S2 or VX220??

[BiggestNizzy]

Was in a similar predicament at the start of the year.

Never driven a 2.2 VX, but I did test a VX220 Turbo in December. For road only, I'd probably recommend the VXTurbo as that kick in the back does produce smiles. My budget of around £18-19K was getting me a 6mth old ex-demo VXTurbo from Network Q.

However, I was wanting a car for road & track. So I tested a 3yr old S2 135R from Murrays.... I knew which one I wanted after that. It just felt much more nimble, and although it is well down on power compared to the VXTurbo and I did like that kick in the back I just got the feeling that it wouldn't really be much of a hinderance on track. It feels almost like a properly put together kit car IMO with no servo'd brakes or ABS to get in the way.

Lazydonkey mentioed weights earlier. For your budget it's gonna be a K-series S2. Assuming it ain't a 111s, the you are looking around 740kg IIRC.

Go test, and have fun

Andy

Try out a few different models/types then decide whick looks and drive you like within your budget and go get your car they are all rather nice You will have great fun which ever car you get

In all seriousness have a go of them all, ask (bribe with beer) owners of the various models to go a run and desice what car is best for YOU I'm sure they are all good (I'm biased towards the S1) but they all offer different things.

[ExigeKen]

Good point Graeme.

I am happy to take you out in my S2 Exige as you are just down the road. I have a couple of holidays coming up so may be hard to catch though.

[pfw]

I may be wrong here, but is the handling of a VXT not compromised in some way? .. quicker car in the straights, but worse handling in the corners

I've owned both a 2.2 and a VXT although I've only ever had the turbo on track.

The general opinion in VX world is that the tubby is less balanced, although such things are debatable, and frequently are . IIRC it's about 70KG heavier at the back than the 2.2 which (arguably) makes it less nimble. But the torquey turbo is fab on the road and it can be easily tuned, whereas the NA engine is harder to mod to get real power out of.

Most of the VXT's handling "issues" can be sorted - geo, nitrons, 16" fronts and sticky rubber. Costs money though. Never driven one lilke this so can't really comment. Or you can just start with a VXR (but then you are getting closer to Exige money)

For a regularly tracked car, the 2.2 may make a better option. It won't be any slower than a VXT round a twisty track in standard trim. If you eventually need more power then you can supercharge it (240bhp - apparently ace, but it's 6K).

Also you must change the OEM "suicide" brake pads if you get a standard VX (NA or Tubby). Mintex 1144s for irregular track use and Pagid RS14 for regular track use is the usual advice.

[Andy G]

I'd give Thorney Motorsport a call about them (VX's). They know all about them and race both versions, and they are pretty friendly to boot.

For 12k though, I'd buy a S1 and spend some cash making it mint.

Never liked the look of vx's much.

[EliseR]

There's an S1 for £12K with only 4,000 miles on the clock, absolute mint I would assume...

Gary.

[jj]

For 12k I would buy an S1 Sport 160.

Also, if you buy a VX, you will have to justify it to people and yourself all the time with the "its a lotus underneath" chat

[pfw]

Also, if you buy a VX, you will have to justify it to people and yourself all the time with the "its a lotus underneath" chat

Nah, you just say "It's a Vauxhall" when people ask you what it is. This causes lots of confusion, particularly in France

[gorrie]

Stick an Opel badge on it and you're sorted...

[Lazydonkey]

Stick an Opel badge on it and you're sorted...

Ironically ebay does a roaring trade with opel speedster owners looking for vauxhall badges and vice versa.

Vauxhall and proud faction!

[Baggy]

S1 Sport 160.

Have only been in a VXT (awesome car) & still prefer my S1 111s. S1 160 is only car (for 12K) that I would swap mine for.

Whatever you prefer though...they're all pretty magic, Just try as many as you can.

[woody]

S1 Sport 160.

Have only been in a VXT (awesome car) & still prefer my S1 111s. S1 160 is only car (for 12K) that I would swap mine for.

Whatever you prefer though...they're all pretty magic, Just try as many as you can.

see sig \/

[steve_weegie]

i can highly reccomend an s2 135 sport - great engine to live with on a daily basis and lighter than 90% of all other lotuses too

[tadltd]

Since the badge doesn't really matter to me (I wouldn't bother my backside trying to explain what's under the skin) and I actually like the looks of the VX over the S1 (which I wouldn't consider anyway, unless it was an Exige..) then I guess I'm leaning towards the VX.

I'd also consider a Cat D car, as I know enough to be confident that I'd get a straight one. I've actually seen a VXT for £10,450 out a salvage yard with "very light o/s front damage". I've seen these cars written off for the sake of replacement clams, when there's been no chassis damage at all. I'd happily buy one to have it repaired providing I was only replacing GRP and maybe some lights.

However, having said all that, SWMBO is now trying to put the kybosh on the whole idea, having initially capitulated. I'm now getting the emotional blackmail concerning room for our kids (despite the fact she now has a BMW X3 to cart them around!) and - now that seeds of doubt have been placed - I'm thinking it might not be such a good idea to commute with it through the winter! (Ally tub + road salt = collander...)

HELP!

[bertieduff]

Sensible shouldn't come into the equation sir...

Go on, you know you want to

[VXJON]

there's a very well sorted n/a on pistonheads for 10k. One of the orginal guys from vx220.org every possible upgrade and well looked after