Opinions - S1 to 111R

[StiflerMR2]

Hey all,

It might just be the weather but I am getting itchy feet. I currently have a very nicely sorted S1 which underwent a lot of work last winter with Craig to get it tip top.

I've has various elise, std s2 tourer, s2 111s and even a vx220, but never a Toyota one, of those I loved the all round trade off of practicality, comfort and performance of the 111s.

My hope is that buying a 111r with it's creature comforts would promote me to use it more to drive to work (currently get the metro) as well as track days as presently the poor s1 can sit for weeks on end waiting to go for a blast as driving through newcastle city center in rush hour just winds me up in the s1.

So, my question is; does anyone have tales of going s1 to 111r they'd like to share? I'll more than likely do nothing as the bloody s1 just gets right back under my skin as soon as I do take it for a drive!

Cheers,

Mark.

[robin]

I don't think you are going to find the difference between them so radical as to change your usage pattern. It's still going to be cold, noisy and rattly, albeit maybe a little less so due to the extra padding. It's not going to be like getting into a nice cosy Volvo with seat warmers and a radio you can hear. I also found that 6th was too short so cruising at >80 tuts on the motorway makes it uncomfortable compared to S1's over-long 5th which is great for motorway cruising ...

I think on a track you're going to enjoy your sorted S1 a lot more than a standard 111R, though of course if you put Exige wheels and some good suspension on the 111R then it will go round the track brilliantly.

Cheers,
Robin

[tut]

Count the number of drivers that have lately returned to an S1, not as a commuting drive granted, but for road runs or track days, 750kgs with no aids appeals again compared to 1300kg with more power but just not the same finesse.

If I were younger I would seriously consider an S1 135R, done the power run and have nothing to prove, so it would be good to get back to basics again. That said, N3 is almost that but with a Honda.

tut

[j2 lot]

There isn't as much difference as you might expect - a small step up in comfort and usability but it's not a great transformation. Of all the variants I've had the 111R was probably my least favourite as for me the cam change didn't suit my driving preference and it was too on/off

[StiflerMR2]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I think I know you are right, just the allure of a newer car and a bit of power I guess.

I'll take the S1 out tomorrow, it could do with a decent run to charge the battery

[Dominic]

Count the number of drivers that have lately returned to an S1, not as a commuting drive granted, but for road runs or track days, 750kgs with no aids appeals again compared to 1300kg with more power but just not the same finesse.

If I were younger I would seriously consider an S1 135R, done the power run and have nothing to prove, so it would be good to get back to basics again. That said, N3 is almost that but with a Honda.

tut

S1 sport 135, the choice of the connoisseur.

[mxvx]

Count the number of drivers that have lately returned to an S1, not as a commuting drive granted, but for road runs or track days, 750kgs with no aids appeals again compared to 1300kg with more power but just not the same finesse.

If I were younger I would seriously consider an S1 135R, done the power run and have nothing to prove, so it would be good to get back to basics again. That said, N3 is almost that but with a Honda.

tut

I think I would love one too but I may miss the overtaking ability I currently have. Especially handy to have power when people think it's amusing to accelerate when you're overtaking.

Sorry mark, off topic.

[StiflerMR2]

No problem at all! Just been for a bit of a hoon, it's staying. Everytime I drive it I remember how awesome an S1 can be.

Whikst out i decided it makes more sense for me to pick up a shed for daily duties and make more time to drive the s1 rather than part with another 8k for a 111r.

Would still love an s2 exige one day though

[campbell]

Have a chat with Craig about sourcing you a shed. £8k is twice as much as you'd need, so you can even save money that way

[Mikie711]

If it were me I would have the 111r if only so you didn't have to worry about grenading the engine. That and I found mine to be quite comfortable but Mike can comment more on that as he did frolic in it.

[campbell]

But yours / Other Mike's is not exactly a 111r is it...

[Mikie711]

true, but then neither was my S1.

[campbell]

True. It was pretending to be an Exige as well =8-o

[Scotty C]

True. It was pretending to be an Exige as well =8-o

more a 2-11 with a roof and windscreen

[Ryan]

Bit late to the topic but use my 111R as a daily and its generally quite refined. I have the touring pack and its comfortable enough that my girlfriend slept from Edinburgh to Dundee with no complaints, I have a radio with bluetooth that works well when the roofs on. Regarding the cam-change, I find it the most addictive and fun part of the journey.
No other Lotus experience but no complaints so far