Since we're about to get rid of the one true sports car in the family (modded 1987 Mitsubishi Starion ESI), I'm looking for something with a true sports background (meaning, decent performance in terms of both power and handling, and a manual transmission is a MUST). Lotus Esprits and Lotus Europas have caught my eye (for different reasons). Wondering if you guys could talk about the handling/performance characteristics of those cars. Thanks.

Jess

 

I loved the late 80s, early 90's lotus esprits! Styling was WAY ahead of its time back then...and apparently, "it corners like its on rails!?"

 

Check out www.lotustalk.com. You will find all the good, bad and the ugly there about all lotus cars. Great forum like this one.

Nobody does handling like lotus

 

Here's a good review of the esprit.
2010 Lotus Elise vs. 2000 Lotus Esprit V8 | The Smoking Tire

 

I love Esprits! Especially the TT V8 models. I considered one before I bought my Jag, but it didn't seem quite practical enough and was a bit out of my price range. I also doubt I could fit in one.

 

What have you done to the Starion? Is it a wide body? Are the mods only done to the truck motor it came with? If not, drop a 4G63 in it and throw the aftermarket at it. Or get a 1G DSM. I recommend the '94 Eclipse/Talon TSi. I had a '93 myself. I regret selling that car to this day and it has been gone ten years now.

 

LOTUS

Lots of trouble usually serious

But superb car when running correctly

 

Still have my 91 Laser RST, albeit on jackstands. DSMs: Making mechanics out of normal folks for years!

 

Alex, I'll take "80's romantic comedy movie quotes for $400" FTW.

 

Mine was a good car with two exceptions. The transmission seemed to be made of glass and the brakes as they come from the factory are as effective as Fred Flintstone's feet.

 

Thats because the gearbox was an old Renault unit, and really not up to the job.

 

Didn't know that.

 

Always loved the late 80s / early 90s Esprits.... And from what I've heard, every car they ever made handles like a go cart.