Ok easy question, hard answer...

[Georgio]

So I'm in the market for a Z4 after the Elise IIIs has gone to a new home in Holland.
The question is are the Zed's similar to the Elise story i.e. series one was a success, series two got flabby and unreliable.

So are the earlier cars better than the recent face-lift Zeds and if so why?

 

[cj10jeeper]

Not at all. Z4 s only significant change was a lighter and more powerful engine af facelift. Aside a few cosmetics and an extra cog in some gearboxes nothing much of significance changed.

Change from a Lotus will be one big change. Hope u know what you're moving from and to.

 

[Georgio]

I like change; eight years of leaky roofs, windows that break over speed-bumps, Lotus service costs & of course recent stupido insurance (the final nail in the coffin) have taken their toll.

I have always had a convertible as a second car and looking around in the market the Zed is the only contender in my book for a 'real' convertible as opposed to a shopping trolley minus it's roof... :roll:

Why do you say a change from a Lotus will be a big change?
I'm not after ball-searing acceleration these days, I'm the wrong side of 40 for a start.
I just want a good looking, reasonably performing convertible that is a daily runner in anything except the worst weather - I've an X5 for the winter ice.

So basically is the 2009 and on Zed basically the same as the earlier model but with a new engine line-up and metal roof?

 

[IvanDobskey]

I think the e89 is much more of a GT than the e85 from what I've seen. Very different cars.

 

[geepee]

So I'm in the market for a Z4 after the Elise IIIs has gone to a new home in Holland.
The question is are the Zed's similar to the Elise story i.e. series one was an unreliable kit-car - but fun in a sado-masochistic way, series two got refinement & reliable at the expense ofa little of the fun .

So are the earlier cars better than the recent face-lift Zeds and if so why?

Fixed that for you.

My old 111R never broke down or failed to start, and apart from water getting to the heater controls which was fixed under warranty - never needed an un-scheduled trip to the garage in 52,000 miles.

 

[srhutch]

So basically is the 2009 and on Zed basically the same as the earlier model but with a new engine line-up and metal roof?

Think CJ was referring to the facelift E85. The E89 is a different car, as said more of a GT.

Take both out and see which one tickles your fancy. What about an ///M?

 

[IvanDobskey]

Coming from an Elise I suspect an e85 would be more your bag. Only one way to find out though

 

[Georgio]

Hahaha asked for that one I guess.
The funny thing was that I once called the Elise 'a factory-built kit car' to a Lotus rep. and he almost choked on his coffee; I like to call a spade a spade. :wink:
Anyways, thanks for the replies guys.

So I'm in the market for a Z4 after the Elise IIIs has gone to a new home in Holland.
The question is are the Zed's similar to the Elise story i.e. series one was an unreliable kit-car - but fun in a sado-masochistic way, series two got refinement & reliable at the expense ofa little of the fun .

So are the earlier cars better than the recent face-lift Zeds and if so why?

Fixed that for you.

My old 111R never broke down or failed to start, and apart from water getting to the heater controls which was fixed under warranty - never needed an un-scheduled trip to the garage in 52,000 miles.

 

[cj10jeeper]

Yes - sorry when you said facelift I assumed you mean the 2006 facelift not the later new design of Zed.

Totally different cars and you have to get out in them.

 

[lacroupade]

Not at all. Z4 s only significant change was a lighter and more powerful engine af facelift. Aside a few cosmetics and an extra cog in some gearboxes nothing much of significance changed.

Change from a Lotus will be one big change. Hope u know what you're moving from and to.

FINALLY you've accepted the glory that is the 2.0 16v four-pot monster! :rofl:

 

[TINO]

Had a lot.s of trouble,never looked back :driving:

 

[gazrobbo]

After 10 years of Elise ownership, Ive jus moved to a 2005 3.0 Z4 (4 weeks ago)
Really enjoyed my Elises, but Im quite impressed with the Z4.

the performance seems similar, but the Z4 has lots more power when aproaching 80-90MPH and above

the handling isnt the same, but on the road its as good as you will ever need it to be, however you do need to get used to the Z4 trying to follow the lines in the road!!!!

didnt think Id ever replace the fun factor I got from the Elise but I think the Z4 comes pretty dam close.

 

[lacroupade]

After 10 years of Elise ownership, Ive jus moved to a 2005 3.0 Z4 (4 weeks ago)
Really enjoyed my Elises, but Im quite impressed with the Z4.

the performance seems similar, but the Z4 has lots more power when aproaching 80-90MPH and above

the handling isnt the same, but on the road its as good as you will ever need it to be, however you do need to get used to the Z4 trying to follow the lines in the road!!!!

didnt think Id ever replace the fun factor I got from the Elise but I think the Z4 comes pretty dam close.

Ditch your RFTs

 

[gazrobbo]

'Ditch your RFTs'

that the plan, altough they are all practically new, so seems such a waste at the minute!

 

[geepee]

After 10 years of Elise ownership, Ive jus moved to a 2005 3.0 Z4 (4 weeks ago)
Really enjoyed my Elises, but Im quite impressed with the Z4.

the performance seems similar, but the Z4 has lots more power when aproaching 80-90MPH and above

the handling isnt the same, but on the road its as good as you will ever need it to be, however you do need to get used to the Z4 trying to follow the lines in the road!!!!

didnt think Id ever replace the fun factor I got from the Elise but I think the Z4 comes pretty dam close.

Flat out in the UK there is very little difference in speed between my Z4 Coupe & my old 111R, however the lovely torquey delivery of the Z makes it feel faster more of the time. You'd have to wring the Elise out to the redline to match the Z above 80.
Handling wise it doesn't come close, the Elise you could think your way down the road, the car was an extension of your body - you weren't consciously driving it, it just naturally did what you wanted.
With the Z you are more aware of your inputs. The RFTs are a pain, tugging the car hither & thither - can't wait for them to get near enough to worn out to warrant replacing. Its not that bad on smooth roads - its just the Elise is so good, especially on lumpy B roads.
However the Z makes up for this in comfort & everyday practicality. I get better mpg from the 3 litre than I did from the 1.8!

Hope this helps.

 

[Half Colin]

I'm another who's made the move from an Elise (111S) and have to agree with all that's been said. I miss the handling and fun factor of the Elise but the Z makes up for it in other areas: torque, comfort and everyday usability. A lot of people on here seem to have come from an Elise and I haven't heard of anyone regretting it.

 

[gov]

I've moved to a 3.0 Z from an Elan ( M100 ) only because I wanted something more modern and more practical and be able to leave outside in the elements and subsequently use more - the Zed is good looking , more reliable and faster and as regards costs/spares there's safety in numbers !! What is doesn't have is the rarity of the Lotus badge - and the holding of value - I sold the elan for the same price I bought it for 3 years ago ( £6k ) and to the first person who came to view it! Driving the Elan was like like driving a go kart but the Zed feels more civilised ( but perhaps not so exciting ) Physically the Zed suits me better as I'm 6'7" and I did look a bit rediculous perched in such a small car. Ironically , despite my intentions to leave it outside the Zed now lives in the garage so its a bit de ja vu. I do think the Zed is the best affordable true modern sports car that combines looks with performance - its just a shame they are so many around.


Tony

 

[Georgio]

Glad to hear I'm not alone in a move from Elise to Z4. Don't get me wrong I loved driving the Elise especially on my own when I could really push the car and get the arenaline going; I had a de-catted larini sports exhaust and the sound through tunnels/underpasses was simply awesome

Anyways, early days yet. I'm not in a rush to buy, I just want to make sure that I get a keeper. I tend to hang onto cars I like; I've had my old Celica for 20 years now and she still drives like new. :driving: