Financial opinion on the Lotus Elise/Exige Vs GT3
#1
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Financial opinion on the Lotus Elise/Exige Vs GT3
I am sure a bunch of yours have contemplated a Lotus Elise/Exige at some point
I don't want to enter the debate about which is the most fun car to drive.
So ONLY on a FINANCIAL stand point, which do you think is cheaper to run GT3 or EXIGE ?
I would assume the smaller weight would require less tires/brakes/...everything
But the Lotus is far from being a common car so may be in the end, porsche part end up costing the same ? Also I see a lot of transmission rebuilt and wonder how strong the engine is..
Any financial advise needed
I don't want to enter the debate about which is the most fun car to drive.
So ONLY on a FINANCIAL stand point, which do you think is cheaper to run GT3 or EXIGE ?
I would assume the smaller weight would require less tires/brakes/...everything
But the Lotus is far from being a common car so may be in the end, porsche part end up costing the same ? Also I see a lot of transmission rebuilt and wonder how strong the engine is..
Any financial advise needed
#2
Rennlist Member
"I don't want to enter the debate about which is the most fun car to drive.
So ONLY on a FINANCIAL stand point, which do you think is cheaper to run GT3 or EXIGE ?"
Okay, only from a FINANCIAL stand point , EXIGE.
Happy now?
So ONLY on a FINANCIAL stand point, which do you think is cheaper to run GT3 or EXIGE ?"
Okay, only from a FINANCIAL stand point , EXIGE.
Happy now?
#4
Depends on what exige. The previous generations definitely are a lot cheaper to run (smaller engine, lighter car, smaller brakes, smaller wheels) than a GT3. The new V6 one will be more expensive (bigger wheels etc) but still cheaper than a GT3.
That is under the assumption nothing breaks down of course.
Then again a 10 year old 996 GT3 could break down too.
That is under the assumption nothing breaks down of course.
Then again a 10 year old 996 GT3 could break down too.
#5
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I tracked a 2005 Elise for 3 years with very minimal expense. Obviously consumables like pads and tires last a lot longer on the Elise, and serious mechanical issues are quite rare. Engine parts are very reasonable since it's a Toyota Celica motor. Bottom line, it's much cheaper to track than a GT3, and a real hoot to drive. It is slower than a GT3, and less useful as a daily driver, no doubt about it, but it is very entertaining none the less.
#6
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The cost comparison is exaggerated when looking at Exige Cup vs GT3 Cup - the Exige Cup is exponentially cheaper to run. ~$5k for a motor on the Exige Cup vs $15k+ just for a refresh on the GT3 Cup.
The cost difference isn't that large with the street models, but the Elise/Exige definitely is cheaper, as others have stated.
The cost difference isn't that large with the street models, but the Elise/Exige definitely is cheaper, as others have stated.
#7
GT3 player par excellence
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had exige and elise and a lot of GT3 variants.
compared to running any GT3, the lotus is essentially free. everything is cheap and that's with some nitron shocks and some expensive wheels i put on the car.
compared to running any GT3, the lotus is essentially free. everything is cheap and that's with some nitron shocks and some expensive wheels i put on the car.
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#10
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if so, the front and rear clam shells are $$$
the rear is approx $10k from dealer.
front wasn't much cheaper either.
#11
Three Wheelin'
+1. I used to run a lotus. everything massively cheaper and lasts longer too as car a lot lighter + less powerful.
#12
Three Wheelin'
#13
Race Car
The last repair estimate I saw was $32-37k. He had insurnace and they're still trying to determine if they are going to total the car or repair it.
While I don't doubt that a similar impact to a GT3 would have resulted in a good bit of body work, I think it would have taken the blow much better than the Lotus did.
Another point, Your current C2 is pretty comparable to the pace of an exige or Elise on the track, consumables for either of them is still cheaper than your C2 as well but you've already got the C2 in the garage.
#15
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The point I was trying to make is how fragile that platform is. Of course crashing isn't part of the "running costs" but there's a big difference when your wheel catches a rut and cracks your GT3's upright vs writing off your entire lotus chassis.