Verified answer

It's not fair to compare a lightweight pure breed like an Elise S2 or Exige with heavy big-engined cars like GTO, Viper and such.

Elises and particularly Exiges are intense driving machines that will give enormous driving pleasure - even at moderate speed. They are not big comfortable bruisers that will let you cruise effortlessly and then go fast once in a while.

Many Lotus owners come from bikes, and except from some very extreme trackday specials, these cars are as close to pure racing as you can probably get with plates and waranty.

Technically, they are brilliant designs - immensely stiff chassis yet one third lighter than a plain spec Miata. General quality is decent, engines are Toyota and will last. These cars are hand assembled, so you may find slight niggles that you would not find on a 350Z or M3.

The only real answer is that these cars are so special that you really need to drive one. I love driving these, but I could never live with one as a daily driver.

It depends if your talking about top speed or a 1/4 mile. The Lotus Elise is quick of the back because of its light weight. It runs off a 1.4L (I think) 190hp Toyota engine, so its good on gas. Personally the Lotus is a good car to have, as long it is not your primary means of transportation. The Dodge Viper absolutely kills everything that you listed and is now where near in the same class. Go Viper if you have the $$$. The MR2 is discontinued, and for the Monte Carlo to be considered it needs to be a SS. AS the car to have for a while, I would go with the Mustang GT. Its sporty for just you and has 4 seats just in case you have some company, unlike the 350Z, and its cheaper. Beamers maintenace can be expensive, and ford is just the safe way to go. Good luck with your decision, have fun, and be safe.

Depends what you want to use it for. You pretty much have every type of car built in that list. Lotus is built for a twisty low speed race track. Unless thats what you are using it for no its not better.

It handles very well because its very light. It doesnt have the power to do long high speed tracks. Its not going to be comfortable for street use. Not enough power for drag racing. Its got a Toyota 1.8 L I4 with 190 hp.

Mustang and GTO are the best all around cars in the group. Big enough to live with as a daily driver (has a back seat). Affordable. Reasonably fast on a drag strip or a road track.

let's see what you CAN't do with this car: you can't go shopping or travel( not enough space for luggage or other bags), you can't listen to decent music ( no decent audio) you can't drive it hard in the rain(rear wheel only) and for what is actually nothing more than a kitcar it is extremely expensive(50.000€ gives you some more , powerful, yet not breaking your back after an hour) car...ah yees, and don't miss a turn / kiss the gravelpit, because 80% chance it might just write off the car ...so for that money you're getting a fragile, yet expensive gocart....and the motor is a TOYOTA,so it's not really fully british built...if toyota wants to build a sporty car, they go to Subaru...not lotus.

Lotus cars are a the elite of their class- pure sports cars.

Because they are now using a Toyota power train, these type part be easy to find (if you don't scram the engine).

But don't wreck the thing as the body is not easily fixed (if at all)

This is one line of automobiles that I might consider trading my Miata in for.

Excellent mileage, great performance, and a joy to drive

http://www.grouplotus.com/grp/

It would beat all of them in a race because of its great handling and acceleration, but its top speed is slower than a viper, gto, bmw, and 350z. Its top speed is faster than the mustang, mr2, and montecarlo.

the lotus elise all the way cus its fast, cost less, and gets like 25mpg

depends what kind