Is it weird I like driving it a lot more than modern 911's?

[luciddaydream]

I have had a 997,991, and a tuned 992.1 GTS.

The 992.1 GTS is a complete beast when its going over 120 or so.

But at slow speeds, I hate to say it.. but.. it is.. boring.

Honestly, I dont really get the hype on why enthusiasts love modern 911s.

I LOVE that brand it will always be near and dear to my heart.

But, god, get an Emira, do third-cat delete, eventuri, and rip that f*cker on a fall day with the windows down and theres nothin' like it (as far as I've experienced at least).

Its an epic emotional experience I have not had with a car before.

Maybe a GT3 would be slick, but, everything is so big..

 

[BWS]

I have had a 997,991, and a tuned 992.1 GTS.

The 992.1 GTS is a complete beast when its going over 120 or so.

But at slow speeds, I hate to say it.. but.. it is.. boring.

Honestly, I dont really get the hype on why enthusiasts love modern 911s.

I LOVE that brand it will always be near and dear to my heart.

But, god, get an Emira, do third-cat delete, eventuri, and rip that f*cker on a fall day with the windows down and theres nothin' like it (as far as I've experienced at least).

Its an epic emotional experience I have not had with a car before.

Maybe a GT3 would be slick, but, everything is so big..

I also had past amazing experiences with my beloved 1995 -993 coupe and then with my 1998 -993 C2S.
I agree the new Porsches are well defined but the Emira much more fun to drive I find.
My new Dark Verdant , 6speed , V6 with tan interior Emira is now on the water traveling to Canada for mid April delivery and I can't wait !

Another very unique purchase I just made is for the highly collectable Mazda Miata MX5 - 35th anniversary limited edition just launched at the 24hrs @ Daytona..... Check it out on YouTube as the 6speed , Artisan Red metallic with tan soft top and tan leather is drop dead gorgeous and as only 200 to Canada + 300 to USA all numbered editions are being made , this little roadster beauty will find its way into classic ICE sports car history....... Coming to me in mid May 2025

With these 2 new cars I will ride into the sunset !.........

Long live Porsche , but I do think some of the driver raw connection has been diminished for which Lotus Emiras clear embrace .....

Be unique .... not perfect

 

[Lotus64]

I spent 90 min with the 992.1 GT3 at the Porsche track experience Atlanta last week. I recommend visiting. I didn't drive on public roads but got some feel for the car between 5 courses and a full length track.

Apples to oranges, but the biggest difference with the Emira is the powertrain. The GT3's engine / trans are next level and in a different league. The GT3 has explosive power. It revs quickly and freely all the way to redline with a race inspired wail. PDK is lightning quick and always in the right gear.

Aside from the powertrain, the comparison is much closer. The GT3's steering is good with a quick ratio, making track work a breeze, yet it filters out most of the road texture unlike the Emira's steering which feels alive and full of information, resulting in a more disconnected feel from the front end. It's harder to feel load changes and tell what's happening up front. The Emira does require more turns lock to lock and more effort and attention to place in the corners. The GT3's grip is incredible, yet so is the Emira's, albeit to a lesser extent. Both are firm, yet not harsh and handle pretty similarly dynamically although the GT3 will happily spin the rear on command.

Regarding which is more fun to drive it's not a straight forward answer. The GT3's engine is much more satisfying than the Emira's. But the Emira feels more responsive and alive mainly due to the information through the steering. A manual trans could potentially up the GT3's fun to drive factor by sacrificing some performance but the steering still wouldn't compare to the Emira's.

Ignoring the GT3's engine, which is not fair, the Emira is more satisfying to drive due to the feedback. And even when accounting for the GT3's more enjoyable powetrain, it likely would not be as enjoyable without constant trips to redline off track.

Suffice to say, the Emira's enjoyment and experience is not only competive with the top of Porsche's GT range, but likely exceeds it. The 997 GT3 may have been a different story.

 

[Blackthought_]

I spent 90 min with the 992.1 GT3 at the Porsche track experience Atlanta last week. I recommend visiting. I didn't drive on public roads but got some feel for the car between 5 courses and a full length track.

Apples to oranges, but the biggest difference with the Emira is the powertrain. The GT3's engine / trans are next level and in a different league. The GT3 has explosive power. It revs quickly and freely all the way to redline with a race inspired wail. PDK is lightning quick and always in the right gear.

Aside from the powertrain, the comparison is much closer. The GT3's steering is good with a quick ratio, making track work a breeze, yet it filters out most of the road texture unlike the Emira's steering which feels alive and full of information, resulting in a more disconnected feel from the front end. It's harder to feel load changes and tell what's happening up front. The Emira does require more turns lock to lock and more effort and attention to place in the corners. The GT3's grip is incredible, yet so is the Emira's, albeit to a lesser extent. Both are firm, yet not harsh and handle pretty similarly dynamically although the GT3 will happily spin the rear on command.

Regarding which is more fun to drive it's not a straight forward answer. The GT3's engine is much more satisfying than the Emira's. But the Emira feels more responsive and alive mainly due to the information through the steering. A manual trans could potentially up the GT3's fun to drive factor by sacrificing some performance but the steering still wouldn't compare to the Emira's.

Ignoring the GT3's engine, which is not fair, the Emira is more satisfying to drive due to the feedback. And even when accounting for the GT3's more enjoyable powetrain, it likely would not be as enjoyable without constant trips to redline off track.

Suffice to say, the Emira's enjoyment and experience is not only competive with the top of Porsche's GT range, but likely exceeds it. The 997 GT3 may have been a different story.

Nice write up! Would you recommend the Porsche experience? I’ve considered it in the last

 

[Lotus64]

Nice write up! Would you recommend the Porsche experience? I’ve considered it in the last

Do not hesitate, go!!! It's so much fun.
Just make sure you end up on the newer west track.
I'll be back to try a 911 GTS next time I'm in town.

 

[brainf18]

My problem with modern porsches and porsche as a company is that they've adopted a ferrari like sales model. If a customer wants a GT car the dealer passes out allocations only to "good" customers who've lost big $$ on several SUV purchases and subsequent trade ins. That used to not be the case. If a customer could afford a 911, even special ones, they'd sell it to you. Not anymore...I'm not a fan of this type of exclusionary business model.

I tired to get an S/T allocation a couple of years ago and was literally laughed out of the showroom. Suffice to say I went to the Lotus dealership and placed a deposit for an Emira the same week and purchase an older "analogue" porsche to have fun with when not driving the Lotus

 

[cyanmauve]

Thanks for the comparison.

I wonder what a high end engine build, like a 500 hp JUBU upgrade, would make then Emira feel like.

Another 1000 RPM and 75-100 HP would make the car feel wild, I think.

For me, the Emira’s transmission could be improved as well. It’s not bad, it’s just not great. Mine does not like to be moved too fast at high RPMs.

I think some revs and a transmission that felt both a bit slicker and more robust would catapult the car into all-time great status.

 

[ShootingSight]

Agree with most of what is here: I have a 991.2 and just got the Emira. Still in break-in, so have not pushed the power, but the steering and suspension feel better on the Emira. It has less sway, corners flatter. I miss the auto-blip RPM matching on the Porsche - you can focus on more precise braking without having to manage toe-heel. I prefer the 6-speed manual on the Emira to the 7-speed manual on the Porsche. The transmission is great on the Porsche, but the shift linkage uses springs and double springs to manage the shift gates, so you have to pay attention to not do a 7-4 or 6-3 shift.

Porsche styling is nice, but not sexy, and all models from the base to the GT3 look about the same. The Emira looks better than just about anything on the road - it cured me of my lust for a 246 Dino (I said that, just so I could cost justify the Emira as a $ 400,000 savings). Of course if I really want to look good, I take the XKE - a classic sports car. Drives like a truck, but looks good doing it.

If I want fun, it's the Elise. You can drive at what feels like 8/10, crazy speed, and look down and see you are only doing 40 mph. Not comfortable for long trips, but a hoot for an afternoon ride.

 

[BWS]

I have had a 997,991, and a tuned 992.1 GTS.

The 992.1 GTS is a complete beast when its going over 120 or so.

But at slow speeds, I hate to say it.. but.. it is.. boring.

Honestly, I dont really get the hype on why enthusiasts love modern 911s.

I LOVE that brand it will always be near and dear to my heart.

But, god, get an Emira, do third-cat delete, eventuri, and rip that f*cker on a fall day with the windows down and theres nothin' like it (as far as I've experienced at least).

Its an epic emotional experience I have not had with a car before.

Maybe a GT3 would be slick, but, everything is so big..

In today's crazy world , isn't it nice that we can all come on to this forum and debate the fine details on all of these truly amazing cars ( Porsches , Lotus and even a simple top down little fun to drive roadster as the MX5.

Go on YOUTUBE and check out Mazda's new 35th anniversary candy apple red with tan top and interior car... a little beauty indeed !

I recently drove one and it is another amazing jewel in ICE car diminishing world.

As the famous song from THE CARS goes........ Let the good times roll !

 

[seriously]

As a driving enthusiast it’s fun to read comparisons from Miatas, emiras to 911s.

I’m a huge fan of small roadsters as I love my s2000 to pieces. The small car format whether Miata, s2000, Elise gives you a driving experience that can’t be matched my heavier more powerful cars.

As for the GT3, no surprise that the drivetrain absolutely dominates. It’s special. I’m surprised to hear that the handling feels close on the track though. The GT3 with aero and stiffer suspension surely feels far more hardcore and more planted than the emira which is setup for the road.

Today I walked past and admired a Ferrari 328 GTS which I considered buying years ago. Told my wife the emira is similar to that car, all the exotic feels, just way faster with all the modern comforts.

 

[cedricchew]

Agree with most of what is here: I have a 991.2 and just got the Emira. Still in break-in, so have not pushed the power, but the steering and suspension feel better on the Emira. It has less sway, corners flatter. I miss the auto-blip RPM matching on the Porsche - you can focus on more precise braking without having to manage toe-heel. I prefer the 6-speed manual on the Emira to the 7-speed manual on the Porsche. The transmission is great on the Porsche, but the shift linkage uses springs and double springs to manage the shift gates, so you have to pay attention to not do a 7-4 or 6-3 shift.

Porsche styling is nice, but not sexy, and all models from the base to the GT3 look about the same. The Emira looks better than just about anything on the road - it cured me of my lust for a 246 Dino (I said that, just so I could cost justify the Emira as a $ 400,000 savings). Of course if I really want to look good, I take the XKE - a classic sports car. Drives like a truck, but looks good doing it.

If I want fun, it's the Elise. You can drive at what feels like 8/10, crazy speed, and look down and see you are only doing 40 mph. Not comfortable for long trips, but a hoot for an afternoon ride.

Happy to hear the E-type being mentioned. I have a concours-level restomod with many performance upgrades which shares the garage with the Emira.

 

[ShootingSight]

Wow, same color. Mine is a 69 roadster S2.

 

[Lotus64]

As for the GT3, no surprise that the drivetrain absolutely dominates. It’s special. I’m surprised to hear that the handling feels close on the track though. The GT3 with aero and stiffer suspension surely feels far more hardcore and more planted than the emira which is setup for the road.

The GT3 feels more hardcore and planted than the Emira, as you’d expect, but not by as large of a margin as you’d expect. Not to mention a GT3 touring without the spoiler would lessen the margin considerably. One is a road car designed for track use; the other is a road car designed by a racing boutique.

Objectively, the GT3 sustains 1.11g to the Emira’s 1.06g. Subjectively, both utilize firm double wishbones, are super planted and don’t struggle for grip at ludicrous speeds. Both turn in immediately and faithfully. The GT3 is more assisted, effortless and stable especially with the enormous downforce from the spoiler.

Yet the Emira has its own racing pedigree and equipment built into its DNA and not just added to a trim level. It generates substantial downforce without active aero or spoilers. It’s firm, yet compliant suspension, rigid chassis and cup 2 tires may not match the GT3’s ultimate capabilities on the track, but it retains the overwhelming majority of the GT3’s dynamic feel while offering increased feedback through the steering. It far exceeds the typical “setup for the road”.

 

[Beachbum]

Not know much about Porsche or their Pricing. What are the comparative costs of an Emira and the 911s people are comparing it to.
I assume the GT3s are significantly more, but how much more and are the other variants similar in cost to an Emira, or more/less

 

[harleyujoe]

Happy to hear the E-type being mentioned. I have a concours-level restomod with many performance upgrades which shares the garage with the Emira.

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I had years ago a 1970 Jag 2+2 and while thinking on Lotus Emira purchase I really stated thinking another XKE purchase that would have
been close to same price.. But even with XKE restored it still is 1960's handling and that is reason Emira Purchase... I own a custom Polaris Slingshot
that probably out handles my Emira for it weights 1500 lbs has 80" front tracking and 285 HP....But the Emira just a nice ride and looks Beautiful..
My favorite cars of all time are Jag XKE and Dino 246 ...And I look at Emira and still has modern 246 lines..

 

[Steve24]

Not know much about Porsche or their Pricing. What are the comparative costs of an Emira and the 911s people are comparing it to.
I assume the GT3s are significantly more, but how much more and are the other variants similar in cost to an Emira, or more/less

Don’t know about rest of the world, but here a GT3 is around 3 x the price of an Emira.

 

[ShootingSight]

Base Carrera is about $150k, versus $100k for the Emira. Personally, I think Lotus could have raised their prices somewhat. Maybe not to Porsche levels, and you don't want to get too far above a Corvette at $80-90k, but I think $120k might have worked.

 

[Beachbum]

Seems crazy to be comparing cars that are 50% to 200% more than the Emira and then saying they are the better car.
The Autocar review has the Cayman and the Alpine as a better car and both are cheaper. That seems both a fair comparison and a sad situation

 

[chirowolf]

Some cars just "fit" better.
back in 2011 I was sure I wanted a Vantage V8, but after driving one for a week I was no longer sure. The dealer gave me an Evora for the day and I was hooked.
Driven a good number of P-cars and have yet to find one that "fit" Nothing wrong with the cars with many places they excel but I just find more enjoyment from the Lotus cars I have owned.
Only 2 other cars I have had that fit so well
Miata Club ND. No better shifter on the market IMHO and completely tossable playing around town
Original Infiniti G35 coupe. That car was just done right. Should have never sold that one.

There is a car for every enthusiast out there. The fun is in the search and drive, not the price or provenance.

 

[Jinba ittai]

I own a custom Polaris Slingshot
that probably out handles my Emira for it weights 1500 lbs has 80" front tracking and 285 HP....But the Emira just a nice ride and looks Beautiful..

I’m surprised to hear that. I always assumed those slingshots were too tail happy due to limited traction.

 

[cyanmauve]

Base Carrera is about $150k, versus $100k for the Emira. Personally, I think Lotus could have raised their prices somewhat. Maybe not to Porsche levels, and you don't want to get too far above a Corvette at $80-90k, but I think $120k might have worked.

Lotus shot itself in the foot when it initially announced the car and the target price. I understand that the world changed between the announcement and the actual production of the car, but I think expectation and reality were just too far apart for a lot of people. Frankly, I wonder if the people who crow loudest about that would have actually purchased the car even if it were introduced at the initial price…

I look at it differently. The Emira is an updated, evolved, and (mostly) improved Evora GT. It should cost the more than a similarly equipped Evora GT, but it doesn’t.

Yeah yeah yeah, I know it doesn’t have the option of carbon fiber rear panel, Ti exhaust, and custom-ish paint.

It does have significantly improved fit and finish, a much more refined interior, and an exterior design that looks like it’s worth $100k more than it is. And parked next to a Vette, Cayman/Boxster, and almost any 911 baring GT2/3s, it will get the most positive attention.

All this considered, to me the Emira is the absolute sweet spot for a sports car. Unique, quasi-exotic classic styling that isn’t de mode or trendy, hydraulic steering with optional 3 pedal 6 speed, a reliable engine, and fantastic driving dynamics. With reasonable maintenance costs.