Need advise on a new car!

RPS13 · Post by **RPS13** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 10:35 pm

ScoobieWRX wrote: Apart from the looks/bodyshape doesn't the Elise use the same floorpan/chassis and suspension coponents?

Not quite. They were built in the same factory but the Elise tub is both lighter and stiffer. The suspension wasnt common either. Some of the first grades to a VX are replacing the suspension with Elise parts. Elise may cost a little more to start, but you get a much better handling car and no upgrades required to enjoy them on the track.

Post by **Stuart** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 10:36 pm

haha

I hoped you would chip in. If anyone would know, you would

blackskygtr · Post by **blackskygtr** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 10:52 pm

wasn't the chassis is an aluminium and carbon fibre tub? The VX220 weighs in at 930 kg according to autodata :oops: The elise is only 720 ish from memory Did not realise all that luxury LOL "carpets" made so much difference to the weight.
Still got to love the rarity factor.

I remember some thing about changing wheel sizes front to rear but cant remeber what exactly was the issue now.
Long time ago since i was into my vauxhalls.

I am sure whatever the decision you will be in for a load of fun anyways

good luck with the search mate.

Oh and i know where there is a cracking Fiat bertone coupe 20v turbo for

ScoobieWRX · Post by **ScoobieWRX** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 11:15 pm

Here's some info on the VX220......

http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Vauxhall_VX220

http://members.fortunecity.com/allenm/id24.htm

http://www.carsandtuning.org/vauxhall-y ... -supercar/

Read for yourself.......about what bits it shares with the Lotus :thumb:

It was interesting to read that the VX220 shares 141 out of 2500 parts with the Elise, some of those parts being the Chassis (with some mods to accept the VX engine), suspension setup and steering rack.

RPS13 · Post by **RPS13** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 12:57 pm

ScoobieWRX wrote: Read for yourself.......about what bits it shares with the Lotus :thumb:

It was interesting to read that the VX220 shares 141 out of 2500 parts with the Elise, some of those parts being the Chassis (with some mods to accept the VX engine), suspension setup and steering rack.

The chassis's are similar, but different enough to mean you can not build and Elise out of a VX or the other way around. Same extrusions, but the sill cut out is different as is the chassis cross member, not just the bit at the back for the engine. Both those parts are the main structure so they make a difference to the stiffness and weight. The suspension is very much tailored to the ride that GM wanted for the car too.

Also, If you compare weights it is fairer to compare the VX to the S2 elise but that is still almost 100kg lighter.

However, back to the original question... For a pure drivers car I would get the Elise. It will teach you a lot about driving too ( But I am rather biased). If you prefer a bit more comfort and power then the BMW suggestions would be my next choice, but only if it was going to be a daily car too. I am happy to use an Elise as a daily drive, but i know it isn't for everyone.