Evora 400, 991 Carrerra or Corvette GS

[Pampero]

I've driven them all and there's a bit of apples and bananas going on in this comparison, but so be it.

Discuss.

[Pampero]

OOPS, meant to put this in the automobile section. I'm not sure how to move or delete a thread, but if I could, I'd move it.

[Masterlu]

Moved

[PHC1]

The three cars mentioned are very similar in design goals and purpose, so much so that any choice would be the "right" one.

Having said, if I myself had to choose from the three? I like a lightweight, compact sports car platform so I would have to choose the Lotus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGUZH13X5nA

[Pampero]

Thank you Ivan!

I enjoyed the Lotus best. Most entertaining drive but there are some logistical issues to overcome, mainly the lack of a fully fleshed out distribution network. Just as I was posting the OP, the Geely news was announced. That has potential to make a positive impact for Lotus. The car itself is brilliant to drive.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Pampero

Thank you Ivan!

I enjoyed the Lotus best. Most entertaining drive but there are some logistical issues to overcome, mainly the lack of a fully fleshed out distribution network. Just as I was posting the OP, the Geely news was announced. That has potential to make a positive impact for Lotus. The car itself is brilliant to drive.

Lew.......Your comment about distribution network parallels my thoughts, and is why I would choose the Corvette GS over your other two choices. You can drive the Vette anywhere around this country and never be far from a dealership where parts and service are readily available. That means something to me. Having owned two Jaguars, and being required to drive 110 miles each way to my dealership, enjoying conveniently available service is an important aspect of ownership. I don't want to be in a situation like Michael J. Fox in the movie Doc Hollywood when he needed his Porsche repaired.

[Pampero]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Lew.......Your comment about distribution network parallels my thoughts, and is why I would choose the Corvette GS over your other two choices. You can drive the Vette anywhere around this country and never be far from a dealership where parts and service are readily available. That means something to me. Having owned two Jaguars, and being required to drive 110 miles each way to my dealership, enjoying conveniently available service is an important aspect of ownership. I don't want to be in a situation like Michael J. Fox in the movie Doc Hollywood when he needed his Porsche repaired.

Completely agree. If Lotus' situation here was a touch more secure, I'd jump on it as I believe it's the purest (in the best meaning of the word) sports car of the bunch for driving satisfaction. There is a dealer just 13 miles from here so that mitigates the local issues, but there are still entire states without dealerships. Porsche's distribution is lavish by comparison. There's usually a dealer in every major city, and we have one about the same distance from me as is the Lotus store. Chevrolet of course is on another level entirely. My dealer would be four miles from here, and if he annoys me there are two others within a 15 mile radius. And the GS is a really fun car.

We all can agree that the 'Vette GS (I'd want a 3LT in manual shift with very little else required) is the best value. It may well be the best car, but that's actually what I'd like to discuss.

As much as I like the idea and the heritage of getting some version of a Carrera, I was left a little cold from the driver perspective. We drove a 991 Carrera 2 and a 997 4S. I also drove a 918 Cayman. None of them were as cheerful as the Lotus, and if I compare them to the Corvette, it's just a better deal.

By the way Dan, I'd considered an F Type R but decided it would take an RS to get the sort of character the other three would provide. Jaguar's got a local dealer here as well and as nice as the F Type is, it strikes me as more of a GT. The RS is probably the Jag I'd be interested in but I don't think it's my car.

I'm looking for a car that I could use on any given day but really want a great drive for the main mission: amusement! There are a lot of terrific cars circling the wagon between $75K-105K but actually when you look at it, the sportier choices narrow down pretty fast.

[Pampero]

It strikes me that Corvette is sort of the McIntosh of the bunch. It's not too expensive for the power you get. It's somewhat Gothic in design. It's just loaded with standard features. They've been making them since the 50s (Mc's barely a decade older) and the performance is now thoroughly up to speed. And last and most obviously, it's an American made product. We are about 70 miles from Bowling Green. At this point, it's running neck and neck with the Lotus. If I could find a local 997 Turbo, it would be a consideration

But that Lotus, oh boy! Forget everything dangerous about buying and owning it and just drive it! What a car!

[PHC1]

With a dealer 13 miles away, there should be nothing stopping you from the car that tugs at your heart and wallet the hardest.

[Pampero]

Originally Posted by PHC1

With a dealer 13 miles away, there should be nothing stopping you from the car that tugs at your heart and wallet the hardest.

I'm liking your advice. In matters of head vs heart, it's nice when the heart gets a victory. You do know of course that Lotus is the smallest manufacturer selling US certified cars in this country. Less than 400 a year, probably fewer than that this year. That's nice in one respect, a little scary in another. I'm struggling with it. Sort of like wrestling with demons!