Nissan 370z vs Lotus Elise
10-15-2009 | 03:20 PM
#1
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Nissan 370z vs Lotus Elise
If you could have either a brand new Nissan 370z or a used Lotus Elise, which would you choose?
I'm looking to buy a car under $29,000-30,000 and I've narrowed it down to these 2 cars.
Pros of the 370z would be that it's new, bigger trunk, more comfortable
Cons would be the poor fuel economy
Pros the Elise would be the aggressive look, exotic car status, small/nimble
Cons would be the soft top not able to withstand rain, and it would be used
I was also thinking about a Mazda RX8, Mazda Speed3, or a Civic Si
I'm looking to buy a car under $29,000-30,000 and I've narrowed it down to these 2 cars.
Pros of the 370z would be that it's new, bigger trunk, more comfortable
Cons would be the poor fuel economy
Pros the Elise would be the aggressive look, exotic car status, small/nimble
Cons would be the soft top not able to withstand rain, and it would be used
I was also thinking about a Mazda RX8, Mazda Speed3, or a Civic Si
10-15-2009 | 03:32 PM
#2
depends what you going to use it for. I would love to get an elise also but i think it doesnt have power steering,no radio, and probably loud inside so it really wouldnt be that great of a DD car. As for the 370, i guess it has more creature comforts. besides gas isnt really that bad depending on how you drive the car. As for the others, i wouldnt really consider imo
10-15-2009 | 03:34 PM
#3
10-15-2009 | 03:35 PM
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370 is new, possibly some quirks to work out.
Elise is prettymuch purely sports car, barely any luxury options (correct me if i'm wrong)
RX-8 has doo-doo reliability and performance, but handles really good
Speed3 has massssive torque steer, but apparently quite reliable stock, good aftermarket already, and factory turboed
I myself was looking at the civic si's. They are probably among the top in practicality of your list, but near bottom of performance. Has a low powerband so you have to get it into 5800 rpm to actually feel any speed, and any lower then that it feels like a granny. The tranny's suck too.
Feel free to add or correct to my speculations anyone
Elise is prettymuch purely sports car, barely any luxury options (correct me if i'm wrong)
RX-8 has doo-doo reliability and performance, but handles really good
Speed3 has massssive torque steer, but apparently quite reliable stock, good aftermarket already, and factory turboed
I myself was looking at the civic si's. They are probably among the top in practicality of your list, but near bottom of performance. Has a low powerband so you have to get it into 5800 rpm to actually feel any speed, and any lower then that it feels like a granny. The tranny's suck too.
Feel free to add or correct to my speculations anyone
10-15-2009 | 03:38 PM
#5
370 is new, possibly some quirks to work out.
Elise is prettymuch purely sports car, barely any luxury options (correct me if i'm wrong)
RX-8 has doo-doo reliability and performance, but handles really good
Speed3 has massssive torque steer, but apparently quite reliable stock, good aftermarket already, and factory turboed
I myself was looking at the civic si's. They are probably among the top in practicality of your list, but near bottom of performance. Has a low powerband so you have to get it into 5800 rpm to actually feel any speed, and any lower then that it feels like a granny. The tranny's suck too.
Feel free to add or correct to my speculations anyone
Elise is prettymuch purely sports car, barely any luxury options (correct me if i'm wrong)
RX-8 has doo-doo reliability and performance, but handles really good
Speed3 has massssive torque steer, but apparently quite reliable stock, good aftermarket already, and factory turboed
I myself was looking at the civic si's. They are probably among the top in practicality of your list, but near bottom of performance. Has a low powerband so you have to get it into 5800 rpm to actually feel any speed, and any lower then that it feels like a granny. The tranny's suck too.
Feel free to add or correct to my speculations anyone
10-15-2009 | 03:39 PM
#7
If you could have either a brand new Nissan 370z or a used Lotus Elise, which would you choose?
I'm looking to buy a car under $29,000-30,000 and I've narrowed it down to these 2 cars.
Pros of the 370z would be that it's new, bigger trunk, more comfortable
Cons would be the poor fuel economy
Pros the Elise would be the aggressive look, exotic car status, small/nimble
Cons would be the soft top not able to withstand rain, and it would be used
I was also thinking about a Mazda RX8, Mazda Speed3, or a Civic Si
I'm looking to buy a car under $29,000-30,000 and I've narrowed it down to these 2 cars.
Pros of the 370z would be that it's new, bigger trunk, more comfortable
Cons would be the poor fuel economy
Pros the Elise would be the aggressive look, exotic car status, small/nimble
Cons would be the soft top not able to withstand rain, and it would be used
I was also thinking about a Mazda RX8, Mazda Speed3, or a Civic Si
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10-15-2009 | 03:42 PM
#9
You can't compare a 370Z and a Lotus Elise. That's a daily driveable sports car vs a glorified go cart.
You should be asking - should I buy a 370Z or an Elise for the track and a Honda beater to drive daily?
You should be asking - should I buy a 370Z or an Elise for the track and a Honda beater to drive daily?
10-15-2009 | 04:03 PM
#10
If you could have either a brand new Nissan 370z or a used Lotus Elise, which would you choose?
I'm looking to buy a car under $29,000-30,000 and I've narrowed it down to these 2 cars.
Pros of the 370z would be that it's new, bigger trunk, more comfortable
Cons would be the poor fuel economy
Pros the Elise would be the aggressive look, exotic car status, small/nimble
Cons would be the soft top not able to withstand rain, and it would be used
I was also thinking about a Mazda RX8, Mazda Speed3, or a Civic Si
I'm looking to buy a car under $29,000-30,000 and I've narrowed it down to these 2 cars.
Pros of the 370z would be that it's new, bigger trunk, more comfortable
Cons would be the poor fuel economy
Pros the Elise would be the aggressive look, exotic car status, small/nimble
Cons would be the soft top not able to withstand rain, and it would be used
I was also thinking about a Mazda RX8, Mazda Speed3, or a Civic Si
Ask yourself these questions:
1) Would this be your second car?
If you have another more practical car to drive and are looking for something fun and different, then go ahead with the Elise. They are uncomfortable, loud, small, and most likely expensive to maintain (but I'm guessing on that last one). Watching an Elise run through an Autocross course is incredible however. The 370Z might be a better car however if you are over about 5'11" and like a few conveniences in your cars.
If this will not be a second car, don't consider the Elise at all and you should stay away from the Z as well. A RWD two seat sports car is simply impractical for too many of life's requirements. A Mazdaspeed3 would make a great car for someone as a solo car. It is fast, fun, handles well, and is reliable. It gives you the practicality of a hatch.
2) Do you have money to burn?If this will not be a second car, don't consider the Elise at all and you should stay away from the Z as well. A RWD two seat sports car is simply impractical for too many of life's requirements. A Mazdaspeed3 would make a great car for someone as a solo car. It is fast, fun, handles well, and is reliable. It gives you the practicality of a hatch.
Buying a new car is almost always one of the most stupid financial moves anyone can make. If money is simply not an issue and you will pay cash for the car, then don't worry about it. For most of us, money is a limited asset. Buying a new car you take a huge depreciation hit. If you finance it is is even worse as you will quickly owe more on the car than what it is worth. In this, the Elise has the advantage as it is used. A used MS3 (if you can find a good one) or RX8 would be good choices as would a used 350Z.
Speaking of money, are you prepared for the insurance costs? A 370 or Elise will be expensive to insure. A MS3, RX8, or Si will be a lot less expensive.
3) Have you driven RWD cars before?A RWD car drives differently than a FWD car. If you haven't had the experience that is fine, but make sure you understand that you don't and take it easy if you get a Z or Elise. FWD is a lot more forgiving
4) Do you get much rain or snow?Your from CA but don't say where. If it snows where you are, and you don't have another car, don't get the Z, Elise, or RX8. That would be just asking for trouble. The MS3 would be a good choice. Rain isn't a big deal (unless you are SoCal driver, then for some reason it is) but rain can be a problem with a soft top.
5) Are you a 16 year old kid whose folks are going to buy the car for you?If so, buy a used Civic Si. The car is reliable, fun to drive, easy to mod without breaking the bank, and no great loss if you wrap it around a tree.
Don't discount the RX8. It is a great car that is reliable if it is maintained properly. A rotary is a lot of fun to drive and the car's handling is much better than the Z. It also has the benefit of back seats (sort of).
10-15-2009 | 10:38 PM
#16
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From: SinCity, NV
10-15-2009 | 11:22 PM
#17
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From: Irvine, CA
I've been looking at the 370z also, but I'm starting to wonder if it's the car for me. I love how it looks, but coming from a 4 door commuter sedan, I don't know if I can live my life with a 2 seater sports car. I may have to go with a g37 or maybe even a subie
10-16-2009 | 09:25 AM
#18
also buying new is STUPID. why are you asking to lose 8 stacks after you leave the loft, and FINANCE??????
just buy a used FD rx7 and a Civic. best of both worlds. you can have the rx7 as your touge beast which will out handle ANY Z on this forum when modded right and have your beater EG/EK hatch civic for gas mileage. sounds like a win to me. you can get both cars for under 15k!!!!!!!
10-16-2009 | 09:36 AM
#20
It doesn't sound like you have really figured out what you want out of a car. Decide that first, then pick the best car that matches your needs.
Ask yourself these questions:
1) Would this be your second car?
Ask yourself these questions:
1) Would this be your second car?
If you have another more practical car to drive and are looking for something fun and different, then go ahead with the Elise. They are uncomfortable, loud, small, and most likely expensive to maintain (but I'm guessing on that last one). Watching an Elise run through an Autocross course is incredible however. The 370Z might be a better car however if you are over about 5'11" and like a few conveniences in your cars.
If this will not be a second car, don't consider the Elise at all and you should stay away from the Z as well. A RWD two seat sports car is simply impractical for too many of life's requirements. A Mazdaspeed3 would make a great car for someone as a solo car. It is fast, fun, handles well, and is reliable. It gives you the practicality of a hatch.
2) Do you have money to burn?If this will not be a second car, don't consider the Elise at all and you should stay away from the Z as well. A RWD two seat sports car is simply impractical for too many of life's requirements. A Mazdaspeed3 would make a great car for someone as a solo car. It is fast, fun, handles well, and is reliable. It gives you the practicality of a hatch.
Buying a new car is almost always one of the most stupid financial moves anyone can make. If money is simply not an issue and you will pay cash for the car, then don't worry about it. For most of us, money is a limited asset. Buying a new car you take a huge depreciation hit. If you finance it is is even worse as you will quickly owe more on the car than what it is worth. In this, the Elise has the advantage as it is used. A used MS3 (if you can find a good one) or RX8 would be good choices as would a used 350Z.
Speaking of money, are you prepared for the insurance costs? A 370 or Elise will be expensive to insure. A MS3, RX8, or Si will be a lot less expensive.
3) Have you driven RWD cars before?A RWD car drives differently than a FWD car. If you haven't had the experience that is fine, but make sure you understand that you don't and take it easy if you get a Z or Elise. FWD is a lot more forgiving
4) Do you get much rain or snow?Your from CA but don't say where. If it snows where you are, and you don't have another car, don't get the Z, Elise, or RX8. That would be just asking for trouble. The MS3 would be a good choice. Rain isn't a big deal (unless you are SoCal driver, then for some reason it is) but rain can be a problem with a soft top.
5) Are you a 16 year old kid whose folks are going to buy the car for you?If so, buy a used Civic Si. The car is reliable, fun to drive, easy to mod without breaking the bank, and no great loss if you wrap it around a tree.
Don't discount the RX8. It is a great car that is reliable if it is maintained properly. A rotary is a lot of fun to drive and the car's handling is much better than the Z. It also has the benefit of back seats (sort of).
HUH? much better than the Z?