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Old February 26th 05, 03:21 AM
L Bader
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At the auto-show in Jan, I was informed there is a 14 month waiting
list for the Elise...

So, 'tis is worth the wait?

On 22 Feb 2005 08:25:02 -0500, Scott Streeter >
wrote:

>
>I friend at work has been on the waiting list for an Elise since last
>January. Seems impossible to just go out and buy one like the Vette
>right now.
>
>"HALLOWEEN!" > writes:
>
>> Great write-up. Congratulations on your new toy! I'm curious...did you ever
>> consider the Lotus Elise? That magnificent machine embodies everything I
>> ever want in a sports car!
>>
>> Pat
>>
>> "Tom Howlin" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > Granted, it has only been four days and 800 miles with the new Corvette
>> > but I've already formed some opinions and thought I'd share them with the
>> > group.
>> >
>> > Power is obviously strongly in favor of the Vette. 400HP and 400lbs of
>> > torque is just too good not to smile about. Instanteous acceleration even
>> > with the engine still tight. Haven't visited redline at 6500 yet because
>> > of the newness but have been told it pulls strongly all the way up there.
>> > Not always a good thing to have this much power as driving it in the rain,
>> > even with those monster tires and traction control, is a bit daunting
>> > coming from the Miata. Of course, with power comes considerably less gas
>> > mileage and then considering using premium, it adds up. Of course, I
>> > didn't but it as an economy car but do miss the 30+MPG of the Miata,
>> > regardless of how spirited the driving.
>> >
>> > In the handling department, the Corvette probably has more "raw"
>> > capability but almost none of the finese of the Miata. It corners like its
>> > on rails, unfortunately it also feel about the size and weight of the
>> > train. Nothing, but nothing, will ever beat a lightweight, rwd car for
>> > the sheer joy of tossing it around. You toss a Vette and it will rapidly
>> > toss right back! This will be what I miss the most because in this car I
>> > can actually get hurt, never felt that way in the Miata - always
>> > controllable and let you know when it was at the limits. I don't have the
>> > gonads to take the Corvette beyond 7/10 unless I can get some track time
>> > in at VIR Racway in Dinwiddie, Va. Of course, then I'm burning up tires
>> > at $400 a pop!
>> >
>> > Fit and finish have improved tremendously on the Vette! It is now a
>> > sophisticated, high-tech automobile that will put many an import to shame.
>> > However, it will never be bolted together the way the Miata was (don't
>> > know how much that's changed over the years, I've been told quite a bit
>> > because of the Ford bean counter influence but don't know from personal
>> > experience). For flat out reliability, nothing I've ever owned would beat
>> > the Miata and I don't think that will ever change.
>> >
>> > From a looks and attention getting standpoint, no comparison. I've filled
>> > it up twice and it's been a thirty minute process each time. I park in
>> > the farthest corner of the parking lot only to come back to people cluster
>> > parked around it. Even my wife, who is as far away from a car person as
>> > you can get, thinks it's the best looking car ever made. Of course, I also
>> > get the "look at that old fart trying to be cool" look from some of the
>> > younger drivers our there but, who cares, I am an old fart trying to look
>> > cool. My students have all given me the thumbs up on it and glad I got
>> > rid of the "girly" car.
>> >
>> > In the comfort department, the Vette is the clear winner for my 6'2"
>> > frame. Plenty of leg, shoulder and hip room, six way seats that conform
>> > perfectly (it's got the sport seat option with the power bolsters -
>> > sweet), incredible stereo system, lots of storage room under the hatch
>> > with a nice cargo shade and some hidden cubbies. I could do twelve hours
>> > in this car, stopping only for fuel and bathroom breaks and not feel it.
>> > I've taken many a long trip in the Miata and loved every minute of it but
>> > always paid the price the next day with stiffness. Also, with the targa
>> > top off and the windows down, the Vette is comfortably quiet and no
>> > buffeting up to about 75mph. With the windows up and the top off and the
>> > heater blasting, you can comfortably use it in cold temperatures, of
>> > course I was top down in the Miata at anything above 45 degrees.
>> >
>> > My biggest complaint with the Chevrolet is this "need" to put as much high
>> > tech into their automobiles as possible. While the driver information
>> > center is fantastic, the keyless entry and start sucks. Having an actual
>> > key would be a nice option and the complications of this system can only
>> > create problems down the road (thus springing for the six year warranty).
>> > Lock your keys in this car and you are royally screwed (and yes, contrary
>> > to what Chevrolet says, it can be done as per the dealership) as entry,
>> > reprogramming and the purchase of new fobs is going to put you back about
>> > $500.00 - that's an expensive lockout!
>> >
>> > Bottom line, the Vette is a pure extravagence. There is no rational
>> > justification for owning one versus the Miata that can truly serve its
>> > role as weekend racer or second car. I'd send my kid off to college in a
>> > Miata, never in a Corvette. It's too expensive, too fast, too costly too
>> > maintain and draws too much attention from law enforcement personnel.
>> > However, it does speak to the soul and since that is where most of us car
>> > nuts get our messages from, I don't regret doing it for a second. I do
>> > think I will try to convince my wife to get rid of her Honda Accord (the
>> > appliance of automobiles) for a mint 95M Edition and thus have the best of
>> > both worlds. You do need to ride in one to experience that All-American
>> > V8 muscle, nothing else comes close.
>> >
>> > Sorry for the long post, just wanted to share my experience with the
>> > members of this group. Although I don't post that often, I've gotten more
>> > help off this group then any dealer I've ever been to. The level of
>> > courtesy and decorum is unmatched in any other newsgroup I belong to.
>> > That's why I will stay around here and perhaps get back in as an official
>> > member when I convince my wife to change cars.
>> >
>> > Tom
>> > 92 Red (gone but not forgotten)
>> > 05 Vette (red, but of course)
>> >

>>
>>


'97 STO, "Chouki"

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