Lotus Elise

[PT]

Interesting, insurance costs me $80 a year more for the Elise. And I'm no where near 50.

[rockitman]

I own a 2006 NC and a 2011 Elise (1.6 Toyota motor)

I don't think you can seriously compare the two.

The NC is sensible, practical, comfortable and a good daily drive.
The Lotus is none of the above........it's just a hoot to drive.

No power steering,no carpets, no glove box, useless a/c and if you want a cup holder you have to order the "luxury pack".
Kidney belt required for the weekend drive but right at home on the track in standard form.
Still love my NC...both great cars but not really a case of comparing "apples with apples'.

[Squ1shy]

Just thought I would share my $0.02. I've had a Lotus Elise 2012 1.6 and a NA 1.6. The steering on the Lotus is just out of this world. It's amazing holding the tiny steering wheel and just feeling everything going on through the wheels. For this alone the Lotus is worth it. I had it for 2 years.

But the reasons I sold the Lotus were practicality... it's got a much smaller usable boot than the mx5. Also the top was a pain to take off and put on. Getting in and out of the car was also a pain (although much easier with the roof off). But whenever I see a Lotus on the road I wonder if I've made a mistake... I can see myself buying another Lotus again. Oh that's right... and cost... a Lotus costs a crap load more than the mx5 =P

Street speeds the mx5 is more fun to drive around although there isn't the same sense of drama that you get from a Lotus. The Lotus just sticks to the road. I miss my Lotus but the mx5 does 80% of what the Lotus does at 10% of the cost =P (although sometimes it's that 5% that just makes it all that more special)