Elanintheforest wrote:Julian, I don't think that I would believe anybody who claimed that one chassis made an Elan handle better than another. I doubt that anybody has ever tested two cars back to back with identical tyres, shocks, springs, bushes, steering, geometry, weight and conditions, one with a Spyder chassis and one with a Lotus chassis, to be able to feel or quantify any difference.
I would love to see someone put forward that argument though!
Mark
Mark,
Given the choice between the two I would always choose the Spyder chassis just because of the advantages for maintenance and rust trap removal as already mentioned. I expect both chassis would handle exactly the same if fettled with the same equipment.
As I'm sure you are aware lot's of Spyder chassis cars have had the upgraded rear suspension system fitted (extra top wishbone basically) and other trick bits like adjustable toe wishbones, my S4 probably has their whole catalogue fitted and has amazingly sharp road manners, but I doubt I would notice any difference between the two if a folded metal chassis were adapted for the same setup.
"Enhanced torsional rigidity" is a nice phrase to use down the pub though!
I agree it's unlikely that 2 identical cars have ever been built side by side one with a Spyder and the other with a Gartrac to give an opportunity for comparison. It's a common mistake made by many to compare a tired out example with a freshly built example, the newly built car will feel sharper no matter whether it has a Gartrac, or Spyder and no conclusions can be made.
Pay yer money and make yer choice, but I would go for that nice shade of grey that Spyder use all day long.