Elan vs Plus 2

Post by: **DJW** » Sun Jul 12, 2020 10:22 pm

Still smitten with my +2 after 11 months and 50 mile blat yesterday. Love it.

However the 9 year old Morgan Plus 4 Sport I bought 2 months ago is not for me , so going. After 65 odd cars owned to date I realise it’s either got to be a Lotus or Caterham for fun. Anything else doesn’t stack up in terms of handling and steering feel.

So Morgan will be going in a couple of weeks, therefore I will be looking for stable mate to the +2

So question is, how different are Elans to drive vs +2 ? I’ve never driven one as never been a person to waste sellers time unless willing to buy there and then.

Other option is to go Europa or possibly Caterham CSR260 to experience magic of their unique suspension. Had 3 caterham S3’s to date, so need a bit more width / luxury these days

Interested to hear peoples views.

Post by: **alan.barker** » Mon Jul 13, 2020 6:32 am

200 kgs and that is big 700 kgs VS 900 kgs.
Both are good but very different.
+2 for comfort and imho better roadholding but large. Good for touring.
Elan lively delicate and more like a ballet. Could very easy get carried away with some naughty driving :shock:

.
Sooo different.
Another fun car is a Classic TVR e.g. 3000M
Alan

Post by: **elans3** » Mon Jul 13, 2020 10:09 am

Previously a 3-time Elan man, two DHC's and an FHC, I think it is the best handling, most fun sportscar I've ever driven. My current (modified suspension) '63 2 litre Alfa Giulia Ti Super Rep comes very close, and is more practical, I also had a Ginetta G4 which was just as much fun, but less practical, but nothing has yet beaten the Elan for sheer driving pleasure.
Since forsaking the Elan, I've had early 911's, Alfa Bertone Coupe's, and now have the Giulia saloon & Spider.
The '75 S2 Spider blew me away with how well it drives, although you have to get a structurally A1 car for that to happen. It's no Elan, but great for 5th gear cruising on long trips.
I tried a Banks Europa last year, but found it to be too noisy. Could be my age.
Unfortunately never driven a Plus 2, but I'd expect it to be almost as much fun as the baby Elan.
Just in the middle of selling one of my Alfa's, and am close to obtaining another Elan, watch this space......
If this one doesn't come off, I will try a Plus 2.

Post by: **mark030358** » Mon Jul 13, 2020 10:15 am

Hi Dave,
Long time no speak, hope all is good with you.

Must be honest my favourite Lotus is the twin cam Europa, getting in an out is like the Exige, but worse. I I had to lean backwards as well due to the A post rake. Once inside a special place to be.... lovely.

Never driven a +2 so cant compare with my Sprint, but Alan's description above of the Sprint is accurate, even better with a bit more toque

On the positive side, you absolutely will not lose any money on a good car, in fact the opposite.

cheers from sunny Algeria

mark

PS fitting a 5 speed box to my Sprint as I intend to do the Alps in it next year.

Post by: **sprintsoft** » Mon Jul 13, 2020 1:31 pm

Hi Dave,

"....how different are Elans to drive vs +2 ?"

it's hard to put down in writing, but when you step from the Elan into the +2 it's like driving a slug, lots of noise and not going anywhere fast.... and when you step into an Elan after driving the +2 it feels like a rocket!

Another way to look at it - 126bhp in the Elan still feels exciting and relevant, but to get the same effect in the +2 you'd probably need 160+ bhp.

I enjoy them both!

Handling wise the difference is less marked but the lower weight of the elan is always going to feel more lively and chuckable. However with either model - the difference between a well sorted car, well aligned and all suspension in top condition, and a car that's worn or badly put together is night and day.

Club Lotus have a meet up in the Midlands near you don't they, maybe a friendly Elan owner might be persuaded to let you have a go ?

Iain

Post by: **alan.barker** » Mon Jul 13, 2020 1:53 pm

For about 7 years i had my 1972 Sprint and 1973 Elan +2S130/4 at the same time.
The sizes + weight difference 200 kgs makes a big difference.
After a while i just found the +2S130 a bit of a slug.
So now i still have the Elan Sprint and have changed the +2 for a TVR 3000M and TVR 3000S.
They all have their own identity and none are slugs.
Alan

Post by: **prezoom** » Mon Jul 13, 2020 3:39 pm

I have both, a S2 and a Plus2 130. The Elan is basically in standard configuration, only having the later tubular exhaust. The Plus 2 is 2L Zetec powered. The Elan is better in tight twisty bits, being much more lively and quicker handling. The Plus2 is perhaps a bit faster, however I have tamed it by installing the 3.54 diff. Yes, I have driven it with standard 3.77, and acceleration is slowed a little bit. It is also equipped with the close ratio gearbox. Having driven both on long distance tours, 500 plus miles each day, I would definitely choose the Plus2 over the Elan. But, when I decide to take a dash through the mountains on a weekday morning, the Elan wins hands down.

Post by: **DJW** » Mon Jul 13, 2020 5:06 pm

Thanks for detailed responses guys, much appreciated.

Seems I would like one

Mark, did notice you nabbed a good priced 5 speed. Sounds sensible for touring.

Post by: **Spyder fan** » Mon Jul 13, 2020 5:22 pm

I prefer +2’s to Elans

To me, a +2 is more relevant and usable in any form

Post by: **Spyder fan** » Mon Jul 13, 2020 5:28 pm

Perhaps when lockdown is fully over and we can meet again we should arrange a meet-up of Elans and +2’s in the UK and elsewhere. In the Uk we could arrange for Jim Estelle to bring along his wonderful original +2s130/5 as well as his original Elan Sprint, I could bring my converted cars. They are all fantastic, Elans and +2’s, but I do have a preference.

Post by: **TBG** » Mon Jul 13, 2020 5:40 pm

Alan says "To me, a +2 is more relevant and usable in any form"

Old mans cars I say!! Roof off --toot toot and away we Elan owners go! Golly Alan you will be playing golf next.............. :shock:

Post by: **Spyder fan** » Mon Jul 13, 2020 5:44 pm

TBG wrote:Alan says "To me, a +2 is more relevant and usable in any form"

Old mans cars I say!! Roof off --toot toot and away we Elan owners go! Golly Alan you will be playing golf next..............

You crazy old rocker! :lol:

Post by: **elanfan1** » Mon Jul 13, 2020 6:54 pm

Spyder fan wrote:Perhaps when lockdown is fully over and we can meet again we should arrange a meet-up of Elans and +2’s in the UK and elsewhere. In the Uk we could arrange for Jim Estelle to bring along his wonderful original +2s130/5 as well as his original Elan Sprint, I could bring my converted cars. They are all fantastic, Elans and +2’s, but I do have a preference.

Is that Don’s brother? :lol: