[RG5]

Originally Posted by WPOZZZ

I know exactly how you feel, as I had a red 89 Esprit Turbo. It felt like a kit car and it creaked alot, but it was sexy as hell and I keep thinking about getting another one.

Sounds great, would you care to elaborate on how your 89 Esprit T compares to your 85 Carrera 3.2 - I have an 85 as well. Best car i have ever had, but for the sake of discussion lets assume I could potentially consider swapping if for an 89 Esprit Turbo.

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

I _tried_ to swap my '83 SC for an Exige, which I'd do in a heartbeat. Been years since I've driven an Esprit turbo, though...

And next week I get a GT-R Nissan for five days...decisions, decisions.

[JGalt]

My personal memories of the Esprit was how incredibly difficult it is to work on. Very complicated solutions to otherwise simple problems. In typical Lotus fashion, a lot of the car has to be disassembled to to routine repairs.

It is pretty, but it is not practical.

[porsche930dude]

Theres a link to a guy on this page that is obviously a god when it comes to fixing them. Check it out if you havnt its a cool read

Anyone Own a TwinTurbo V8 Lotus Esprit?

[porsche930dude]

here it is
http://www.theriens.com/lotus/start.htm

[berettafan]

Not in a thousand years.

[berettafan]

930dude, could you share some info on that bad-a$$ bug you posted on the 'transportation' thread? It was just a few pages ago...


(sorry to hijack, terhats a different thread could be started?)

[lgb240]

I think the Esprit would be alot like lusting after a Supermodel ... they're great to look at, but really a lot of upkeep, not really worth it in the end.

Keep the Porsche, if you must have a Lotus, make it a 7 or Caterham.

lgb240