Decision: WRX or Elise

[dingo]

So these are the two contenders:

* 02/03 Subaru WRX

or

* 97/98 Lotus Elise (~120hp version)

I know the Elise is a little more expensive, but for the sake of this argument just disregard it. :wink:

If you had to pick one of them to buy and be your daily driver (and only car) which would it be, and why?

I have been set on a WRX as my next car, but a few comments by certain people have made me look closer at the Elise. I love its looks and relative exclusivity, and would be a great track car (which I would like to get involved in eventually). :D However it has its negatives too, such as being less practical and uncomfortable. :)

Away you go......

[Ghostbat]

If it was going to be my daily and only car I'd definetely go for the WRX. In this comparison the WRX is the most practical and comfortabal car. Think you will get tired of driving an Elise everyday.

[Mopsdrops]

I would take the WRX STi, seems a better choise to me, very very fast and still comfortable, if I were you, chose the WRX

[dingo]

I am referring to the standard ~230hp WRX, not the STi. :wink:

[TT]

WRX all the way if it has to be your only car. I know a couple of Elise owners and all of them also have at least another car for daily use. If there are other cars in the family you can use whenever you need the volume, it's ok, but if you need to rely on your car alone, IMO the elise isn't a good idea :(

[dingo]

BTW - this is all still some time off, but just want to get some opinions in advance. :wink:

...more practical and relatively easy to tune if you wish to do so.
tough call tho.

true, but remember with the Elise you don't need to make huge HP gains since it weights so little. So if you can find 20-30hp it will already make a big difference. :)

WRX all the way if it has to be your only car. I know a couple of Elise owners and all of them also have at least another car for daily use. If there are other cars in the family you can use whenever you need the volume, it's ok, but if you need to rely on your car alone, IMO the elise isn't a good idea :(

Thats funny - I know two of them and both use it as a daily driver. :D The yellow one I did a photoshoot with some time ago only keeps it in the garage on very rainy days. :wink:

I live with my brother so if I need a 'big' car I could borrow his in the worst case, or another option I considered was to keep my current car for those situations (I know that breaks my rules in the first post :P ).

[SPEEDCORE]

Since I have a MY00 WRX I will vote WRX. :D

Dont be fooled by ppl who own Elises that say they drive them as daily cars I bet they still have a 2nd car. The WRX does everything u want plus more and with only afew G's u can easily get STi performance. Also remember this is Oz not UK, Lotus arent cheap on parts and other factors.

I dont know wat job you do, but if you not making over $50k a year you shouldnt even consider a Elise.

Anyway what is stopping you from getting a Elise in afew years time with better income :wink:

I have had my WRX since new and its one of the best cars on the road, the only other car I would recommend is a S15 200sx if u want the coupe/rwd with sim money.

[dingo]

Dont be fooled by ppl who own Elises that say they drive them as daily cars I bet they still have a 2nd car. ....

well I've met one of them and had a ride in his car, so he had no reason to lie to me back then. As I said he does use another car when its raining heavily - which admittedly wouldn't be a prob for a WRX. :D




I dont know wat job you do, but if you not making over $50k a year you shouldnt even consider a Elise.



Thats something I would look into more once I get closer to buying, but for now I am just assuming I can afford to buy and run either of them. :wink:




I have had my WRX since new and its one of the best cars on the road, the only other car I would recommend is a S15 200sx if u want the coupe/rwd with sim money.

I agree its a great car, and had a ball when I got to drive one. :D But there is just something more 'special' about the Elise - that 'race car for the road' feel to it and its much less common (you see WRX's everywhere) . :D

[RAMMIUS]

The WRX , way more practical then the race track biased Elise.

[corpse_grinder0]

wrx... there are 4 doors and a nice big trunk. well maybe not big.. but its there..... were talkin about your daily driver, not your track car. and you could have loads of fun in a wrx aswell at the track.

[saadie]

if u get the Elise ...... in the next rally u wouldnt be able to take pics :P

[gucom]

the WRX is one of the best practical all-weather fast cars you can buy...but still my choice would be E-L-I-S-E any time...its jsut such a beautiful pure sports car, its (one of) my favourite cars ever...chicks also love it :D (although noticing how sporty (read: spartan) it is might not do you any favours :P ) but they love its looks...yes definately elise

[adamwich]

I would take the Elise! For the same reasons as gucom!

[suqish76]

go the rex.
friend of mine has an 02 model as a daily driver and has been know to drive it hard, and he's had no problems with it.
good reliable car with possibility of track time in one simple package :wink:

[Neema702]

this is just out of my own curiousity... why not a Evo?

[jasc]

^^ This coming from someone who also said:
As for those of you who didnt understand the original question, let me make it simple... no one said anything about throwing in different cars (330i, x-type)... you had to choose b/w two cars, so damn simple.

[ARMAN]

WRX cause it practical, have a boot, 4 doors, plenty of power(for a road car) and exceent pedigree. Elise sure is a great car, excelent for driving on events and on track but as I saw its bloodbrother Speedster its sertanitly not a comfortable to use every day imo - to place for almost any luggage, very tight interior, a bitch to get in or out(Speedster :mrgreen:) and so on.

[Neema702]

^^ This coming from someone who also said:
Neema702 wrote:
As for those of you who didnt understand the original question, let me make it simple... no one said anything about throwing in different cars (330i, x-type)... you had to choose b/w two cars, so damn simple.


wow jay-c, congratulations... you got me. here's the problom, which may be do to the fact that you just arent very intelligent; you are taking my comment out of context. Those people who i said that to didn't address my question, they just said what they would get instead. I'm just asking why not the Evo, not telling him that he should get the Evo. And the only reason i even ask is because the most common competitor to the WRX is the Evo.

[ferrarif1fan89]

definately the wrx. you can take it offroad..... :twisted:

[|Nuno|]

Well, since you can borrow your brother's car, I say go for the Elise. That seems to be the one you like the most anyway, reading your posts. :D

It's not as pratical as the WRX and has some flaws, but it should be a lot more fun. Plus, it's quite unique, compared to the Subaru.



So, the rational choice would be the Subaru, and the emotial one the Elise - and that's why you should go for the Elise. :mrgreen:

[jasc]

^^ This coming from someone who also said:
Neema702 wrote:
As for those of you who didnt understand the original question, let me make it simple... no one said anything about throwing in different cars (330i, x-type)... you had to choose b/w two cars, so damn simple.


wow jay-c, congratulations... you got me. here's the problom, which may be do to the fact that you just arent very intelligent; you are taking my comment out of context. Those people who i said that to didn't address my question, they just said what they would get instead. I'm just asking why not the Evo, not telling him that he should get the Evo. And the only reason i even ask is because the most common competitor to the WRX is the Evo.

Someone suggested the X-type and 330i as alternatives to the two cars you cross-shopped. If you can't see the similarities, it's you who isn't very intelligent.

The Evo is a competitor to the WRX? Who would've thunk it?

[gucom]

Well, since you can borrow your brother's car, I say go for the Elise. That seems to be the one you like the most anyway, reading your posts. :D

It's not as pratical as the WRX and has some flaws, but it should be a lot more fun. Plus, it's quite unique, compared to the Subaru.



So, the rational choice would be the Subaru, and the emotial one the Elise - and that's why you should go for the Elise. :mrgreen:
exactly my point only alot better said :P

as to the jasc-neema dispute, neema is right imo he asked what the reason was that the evo wasn't an option, he didnt say u shud get an Evo. anywayz ill stop stickin my nose in ur discussion now :roll:

[gucom]

i personally like the first generation of Elise's better.

yeah i really dont know which gen i like better...the 2nd/3rd gen looks more agressive and is faster, but the first gen looks so incredibly beautifully british...and i like britishness alot in cars :D

[ae86_16v]

I would go w/ the WRX for everyday use.

[Astonfan]

i would say the the wrx since its practical, 4 doors, and is fast.

[SFDMALEX]

If its my only car the WRX. If its my second car Elise.

But I think in the end of the day Ill get the Elise no mater what.

[SilviaEvo]

im with SFDMALEX at the end of the day id choose the Elise its just so much more sporty. but you can also have a lot of fun in the WRX there are plenty of mods for that car. but i think the thrill of the Elise is just so much greater. but since it will be the only car the logical option is the WRX.

[N.J.]

Dingo mate - Listen to a fellow Aussie, ignore the others (just kidding :wink: )...

The Elise just wouldn't be suited to Australian conditions.

1. Support, parts etc.
2. Practical, space, comfort, boot etc.
3. long distance traveling (Australia is a bloody big place afterall)
4. Very edgy on the limit, no way near as forgiving as a subie.

Good points about the Elise;
1. Better on petrol
2. a more pure driving experience

Don't listen to me, listen to our best buddy Tiff Needell:

"...fun on a track, but I want it trailored there."



So at the end of the day, I'd assume that for at least 95% of the time, you would be driving it on a road not a track so the only sensible option is WRX.





p.s

Other alternatives?

*Mitsubishi Lancer GSR Evo 1 (voted best value jap hot shot in the UK - it beat the NSX & WRX :wink: )

*Nissan Skyline GTR R33 (EVO mag rated it very highly as a used sport sallon under $20K (Pounds).

*My personal favourite, the Renault Clio Sport.

Now in Australia for $33K, its very expensive for a 2 door 2 litre hatch when for the same money you can get a 4 door v6 Holden or Ford. (Its way better than a Mini downunder thats for sure - $40K :roll: )

But in Melbourne, I noticed Renault had a beautiful Clio RS for only $17K - I'm VERY tempted! :D

[SPEEDCORE]

The Mitsub Lancer EVO has never been a competitor to the WRX, only the Lancer GSR which they stopped making around 95-96(i think). Lancer EVO is compared to the STI just for price alone but also sim performance. A brand new back in 99/00 STI V5/V6 was $60k+ in Oz and the EVO6 TM was $65k+. These days the STI have come down to $55k+ and the EVO9 is still $60k.(all oz prices since dingo lives in oz :P )

Since u are buying 2nd hand we can throw out what I just said hahahaha. But seriously WRX's are very reliable in the stock form and u wont have any problems with it unless u plan to do heavy mods. With only $3-4k u will have a 12sec car if that is wat u want, I cant see the best part of $10k+ to get that from the elise.

Thou best thing would be to test drive both cars. You will see the WRX will beat it hands down :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

[SFDMALEX]

But Evos arent cool :mrgreen: :o

[N.J.]

But Evos arent cool :mrgreen: :o

I think Tiff & Vicki might have something to say about that. :wink:

[Robbo]

What kind of car does your brother have? I like the Elise more but in terms of everyday use the WRX in my view is much more practical. My cousin has a WRX and he loved it till it broke down last Saturday night. Not really sure what was wrong with it just heard that from parents. I'm going to see what was wrong with it tonight.

I think the questions you've got to ask yourself are:

Are you liked to want to be driving friends around frequentley?
If I get an Elise am I happy to be driving it around in not so good conditions?

If you buy the Elise I would say wait a little longer and save up a bit more and get yourself a second car that is durable and has 4 doors. Or you keep your old car and drive that around when you would rather not use your Elise.

[dingo]

So, the rational choice would be the Subaru, and the emotial one the Elise - and that's why you should go for the Elise. :mrgreen:

thats exactly how I am feeling at the moment. :wink:



Since u are buying 2nd hand we can throw out what I just said hahahaha. But seriously WRX's are very reliable in the stock form and u wont have any problems with it unless u plan to do heavy mods. With only $3-4k u will have a 12sec car if that is wat u want, I cant see the best part of $10k+ to get that from the elise.

Thou best thing would be to test drive both cars. You will see the WRX will beat it hands down :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Yes, but lets say you gain 50hp in the WRX you will only need around 25-30hp for the same effect in the Elise since it weighs so much less. :wink:

I have driven a WRX and been a passenger in an Elise and the Rex definately didn't 'win' hands down. :D

What kind of car does your brother have? I like the Elise more but in terms of everyday use the WRX in my view is much more practical. My cousin has a WRX and he loved it till it broke down last Saturday night. Not really sure what was wrong with it just heard that from parents. I'm going to see what was wrong with it tonight.

I think the questions you've got to ask yourself are:

Are you liked to want to be driving friends around frequentley?
If I get an Elise am I happy to be driving it around in not so good conditions?

If you buy the Elise I would say wait a little longer and save up a bit more and get yourself a second car that is durable and has 4 doors. Or you keep your old car and drive that around when you would rather not use your Elise.

My brother has a 4-door Commodore, but likely to be upgrading to either a newish HSV - in other words a big car. :D

I am aware of the probs with the Elise but think I could overcome them, as a second cheap car could be used for driving friends around or carrying stuff. :wink:

[Robbo]

Yeah I'd say if you can get around the problems with an Elise go for it there beautiful to look at and I'm sure you'd enjoy driving one.

[DeMoN]

if only the WRX looked better... :roll:

[leo_26782]

The Elise is for sure a great car, but it isn't a practicle one. For an everyday car, I take the Scooby: reliable, easy to use (speed bumpers). The fuel consumption might be higher, but if you don't go flat out all the time, you can survive it. The most important part to me is space. You get in an Impreza easily, I doubt it is in an Elise. Xou have a real boot. You have 4 seats: it is more important than what you may think: going somewhere with a friend, you can take your jacket off and put it on the back seat (please don't laugh, I serious here), it's just easy for an everyday use, and it is also lots of fun :twisted:

[gucom]

going somewhere with a friend, you can take your jacket off and put it on the back seat (please don't laugh, I serious here),

in an Elise theres a little part between the seats and the engine compartment, should be enough for a coeat :wink:
just another thing, if the weather is good, sunny but not too hot, in an elise, u have an open car :D i dunno what its generally like down under, but if its nice convertible weather, hte elise has an extra advantage

[SilviaEvo]

i think they have thunderstorms a lot?!!? not sure about it. but i think the WRX would be the reasonable choice but the Elise is so much fun and for that reason alone id choose the Elise

[gucom]

ah well just install the hardtop in the wet season and you'll be fine, as long as you stay a bit careful with the right foot :wink:

[dingo]

The weather is great here, plenty of sunny days where the roof could be off. However thats not a major buying point of the Elise for me, I would leave the hardtop on all the time as it looks better IMO. :D

[saadie]

wait a couple of months .. and buy the exige ?

[corpse_grinder0]

wait a couple of months .. and buy the exige ?

haha that sounds like a good answer to me.

[GTO]

Good points already mentioned!

Elise is a toy, since you wont be running two cars, rexy can do everything just about, including beating a Elise on a twisty course :)

I do the shopping, go to work, move house, play taxi for my freinds and family, take it on twisties, go mountain biking, take it to the track, do day trips with my GF. Thats whats so great about the rexy, its so verstile, the swiss army knife of cars :lol:

Elise parts would be too expenisve (exotic), not sure if its realiable either, compared to a rexy??

For the price of an exige, I'd get a Areil atom as a track car.

The money you save you can mod the rexy the way you want it and push 200KW ATW, with that power its spank an Elise on the track and most other things for that matter.

[dingo]

Dingo....

i've driven the Elise a bunch of times...and sat in them many times. I don't really like them as a primary car. I think that they're good 2nd cars though. Have you driven an Elise? Don't go by what alot of people say....since most of those people have never even driven one ;)

the WRX is a good car...but it bores me a little bit. the turbo lag is awful...and i thought it felt too much like a sedan. the STi is very different though...much better!

No I haven't driven an Elise, but been a passenger in a 2003 model for about an hour. :wink:

I agree about the lag on the WRX - one of the things that is turning me off them. But if your really driving fast you will be keeping the revs up anyway so it isn't as big a problem.... :)

[Wutputt]

I don't know how many km's you drive on average daily. But if they are many, I would definitely opt for the WRX. Of course it also depends on how tall you are. I'm having troubles getting in the Elises passenger seat with the roof down. And getting in the driver's seat really is a hassle for me (I've tested it on motorshows). I wouldn't mind doing that once in a while for aSsunday blast or some fast laps around a track. But imo it will get annoying when you've to do it every day. If you're on the rather small side, this isn't an issue I guess (though entering a WRX still will be far easier).

I love Elises a lot, but I wouldn't advise them if you've to drive them a lot and for long trips.


You should try to testdrive both of them right after each other (or within a few days) so you really can judge and compare their up and downsides.

[dingo]

I don't do many km's during the week, only 20km or so each day to work. :wink: On the weekends it can be up to 150km though, mainly highway stuff though.

I'm about 6ft tall, and I did sit in the drivers seat of the yellow Elise (for posing shots :P ). It was a bit of an effort to get in I admit, but bearable.

I am also starting to think the Elise isn't right for daily duties.....but my heart still says get one. :D

[mindgam3]

The elise will ultimately be more fun to drive (although not neccesarily faster) and you do have the advantage of having a good looking, 2 seater roadster rather than an ugly as sin rally car ;)

Many many people in the UK have elise's as their only car; its just whether or not you personally could live with one each and every day.

I would probably go for the elise..... just bare in mind that you only live once ;)

[leo_26782]

^Right, but you can also ask for some confort during your single life :wink: