Comparison: Lotus Emira vs GT

[Blackthought_]

I’ve been wanting to do a comparison of my 2024 Lotus Emira and my old 2021 Lotus Evora GT 6 speed. A bit of background I’ve owned several different lotus cars including an 05 Elise, a 12’ Evora and a 21’ GT.

I owned the GT for about 2 years and put about 10k miles on it as a canyon carver. My overall impressions of the car:

Evora GT:
Exterior:

• While looks are purely subjective, I was never really fan of the overall Evora looks, but the rear of the GT with the massive vents made the car look mean as hell. The rest of the car I felt was ehh
• I had a non carbon pack model GT, but I ended up adding a carbon hatch (saved crazy amount of weight and it looked awesome). This plus a set of GRP tail lights made the rear look incredible.
• Overall, the GT is a pretty small car compared to other cars.

Power, drive train, exhaust, etc:

• The car had a good amount of power and always felt very linear. Sure it could have used a few more HP but never really felt underpowered.
• The shifter is a mechanical shifter. When you changed gears there was the Clickty clack sniper rifle feel
• The clutch is heavy in comparison to Honda/BMW, etc
• Brakes need some progression to bite (Eg you needed to press the brake 2 inches to engage )
• Great exhaust note. Can hear the exhaust the cabin like it’s right behind you. I added the GRP decat pipe and an intake and man that supercharger wine was wild!

Suspension:

• I thought the suspension and chassis was prefect. Not too firm but not soft. Was just right.

Steering:

• Easily the best part of the Evora GT. Nice and heavy.
• Very agile car that made you feel like you can make turns at great speed.
• I didn’t really feel the weight of the car. It felt planted and felt really good on turn ins

Interior:

• The car was covered in alcantara which was really nice, but, after that it went downhill
• The infotainment screens is one of the weakest points. It’s like Lotus walked into a bestbuy and picked up a radio off the shelf. It had decent sound on it, I suppose.
• Nice knobs for the climate control etc but outside of cruise control, nothing other tech present
• The analog gauges were decent and got the job done, but what really irked me was the comical pixels that showed tire pressure next to the gauges. On a 90k car, really? The pixels were on my 12’ Evora so I was disappointed they were there 10 years later
• Same goes for the backup camera. It was potato quality.
• Decent seats. The OEM Sparco seats have nice bolstering but never fit me right. It used to hit the lower part of my back that would annoy me but I know others love the seats. The recaros on my 12’ Evora were much better.People often say that the Evora GT is better on track than an Emira but that is not was I experienced. When I brought my GT on track I was sliding all over the place. I ended up swapping in s3 exige/elise seats and it completely transformed the car from a GT type car to something I could not stop driving. I don’t think either the GT or the Evora are good on track without some mods.
• Reliability:
  
  
• In the 2 years I owned the GT, I did not see the check engine light one time. I got a faulty windshield fluid sensor that needed replacement, cracking headlights (common issue) and a window seal that needed to be replaced but outside of that, nada.

Emira:

Exterior:

• Do I need to say anything here? I the Emira incredible and looks like a car that is 3x more expensive than it is. I made a conscious decision to get a bright color to switch it up from my GT so I went with the Seneca blue color.

Power, drive train, exhaust, etc:

• The car had a good amount of power and similar to the GT, it always felt very linear. It seems like it’s just on-par power wise as the GT but could also use a few more HP
• The shifter is identical in my view to the GT. Same Clickty clack sniper rifle feel
• The same for the clutch. It is kinda heavy in comparison to Honda/BMW, etc
• Brakes are super grabby and take a lot to get used to
• Decent exhaust note. Even after hearing a decat, the exhaust is good but not as good as the exhaust from the GT, especially when then GT had a wild supercharger noise from the intake

Interior:

• This was the biggest difference between the 2 cars. The Emira interiors was leagues ahead of the GT. From the infotainment screen, to the digital gauges that aren’t too much, plus a nice backup camera is a step in the right direction here. It feels like a 100k car

Suspension:

• I opted for the sports suspension on my Emira and felt the suspension was identical to that of the GT. Not too firm but not soft.

Steering;

• To me, the steering felt identical. Any noticeable difference was due to the tires (cup 2s on the GT and eagle f1s on the Emira)
• Seats: easily the worst part about the Emira, while I understand why they made the seats the way they did, the seats can definitely use more bolstering and some more padding. Will be resolving that with aftermarket seats soon.

Reliability:

• Not too shocking given it is a first edition, I’ve had a few teething issues ranging from a faulty trunk latch to o2 sensors/cats that needed replacing. I’ve had issues that were annoyances but not show stoppers. I’ve added 7500 miles over 6 months so it’s been pretty reliable for me. Fingers crossed though!

TLDR:
Overall impressions is that both cars are really fantastic and you can’t go wrong with either. The GT is a fantastic drivers car with intentional, minimal drivers distractions and if you’re OK with a dated interior at a still relatively expensive price tag, this could be your ticket.

The Emira I’d wager offers 90% of the driving experience than that of the GT, but, it includes wicked good looks, a much nicer interior, and warranty that you may need to use.

 

[cyanmauve]

I’ve been wanting to do a comparison of my 2024 Lotus Emira and my old 2021 Lotus Evora GT 6 speed. A bit of background I’ve owned several different lotus cars including an 05 Elise, a 12’ Evora and a 21’ GT.

I owned the GT for about 2 years and put about 10k miles on it as a canyon carver. My overall impressions of the car:

Evora GT:
Exterior:

• While looks are purely subjective, I was never really fan of the overall Evora looks, but the rear of the GT with the massive vents made the car look mean as hell. The rest of the car I felt was ehh
• I had a non carbon pack model GT, but I ended up adding a carbon hatch (saved crazy amount of weight and it looked awesome). This plus a set of GRP tail lights made the rear look incredible.
• Overall, the GT is a pretty small car compared to other cars.

Power, drive train, exhaust, etc:

• The car had a good amount of power and always felt very linear. Sure it could have used a few more HP but never really felt underpowered.
• The shifter is a mechanical shifter. When you changed gears there was the Clickty clack sniper rifle feel
• The clutch is heavy in comparison to Honda/BMW, etc
• Brakes need some progression to bite (Eg you needed to press the brake 2 inches to engage )
• Great exhaust note. Can hear the exhaust the cabin like it’s right behind you. I added the GRP decat pipe and an intake and man that supercharger wine was wild!

Suspension:

• I thought the suspension and chassis was prefect. Not too firm but not soft. Was just right.

Steering:

• Easily the best part of the Evora GT. Nice and heavy.
• Very agile car that made you feel like you can make turns at great speed.
• I didn’t really feel the weight of the car. It felt planted and felt really good on turn ins

Interior:

• The car was covered in alcantara which was really nice, but, after that it went downhill
• The infotainment screens is one of the weakest points. It’s like Lotus walked into a bestbuy and picked up a radio off the shelf. It had decent sound on it, I suppose.
• Nice knobs for the climate control etc but outside of cruise control, nothing other tech present
• The analog gauges were decent and got the job done, but what really irked me was the comical pixels that showed tire pressure next to the gauges. On a 90k car, really? The pixels were on my 12’ Evora so I was disappointed they were there 10 years later
• Same goes for the backup camera. It was potato quality.
• Decent seats. The OEM Sparco seats have nice bolstering but never fit me right. It used to hit the lower part of my back that would annoy me but I know others love the seats. The recaros on my 12’ Evora were much better.People often say that the Evora GT is better on track than an Emira but that is not was I experienced. When I brought my GT on track I was sliding all over the place. I ended up swapping in s3 exige/elise seats and it completely transformed the car from a GT type car to something I could not stop driving. I don’t think either the GT or the Evora are good on track without some mods.
• Reliability:
  
  
• In the 2 years I owned the GT, I did not see the check engine light one time. I got a faulty windshield fluid sensor that needed replacement, cracking headlights (common issue) and a window seal that needed to be replaced but outside of that, nada.

Emira:

Exterior:

• Do I need to say anything here? I the Emira incredible and looks like a car that is 3x more expensive than it is. I made a conscious decision to get a bright color to switch it up from my GT so I went with the Seneca blue color.

Power, drive train, exhaust, etc:

• The car had a good amount of power and similar to the GT, it always felt very linear. It seems like it’s just on-par power wise as the GT but could also use a few more HP
• The shifter is identical in my view to the GT. Same Clickty clack sniper rifle feel
• The same for the clutch. It is kinda heavy in comparison to Honda/BMW, etc
• Brakes are super grabby and take a lot to get used to
• Decent exhaust note. Even after hearing a decat, the exhaust is good but not as good as the exhaust from the GT, especially when then GT had a wild supercharger noise from the intake

Interior:

• This was the biggest difference between the 2 cars. The Emira interiors was leagues ahead of the GT. From the infotainment screen, to the digital gauges that aren’t too much, plus a nice backup camera is a step in the right direction here. It feels like a 100k car

Suspension:

• I opted for the sports suspension on my Emira and felt the suspension was identical to that of the GT. Not too firm but not soft.

Steering;

• To me, the steering felt identical. Any noticeable difference was due to the tires (cup 2s on the GT and eagle f1s on the Emira)
• Seats: easily the worst part about the Emira, while I understand why they made the seats the way they did, the seats can definitely use more bolstering and some more padding. Will be resolving that with aftermarket seats soon.

Reliability:

• Not too shocking given it is a first edition, I’ve had a few teething issues ranging from a faulty trunk latch to o2 sensors/cats that needed replacing. I’ve had issues that were annoyances but not show stoppers. I’ve added 7500 miles over 6 months so it’s been pretty reliable for me. Fingers crossed though!

TLDR:
Overall impressions is that both cars are really fantastic and you can’t go wrong with either. The GT is a fantastic drivers car with intentional, minimal drivers distractions and if you’re OK with a dated interior at a still relatively expensive price tag, this could be your ticket.

The Emira I’d wager offers 90% of the driving experience than that of the GT, but, it includes wicked good looks, a much nicer interior, and warranty that you may need to use.

Thank you for your thoughts!

 

[VL3X]

Solid comparison. I mostly agree. I own an Evora GT and have spent a ton of time driving an Emira. Here are my thoughts...

I actually LOVE the GT's Sparco seats. I guess they just fit me right. Like you, I very much dislike the reverse cam and the digital info screens are definitely dated. The Alpine head unit doesn't really bother me since I just connect my phone and run Android Auto. I think it works and sounds great.. Though I would prefer a volume knob instead of an up/down button. I also really dislike the Evora's side view mirrors. They're ugly and can't be adjusted far enough out. The Emira has fantastic mirrors, but I don't really love the seats. They're comfortable enough, but heavy and don't provide enough side bolstering. I also noticed the Emira has a lot more road noise in the cabin.. Which was surprising. I remember first noticing this when I test drove a demo in the rain, but it's very present still in final production vehicles and even on dry roads. The Evora GT is somehow quieter inside the cabin, but sounds better via the exhaust note at the same time.

From my experience, I'd say build quality is better on my GT. The Emiras I've handled in person have all had loose bits of plastic (seat belt bolt covers, engine cover, rear bumper trim) and random CELs here and there. Kinda expected with a new car, built in a new factory, by a mostly new team of workers with new methods. I just wish they spent more time on QC before going to customers.

But like you said, the Emira is the more beautiful vehicle and it makes a more liveable daily driver. The Evora GT is more exotic and a tad more aggressive in both performance and styling.

Just my 2 cents.. They both have their pros and cons and they're both fantastic exotic sports cars that most people only get to dream of driving.

 

[cyanmauve]

One area the Evora obliterates the Emira- paint color choices. I don't think most of the color choices on the Emira really get it quite right. They have too many "sophisticated" colors and not enough wild and crazy ones.

 

[Sandalwood]

One area the Evora obliterates the Emira- paint color choices. I don't think most of the color choices on the Emira really get it quite right. They have too many "sophisticated" colors and not enough wild and crazy ones.

Agreed. I settled for Hethel Yellow because I couldn't get Krypton Green, the color I had always wished my Elise had been painted.

 

[Blackthought_]

One area the Evora obliterates the Emira- paint color choices. I don't think most of the color choices on the Emira really get it quite right. They have too many "sophisticated" colors and not enough wild and crazy ones.

I would kill for a lava orange type of color!

 

[AK16]

I would kill for a lava orange type of color!

My Evora GT was in Exige Orange. I really wish that was offered in the Emira.

 

[Eagle7]

What about wraps for those wanting a different color?

 

[Blackthought_]

My Evora GT was in Exige Orange. I really wish that was offered in the Emira.

Hell yeah! I wouldn’t be surprised if this was a color lotus came out with at some point

 

[Blackthought_]

What about wraps for those wanting a different color?

I’ve seriously considered it but it’s super costly at like 4-5k to only use it for like 2 years before it starts to not look great. That and most people can tell it’s a wrap which isn’t ideal

 

[VL3X]

I’ve seriously considered it but it’s super costly at like 4-5k to only use it for like 2 years before it starts to not look great. That and most people can tell it’s a wrap which isn’t ideal

Yeah, wraps suck. They're getting better, but they'll never have the depth of a quality paint job.

Exige Orange is awesome! Probably my favorite Evora color next to Verde Ithaca.

 

[VL3X]

For those interested, here are the colors offered on the Evora GT. There were some additional special order "bespoke" colors produced for a few GT orders. Lotus actually used Lamborghini's paint for Aubergine Purple and Verde Ithaca. There was also a mix of various exposed carbon elements, cat scratches, and liveries offered by request (see Sky Blue with Gulf livery).

 

[cyanmauve]

Motorsport Green! Why couldn’t they make an Emira in Motorsport Green?!?!

 

[flyingcar16]

TLDR:
Overall impressions is that both cars are really fantastic and you can’t go wrong with either. The GT is a fantastic drivers car with intentional, minimal drivers distractions and if you’re OK with a dated interior at a still relatively expensive price tag, this could be your ticket.

The Emira I’d wager offers 90% of the driving experience than that of the GT, but, it includes wicked good looks, a much nicer interior, and warranty that you may need to use.

Mostly same page but a few differences for me. I currently have an Emira and a GT. Long story short I placed an early Emira order and bought the GT during the ever expanding delays. My plan was never to keep both cars long term but decide which suited me best. The answer is: GT. Arguably all of this is subjective...

* Steering: The Emira is lighter. Maybe a little more feel. I kinda like the weightier feel of the GT.
* Braking: (mostly same as above): Emira is too touchy. GT is actually the opposite - too much travel before initial bite.
* Power: Slight edge to the GT. Dyno and real world. This includes some highway pulls with another driver in the other car.
* Interior: I prefer the GT. Yes the Emira is more modern. I much prefer analog gauges. The digital displays in the GT are outdated but not in an "aged poorly" way. In fact, I don't think current displays like many premium cars have these days will age well.
* Rear seats: this is a biggie for me. I like to use the car for weekend getaways. The rear seats are a huge bonus for me.

Some of that was GT pros list. Here are some things I'm really going to miss about the Emira which I'm getting ready to sell.

Strictly Emira pros:
* Exterior: oh man. It's a looker. Nothing more to say that hasn't already. Looks was what made this decision the hardest.
* GRP easily removable front plate that's center mounted.
* Sound: I looove the overrun. Makes me giggle every time.
* Handling: grip is huge. Would most likely be quicker on the track.

 

[cyanmauve]

Sometimes I look at Evora GTs for sale on BaT, remember when I rented one for 4 days, and think I should have gotten one of those instead of my Emira. The zanier, less coherent styling, cooler colors, and cheaper-feeling-but-more-unique-and-racecar interior, have an attraction of their own.

Thankfully, I now have peace about my decision to go with the Emira.

So, last night I had a dream. I was at my parents house, and for some reason, my dad had a rented orange with black cat scratches Evora GT in his driveway. What a perfect opportunity to drive it and compare it to my Emira.

So I did. Findings from “the test drive of my dreams”:

- I could hardly get into the car. And the position of the steering wheel was such I could barely drive.
- the electronic parking brake didn’t work, the car kept sliding backward down my dad’s driveway toward his lawn, almost making me crash. That’s right, this GT didn’t even have the handbrake. Yesch!
- Steering wasn’t as good as the Emira
- We had a car full of groceries for some reason, even though we hadn’t been shopping for groceries, and we needed to drop them off at my house, but first we had to stop at Rosa’s Cantina for lunch, no, not the one from the Marty Robbins ballad but the Tex-Mex chain restaurant in Texas

All this put together, I have determined that I am happy I bought my Emira.

So there’s the answer to the question that I and all of you have been asking, based on my dream.

 

[flyingcar16]

Sometimes I look at Evora GTs for sale on BaT, remember when I rented one for 4 days, and think I should have gotten one of those instead of my Emira. The zanier, less coherent styling, cooler colors, and cheaper-feeling-but-more-unique-and-racecar interior, have an attraction of their own.

Thankfully, I now have peace about my decision to go with the Emira.

So, last night I had a dream. I was at my parents house, and for some reason, my dad had a rented orange with black cat scratches Evora GT in his driveway. What a perfect opportunity to drive it and compare it to my Emira.

So I did. Findings from “the test drive of my dreams”:

- I could hardly get into the car. And the position of the steering wheel was such I could barely drive.
- the electronic parking brake didn’t work, the car kept sliding backward down my dad’s driveway toward his lawn, almost making me crash. That’s right, this GT didn’t even have the handbrake. Yesch!
- Steering wasn’t as good as the Emira
- We had a car full of groceries for some reason, even though we hadn’t been shopping for groceries, and we needed to drop them off at my house, but first we had to stop at Rosa’s Cantina for lunch, no, not the one from the Marty Robbins ballad but the Tex-Mex chain restaurant in Texas

All this put together, I have determined that I am happy I bought my Emira.

So there’s the answer to the question that I and all of you have been asking, based on my dream.

my cereal almost came out my nose

 

[Eagle7]

The other day I was out driving, and I was at a side road waiting to get out on the main road, but there was a lot of traffic. I kept waiting and waiting for a break in the flow so I could get going, and finally a gap opened but not a very big one. I knew I had to move to get into it. I pulled out in first to get started, shifting around 3k-ish, then into second and floored it. I was shocked at how fast it wound up. It just lit up and went, much quicker than I remember in watching videos and listening to the long, slow wind up of the rpms. It seems that over time as I've been making changes, the ECU has been making adjustments too.

I think I'm going to see if Santa will get me a Dragy for Christmas. Though I'm not into 1/4 mile times, I'm interested in seeing what my 0-60 times are now, because it definitely feels faster than 4.2. It feels much quicker and more lively than when I first got it, and I haven't done anything to the engine, and I still have all 3 cats. This car definitely responds well to mods, and has a lot of potential.

 

[cyanmauve]

I think the car would feel wild with 500 hp/400 lb-ft.

I’m not sure it would be better though.

 

[Blackthought_]

I think the car would feel wild with 500 hp/400 lb-ft.

I’m not sure it would be better though.

JUBU for the win? I mean 440 HP from 400 is pretty dang good. It will def be noticeable

 

[cyanmauve]

When my warranty runs out, I’d love to have $50k to give to JUBU to do a DeMan style engine and driveline build on my Emira.