Excellent review! As you say despite the power difference, it's about the engagement, the ability to push the car closer to its limits and the sensations feel as you negotiate corners. A lot of effort has gone into both procuring the Lotus and convincing a mate to let you drive his Porsche, plus filming and editing, it doesn't go unnoticed! Thank you!
You should get a poke around a sports racer model. Great box is a lot better, interior is a lot better as well. Lots and lots of improvements. Nice review.
Proud to be a Brit. Scotland forever 🏴!! (yeah the 997 911 is the better car, but the Evora is different, unique, and doesn’t look like a beetle.)
I'm recalling a comparo-test I read in a magazine at least as long ago as this video was released, which was sort of a 'best of each continent' sort of thing. They had a Corvette Z06, a Porsche GT3RSEIEIOsumthingorother, a Lotus Evora, and a Nissan GTR. The result was quite interesting: in pure numbers, the Nissan took first place and the Lotus took last place, BUT- in terms of how much the writers actually liked driving the cars, the Evora took first and the Nissan was last. The writers all agreed that the Evora more than any of the others just felt 'right,' supremely engaging and easy to feel as one with the car, while they found the Nissan to be a bit like driving a big video-game whilst being hit over the head with technological overload. And I seriously envy the price you paid for the Evora- here in the USA Lotuses are MUCH more expensive, even used.
Having test drove a cayman prior to settling with an Evora. Without question it’s the Evora for me. I have a SR my12 so the gear linkage and smaller fly wheel is supposed to make gear changes better. If you want to do a comparison with yours your be welcome. I would be interested to see if you notice any difference. Mine is the 280bhp so not as quick but still plenty of car for the road.
Ooh, tough one. I consider myself a "Porsche man", but I really do love your new Evora. That blue is just gorgeous. I think I would go for the Lotus because, as you say, it's a bit different. Out and out speed isn't everything. Another great vid btw.
Another engaging video, thanks. It's pretty clear for me from this that even tho the 911t is a hugely capable car, the lotus has one over it in engagement and feel. You're way more excited driving the lotus, whereas the Porsche is more of a point and squirt weapon.... A GT3 could be a good one to compare the Evora to next... Cheers!
Fantastic..... simple no ball. Honest review. Never thought that I would like the Lotus as it looks odd at the front but kinda reminds me of a McLaren, I'm warming to it. As always great results with the camera work, it shows how much effort you are putting in to these vids.
always really nice that you can see the effort.. unless you've tried yourself it's hard to appreciate how much work goes into even a short modest thing like this! I know what you mean about the front of the Evora, it's ok but something is not quite 100% about it. I love all the other angles though
Nice video. You'd put some 'professional' reviewers to shame as you actually talk about the driving experience rather than blathering on about nothing! I've nothing against Porsche's, have driven a few and considered buying one, but for me it would have to be the Evora. Maybe I'm biased being a Lotus fan, but as you've said they just seem a lot more 'special'. 911's are great cars, but I just find them so dull to look at. The Evora isn't the most cohesive design, especially in pictures, but they look great on the road and have a lot more presence. The way a Lotus flows down the road, and the steering, just can't be beaten for me.
The Elvora S just looks more like an exotic car. A 997 S, 4S or Turbo is just a practical daily sports car IMO compared to how the Evora makes you feel. I recently sold my 997 for an Evora S 😎
Sorry to post on old video, but just started watching your RC and Ferrari vids, and came across this! I have a 997.1 C2S, and I struggle to think of a better sports car for £20k (maybe the 997.2 for 30k...?). Evora have held value quite well due to rarity, but most are expensive still... Assume you don't have the Evora now... so right now, what would you buy for, say, 30k? (And Ferrari 308 probably not the answer ;-) ) p.s. loved the RC vids as well, just getting back into it myself after a 30 year pause...
Love the 997 Turbo - inside colour of this car aside. What Lotus have achieved in recent years is wonderful and (if they can stay financially secure) their future with be very interesting. Can't see any comparison with the 911 though. You looked more comfortable in the Lotus.
I’ve driven 90s 911 turbos and they are fast and solid but your Evora looks more fun,I like having to work for the speed,you look like you’re having more fun in the Evora.Also when I see an Evora I stare and smile,when I see a 911 I don’t really think anything.
Thanks buddy!! And yes, on the whole the Evora does feel more special if not as accomplished. It is amazing what they managed to with a rear engined car at porsche!
those Pasm dampers are lovely in the Porsches - whichever car you have - they give an excellent ride quality. I have them on a base Cayman and they are very nice. The 911 would be nice to travel to the Alps in, then you'd park it and drive the Evora across the Alps!
"The 911 would be nice to travel to the Alps in, then you'd park it and drive the Evora across the Alps!" what a great way to put it!! Thanks for watching Kram!
In my novice opinion, the Evora S did everything a little better than my C4S except visibility and comfort. The Evora S has the best clutch/shift combination - again in my very limited experience.
Thanks for the video. Both great cars of course. I think the base 997 (non S) Vs the Evora S would be a closer comparison. When new, they had similar spec, price etc. Some of the Porsche strengths of perceived quality, ergonomics, usability would still shine through, but as a driving experience it would be a closer run. Perhaps a second twin test could be done ?
Yep for sure that would have been ideal and if I get the chance I'll do it. I sometime have to shoehorn in a test that is less than ideal simply because circumstances allow it! But it can still be useful.. at least for me!
Bit of an odd comparison. GT3s, Turbos are completely different beasts to the 997.1 C2S - which would be a like for like. Arguably a C2S is naturally aspirated, while Evora S has a super charger... later Evoras seem to have been advanced significantly, but then the 997.2 doesn't blow up like early first gen and 996s had some issues with (not the turbos as different engines). Perhaps a Turbo versus Evora 400? Or Gt3RS vs Evora GT430? But a lot of things are going to seem slow after a 911 Turbo.
perhaps 550 ho is too much to connect with on normal roads? 300-400 hp on an agile chassis seems to be the sweet spot for weekend driving. wonder how youd feel vs 997 s?
I'm a Porsche person, and I'd have a tough time with the decision too. I've not driven either, so my opinion is without the benefit of experience. Here in the States, the Evora would be even more special than in England. Hard to beat the day-to-day usability of the 911. Maybe it comes down to what you're wanting to use the car for. Daily = 911 Turbo. Special day car/weekends? = Evora. Thoughts?
Yep but honestly, especially in the US with your bigger roads the Evora is very usable as a daily.. potentially less reliable than the 997 but also much, much cheaper to service and run. try one if you can, would love to know what you think!
I have been holding back on a 911 or Evora, for over a year now :o/ - what to do ...... 911 > IMS Bearing and bore scoring, Evora > Fragile clutch and a clamshell off job to replace. I've been looking for reassurance on both but we enter the world of statistics like only 5% of 911s suffer and only the early Evoras had poor clutch life. I had two "bomb proof" Imprezas which both developed piston slap. I suppose I come under the heading of "if you don't like the odds, don't buy" but others do and have loads of fun ..... help!! No really ........ I need help.
Buy the Evora Stuart!! You worry too much. The clutch will be fine, have heard of them lasting 60k miles and more without issue. Just buy a low mileage car!
Number27 - Appreciate your reply. Yep, a born worrier, at least about cars. Can you recommend a club, or site or other helpful resource (apart from the Lotus Owners Club) you could recommend specifically for Evora owners? Or an Evora specialist I could ask. A quick Google gives a few options but wonder if you've experience of any and could recommend. I have done a lot of research on Evoras and had so much conflicting opinion I am genuinely confused. I had a test drive in a normally aspirated Evora which looked and sounded totally solid and seemed motor bike quick (to me anyway) - just looking for good advice/info ............... and trying to avoid repeating my Impreza sh*t fest. Cheers, Stuart.
I think the GT3 is a better analogue of the Lotus. I know it's nowhere near in terms of price but the hard edged nature, he high revving engine, the light (er) weight.
Was amused that you started the review of the 997 Turbo with owner advice to press the Sport button and then immediately press the button next to it to turn off the Sport dampers setting. I do exactly the same in my 997.2 C2S. Sport sharpens everything up, especially the throttle response, but the dampers become impossible to live with off track; so Sport on, Sport dampers off, and the car becomes a joy. Incidentally, turning off PSM is a hiding to nothing unless you fancy a slightly better chance of a backwards trip through a hedge.
Enjoyed the video nice cars and I see you've escaped the beast from the east ! Up in Newcastle you can't even see the road for snow! I bet the 911 would be a giggle in the white stuff 😊 . So you buying that red beetle than Jack?
Hey, not escaped.. this was last week. Snow covered here now. Was considering going out in the Evora to do a. few slides shots but roads are narrow and I'm worried about stuffing it into the kerb! Beetle I think I will hold off on until a later date. My viewers did not seem overly keen! and in the end that one was too much work for me. Good project for someone else though
Number27 Yeah kerbs can be a problem, I did £1600 worth of damage to my type r sliding into a kerb many moons ago now . Shame on the beetle but if the overall interest there it's obviously not worth doing . Looking forward to your next video Jack and more of the Evora 😊
Real humans, non car journalists, will always tell you Porsche AWD is incredible. It's one of those RUclips stereotypes that AWD is bad. Especially for amateur drivers like myself - AWD is everything
RS2Russ said it all. Sometimes these videos teach us as much about you as the cars. You like to actively drive a car...and all modern cars will be disappointing in someway for that reason. The little Alfa seems to have disappeared for a while. Can the Elise take its place?
As a 996 guy, I have to say Porsche... :) Another great video, keep them coming. I really do enjoy the channel and your modest, "an ordinary guy approach"; free of hype and marketing. I am doing stuff more or less on a similar note and I'd appreciate if you could check out my channel when you have the time. Cheers!
I think you're right! That would have been ideal. However for me it was not just abut the outright difference in pace.. as you can see I still preferred the Evora. Thanks for watching!
Of course, you picked the Lotus, you're British. Which one is going to have a higher resale value, 10 years down the road? It's faster, better, and worth more. in the future, the 997.
ajwasp dude.. First of all I’m actually Italian but lived in the Uk since I was 8.. secondly nationality sways me not one bit. If you check my other videos you will see that the longest car I’ve ever owned is my current German Porsche 964.. 9 years plus. Others, Brit cars included have come and gone! As for resale 10 years down the road.. maybe you’re right but you might be surprised. There aren’t many Evoras about and that rarity is so far keeping values steady. They are also cheap to run compared to the 997.
Last time I looked, my Evora had a full leather interior with brushed aluminium trim - plastic items are definitely few and far between. The drivetrain might have Japanese origins (with a fair bit of Lotus 'upgrading') but the rest of the car is most definitely British and all the better for it.
You were impressed by the Porsche. You smiled a lot more in the Lotus.
The 997.1 turbo is a very underestimated car with the last Mezger engine, its an absolute beast!!
Get one now becouse prices will go up for sure!
Excellent review! As you say despite the power difference, it's about the engagement, the ability to push the car closer to its limits and the sensations feel as you negotiate corners. A lot of effort has gone into both procuring the Lotus and convincing a mate to let you drive his Porsche, plus filming and editing, it doesn't go unnoticed! Thank you!
Thanks Carlos! Glad you enjoyed it. Having lots of fun with these videos right now!
You should get a poke around a sports racer model. Great box is a lot better, interior is a lot better as well. Lots and lots of improvements. Nice review.
Proud to be a Brit. Scotland forever 🏴!!
(yeah the 997 911 is the better car, but the Evora is different, unique, and doesn’t look like a beetle.)
I'm recalling a comparo-test I read in a magazine at least as long ago as this video was released, which was sort of a 'best of each continent' sort of thing. They had a Corvette Z06, a Porsche GT3RSEIEIOsumthingorother, a Lotus Evora, and a Nissan GTR. The result was quite interesting: in pure numbers, the Nissan took first place and the Lotus took last place, BUT- in terms of how much the writers actually liked driving the cars, the Evora took first and the Nissan was last. The writers all agreed that the Evora more than any of the others just felt 'right,' supremely engaging and easy to feel as one with the car, while they found the Nissan to be a bit like driving a big video-game whilst being hit over the head with technological overload.
And I seriously envy the price you paid for the Evora- here in the USA Lotuses are MUCH more expensive, even used.
Epic video Jack! I love your ordinary guy next door delivery
Too kind as always Carl! Thank you ;)
Having test drove a cayman prior to settling with an Evora. Without question it’s the Evora for me. I have a SR my12 so the gear linkage and smaller fly wheel is supposed to make gear changes better. If you want to do a comparison with yours your be welcome. I would be interested to see if you notice any difference. Mine is the 280bhp so not as quick but still plenty of car for the road.
Good review. When you sit low in that evora and grab that slim racing steering wheel, u feel ready for the track. The feeling and feedback is unreal.
I think I'd go for the Evora, mainly because it'd fit in my garage... Great vid as usual, Jack.
Ooh, tough one. I consider myself a "Porsche man", but I really do love your new Evora. That blue is just gorgeous. I think I would go for the Lotus because, as you say, it's a bit different. Out and out speed isn't everything.
Another great vid btw.
Another engaging video, thanks. It's pretty clear for me from this that even tho the 911t is a hugely capable car, the lotus has one over it in engagement and feel. You're way more excited driving the lotus, whereas the Porsche is more of a point and squirt weapon.... A GT3 could be a good one to compare the Evora to next... Cheers!
Great review. Own a 997.1 turbo and love it. Was interesting to see it compared against the evora. Both great cars. Well done ion the review!
Fantastic..... simple no ball. Honest review. Never thought that I would like the Lotus as it looks odd at the front but kinda reminds me of a McLaren, I'm warming to it. As always great results with the camera work, it shows how much effort you are putting in to these vids.
always really nice that you can see the effort.. unless you've tried yourself it's hard to appreciate how much work goes into even a short modest thing like this! I know what you mean about the front of the Evora, it's ok but something is not quite 100% about it. I love all the other angles though
I like your driveway. Speaking and keeping my 997.1 Turbo.
I like the evora for the looks! Would love to see it lowered a little bit with spacers!
Nice video. You'd put some 'professional' reviewers to shame as you actually talk about the driving experience rather than blathering on about nothing!
I've nothing against Porsche's, have driven a few and considered buying one, but for me it would have to be the Evora. Maybe I'm biased being a Lotus fan, but as you've said they just seem a lot more 'special'.
911's are great cars, but I just find them so dull to look at. The Evora isn't the most cohesive design, especially in pictures, but they look great on the road and have a lot more presence. The way a Lotus flows down the road, and the steering, just can't be beaten for me.
The Elvora S just looks more like an exotic car. A 997 S, 4S or Turbo is just a practical daily sports car IMO compared to how the Evora makes you feel. I recently sold my 997 for an Evora S 😎
Sorry to post on old video, but just started watching your RC and Ferrari vids, and came across this! I have a 997.1 C2S, and I struggle to think of a better sports car for £20k (maybe the 997.2 for 30k...?). Evora have held value quite well due to rarity, but most are expensive still... Assume you don't have the Evora now... so right now, what would you buy for, say, 30k? (And Ferrari 308 probably not the answer ;-) ) p.s. loved the RC vids as well, just getting back into it myself after a 30 year pause...
Love the 997 Turbo - inside colour of this car aside. What Lotus have achieved in recent years is wonderful and (if they can stay financially secure) their future with be very interesting. Can't see any comparison with the 911 though. You looked more comfortable in the Lotus.
What a great sound the evora superb👍🏻
I’ve driven 90s 911 turbos and they are fast and solid but your Evora looks more fun,I like having to work for the speed,you look like you’re having more fun in the Evora.Also when I see an Evora I stare and smile,when I see a 911 I don’t really think anything.
Thanks buddy!! And yes, on the whole the Evora does feel more special if not as accomplished. It is amazing what they managed to with a rear engined car at porsche!
those Pasm dampers are lovely in the Porsches - whichever car you have - they give an excellent ride quality. I have them on a base Cayman and they are very nice. The 911 would be nice to travel to the Alps in, then you'd park it and drive the Evora across the Alps!
"The 911 would be nice to travel to the Alps in, then you'd park it and drive the Evora across the Alps!" what a great way to put it!! Thanks for watching Kram!
I think you were smiling more in the Evora
In my novice opinion, the Evora S did everything a little better than my C4S except visibility and comfort. The Evora S has the best clutch/shift combination - again in my very limited experience.
Cheers!
And cheers to you too!!
Thanks for the video. Both great cars of course. I think the base 997 (non S) Vs the Evora S would be a closer comparison. When new, they had similar spec, price etc. Some of the Porsche strengths of perceived quality, ergonomics, usability would still shine through, but as a driving experience it would be a closer run. Perhaps a second twin test could be done ?
Yep for sure that would have been ideal and if I get the chance I'll do it. I sometime have to shoehorn in a test that is less than ideal simply because circumstances allow it! But it can still be useful.. at least for me!
Nice comparison, cheers! How about comparing your Evora S to a 981 Cayman/S? Possibly a closer match...
Bit of an odd comparison. GT3s, Turbos are completely different beasts to the 997.1 C2S - which would be a like for like. Arguably a C2S is naturally aspirated, while Evora S has a super charger... later Evoras seem to have been advanced significantly, but then the 997.2 doesn't blow up like early first gen and 996s had some issues with (not the turbos as different engines).
Perhaps a Turbo versus Evora 400? Or Gt3RS vs Evora GT430?
But a lot of things are going to seem slow after a 911 Turbo.
Great evora !!!!
perhaps 550 ho is too much to connect with on normal roads? 300-400 hp on an agile chassis seems to be the sweet spot for weekend driving. wonder how youd feel vs 997 s?
997 Turbo, is my choice, but then it was my old car 😉
I'm a Porsche person, and I'd have a tough time with the decision too. I've not driven either, so my opinion is without the benefit of experience. Here in the States, the Evora would be even more special than in England. Hard to beat the day-to-day usability of the 911. Maybe it comes down to what you're wanting to use the car for. Daily = 911 Turbo. Special day car/weekends? = Evora. Thoughts?
Yep but honestly, especially in the US with your bigger roads the Evora is very usable as a daily.. potentially less reliable than the 997 but also much, much cheaper to service and run. try one if you can, would love to know what you think!
I have been holding back on a 911 or Evora, for over a year now :o/ - what to do ...... 911 > IMS Bearing and bore scoring, Evora > Fragile clutch and a clamshell off job to replace. I've been looking for reassurance on both but we enter the world of statistics like only 5% of 911s suffer and only the early Evoras had poor clutch life. I had two "bomb proof" Imprezas which both developed piston slap. I suppose I come under the heading of "if you don't like the odds, don't buy" but others do and have loads of fun ..... help!! No really ........ I need help.
Buy the Evora Stuart!! You worry too much. The clutch will be fine, have heard of them lasting 60k miles and more without issue. Just buy a low mileage car!
Number27 - Appreciate your reply. Yep, a born worrier, at least about cars. Can you recommend a club, or site or other helpful resource (apart from the Lotus Owners Club) you could recommend specifically for Evora owners? Or an Evora specialist I could ask. A quick Google gives a few options but wonder if you've experience of any and could recommend. I have done a lot of research on Evoras and had so much conflicting opinion I am genuinely confused. I had a test drive in a normally aspirated Evora which looked and sounded totally solid and seemed motor bike quick (to me anyway) - just looking for good advice/info ............... and trying to avoid repeating my Impreza sh*t fest. Cheers, Stuart.
Is it just the camera angle, or are the wing hydraulics on that 997tt busted?
Any idea what exhaust is on the 997TT; it actually sounds better then most other ones I've heard.
I think the GT3 is a better analogue of the Lotus. I know it's nowhere near in terms of price but the hard edged nature, he high revving engine, the light (er) weight.
Was amused that you started the review of the 997 Turbo with owner advice to press the Sport button and then immediately press the button next to it to turn off the Sport dampers setting. I do exactly the same in my 997.2 C2S. Sport sharpens everything up, especially the throttle response, but the dampers become impossible to live with off track; so Sport on, Sport dampers off, and the car becomes a joy.
Incidentally, turning off PSM is a hiding to nothing unless you fancy a slightly better chance of a backwards trip through a hedge.
Yep, most people seem to do the same thing!! thanks for watching Ric!!
Enjoyed the video nice cars and I see you've escaped the beast from the east ! Up in Newcastle you can't even see the road for snow! I bet the 911 would be a giggle in the white stuff 😊 . So you buying that red beetle than Jack?
Hey, not escaped.. this was last week. Snow covered here now. Was considering going out in the Evora to do a. few slides shots but roads are narrow and I'm worried about stuffing it into the kerb! Beetle I think I will hold off on until a later date. My viewers did not seem overly keen! and in the end that one was too much work for me. Good project for someone else though
Number27
Yeah kerbs can be a problem, I did £1600 worth of damage to my type r sliding into a kerb many moons ago now . Shame on the beetle but if the overall interest there it's obviously not worth doing . Looking forward to your next video Jack and more of the Evora 😊
Real humans, non car journalists, will always tell you Porsche AWD is incredible. It's one of those RUclips stereotypes that AWD is bad. Especially for amateur drivers like myself - AWD is everything
Porsche 997 turbo = good solid business.
Evora = holiday :).
I would choose to go with a big smile on holiday!
RS2Russ said it all. Sometimes these videos teach us as much about you as the cars. You like to actively drive a car...and all modern cars will be disappointing in someway for that reason. The little Alfa seems to have disappeared for a while. Can the Elise take its place?
No I still have it!! Update soon..
997, nope, the turbo isn’t for me. Nice review as always.
As a 996 guy, I have to say Porsche... :) Another great video, keep them coming. I really do enjoy the channel and your modest, "an ordinary guy approach"; free of hype and marketing. I am doing stuff more or less on a similar note and I'd appreciate if you could check out my channel when you have the time. Cheers!
Hey, have checked it out and subscribed. you've got some cool stuff on there! Keep it going!
Number27 Thank you very much!
I'd go with the Lotus. As he said, the Porsches are much more commonly seen.
i think the evora is more a competitor with a bog standard 911, not a turbo. you could easily pay more for a 997 turbo than a brand new evora 400
personally i would lean towards a 996 gt3 if you can find one at a similar price.
that's one of my favourite 991's.. BUT for a decent one it will be a minimum of £60K.. so way over budget
Nice video, 997 GT3 or Evora?
670lamborghini reluctantly I have to admit I’d go for the GT3.. an Evora 430 night stand more of a chance though..
911 Turbo all day long,if it scares you its working.
Not even close, I think perhaps a N/A 911 would be a fair comparison
I think you're right! That would have been ideal. However for me it was not just abut the outright difference in pace.. as you can see I still preferred the Evora. Thanks for watching!
Lotus every day, the 400 is the best sports car in the real world...but a comparison with 997 turbo??? Odd
Of course, you picked the Lotus, you're British. Which one is going to have a higher resale value, 10 years down the road? It's faster, better, and worth more. in the future, the 997.
ajwasp dude.. First of all I’m actually Italian but lived in the Uk since I was 8.. secondly nationality sways me not one bit. If you check my other videos you will see that the longest car I’ve ever owned is my current German Porsche 964.. 9 years plus. Others, Brit cars included have come and gone! As for resale 10 years down the road.. maybe you’re right but you might be surprised. There aren’t many Evoras about and that rarity is so far keeping values steady. They are also cheap to run compared to the 997.
ajwasp Lotus have the best residuals around. 911s were a dime a dozen and this is not regarded as a particularly special one.
@@ImBarryScottCSS I beg to differ. Ferrari have the best residuals around. Lotus is ok but few cars become investments quite like a ferrari
You need to improve the sound in this. I can see the mic is attached to your sweater or the seat belt but it sounds like it is under your woolly hat.
earthstick 😄 yep.. it was clipped higher up but fell off.. will be better in next vids!
I’ll stick with my (anodyne) 996t 😀👍🏻
Hahaha!! You know what, as I was editing the the video and heard myself saying it I thought.. I bet Grant won't like that!
997 Turbo > Evora S > 997 Carrera S
IMHO
Yes, you're right.. and don't come up through my plughole please..
Lotus anytime
For me too! 997 epic but theres just too many of them around.
supercars on Wheels that have camary engine in it bcz Brits make shitty engines and interior is plastic very cheap
No 😀
Avora has camary engine in it so it's not British it's Japanese They should named it canary S bcz Brits makes shit engine and the interior is plastic
Can we all take a minute to appreciate the fact that the above comment has already been edited.
Last time I looked, my Evora had a full leather interior with brushed aluminium trim - plastic items are definitely few and far between. The drivetrain might have Japanese origins (with a fair bit of Lotus 'upgrading') but the rest of the car is most definitely British and all the better for it.