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Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 7:00 pm Post subject: Tried out the Elise Today

So, my motorcycle has one payment left, Jen's car is paid off, and the La Bala is very close to completion. So, we've been looking around at replacing my 350Z (which I really don't like) with another car. I stopped by a dealership that had an Elise and decided I'd give it a shot figuring my 6'4" body would be crumpled up inside the poor little car but something about the car just asks me to buy it, Twisted Evil

. Turns out, the Elise has more head room than my Z, hahaha. This is very much due to the fact that the Lotus seats are all of 1" thick I think at their thickest part. Also, getting out of the Elise is...less than dignifying as you virtually crawl out.

Anyways, I was very impressed with the car and I wouldn't mind owning one some day. Everything about the car reminded me of motorcycles which I love. From the bolts on the body to the gauges in the car, it just seems simple yet purpose built with a great finish just like my GSXR.

Anyways again, it got me to thinking about my La Bala and how the seats may be the perfect set for it. However, I'm already on my 2nd set of seats and buying new seats are very much out of the question. However again, it's an idea for a very distant future....perhaps. It would be a great low-weight and low sitting seat for the car. I'd love to score some Lotus parts for my build.

So, this thread is more or less just me being giddy for having tried out an Elise, I love cars. And don't worry, my appreciation for one car has nothing to do with another. My GSXR is faster than pretty much any production car, but there's just something different about every vehicle, regardless of it's performance that can draw you in.

=

Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 10:20 pm Post subject:

I heard from someone else that the new Elise had more room inside. The original USDM unit was too small for me to fit inside. I am glad they've resolved that issue. I love the Elise too and someday I would like to own one as well!

Steve
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Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 9:05 am Post subject:

Colin, can you give more your thoughts on the comparison between the Bala and Elise. I have driven the Elise and it is on my very short list of affordable fun cars. My initial interest in the La Bala was its seemed like a do it yourself Elise.

Since I haven't driven a La Bala I can't compare the experience.

Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 9:31 am Post subject:

Oh, well I couldn't say a whole lot about the La Bala yet on driving as I only drove it around my neighborhood and I'm still finishing it up now. But from that, the riding experience is similar. Driving around so low to the ground and the quick steering response, it has that same "big go-kart" feeling to it where you feel like a kid again.

Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 9:39 am Post subject:

This review will be very interesting for me once someone has been able to drive both cars side by side. And not ME of course, but an external source of opinion! I am really curious to know this result.

It's obvious that from a finishes perspective the Elise is a production car and will have the refinement brought about by millions and tens of millions of dollars of factory production facilities and support. I think in my mind La Bala is more of a hybrid between the Ariel Atom and the Elise and indeed my car slots between them in overall weight and power to weight. More hard-core than the Elise, but more protection than an Atom.
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Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 10:09 am Post subject:

I may be able to do a very in depth comparison in the near future. I talked with my future wife last night about it and she is almost more excited than me about the Elise. So...owning an Elise has become a serious consideration. I can afford it, it's just a question of selling my 350Z at this point pretty much. Not going to happen this weekend or anything, but maybe if I'm lucky, in the next couple months.

Your right on the fit/finish of the Elise vs. the La Bala. It's definitely got the advantage there which comes from the company's money and history as a car manufacturer. The La Bala is lighter though and you can feel that for sure even though the Elise is not heavy by any means. The La Bala also has the advantage that it is built just for me. Everything is exactly where I want it, not where it will fit the "majority" or people. Also, there isn't a part on my LaBala that is expensive. Heck, I could replace the entire engine bay for $1000 were the engine and transmission to spontaneously explode. Not chump change but not Lotus modded 2ZZ price either. That's nice so I won't feel a tingle of restraint to push the motor to it's limits and beyond all in the name of fun.

I built a La Bala because I wanted to build my own car and I wanted something that had a real race-car feel to it. So, for me, my La Bala is mostly about the journey getting there as it is driving it. Just knowing that I built it makes the car on a whole new level for me.

I look forward to seeing the La Bala become a more fit and finished car as it is becoming. Being in Tennessee I have to own something I can drive when it's 20 degrees and raining so I must own another car besides the La Bala for now, might as well be fun.

Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 7:47 pm Post subject:

And I bought one. 2005 Elise. Titanium grey. Sports package and Touring package. This thing is so AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted: Fri May 29, 2009 6:06 am Post subject:

Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 10:42 am Post subject:

The Elise is just gorgeous. Simply sublime. That would be my garage too if I had the room.... Smile

Steve
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