Emira vs Evora vs Elise - Comparing the Modern Lotus | Everyday Driver
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- Опубликовано: 15 июл 2024
- Lotus has a huge motorsports reputation, and road cars to match. But they remain and alternative choice, rarely mentioned prior to the new Emira. So we gathered the three modern Lotus road cars; Elise, Evora, and Emira to see what remains of the reputation, and if they are being overlooked. No doubt, they aren't like anything else.
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00:00 - How did this happen?
1:08 - The only place to start
3:10 - Steering like no other
5:06 - Relearning how to drive
7:20 - Losing the arguments, but winning anyway
11:44 - The Evora's Revisionist History
13:09 - Fun with Superchargers
16:00 - Trying to be a larger Elise
17:38 - Comfort without Forgiveness
20:07 - Replacing Greatness with Newness in the Emira
23:00 - The Evolution of Power
25:24 - The whole car is one setting
28:16 - Three sets of Tires, two sets of wheels.
29:32 - The best of 1995
31:46 - Who wore it best, Styling and Interior
39:18 - Final thoughts (Skip to this and you missed a lot!)
#Lotus #Emira #Evora #Elise
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What I love about the Elise (and Miata, MR-2, etc) is that you can 8/10ths it on public roads - really wring it out in 2nd and 3rd gear - without fear of prison time or killing everyone within a block radius.
You can push it to its limit, yet still be within a rate of speed that'll see you avoid a ticket by just showing a little bit of charm and cordiality.
Agree. Love hitting redline in my s2000 without speeding.
I wouldn't even say you can drive it that hard on the road. The Elise is very quick on twisty roads and it's not forgiving if you get it wrong. The diffusor doesn't even start to produce much downforce until around 100mph
@@BlatentlyFakeName I guess that's why I added the charm and cordiality bit! 👍
I think this is lost on so many people, especially young enthusiasts. When I tell them I can have just as much fun in my slow-as-hell CR-Z on public roads as I do my Supra because I can bang on its limit, they don't seem to get it. Not always, but I think it's honestly a learned mindset.
@@ryanr482
Have to be careful in that car - there isn't a lot of time between VTEC hitting and the rev limiter. Used to accidentally bank off the limiter in 2nd in mine regularly.
I’ve owned my Elise for 14 years and it remains as thrilling as it did on day one.
Just picked up my Emira yesterday after almost 2 years of wait. It’s really worth the wait. It’s so much fun to drive and it really put a smile on my face while driving it back to home.
Silver wheels are the business with that colour. Well chosen.
As the industry has gone more and more corporate, and consumers have started comparing sports cars to iPads and smart refrigerators, unfortunately we’ve lost what cars originally were - which is a machine/human interface. Now cars have become a human/computer interface. Old Lotus (pre Emira) was one of the last makers of that type of machine. So while many people will say “finally, Lotus is making modern cars”, a lot of us are saying “Lotus is making modern cars…that’s a shame”.
yes, horses provided much analog feedback and immediate response
People who like horses can still buy a horse.
About 25 years ago, when I was 13, I saw a guy in his 90's on about a 0 degree fahrenheit morning at 7 am at a freeway rest stop with a topless 30's or 40's roadster he probably bought brand new. Early sports cars killed a very many people for very minor mistakes, and 60+ years into skillfully driving his later he bundled up and had it out on the freeway on a blistering cold day with supreme confidence. I get goose bumps just thinking about him.
I would agree about the value of mechanical interface, and suggest computer gismo fans should at least respect and seek to understand the origins of our modern sports cars and the details different generations found important enough to bet their lives on, and risk their lives to have fun with.
Great comment and summary, drivers cars are gone, luckily motorcycles still offer skill based rewards. BMW are making them into iPads too but it will take longer.
I imagine Mr. Chapman scowling at the Emira.
The silver wheels was the correct choice. Beautiful with that red!
Completely agree. In fact, I've always thought that black wheels get lost in the shadows. So I've never understood the fascination with them.
@@billschlafly4107 People are trying too hard to "understand" somebody else's personal taste. You really dont'need to understand black wheels for others to like them.
I wasn't trying to understand black wheels because when it comes to fads like black wheels, human behavior is half parrot and half monkey see monkey do.
@@billschlafly4107
They don't show brake dust. Not sure if that is a net plus, given that brake dust is bad for wheels.
@@jimiverson3085 My reasons for disliking black wheels is purely aesthetic. But to your point, cleaning wheels is easier if you can see the dust/dirt.
Imo the Elise doesn't even look dated. It's absolutely gorgeous, then and now.
I’ll have one of each, please…. And an Esprit as well.
An Esprit. The perfect wedge 👍
The Elise will always be a life goal car for me
Get one if you can. They hold value very well. Most people don’t take much of a loss driving one for a few years
I tracked my 2006 Exige for many years, and then stepped up to a 991.2 GT3RS. The Porsche is faster, of course. But the Lotus makes it feel like a Bently in comparison. I mean it doesn't actually feel like a Bently in any way whatsoever, but that's the shocking difference in feel that strikes you if you just got out of the Lotus.
When I had my Miatas and had to rent a car (travel, maintenance, etc.) I used to love renting the biggest truck I could for the stark contrast when it came time to switch back.
The 2019 991.2 4 gts was my sweetspot.
ahahah that's exactly the feeling you get after you drive ANY car, after a lotus. I remember when I drove it back to back with a friend's BMW 1M and an E92 M3 and it felt like 2x tanks in comparison, even with the hydraulic rack
@@achromaticwraps I used to drive an F250 for work Monday through Friday. I would drive the Exige over the weekend. Every Monday morning when I headed down the road in the Ford, I felt like I was in an 18-wheeler. Like I legit wondered how I was able to drive such a hung, ponderous thing without special training and a commercial license. Then I would get used to it all over again during the week, drive the Lotus again over the weekend, and repeat the cycle.
Agree with Todd 100%, silver rims look so much better on cars! Can barely see the rim design when they're black. Looks like an empty space.
Absolutely. 100%. I'm 53 and I think I am youthful enough to get onboard with certain trends/directions that make sense, but I never could get the black wheel. The tire and the wheel morph together into a sphere of inconsequential darkness and I think, in many cases, that the wheels make or break a car. Meaning, a beautiful car can be destroyed by unfortunate wheel choices while benign/irrelevant cars can "rank up" nicely with solid wheel changes/choices.
Especially on the Emira.
Yeah I don't want train wheels on my car.
Driving is meditation. And the Elise, Evora and Emira are temples. For me, my Evora is the sweet spot.
I agree 100% I love my 2014 Evora S Motorsport Edition
Everyday Driver and 3 Lotuses???? This is going to be an exciting video!
The Elise is one of those cars that you hear more and more about, and you just want the opportunity to at least drive it once in your lifetime to experience everything it has to offer.
Having gotten the chance to drive an Evora GT around a racetrack, I can only imagine what it’s like to be in an Elise.
That single day in an Evora left a significant impression and craving for more laps with such a fun, engaging experience! Ever since then, that has become my dream car to chase, and will eventually be in my garage. It was absolutely a gratifying and rewarding experience that I cherish and just want to experience again and again!
Yes, I think they outdid themselves. I loved every second of this video.
I had been shopping for a new car and drove a cayman, a 911, Jaguar Ftype R, corvette C8 and wasn’t finding the right car. Drove an Elise with a turbo on it and never looked at another car to buy. Ended up getting an Elise with an aftermarket supercharger and it’s an amazing car to drive. It needs some love here and there but nothing drives close
Evora!!! reminds me of a modern day Lancia Stratos. I think it looks cool its the Evora for me
Oooh, good comparison.
If the Emira hadn't just been released I would be more worried about them losing touch. I think they're hunting for their Cayenne so they can keep building cars like the Emira.
They’ve already said that the Emira is their last gas powered car so it will probably be the last lightweight lotus until battery tech improves
The Elise was pure art. All Lotuses sense have been trying to make art for the masses.
I'm a black wheels guy, but Tod's Emira looks better with the silver wheels. Good swap
You guys are officially my favorite reviewers....no bs, comedy, or whining (not that there's anything wrong with that)...I4 on order....thanks for the comparo!
Thrilled to have you watching and glad our style resonates with you. Thank you!
Why did you choose the turbo I4 over the Toyota supercharged V6?
@@jezebulls amg most powerful 4 cycl made, car is lighter, better handling, and just overall lighter inputs. Can't go wrong either way...
@@rd5140 AMG reliability will be a pain though
It does look better with silver wheels. But I think that yellow one looks better with the black wheels. Win for both sides.
👍 Light colour paint = dark wheels; dark paint job = silver alloys.
Same basic time-proven principle as interior trim vs exterior paint : always contrast, never compliment.
"Simplify, then add lightness"
Bigger...bigger...bigger
@noneyabizz8337 you can thank legislation for most of that. Regulations have basically forced cars to get bigger. Add the creature comforts everyone expects in everything anymore and the weight goes up even more. I'm all for safety but can we just sign a waiver or something?
Safer and safer, nicer and nicer, more and more functional. Look. 50 pounds heavier in my Emira over Evora GT is pretty damn good considering how much more beautiful it is and how much nicer and more functional it is over Evora. Nothing will ever be an Elise again. I love that car but it's a death trap.
I love the idea of an Elise and all three are beautiful, but omg the Emira’s looks are on another level. It is too bad that Lotus got bought out. My BRZ doesn’t compare to the specific strengths of these three but it fits my budget and makes me feel something, and that spirit is in line with them.
I have a GT86 and an Emira, although the Emira is a better GT car and sounds and looks amazing one thing it has made me appreciate is what an absolutely brilliant car the GT86/BRZ is for the money. For English roads the GT86 is actually more fun as you can drive it to 7/10ths without risking your licence. Drive an Emira to 7/10ths and you are very soon going very, very quickly.
Perhaps one of the most satisfying automotive RUclips videos I’ve seen in a long time. There are great channels out there, but something very satisfying about seeing these three cars compared. And the silver wheels for the win all day long!
Thank you for watching, and glad you enjoyed it!
I've had it with the black wheels and got the same rims you had for the GR 86 in silver. OZ Leggera HLT. What a difference!
I think the higher RPM just sounds crazy. That's the only reason why I would buy a ND2 vs ND1.
Great review of the evolution of “modern” Lotus sports cars. Thanks for the hard work and detailed thoughts, guys!!!!
you guys make want one and I've never really liked lotus that much but seeing them drive and hearing there sound makes me think i should get one
Owned a 2010 Elise for 7 years and loved every minute, but eventually traded up to an Evora S. No regrets. This vid has inspired me to get off the couch and go for a drive! See ya!
Great vids guys. Enjoyed very much. Whoosh. So much sound from such great cars. 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
This video had to be done. Really thorough and well thought out comparison between the 3 cars. Id always wondered about Evora vs Emira too given their similarities in terms of drivetrain. Well done guys, the best in the business!
What a great episode, cinematography is next level and these 3 beautiful cars!!
Keep up the incredible work guys!!
My neighbour just brought himself a yellow s1 Elise. After years of looking for the right one, he's finally found one and it's in absolutely mint condition and looks and sounds gorgeous. Him and his wife love it.
It’s ridiculous the lack of views you get. RUclips fix your ridiculous recommendation system these guys have and will continue to deserve it for until the end of time
Great review gentlemen! I am a Lotus Evora 400 owner and agree with everything you say about the Evora GT. It is sharp, rewarding to drive if smooth and precise and is a bit more edgy than the Emira - which is why I bought a 400. I love all things Lotus, and we now have multiple different Loti to choose from - the track car (Elise), the canyon carver (Evora) and the everyday, more livable sportscar (Emira) which slots perfectly into the Lotus portfolio (new and old). For those looking for a Lotus you now have multiple to choose from to fit budget and driving preference.
Excellent comparison and great video work and scenery, as well. I have owned both an early (2010 NA) and currently a later Evora 400. Living in the neighboring state to the east, I even recognize the roads you were driving on from some of our road trips. They are phenomenal cars, woefully under-appreciated, IMHO. Glad to see you appreciate the history, evolution and driving enjoyment of Lotus cars. Let's hope for more of this in the future.
What a great comparison - thank you for doing this!
That red is growing on me. Especially now with silver wheels, that paint pops under the sun! Congrats Todd!
Wow I loooove Lotus videos! Cant believe u uploaded this 3 days ago and already has so many views! Love it!!!!! Keep on!
Great video as always gentlemen!
That's a brilliant review guys. I also own a magma Emira so it's lovely to actually see what it looks like when driven,no wonder it gets so many admiring looks!
I love how Todd gives the silent "VTEC just kicked in, yo" 😂
Thanks for another great vid, gents. Keep up the Lotus content!
Great review, really good descriptions. Well done, guys!
Great points made all the way through. As a former Elise owner, I related quite a bit with all these cars. A huge point of all 3 of these is that the Toyota based drivetrain took away the Lots and Serious in the Lotus fun making. Add to that the great online forum, LotusTalk and all the mistakes are identified and a reasonable fix given. And look at the Lotus aftermarket. Holy cow! I bet it's far more than the aftermarket for Camrys, that use the same base engine as the Evora and Emira. I mean a day of Camry production is more than all of Lotus production from the beginning of time. Take just superchargers for the Elise. I can think of 4 companies making them. How many target Camrys? I only wish I could actually buy an Emira. All I ever see is 3 year wait lists.
Excellent video, and I can't believe Todd owns 2 Lotuses (Lotii?). What a great comparison to have these 3 together and as usual, such great cinematography and you don't rush the dialog and driving impressions. A+
Love my Emira. Puts smile on my face whenever I go out for an early morning curvy drive.
Interesting to watch! Thanks for making this comparison video.
I was going to wait for the weekend to watch this review but I just couldn't wait-nice job guys. Although the drivetrain layout is different, I think the Elise's spiritual successor is the original Elan for its lightweight ethos and driving feel. Everything(almost) you mentioned about the Elise applies to the Elan esp the light weight , steering response and relatively modest power. My 69 Elan weighs 1550lb and has about 150hp(slightly modded comp to stock) with such great steering and road feel. I like to joke that you can runover a coin in one of these and not only figure out the denomination but whether its heads or tails. Of these cars, I would like an Elise to go with my Elan since I don't see them as everyday type cars and don't need the comfort and convenience features of the Evora/Emira. Looking forward to future videos-thanks.
Epic comparison guys! I think I'd take an Evora!!
GREAT VIDEO guys!!
The Emira looks so good in that red color with the silver rims.
It is one of the best looking cars ever made with a timeless design.
great day for a release!
That Emira looks spot on with silver wheels, really nice spec and the lines are perfect, every detail flows into another rather than the random swage lines dotted round most modern designs
Great video, I love a bit of Lotus content. Recently my 911 want has been turning into Evora want
Thank you for this video! I love my Evora GT.
An old friend swapped a K24 into his Elise. He would correct me and call it an Exige, but he puts 290 to the wheels. It's insanely quick.
I need to have you guys drive my turbo Elise. It’s insane what just a little more power does for these cars.
I’m local to you as well so we can make it happen!
Love the video and the channel guys. Keep up the good work! 😄
Congrats on getting the factory Silver wheels. As I commented on Todd getting his Emira video, If Todd is ever out here in the SF Bay Area I have the exact Spec he originally wanted from the Emira, GTS, Vette video down to the leather steering wheel and he's welcome to take it for a spin.
Great comment from 42:15 to 42:25. I appreciate your knowledge you share from your experiences from all 3 cars. I own a 2014 Evora S Motorsport Edition. Love how engaging the drive is, especially the hydrolic steering like you said. Thank you for sharing more about this small car company that gradually evolves with time.
One of the best car videos I’ve ever watched.
This video making me reconsider getting a ND3 vs an Elise now. Still super happy with my Emira
Looks PERFECT on those silver rims!
You guys knew what video to make to break all of the lotus forums/subs/groups!!! way to go
41:01 "Lotii"
LOL!! 😂😂
Great video, lads. Keep 'em coming!
According to Lotus, the plural is Lotus, not Loti or Lotuses.
@@hakonhalldorsson6673 I am the CEO of Lotus and it is Lotusiii.
And I have now spoken and put this discussion to rest. Go in peace.
@@BPoweredLove LoLii 😅
The Emira is simply a thing of beauty, I own the s2 Exige and I have to say they are on par for me. When I can afford the Emira I’ll keep the Exige simply as they are totally different cars, it’s hard to compare them. Great job guys
It was very confusing seeing Todd in a grey shirt and both wearing hats. Thankfully he has a goatee now. Jk guys, great video - that Emira is dreamy
Going to watch this on my home theater after dinner.
The yellow with black wheels looks fantastic - that was my initial spec (until my daughter made me change it for Seneca 😂).
Congratulations from the UK - on yet another fabulous video - you guys are the best at this hands down (and not annoying like so many!)
My Emira will turn up eventually (so I'm told) 🙏
Congrats on your upcoming Emira! We’re grateful you like what we do and we appreciate you watching!
Thank you for a great video and the history of the evolution of these cars. I own a red car, and silver wheels are the way to go. I love the Emira, but I also have other plans in life.
This reminds me of your comparison videos back in the day. Love it guys! It would be great if you guys can bring back the S2000 for a comparison with the modern RWD sports cars, such as the ND3. The S2000 continues to be a benchmark. I remember your original S2000 comparison video---seems like ages ago and you guys haven't aged a bit. What's the secret? :)
Great video - as usual. You guys are making me consider replacing my M2 with an Elise.
The dish on the wheels on the Esprit are 🔥! The Emira is simply gorgeous and cannot wait to see it in person! I would take the exterior of that and the interior of the Evora. Wish both had a targa option like the Elise. Regardless, what a great day in the office guys!
Hi, from Japan!! I think these three cars reflect how you drive like to the driver himself in common. I think that is the proof of real sports cars they are. Oh, I love the silver wheels, too!! I’m saying this not because I love you two. I really feel it.
Nice video guys. I have an Emira and like it. However, I guess I’m still a Porsche guy at heart. I’m lucky enough to have several but my favorite driver is the 718 Spyder. Porsche built quality is significantly above Lotus in my opinion but I do enjoy the Emira so far. Not sure it’s a long term one for me though.
Porsches are boring, common, and all look the same. The Emira is beautiful.
@@ThePikmin18 Agree the Emira is beautiful but there is nothing the same or boring about a Spyder!
Fantastic video! The Emira is stunning!
Video makes me miss my Elise dearly. But the GT is just a perfect daily/grocery/track car with the two kids. Once they outgrow the back seats, might be time to consider an Emira...
Oh man good stuff
Never disappoints
I have the Emira in Seneca blue, tour suspension and black wheels. I get so many compliments on this car, I got stopped by someone driving through my neighborhood and a couple of cops as I was getting out of it at a shopping mall. Motorcyclists pull up next to me to take a look. You know, the same reactions I get when I drive my Lamborghini Huracan EVO. Supercar looks at 1/3 of the price.
The wheelswap was beneficial for both cars involved.
Nice review. I'd really like a dedicated, one hour Elise v. Emira comparison on track, particularly chassis upset on imperfections in the road, etc. but I can read between the lines here.
Notifications actually worked!
Indeed! Same here!
As a lotus Owner I love this video !!!!
Emira is a nice car. I look forward to a chance to drive it one day. Congrats.
Loving my Osmium silver Emira with the black pack. Gets attention whenever I drive it. I also did the cat delete with a valve controller, I know they said the car is loud enough, it’s decent, but this makes it sound aftermarket! I love it. Sounds like an exotic, unlike my Supra.
Great video. Well done gentleman. Is it just me, or is the Evora, particularly the 400/GT models, more special after the Emira arrived? Harder edge, anticipated to be much rarer (one of the rarest cars period actually), slightly better power-to-weight ratio, and although clearly not as beautiful, I think the Evora's design has become unique over time. The prices are still around $90-$95k for a clean GT versus an MSRP of $100k, so while the values have held up extraordinarily well, particularly given the release of the more modern Emira, it's quite an expensive car. I still need to drive one to really gauge that shifter.
This is the first proper review I have seen people pitch them back to back, is there a press embargo in doing so or something?
Nice to see a detailed review of Lotus. That 20 year run of Elise and Exige saw them at the forefront of raw, unfiltered and exciting driver focused cars. As the brand pushes down the EV front, it's such a shame that the original ethos of the brand is being lost. There is no emphasis on lightweight or pure driver engagement. I think there is room for the Emira as a GT, but would love to have seen the Elise and Exige continue in production amongst the product line. Lotus could have borrowed from Porsche (80% of their cars are now big, heavy, SUVs), but Porsche left some room in their product line for high performance sports cars (GT3, GT4 etc).
Love the yellow Emira with black wheels. Red and silver are nice enough.
Everything else is a dull drive after a Elise. That’s the problem. Tried massive power F Type and 911 plus Cayman but back into daily a Supercharged Elise, so every drive is fab. Im only mid 50s over 6ft, so at some point I will not manage it. Why give it up early, cause you can’t get younger.
I agree 100%. I daily drive my turbo Elise and every supercar I’ve driven since I bought it, even when it was NA, has just left me dissatisfied. The Elise is pretty much the ultimate street car experience if you truly love driving.
What great road to have a blast with. I would love to bring my ‘73 Fleetwood on those curvy roads. 😅
Wow. Gorgeous cars.
The Amira is a pretty car. The red and silver wheels looks great!
Still can’t get over how beautiful the Emira is.
every time i see any lotus car videos (non ev).. I clicked..
Like here if youre browsing autotempest for Lotii while watching...
Phenomenal video guys. Keep em coming.
Another great vid. I love the Elmira's interior but I feel it would work better with black seats with red accents instead of the reverse. It's almost to much red imo
The Lotus Elise 2005 is the best car ever invented.
Such an excellent review. As an Evora GT everything you said resonate with my personal experience *except* for the suspension behavior during turning. I find my Evora GT quite compliant during turns and I don’t experience the hard stop that you reported. I wonder if you tested a unit whose adjustable dampers have been turned up to a stiffer setting than the factory default.
If you think the Elise is fun you should try one with near 400HP and weight shedding down to 1800lbs lol. I'm in an Evora GT now and I love it. Way more raw than Emira and more how Collin Chapman intended.
Bronze wheels might be my choice 🤔. I definitely like the silver more than the black though and I know that wasn’t an option but...
I’m trying to decide a new wheel and colour on my similarly coloured red GR Corolla right now.
Unfortunately, from what the owners of Lotus are saying, the next sports cars will all be electric. They are not joking either as they have two other electric cars out. Not too sure if buyers will be as receptive to this. May well be the end of Lotus as we know it.
That's all manufacturers though. If you look at the emissions regulations that governments have laid out for the next decade, there's simply no way around that. Even the i4 Emira is already above the limit, and has to be offset by "fleet average" calculations.
They have no choice. But I have high hopes that the Type 135 will keep that lightweight + great handling spirit alive.