I've never heard anyone say the Evora "doesn't look very good". I don't know what kind of people you hang out with, but i'd kick 'em to the curb. I'd never take anyone seriously who said that. Looks better than the Emira if you ask me. I like everything about it better actually.
The Evora is a very beautiful car. I think the original shape is the purest; they lost their way by making it more edgy with the 400 and subsequent versions.
Emira is Overstated; where the Evora is understated apart from the back of it that most people will see when you overtake them with a greater sense of theatre than the new car ✨
Thanks for the review Jack, I appreciated your take as a former Evora S owner. Personally, I’m an Evora 400 owner who has driven the Emira LE, but my conclusion was different from yours. I won’t be trading mine! The Emira is clearly an evolved Evora, softer & more civilized to appeal to a broader audience that would probably cross-shop a Porsche 911 or Cayman & likely in the i4 AMG trim as most won’t want the stick. Emira’s visibility is better, both forward & out of the side mirrors, but the steering wheel is too fat with all the tech, and the ride is softer too. The Evora is more traditional Lotus, slightly edgy & driver-focused, with a better engine sound, quicker & sharper steering & handling, whereas the Emira is just softer & more civilized. Both are great cars, no question, but I doubt many Elise, Exige, or Evora owners will trade theirs in for an Emira, but that’s the point, it’s designed to get new drivers into the marque so to them the Emira will be a revelation. For the rest of us, we’ll smile to ourselves as we’ve known the secret all along! Drive on!
Absolutely. Lotus always used to about the drive - that's why I've never got rid of my Elan +2S - but I've not found much to touch my lightly-modded 111S as an all-rounder. Very happy for Emira to be a success, but at close to £100k, it's not an option.
Agree - as an Elise owner I was hoping for a lighter car than the Evora and a little more power to truly set a high bar as their final ICE sports car. But alas, when the final Emira specs were released I no longer wanted to get one and decided to keep my Elise as long as possible. Glad to see the Emira is selling well and helping Lotus move forward even if it isn't my cup of tea.
@@davidroush1224 That's coz what you really want is a new Elise/Exige. but I suspect Lotus looked at the market and where money is to be made and decided that's not going to happen.
@@jabberwockytdi8901 - Yes, most of us realize that was not likely going to be the best path forward. To remain viable as a company, Lotus needed a higher volume car with more mass appeal and better as a daily driver than the Elise/Exige. It was the safer business decision even if not what many enthusiasts necessarily wanted. Still, I'll always wonder what could have been if they created a car 500 lbs lighter than the Emira with maybe 50 more lb/ft of torque, and the same ease of entry offered as a stripped down alternative. That could have set a performance benchmark to compete against or beat most cars out there. Oh well, just happy to see Lotus more stable.
No one is cross shopping a 911 or Cayman with either of these. The Cayman 4L GTS is substantially better in every way - quicker round a track, better weight distribution and COG, higher torsional rigidity, high revving NA flat six, choice of outstanding manual or equally outstanding PDK, far far better build quality, more option choices, more luggage space etc. Its not close. The Emira is overpriced for the performance and the reality is its a Geely assembled at Hethel with a Lotus badge stuck on the front.
In reading through the comments, it's interesting to read the contempt the so-called purists have for the Emira. When Lotus refined the Emira, they clearly intended it to be for a more refined type of person too, and there's nothing wrong with that. I really appreciated your honesty in this review, and your conclusions were realistic and objective without needing to gratify an ego or anything of the sort.
It is a bit of a betrayal of Lotus' core values, though. "Make it heavier, slower, softer and more complicated" doesn't quite have the ring to it, does it?
@@EvoraGT430 Lotus is a business and as a business they need to make money or they go bust. Making extreme cars does not sell enough cars, as the past has shown.
There is a Lotus purist in my neighbourhood with K20 engine from a Civic Type R plonk into his Elise. ....... tribute to 87 F1 Lotus Camel Honda. Honestly, feels like the Elise shud have come with a Honda engine.
@@EvoraGT430 I love the Hard-core Lotus's and would have loved to see them keep the Elise but I'm guessing they weren't making money on it. Where they are now selling in droves the Emira as people want the best of both worlds, an everyday car with Track or Sunday driving or Continental driving thrills with a lovely exterior and interior. The Emira is a Jack of Trades but has to trade off Hard-core to do it.
@RS2Russ The core values you speak of were based on a racing presence, and a leader that are long gone. Lotus is now a street car company, and without racing, they needed to make some changes. What they did is make it more refined which this video illustrates. As a result, the Emira is going to be the most successful street car they've ever made.
One of the biggest difference between the two generations most people will not acknowledge or recognize is the tire size. The Evora, throughout the life span, has been under equipped in this regard. The front tires are significantly smaller than the rear in terms of width and diameter. A setup that definitely helps in steering sensitivity, but not overall grip or control. The Emira went with a much larger front tire in overall diameter and 2 sizes up in width. Larger tires must be making it feel a little lazier and heavier, but I'm sure the grip and wear will be much improved. No longer are the tires staggered in diameter which changes a lot in terms of how the chassis balance feels a well. For reference the new front tire size on the Emira is a half inch wider and almost 2 inches taller. The Evora had a stagger of 1.8 inch in height, the Emira is less the a half an inch stagger (basically non existent)
The Lotus Evora is one of the last hand made vehicles in the world. Lotus has a reputation of being a light performance car for the street and track.This car is the fastest Lotus yet 400 hp and 305 torque with a Toyota v-6 supercharged engine for reliability. This car drives better and handles better than my Porsche 911. It has also been more reliable than the 911 (electrical problems). - Kelly Blue Book web review.
I have an Emits Emira and an early NA Evora. Agree with most of your video. Your review is probably one of the most accurate (in my opinion) out there.
Great video Jack. Someone had to perform this difficult comparison test. Thank you for burdening yourself for us. 😁My takeaway is the Evora 410 is more of a hard-core driver while the Emira is still very exciting yet with more refinement for everyday use. Comes down to how you plan to use your car. Fair assessment?
The Evora definitely sounds better, but I suspect the GPF (Gas Particulate Filter) in the Emira has a quietening effect. Hats off to Lotus though, as the Emira (for me) is the most desirable Lotus since the Esprit.
@@ian_987their website is unfortunately wrong on this one, nothing in the service manual or owners in the UK or other EU countries who have modified their exhaust show a GPF. Just 3 catalytic converters as i mentioned.
Really enjoyed taking part in this. Great to meet you and the team. Give me rawness of compliance any day of the week. No doubting that the Emira is stunning inside and out! Maybe when I’m 50+…
If it helps any ..... I'm about to turn 66 and still driving my Elise as once behind the wheel on local curvy country roads, I forget how old I feel. The rawness of the car draws me in every time. As others noted, I tried some Porsches with more power and were faster, but they felt sterile and boring so I'll keep my Elise as long as possible. Later, my kids can drop me in it and take me for a ride. Never give up the fun stuff.
I love my Evora 400 three years 55000 miles not as extreme as 410, comfortable quick and engine is fantastic, nothing has broken or fallen off....underrated deserve to have been a great success I have test drive booked in Emira next month
I had a 2010 Evora. Loved it. Even more than my 997 & 993. I was looking at the Emira. But now im looking at another later year Evora 400 or GT. Lighter, stiffer chassis & same drivetrain. The Emira is a nice car but it's for more casual driving enthusiast. 200 lbs heavier, more insulating materials and softer is all i need to know. Another great review. Would love to see a GR86 review as well.
Ironically 200lbs extra weight will help the company stay afloat. In terms of looks, the Emira is a solid 9 while the Evora is a solid... 5. So there you go...
@FalcoBikes Weak argument and subjective. Evora for an easy win unless you have a kink for sub menu color options.... Emira sales won't do anything for Lotus' survival. It's an EV company now. They bought the name. And inertia is a *****. + 200 lbs sucks. And the Emira is wearing a fat suit over a slightly modified Evora. With a less atiff chassis also. Looks like it got hit from the front... Also? Thanks for letting us all know you can't drive
It's not an argument. It's a fact. Lotus was near bankruptcy many times. That's a fact. They have sold a lot more Emiras than Evoras in any year. THat's also a fact. +200lbs sucks, yes, but added comfort appeals to SOME PEOPLE, actually MORE PEOPLE. @@876yuugt
I've driven both the Emira and the latest Evora GT, the best you can get in North America. I went with the Evora GT. Much faster, quicker and lighter than the Emira. I wanted a driver's car. If you drove my Evora GT, it would blow you away.
Saw a lime green one with only 5k miles for $90k. Tempting, but will probably wait for Emira GT. The Emira definitely looks better and unless you're on a mountain road the differences will be minor, it's more bench racing. Neither car is all that fast, my current 2023 RS3 would beat both
@@fzr1000981 You must be in high cotton if you can afford the Emira GT4, lol Yeah, your Audi is fast, and it would beat my Evora GT by a fraction in a straight line.
Jack, there always seems to be an extra glint in your eye and your every present smile just a bit bigger when you do Lotus reviews. I really enjoyed this review and your perspective across the two cars was without the corporate speak or one eye Lotus worshipping of many others. Keep up the great work!!
Great review! If you ever have a chance to review an Emira with the sport suspension version against this Evora it'd be interesting to see the contrast in steering and handling. Thanks!
great opportunity to drive both back to back and share with us, thanks....interesting observations..we all know that as much as a certain type of driver would enjoy the older Lotus approach, there weren't enough buyers of the cars and the 2nd market supplied enough for everyone. Lotus needed to change if it wasn't going to stick in a shrinking niche, so its met its brief....The Emira is a cost effective upgrade to see out the petrol era.
I could see myself falling in love with either of these to be honest. I've been hooning about in TVRs for the last decade so I think the Evora would be the one to capture my imagination, but I can absolutely see the appeal of the Emira - a car that is enriching to drive, but doesn't make you tolerate the more extreme traits which are, ultimately, a pain in the arse. It would be great to see Lotus get the sales they deserve.
The comments on this video are a trip. I didn’t realize how bombastically emphatic Evora fans can be about their own preferences. IMHO Lotus pretty much pulls a rabbit out of their hat with all of their creations. It’s amazing that any of these cars exist. You might not appreciate how excited Americans get over ANY Lotus. Despite what Lotus/Geely says, I’m pretty sure we’re going to see some edgier Emiras in the future. The first addition is a GREAT start and is attracting buyers in the states who would have NEVER considered a Lotus in the past. You gotta sell cars to keep making cars. Bravo, Lotus.
Having a bit of experience with mid engined cars, I am surprised to say that actually the Evora is much better, not only in the sound, which is the least for me, but a viewer gets the feeling that it has much more feedback for the driver to push on
I was on the Emira List but delays and price raises took me out eventually. Just picked up a 2021 Evora GT w/8k miles and loving it! I actually wanted an Evora but when I went to find one they discontinued it and put out the Emira so I was talked into going on that list. So happy that it worked out how it did!
I've also driven both...Jack's comments are spot on. Emria is not "all new"....its heavily evolved with a much improved interior and the driving dynamics are slightly softened for wider appeal.
A cursory look at the wheelbase, proportions or indeed the chassis & suspension componentry underneath shows it is not all new. I'm surprised that Lotus was trying to spin the car as "all new"!
@@aaronbryan5095 I think they are betting the house on turning Lotus into more of a luxury brand like Maserati or Porsche (big luxury performance SUVs etc). Which honestly, they have more chance of making a lot of money from than from selling cars like the Elise and Exige (sadly).
you have to assume Lotus is working on a "GT3" version, and then maybe even an "RS" spec, if we're borrowing Porsche nomenclature. At that point, the Evora wont come up in conversations with the Emira.
Good review. Personally, i've always preferred the looks of the Evora. To me, the Emira looks a bit meh. Having said that, I never fully loved the rear of the Evora. Taking in to account the cost difference, i'd take the Evora.
Very very interesting. I have four cars on my list Cayman 4.0 GTS, 991.2 Carerra T and these two. As a former 911 and Evora S owner, the balance of special enough VS how happy I feel in a car I have to live in for three or four days on a road trip is an extremely fine balance and all four very similar cars do it quite differently. I think the Cayman 4.0 is too 'jiggly' and not special enough for the speeds it carries, the Carrera T and the Emira have quite a similar feel, the Emira more special, the 911 more practical/usable and based on my Evora S although I've yet to drive one I anticipate the GT410 Sport will be the most special and the least livable after 4 days driving.
Evora only revs 200rpm more than Emira but it sounds so much more. Evora is still the more exciting sports car for me. Emira is the easier car to live with as a daily driver but I wouldn't be buying a Lotus for that. Clearly many do though.
Evora has pre-particulate filter laws exhaust, nothing Lotus can do about that…considering Emira meets all noise and pollution regs it actually sounds remarkably good and quite loud.
@@neilturner6749 I don’t believe Lotus wanted the Emira to be as loud as the Evora Sport and I’m sure some prefer it to be a bit more subtle for daily use. The Evora noise can be a bit much when over taking old ladies for example I’m conscious of keeping it below 4500rpm, the noise would surely give them a fright! The Emira is all about being easier to live with an outrageous exhaust wouldn’t be appropriate. Reducing rpm however is another story, no excuse for that.
Had a short test drive in a Tour-chassis Emira (with salesman in passenger seat), and - with the benefit of stepping into it directly from my EvoraS - I'd say that (whilst the Emira chassis is indeed very compliant) it felt stiffer in compressions than my series1 Evora. You need to borrow HarryM's speedo blurring software btw.
This is indeed the direct comparison I had been waiting for for a while! Thanks for this very helpful video (even though I am not in a position to buy either if I keep my 5 l Chimaera, which I definitely don't ever want to sell...)!
I definitely prefer the Evora 410 out of these two! But it's not quite a fair comparison, there's the Sport suspension available on the Emira and I'm sure there be a track-specification package like the 410 available later too. :)
Well done Jack. I own an Evora S since 11 Years and I tried the Emira also. But I must confess: I stand with the Evora. The Emira has a much too high seating position, the enginge sounds boney, the rearmirror gives a syntetic view and I generally hate screens in a car. And: the backspace ot the Emira is much smaller than in the Evora. The Emira is certainly a brillant car, but the old Evora has a tick more "I am with you" effect.
Great video Jack, as a daily driver the Emira is probably spot on and will compete with a lot more mainstream manufacturers, which will encourage more people to the Lotus marque.
I prefer the Evora both interior and exterior. In a bucket optioned Evora there r no plastic surfaces. Everything is covered with rich leather and has more charm than just another Digital iPad stuck to the center console. And as for the exterior, well it looks nice but it looks like designers worked way to hard to create a mini evija (absolutely beautiful car).Evora is it’s own car and has a look that will outlast emira’s 458/488/McLaren GT wanna b look.
Great Video.! I own 3 Evoras so extremely biased but will be getting 4cyl once Emira S/Rs officially announced. Comparison i want is Chinese market 4cyl (400hp) vs V6 but Lotus won't dare let anyone do it.
Very good honest review in my opinion. In my view the Emira has always been an evolution of the Evora and as you point out not an ‘all new car’ as Lotus would like you to believe! The interior has that new car smell because Lotus now buy in all the interior as assemblies from the same company that makes Audi’s interior I believe. The Evora had an interior mostly made and trimmed by the Lotus in house trim shop. Lotus have made a car more marketable to mainstream buyers where the Evora was aimed at Lotus enthusiasts who didn’t mind its idiosyncrasies. The Emira as the last ICE engined car to come out of Hethel isn’t a bad swan song. We need to see if Lotus can work its magic on its new all electric line up! I don’t think the purist’s will ever accept electric Lotus cars but the automotive world is changing, even at little old Lotus.
To me, here in the US, the contest between Corvette, Cayman, and Emira is a tough one to call. There are, of course, other potential candidates if you are willing to broaden your definition of 'fast sports car' to some extent. We are lucky to have so many great options. I don't know what I'd do if I _actually_ had the money...
The Corvette lost me when no manual was offered. Cayman's are great, but there seem to be lots around here plus the road feedback felt more muted to me. I was leamning Emira, but decided to go hard core and found a used Elise in mint condition and love it.
Great review - word to the wise though- Jack, make sure you edit out shots of the speedo! Those digital ones are a pain and you’ve filmed yourself breaking the limit on multiple occasions, just encase PC plod is watching.
The biggest problem for the Emira is not anything to do with the Evora, but rather, at £81k, you can have a Cayman GTS 4.0 for 5 grand less. Sure, Lotus fans will overlook that, but the general car buying public looking for this type of machine won’t. There are also more practical things to think about, e.g. dealer network.
It is an evolved chassis you're correct. Too many people seem to think it is exactly the same chassis. It is not. One huge difference is that the evora had 1 chassis for LHD, and RHD. The Emira has specific LHD and RHD chassis. I4 also has a completely different rear subframe
@@EvoraGT430 So? So is an Aston Martin's chassis then. All stemmed from the same idea. But it is all new made, in a new factory new, with a new design. So it isn't the same as a lot of people keep saying
@@TheHesK9 So there's "exactly the same" and there's "very, very, very closely related". You're splitting hairs to try to distract people from realising that Emira is basically Evora v 3.0
The Emira is the better looking car. If you want everyday performance and looks, go for it. However, as the owner of an Evora 400, I cannot justify replacing it with an Emira. I don't want a softer car. I don't want more luxury and tech. My 400 is not a daily driver; it comes out on nice days and when I want to drive "spiritedly" on some of the fantastic roads I am lucky enough to have on my doorstep. This year I hope to take it further afield, but always on roads which allow its chassis and handling to reward the driver. For me, I already have the perfect car. Plus, I've always got my S1 Elise if the sun comes out and I really want a hardcore experience!
Sure it’s a series two car, but that’s not a bad thing… it takes Lotus for the first time out of the glued kit car status. Relative to other cars today it’s light..but yes that’s been at the expense of handling and pace.. the old car is regrettably just plain ugly… and well done for pulling this test together… 💯👍❤️
Always thought the later Evoras with that revised front were very good looking indeed. I do consider them different enough though, and don't hold a grudge just because there is obvious commonality
Thanks souch for the review. Many who buy new are not car guys. Great looks plus tech and convenience will be more important than nuances of feel. Many also buy on financing. An older Evora bought for cash and sympathetically upgraded would be my choice, I have an XJ for travelling, nice interior and reduced feel are fine on the M1. My philosophy, buy the best car for the job it will be uaed for, this results in feel for driving and comfort for travelling.
I Own Evora 400 in pretty special color, this car has the most advanced suspension of any car on the market i ever driven for bad roads and i drove a lot - owning a new A110 as well, the sound is the Best in Evora range and epic in comparison to lot of other cars, cabin is pretty well insulated (much better than any 911 or Cayman), seats are comfy for longer journeys and fuel economy is pretty descent too (and not decent for shorter city runs ))) ), yes a bit ugly interior, but it doesnt matter - i consider only options to make it lighter (rear hatch battery etc) and a better bucket seats than stock SParco's ones that make a lot of noises and sits a bit too high, also Evora in most of the forms look more special and these cars are extremely underrated - best steering feel than any other road car as well as suspension, it will be great if Lotus will make a more hardcore driver focused Emira version with Lotus level of engagement - that can be a terrific car, but i also found that even the first 280HP Evora is great looking and awesome to drive car, its so strange that the best Lotus model ever created its not so popular for some reason ? (price? PR?)
Great review of the Evora S2 versus the Evora S3 Jack 😉. Just my little joke as an Evora Launch Edition owner. Seriously though, the Emira is a good car, but there is no getting away from the fact that it is an evolution and not a revolution. From my perspective, is the Emira worth the jump from the Evora? I think the fact is that the Evora is more niche, there will be less of them and it's also got it foibles and I like that. I like the original Elite inspired dashboard and in aquamarine blue with oyster interior trim it still looks contemporary. As an early car it has the standard ratio "long box" so it's a great as a GT and the back seat is the equivalent of the Emira's cabin luggage space. Hitting the nail on the head in the video, the Emira has had some of the Evora's attributes dialled down to be more appealing to a mass market. After all Lotus has Porsche in its sights. I think that the two cars are complementary. Each has its own pros and cons. I guess it depends on whether one wants the modern incarnation from "Lotus Version 2.0" with the more day to day practicalities, or the slightly quirky but a little bit more analogue and a little bit rough aroundthe edges "heritage" or some might say legacy Lotus option. Thing is they are both Lotus and Lotus is still here despite the ups, downs and close calls...it's a brand with a continuous lineage, and not one that has been brought back from the dead and is as old as Porsche (both celebrate 75 years this year - 2023).
Always think the Emira looks lit it has just been involved in a front end shunt, (particularly in lighter shades) Evora looks the far more muscular, exotic and expensive looking design. If I was in the lucky position to be able to buy either, I'd be looking for a good Evora, not an Emira. (which appears now to be getting rather more expensive new than what was first advertised)
"Heavily modified" is a very accurate description. The Emira is a marketing guy's car rather than a sportscar. The result is a chubby Bahar type car for execs to go to the Golf Club in. I'm not really enthralled by the next alternatives from Lotus either: a Chinese Mum truck?
Oh dear, if you genuinely don’t think the Emira is a proper sports car, you’re precisely the bobble-hatted extremist type that Lotus wants to get away from, and it’s failure to have the courage to do so 10yrs ago is why they got in such a financial mess. Go get a Caterham and leave us regular sane folks alone…
You sound like an unhappy and difficult person. I guarantee you most of the Emira owners are not the exec types you refer to because I know many of them. Say what you want, this is still significantly lighter than the 911 and most major flagship sports cars on the market.
@@FalcoBikes Very unhappy with the direction that Lotus has taken. Happy with my S2 Elan. There is simply no point being known for sports cars and then wrecking the marque by producing hefty company cars for chubby people.
OK OK a couple of fake hardcore old timers going at it again. It's a 20 year old Camry engine. Get over it pal. You are not driving a V16 Buggati. Fake hardcore old timer audience have gotten this brand to bankruptcy. Keep calling new Emira buyers fat and soft. That shows you guys are classy awesome people. @@watchesarebadforyou6121
Well done explaining the differences and communicating what the drive was like for each; I found this review super helpful! I think Lotus did it right with this FE Emira. This car will have broader appeal and sell more in the early stages of the product cycle. As the car ages, and Lotus begins selling electric vehicles, I believe this will open up the door to more driver-focused versions of the Emira. Just as the 400, 410, and GT Evoras came later in the product cycle, so will these versions of the Emira but I’d argue in less time.
Lovely comparison, thanks! I thought I recognised the road :-) I now live slightly further away than before but close enough. I do miss a cheeky lunch time drive that way...
But Jack…if you didn’t already have an Elise, and you’re like a normal kind of guy that would look for a new Emira or a late Evora, which would you choose? I think that’s what most people were expecting an answer to. I know I was. Great comparison nevertheless!
Thank Jack. I think I still like the Elise. There is so much potential in that car. And all my sports cars have to perform at my fav hillclimbs. That is Elise territory. As a daily driver, that is the Emira.
I’m a Porschephile that currently has several in the garage. Never considered a Lotus but have an Emira coming in the color and spec you are driving. Looking forward to getting it in a few months and comparing it to the GT3 Touring and Spyder. I hope it’s a softer daily.
Picked it up a week ago. Green with tan, softer suspension, 6 cylinder manual. Haven’t really driven it yet. Hydraulic steering feels much different than the Porsches. Fit and finish is very good but not as good as Porsche. The screen is not as intuitive as Porsche. I’m traveling for a while so probably won’t really drive it for a month or so. I’ll post more later. Thanks.
I have been seriously looking at both... and leaning towards the Evora 410 Sport.. as there is a dealership here that has both... the Evora has low KM's & is more appealing to me... Concerned about the first editions until they get the bugs worked out on the Emira...
I dont think the issue is the Emira using the same chassis as the Evora, because its a fantastic chassis! The issue I feel, is Lotus doing their absolute best to tell everyone that the Emira is 100% a new car. Same transmission, same engine and same chassis as the Evora, so yes a new interior and yes a new exterior body, but Lotus have tried to hide how similar it is to the Evora. Trying to pull the wool over peoples eyes will only get peoples backs up. It would have been nice for Lotus to have been a bit more transparent on the Emira, but maybe Gheely were behind that? I do however, understand that they want to sell more of these Emiras, to a global consumer base, than the amount of Evora's they sold (which wasnt that much for a car sold from 2009 to 2022). So that means a more modernised interior, more comfort, easier to use and drive and so on. You kind of have to do that to attract new customers (people who never would have bought a new Lotus in the past). At least they offer different suspension packages (sport or touring). And at least they still offer both a manual or an auto.
Having spent a lot of time driving on road and track stock Exige S, 380, 410, 430, a 490hp and a 530hp exige, Evora S and Evora 400, my conclusion is as follows. When lotus went from the exige S2 to the V6 unit they built a great driver's car, and traded light weight for extra grunt, with lots of potential, a tuners car in my opinion. The stock Exige is a little tame. The 430 cup a little more pokey, but with near 500 hp they come alive. The Evora with its added weight and power steering feels IMO quite sanitised, disconnected even compared with the Exige. Considering the Emira is again heavier and as testers have pointed out more sanitised again, I am struggling to get excited about it. I know that I haven't driven an emira yet, I don't think that I need to. If it's quieter, slower and less engaging that an Evora then I know that I will be disappointed. I feel truly sad for the brand, please don't get me started on the SUV! "Simplify then add lightness...." I think that Chapman might roll in his grave if he were alive today to see the Eletre.
Wonderful review and watching your face light up when driving the Evora 400 says it all for me, I love both cars, but with Lotus I am looking for a raw drivers car, the Emira seems to be going the way of Porsche, also wonderful cars, but lacking in the true driving experience. The Evora GT seems to be the last of the pure drivers Lotus.
Eh...Evora drivers say this but steering on Emira is still very good, it looks better, and interior is a big step up. If you live on a mountain road and blast around by yourself every day your claim may be true, for 90% of owners the Emira is better. Reliability is yet to be proven but should be similar. I haven't researched insurance costs
I think the Emira is great, and so glad Lotus made it before they fully convert into a Chinese electric company, but I'd have to buy the Evora. That's what you buy a Lotus for. I feel the Emira is a better car for your average buyer, but the Evora is a better car for a Lotus buyer.
For a better comparison you should have compared that Evora to an Emira Sport suspension not the Emira Touring. You then would have 2 sharp instruments to compare to one another.
I'm not knocking Lotus, but I'm wondering if I'm the only person that saw the driver's side A pillar trim loose. You could see daylight under it.😮 I had an Emira on order and for other reasons I cancelled it and am looking for an Evora GT (US market). I'll take the old looks to have less weight, a 2+2, higher revs, no gimmicky cover over the start button, and more aggressive styling. Not that the Emira isn't beautiful, but it is more classy looking. Also there were better colors for the Evora. I just wish I had decided to swap to the Evora before production ended so I could've gotten my favorite color options.
This is my car. The dealer broke that trim checking the A pillar airbag tether during a recall…. The car has been perfect and although Lotus have been a pain to deal with, the car arrived built properly and without any faults…
Is it me or the Emira is a the best/cheapest sports car on the market…it look and drive as well as the most expensive exotic cars, has the right amount of power for a daily driver, and cost about half price of the others…
Let's not forget how the Evora began its life before evolving into the 410 and 430. If the Emira follows the same development curve, then we are in for a treat!
thanks for the comparison.👍 i was thinking about getting one of these. the evora (used low miles) is going for around 80 grand the emira is at 100 grand here in Florida ! like the fact u can jump in the back seat to get to the panel for a spark plug change! and toyota reliability.
I've never heard anyone say the Evora "doesn't look very good". I don't know what kind of people you hang out with, but i'd kick 'em to the curb. I'd never take anyone seriously who said that. Looks better than the Emira if you ask me. I like everything about it better actually.
The Evora is a very beautiful car. I think the original shape is the purest; they lost their way by making it more edgy with the 400 and subsequent versions.
Emira is Overstated; where the Evora is understated apart from the back of it that most people will see when you overtake them with a greater sense of theatre than the new car ✨
Let's face it we want the Evora 410 under an Emira body and interior.
Why? It's heavier and has no usable back space.
@@EvoraGT430body and interior like he said lol
Why not a 430?
Wait what? Opposite. Emira interior with evora 400 exterior. Evora 400 looks so much better, seen it but haven't seen the emira in real life though.
@@adrianbennett3761funny but evora 400 more livable, also funny that a ferrari f430 is similar price to a rvora 400 the 430 evora is so expensive.
Thanks for the review Jack, I appreciated your take as a former Evora S owner.
Personally, I’m an Evora 400 owner who has driven the Emira LE, but my conclusion was different from yours. I won’t be trading mine!
The Emira is clearly an evolved Evora, softer & more civilized to appeal to a broader audience that would probably cross-shop a Porsche 911 or Cayman & likely in the i4 AMG trim as most won’t want the stick.
Emira’s visibility is better, both forward & out of the side mirrors, but the steering wheel is too fat with all the tech, and the ride is softer too.
The Evora is more traditional Lotus, slightly edgy & driver-focused, with a better engine sound, quicker & sharper steering & handling, whereas the Emira is just softer & more civilized.
Both are great cars, no question, but I doubt many Elise, Exige, or Evora owners will trade theirs in for an Emira, but that’s the point, it’s designed to get new drivers into the marque so to them the Emira will be a revelation. For the rest of us, we’ll smile to ourselves as we’ve known the secret all along!
Drive on!
Absolutely. Lotus always used to about the drive - that's why I've never got rid of my Elan +2S - but I've not found much to touch my lightly-modded 111S as an all-rounder. Very happy for Emira to be a success, but at close to £100k, it's not an option.
Agree - as an Elise owner I was hoping for a lighter car than the Evora and a little more power to truly set a high bar as their final ICE sports car. But alas, when the final Emira specs were released I no longer wanted to get one and decided to keep my Elise as long as possible. Glad to see the Emira is selling well and helping Lotus move forward even if it isn't my cup of tea.
@@davidroush1224 That's coz what you really want is a new Elise/Exige. but I suspect Lotus looked at the market and where money is to be made and decided that's not going to happen.
@@jabberwockytdi8901 - Yes, most of us realize that was not likely going to be the best path forward. To remain viable as a company, Lotus needed a higher volume car with more mass appeal and better as a daily driver than the Elise/Exige. It was the safer business decision even if not what many enthusiasts necessarily wanted. Still, I'll always wonder what could have been if they created a car 500 lbs lighter than the Emira with maybe 50 more lb/ft of torque, and the same ease of entry offered as a stripped down alternative. That could have set a performance benchmark to compete against or beat most cars out there. Oh well, just happy to see Lotus more stable.
No one is cross shopping a 911 or Cayman with either of these. The Cayman 4L GTS is substantially better in every way - quicker round a track, better weight distribution and COG, higher torsional rigidity, high revving NA flat six, choice of outstanding manual or equally outstanding PDK, far far better build quality, more option choices, more luggage space etc. Its not close. The Emira is overpriced for the performance and the reality is its a Geely assembled at Hethel with a Lotus badge stuck on the front.
In reading through the comments, it's interesting to read the contempt the so-called purists have for the Emira. When Lotus refined the Emira, they clearly intended it to be for a more refined type of person too, and there's nothing wrong with that. I really appreciated your honesty in this review, and your conclusions were realistic and objective without needing to gratify an ego or anything of the sort.
It is a bit of a betrayal of Lotus' core values, though. "Make it heavier, slower, softer and more complicated" doesn't quite have the ring to it, does it?
@@EvoraGT430 Lotus is a business and as a business they need to make money or they go bust. Making extreme cars does not sell enough cars, as the past has shown.
There is a Lotus purist in my neighbourhood with K20 engine from a Civic Type R plonk into his Elise. ....... tribute to 87 F1 Lotus Camel Honda.
Honestly, feels like the Elise shud have come with a Honda engine.
@@EvoraGT430
I love the Hard-core Lotus's and would have loved to see them keep the Elise but I'm guessing they weren't making money on it. Where they are now selling in droves the Emira as people want the best of both worlds, an everyday car with Track or Sunday driving or Continental driving thrills with a lovely exterior and interior. The Emira is a Jack of Trades but has to trade off Hard-core to do it.
@RS2Russ The core values you speak of were based on a racing presence, and a leader that are long gone. Lotus is now a street car company, and without racing, they needed to make some changes. What they did is make it more refined which this video illustrates. As a result, the Emira is going to be the most successful street car they've ever made.
One of the biggest difference between the two generations most people will not acknowledge or recognize is the tire size. The Evora, throughout the life span, has been under equipped in this regard. The front tires are significantly smaller than the rear in terms of width and diameter. A setup that definitely helps in steering sensitivity, but not overall grip or control. The Emira went with a much larger front tire in overall diameter and 2 sizes up in width. Larger tires must be making it feel a little lazier and heavier, but I'm sure the grip and wear will be much improved. No longer are the tires staggered in diameter which changes a lot in terms of how the chassis balance feels a well. For reference the new front tire size on the Emira is a half inch wider and almost 2 inches taller. The Evora had a stagger of 1.8 inch in height, the Emira is less the a half an inch stagger (basically non existent)
So you want more grip, but less feel? Just buy an Audi, then.
The Lotus Evora is one of the last hand made vehicles in the world. Lotus has a reputation of being a light performance car for the street and track.This car is the fastest Lotus yet 400 hp and 305 torque with a Toyota v-6 supercharged engine for reliability. This car drives better and handles better than my Porsche 911. It has also been more reliable than the 911 (electrical problems). - Kelly Blue Book web review.
Both cars are gorgeous! I'll take either without complaints, thank you!
I have an Emits Emira and an early NA Evora. Agree with most of your video.
Your review is probably one of the most accurate (in my opinion) out there.
Great video Jack. Someone had to perform this difficult comparison test. Thank you for burdening yourself for us. 😁My takeaway is the Evora 410 is more of a hard-core driver while the Emira is still very exciting yet with more refinement for everyday use. Comes down to how you plan to use your car. Fair assessment?
The Evora definitely sounds better, but I suspect the GPF (Gas Particulate Filter) in the Emira has a quietening effect. Hats off to Lotus though, as the Emira (for me) is the most desirable Lotus since the Esprit.
There is no GPF on the Evora or the Emira, just a primary catalytic converter on each bank and a secondary catalytic converter after the banks join.
@@danvuquoc According to Milltek the Emira does have a GPF - because they offer a GPF bypass as part of their replacement exhaust system.
@@ian_987their website is unfortunately wrong on this one, nothing in the service manual or owners in the UK or other EU countries who have modified their exhaust show a GPF. Just 3 catalytic converters as i mentioned.
@@danvuquoc Fair enough - really interesting that Lotus have managed to achieve that when Porsche and others couldn't
@@ian_987 Lotus may be exempt while they are still under 10,000 cars per annum, unlike Porsche. Not too sure.
Really enjoyed taking part in this. Great to meet you and the team. Give me rawness of compliance any day of the week. No doubting that the Emira is stunning inside and out! Maybe when I’m 50+…
Hey James! Thanks for brining it down!
Sounds salty.....@@Number27
If it helps any ..... I'm about to turn 66 and still driving my Elise as once behind the wheel on local curvy country roads, I forget how old I feel. The rawness of the car draws me in every time. As others noted, I tried some Porsches with more power and were faster, but they felt sterile and boring so I'll keep my Elise as long as possible. Later, my kids can drop me in it and take me for a ride. Never give up the fun stuff.
If I had the money, I'd go for the Evora. As I'd want a sharp handling car. Thanks.
I love my Evora 400 three years 55000 miles not as extreme as 410, comfortable quick and engine is fantastic, nothing has broken or fallen off....underrated deserve to have been a great success I have test drive booked in Emira next month
For interest, the GT410 (as tested) has same suspension set up as your 400 so not at all extreme. The Sport 410 however is lower, lighter, harder.
I had a 2010 Evora. Loved it. Even more than my 997 & 993. I was looking at the Emira. But now im looking at another later year Evora 400 or GT. Lighter, stiffer chassis & same drivetrain. The Emira is a nice car but it's for more casual driving enthusiast. 200 lbs heavier, more insulating materials and softer is all i need to know. Another great review. Would love to see a GR86 review as well.
Let's not forget Evora NA was 2009 EVO Car of they year, beating some very tasty cars like the 997.1 GT3, Gallardo Balboni, Noble M600.....!
@@EvoraGT430
I always thought the Evora N/A was the New Honda NSX, just a shame it didn't look like Emira as it would've sold big numbers.
Ironically 200lbs extra weight will help the company stay afloat. In terms of looks, the Emira is a solid 9 while the Evora is a solid... 5. So there you go...
@FalcoBikes Weak argument and subjective. Evora for an easy win unless you have a kink for sub menu color options....
Emira sales won't do anything for Lotus' survival. It's an EV company now. They bought the name. And inertia is a *****. + 200 lbs sucks. And the Emira is wearing a fat suit over a slightly modified Evora. With a less atiff chassis also. Looks like it got hit from the front... Also? Thanks for letting us all know you can't drive
It's not an argument. It's a fact. Lotus was near bankruptcy many times. That's a fact. They have sold a lot more Emiras than Evoras in any year. THat's also a fact. +200lbs sucks, yes, but added comfort appeals to SOME PEOPLE, actually MORE PEOPLE. @@876yuugt
I've driven both the Emira and the latest Evora GT, the best you can get in North America. I went with the Evora GT. Much faster, quicker and lighter than the Emira. I wanted a driver's car. If you drove my Evora GT, it would blow you away.
Saw a lime green one with only 5k miles for $90k. Tempting, but will probably wait for Emira GT. The Emira definitely looks better and unless you're on a mountain road the differences will be minor, it's more bench racing. Neither car is all that fast, my current 2023 RS3 would beat both
@@fzr1000981 You must be in high cotton if you can afford the Emira GT4, lol Yeah, your Audi is fast, and it would beat my Evora GT by a fraction in a straight line.
@@Docinaplane the Emira will drop in price and Evoras are going for 90k. Both are very expensive, reasonable value is closer to 75k
@@fzr1000981 For sure the price on the regular Emira will drop because there are plenty out there. Drive safe brother.
Jack, there always seems to be an extra glint in your eye and your every present smile just a bit bigger when you do Lotus reviews. I really enjoyed this review and your perspective across the two cars was without the corporate speak or one eye Lotus worshipping of many others. Keep up the great work!!
Great review! If you ever have a chance to review an Emira with the sport suspension version against this Evora it'd be interesting to see the contrast in steering and handling. Thanks!
great opportunity to drive both back to back and share with us, thanks....interesting observations..we all know that as much as a certain type of driver would enjoy the older Lotus approach, there weren't enough buyers of the cars and the 2nd market supplied enough for everyone. Lotus needed to change if it wasn't going to stick in a shrinking niche, so its met its brief....The Emira is a cost effective upgrade to see out the petrol era.
I could see myself falling in love with either of these to be honest. I've been hooning about in TVRs for the last decade so I think the Evora would be the one to capture my imagination, but I can absolutely see the appeal of the Emira - a car that is enriching to drive, but doesn't make you tolerate the more extreme traits which are, ultimately, a pain in the arse.
It would be great to see Lotus get the sales they deserve.
Another great video 27. Good to see some more modern cars getting reviewed as well.
Glad you enjoyed it, will try and do some more modern stuff too!
The comments on this video are a trip. I didn’t realize how bombastically emphatic Evora fans can be about their own preferences.
IMHO Lotus pretty much pulls a rabbit out of their hat with all of their creations. It’s amazing that any of these cars exist. You might not appreciate how excited Americans get over ANY Lotus.
Despite what Lotus/Geely says, I’m pretty sure we’re going to see some edgier Emiras in the future. The first addition is a GREAT start and is attracting buyers in the states who would have NEVER considered a Lotus in the past. You gotta sell cars to keep making cars. Bravo, Lotus.
Having a bit of experience with mid engined cars, I am surprised to say that actually the Evora is much better, not only in the sound, which is the least for me, but a viewer gets the feeling that it has much more feedback for the driver to push on
Excellent video. Nailed it. I own an Evora, I've driven the Emira. Your review is spot on.
I'll be getting my Emira in Q2 of next year. Can't wait. Seneca blue, tan interior in touring spec.
I was on the Emira List but delays and price raises took me out eventually. Just picked up a 2021 Evora GT w/8k miles and loving it! I actually wanted an Evora but when I went to find one they discontinued it and put out the Emira so I was talked into going on that list. So happy that it worked out how it did!
I've also driven both...Jack's comments are spot on. Emria is not "all new"....its heavily evolved with a much improved interior and the driving dynamics are slightly softened for wider appeal.
A cursory look at the wheelbase, proportions or indeed the chassis & suspension componentry underneath shows it is not all new. I'm surprised that Lotus was trying to spin the car as "all new"!
@@TassieLorenzomore like their new Chinese overlords want Lotus to lie.
@@aaronbryan5095 I think they are betting the house on turning Lotus into more of a luxury brand like Maserati or Porsche (big luxury performance SUVs etc). Which honestly, they have more chance of making a lot of money from than from selling cars like the Elise and Exige (sadly).
EVORA and ESPRIT are two of the best looking cars of all time.
you have to assume Lotus is working on a "GT3" version, and then maybe even an "RS" spec, if we're borrowing Porsche nomenclature. At that point, the Evora wont come up in conversations with the Emira.
I would be very happy to own either of those cars… they both look and sound amazing. Superb (as always) test and explanation of how they drive ❤
Going from your comments , I feel the Evora , would be a great starter in the true sense of being Lotus .
Great review .👌
Good review. Personally, i've always preferred the looks of the Evora. To me, the Emira looks a bit meh. Having said that, I never fully loved the rear of the Evora. Taking in to account the cost difference, i'd take the Evora.
Very very interesting. I have four cars on my list Cayman 4.0 GTS, 991.2 Carerra T and these two. As a former 911 and Evora S owner, the balance of special enough VS how happy I feel in a car I have to live in for three or four days on a road trip is an extremely fine balance and all four very similar cars do it quite differently. I think the Cayman 4.0 is too 'jiggly' and not special enough for the speeds it carries, the Carrera T and the Emira have quite a similar feel, the Emira more special, the 911 more practical/usable and based on my Evora S although I've yet to drive one I anticipate the GT410 Sport will be the most special and the least livable after 4 days driving.
Evora only revs 200rpm more than Emira but it sounds so much more. Evora is still the more exciting sports car for me. Emira is the easier car to live with as a daily driver but I wouldn't be buying a Lotus for that. Clearly many do though.
Dude!! You’re back.. nice to hear from you again..
Thanks, I watch most of your vids, good to see the channel doing so well, fair play to you, very well deserved!@@Number27
Evora has pre-particulate filter laws exhaust, nothing Lotus can do about that…considering Emira meets all noise and pollution regs it actually sounds remarkably good and quite loud.
@@DrPittenstein ah that’s really good to hear, thanks dude!
@@neilturner6749 I don’t believe Lotus wanted the Emira to be as loud as the Evora Sport and I’m sure some prefer it to be a bit more subtle for daily use. The Evora noise can be a bit much when over taking old ladies for example I’m conscious of keeping it below 4500rpm, the noise would surely give them a fright! The Emira is all about being easier to live with an outrageous exhaust wouldn’t be appropriate. Reducing rpm however is another story, no excuse for that.
This 410 looks really beautiful in this Color. The Evora is aging well, the Emira is beautiful by all standards.
You can also spec the Emira with the sports suspension pack at no extra cost for more dynamic handling... 😉
Had a short test drive in a Tour-chassis Emira (with salesman in passenger seat), and - with the benefit of stepping into it directly from my EvoraS - I'd say that (whilst the Emira chassis is indeed very compliant) it felt stiffer in compressions than my series1 Evora.
You need to borrow HarryM's speedo blurring software btw.
This is indeed the direct comparison I had been waiting for for a while! Thanks for this very helpful video (even though I am not in a position to buy either if I keep my 5 l Chimaera, which I definitely don't ever want to sell...)!
Absolutely - hang on to your Chimaera! Looks like no more TVRs will be made. Lots of people missing their Griffith £5k deposits still?
I definitely prefer the Evora 410 out of these two! But it's not quite a fair comparison, there's the Sport suspension available on the Emira and I'm sure there be a track-specification package like the 410 available later too. :)
Well done Jack. I own an Evora S since 11 Years and I tried the Emira also. But I must confess: I stand with the Evora. The Emira has a much too high seating position, the enginge sounds boney, the rearmirror gives a syntetic view and I generally hate screens in a car. And: the backspace ot the Emira is much smaller than in the Evora. The Emira is certainly a brillant car, but the old Evora has a tick more "I am with you" effect.
Great video Jack, as a daily driver the Emira is probably spot on and will compete with a lot more mainstream manufacturers, which will encourage more people to the Lotus marque.
Great comparison review Jack! Looks like you're having a blast too!! Thanks!
I prefer the Evora both interior and exterior. In a bucket optioned Evora there r no plastic surfaces. Everything is covered with rich leather and has more charm than just another Digital iPad stuck to the center console. And as for the exterior, well it looks nice but it looks like designers worked way to hard to create a mini evija (absolutely beautiful car).Evora is it’s own car and has a look that will outlast emira’s 458/488/McLaren GT wanna b look.
I lust after that Emira! The Evora was a great sports car so even if it’s just a reskinned Evora it’s still a win. C’mon lottery ticket!
Great Video.! I own 3 Evoras so extremely biased but will be getting 4cyl once Emira S/Rs officially announced. Comparison i want is Chinese market 4cyl (400hp) vs V6 but Lotus won't dare let anyone do it.
Is a GT version with non detuned AMG planned?
Very good honest review in my opinion. In my view the Emira has always been an evolution of the Evora and as you point out not an ‘all new car’ as Lotus would like you to believe! The interior has that new car smell because Lotus now buy in all the interior as assemblies from the same company that makes Audi’s interior I believe. The Evora had an interior mostly made and trimmed by the Lotus in house trim shop. Lotus have made a car more marketable to mainstream buyers where the Evora was aimed at Lotus enthusiasts who didn’t mind its idiosyncrasies. The Emira as the last ICE engined car to come out of Hethel isn’t a bad swan song. We need to see if Lotus can work its magic on its new all electric line up! I don’t think the purist’s will ever accept electric Lotus cars but the automotive world is changing, even at little old Lotus.
To me, here in the US, the contest between Corvette, Cayman, and Emira is a tough one to call. There are, of course, other potential candidates if you are willing to broaden your definition of 'fast sports car' to some extent. We are lucky to have so many great options. I don't know what I'd do if I _actually_ had the money...
The Corvette lost me when no manual was offered. Cayman's are great, but there seem to be lots around here plus the road feedback felt more muted to me. I was leamning Emira, but decided to go hard core and found a used Elise in mint condition and love it.
Having driven both, I much prefer the Evora. The Evora had one of the best sounding V6 engines of all time. The Emira sounds terrible by comparison.
Great review - word to the wise though- Jack, make sure you edit out shots of the speedo! Those digital ones are a pain and you’ve filmed yourself breaking the limit on multiple occasions, just encase PC plod is watching.
Thanks dude.. handn’t noticed..
Hello Jack your videos are getting better and better keep up the good work maybe one day we'll see you on TV
The biggest problem for the Emira is not anything to do with the Evora, but rather, at £81k, you can have a Cayman GTS 4.0 for 5 grand less. Sure, Lotus fans will overlook that, but the general car buying public looking for this type of machine won’t. There are also more practical things to think about, e.g. dealer network.
that road looks amazing getting ready to pick up hopefully an evora 400.
The new one has been refined in a way that it should have been, it looks amazing, looks like a supercar from the outside now.
Great video as always Jack, love both the cars but the Emira does look stunning!
Great video, Emira for me in a really wild colour, this one has a quote muted colour
It is an evolved chassis you're correct. Too many people seem to think it is exactly the same chassis. It is not. One huge difference is that the evora had 1 chassis for LHD, and RHD. The Emira has specific LHD and RHD chassis. I4 also has a completely different rear subframe
It's very, very, very closely related to the Evora, though.
@@EvoraGT430 So? So is an Aston Martin's chassis then. All stemmed from the same idea. But it is all new made, in a new factory new, with a new design. So it isn't the same as a lot of people keep saying
@@TheHesK9yep - like saying a Bentley Continental and Audi Q7 are the same car because they mostly share a common chassis
@neilturner6749 no they literally do share a chassis haha
@@TheHesK9 So there's "exactly the same" and there's "very, very, very closely related". You're splitting hairs to try to distract people from realising that Emira is basically Evora v 3.0
The Emira is the better looking car. If you want everyday performance and looks, go for it. However, as the owner of an Evora 400, I cannot justify replacing it with an Emira. I don't want a softer car. I don't want more luxury and tech. My 400 is not a daily driver; it comes out on nice days and when I want to drive "spiritedly" on some of the fantastic roads I am lucky enough to have on my doorstep. This year I hope to take it further afield, but always on roads which allow its chassis and handling to reward the driver. For me, I already have the perfect car. Plus, I've always got my S1 Elise if the sun comes out and I really want a hardcore experience!
Lotus have done this before, Colin Chapman was quoted as preferring the Elite to the early Esprit on the open road.
Sure it’s a series two car, but that’s not a bad thing… it takes Lotus for the first time out of the glued kit car status. Relative to other cars today it’s light..but yes that’s been at the expense of handling and pace.. the old car is regrettably just plain ugly… and well done for pulling this test together… 💯👍❤️
Always thought the later Evoras with that revised front were very good looking indeed. I do consider them different enough though, and don't hold a grudge just because there is obvious commonality
Evora's front end is lovely, methinks.
I don't know which is quicker: the Lotus or "Number 27", posting another video?!
Thanks for this one!
Greetings from the Netherlands
Thanks souch for the review. Many who buy new are not car guys. Great looks plus tech and convenience will be more important than nuances of feel. Many also buy on financing. An older Evora bought for cash and sympathetically upgraded would be my choice, I have an XJ for travelling, nice interior and reduced feel are fine on the M1. My philosophy, buy the best car for the job it will be uaed for, this results in feel for driving and comfort for travelling.
I Own Evora 400 in pretty special color, this car has the most advanced suspension of any car on the market i ever driven for bad roads and i drove a lot - owning a new A110 as well, the sound is the Best in Evora range and epic in comparison to lot of other cars, cabin is pretty well insulated (much better than any 911 or Cayman), seats are comfy for longer journeys and fuel economy is pretty descent too (and not decent for shorter city runs ))) ), yes a bit ugly interior, but it doesnt matter - i consider only options to make it lighter (rear hatch battery etc) and a better bucket seats than stock SParco's ones that make a lot of noises and sits a bit too high, also Evora in most of the forms look more special and these cars are extremely underrated - best steering feel than any other road car as well as suspension, it will be great if Lotus will make a more hardcore driver focused Emira version with Lotus level of engagement - that can be a terrific car, but i also found that even the first 280HP Evora is great looking and awesome to drive car, its so strange that the best Lotus model ever created its not so popular for some reason ? (price? PR?)
Price. Our Ferrari dealer sold them, they sat for years..
Great review of the Evora S2 versus the Evora S3 Jack 😉. Just my little joke as an Evora Launch Edition owner.
Seriously though, the Emira is a good car, but there is no getting away from the fact that it is an evolution and not a revolution. From my perspective, is the Emira worth the jump from the Evora? I think the fact is that the Evora is more niche, there will be less of them and it's also got it foibles and I like that. I like the original Elite inspired dashboard and in aquamarine blue with oyster interior trim it still looks contemporary. As an early car it has the standard ratio "long box" so it's a great as a GT and the back seat is the equivalent of the Emira's cabin luggage space.
Hitting the nail on the head in the video, the Emira has had some of the Evora's attributes dialled down to be more appealing to a mass market. After all Lotus has Porsche in its sights.
I think that the two cars are complementary. Each has its own pros and cons. I guess it depends on whether one wants the modern incarnation from "Lotus Version 2.0" with the more day to day practicalities, or the slightly quirky but a little bit more analogue and a little bit rough aroundthe edges "heritage" or some might say legacy Lotus option.
Thing is they are both Lotus and Lotus is still here despite the ups, downs and close calls...it's a brand with a continuous lineage, and not one that has been brought back from the dead and is as old as Porsche (both celebrate 75 years this year - 2023).
Always think the Emira looks lit it has just been involved in a front end shunt, (particularly in lighter shades) Evora looks the far more muscular, exotic and expensive looking design. If I was in the lucky position to be able to buy either, I'd be looking for a good Evora, not an Emira. (which appears now to be getting rather more expensive new than what was first advertised)
I never driven a lotus but maybe 🤔 I should 😊. I keep hearing about how good it is 😂
"Heavily modified" is a very accurate description.
The Emira is a marketing guy's car rather than a sportscar. The result is a chubby Bahar type car for execs to go to the Golf Club in. I'm not really enthralled by the next alternatives from Lotus either: a Chinese Mum truck?
Oh dear, if you genuinely don’t think the Emira is a proper sports car, you’re precisely the bobble-hatted extremist type that Lotus wants to get away from, and it’s failure to have the courage to do so 10yrs ago is why they got in such a financial mess. Go get a Caterham and leave us regular sane folks alone…
You sound like an unhappy and difficult person. I guarantee you most of the Emira owners are not the exec types you refer to because I know many of them. Say what you want, this is still significantly lighter than the 911 and most major flagship sports cars on the market.
@@FalcoBikes Very unhappy with the direction that Lotus has taken. Happy with my S2 Elan.
There is simply no point being known for sports cars and then wrecking the marque by producing hefty company cars for chubby people.
You're writing about yourself. You sound bitter & jealous. All over this comment section 🤡@@FalcoBikes
OK OK a couple of fake hardcore old timers going at it again. It's a 20 year old Camry engine. Get over it pal. You are not driving a V16 Buggati. Fake hardcore old timer audience have gotten this brand to bankruptcy. Keep calling new Emira buyers fat and soft. That shows you guys are classy awesome people. @@watchesarebadforyou6121
Well done explaining the differences and communicating what the drive was like for each; I found this review super helpful!
I think Lotus did it right with this FE Emira. This car will have broader appeal and sell more in the early stages of the product cycle. As the car ages, and Lotus begins selling electric vehicles, I believe this will open up the door to more driver-focused versions of the Emira. Just as the 400, 410, and GT Evoras came later in the product cycle, so will these versions of the Emira but I’d argue in less time.
Lovely comparison, thanks! I thought I recognised the road :-) I now live slightly further away than before but close enough. I do miss a cheeky lunch time drive that way...
There are certainly more smiles from the driver in the 410 than in the Emira. Says more than words.
But Jack…if you didn’t already have an Elise, and you’re like a normal kind of guy that would look for a new Emira or a late Evora, which would you choose? I think that’s what most people were expecting an answer to. I know I was. Great comparison nevertheless!
There's still time for a sharper, lighter Emira. The early Evoras were heavier and softer than the last ones.
^ this is important. The fact that the Evora began as Lotus’s GT offering as well.
EVora NA 1383 Kg wet. Evora 400 1404 Kg Dry. Yes the GT410 Sport and GT 430 Sport were lighter, but the early Evoras were not heavy at all.
@@EvoraGT430 Ah, they were taking liberties with the numbers.
Thank Jack. I think I still like the Elise. There is so much potential in that car. And all my sports cars have to perform at my fav hillclimbs. That is Elise territory. As a daily driver, that is the Emira.
I’m a Porschephile that currently has several in the garage. Never considered a Lotus but have an Emira coming in the color and spec you are driving. Looking forward to getting it in a few months and comparing it to the GT3 Touring and Spyder. I hope it’s a softer daily.
Nice garage!
Please update us on your impressions
Any update?
Picked it up a week ago. Green with tan, softer suspension, 6 cylinder manual. Haven’t really driven it yet. Hydraulic steering feels much different than the Porsches. Fit and finish is very good but not as good as Porsche. The screen is not as intuitive as Porsche. I’m traveling for a while so probably won’t really drive it for a month or so. I’ll post more later. Thanks.
Your right this is the test I wanted to see & hear. Thank you guys 👍🏆🇬🇧🤔
I have been seriously looking at both... and leaning towards the Evora 410 Sport.. as there is a dealership here that has both... the Evora has low KM's & is more appealing to me... Concerned about the first editions until they get the bugs worked out on the Emira...
Great video Jack, both are amazing but it’s the lighter car with rear seats I have my eyes on to own one day 😎
15:04 - I'm sold on the Evora by the lightness
I dont think the issue is the Emira using the same chassis as the Evora, because its a fantastic chassis! The issue I feel, is Lotus doing their absolute best to tell everyone that the Emira is 100% a new car. Same transmission, same engine and same chassis as the Evora, so yes a new interior and yes a new exterior body, but Lotus have tried to hide how similar it is to the Evora. Trying to pull the wool over peoples eyes will only get peoples backs up. It would have been nice for Lotus to have been a bit more transparent on the Emira, but maybe Gheely were behind that?
I do however, understand that they want to sell more of these Emiras, to a global consumer base, than the amount of Evora's they sold (which wasnt that much for a car sold from 2009 to 2022). So that means a more modernised interior, more comfort, easier to use and drive and so on. You kind of have to do that to attract new customers (people who never would have bought a new Lotus in the past). At least they offer different suspension packages (sport or touring). And at least they still offer both a manual or an auto.
Having spent a lot of time driving on road and track stock Exige S, 380, 410, 430, a 490hp and a 530hp exige, Evora S and Evora 400, my conclusion is as follows. When lotus went from the exige S2 to the V6 unit they built a great driver's car, and traded light weight for extra grunt, with lots of potential, a tuners car in my opinion.
The stock Exige is a little tame. The 430 cup a little more pokey, but with near 500 hp they come alive. The Evora with its added weight and power steering feels IMO quite sanitised, disconnected even compared with the Exige. Considering the Emira is again heavier and as testers have pointed out more sanitised again, I am struggling to get excited about it.
I know that I haven't driven an emira yet, I don't think that I need to. If it's quieter, slower and less engaging that an Evora then I know that I will be disappointed.
I feel truly sad for the brand, please don't get me started on the SUV!
"Simplify then add lightness...." I think that Chapman might roll in his grave if he were alive today to see the Eletre.
Agree with all you say.. but ultimately Lotus need to sell cars so with the Emira in mind at least I can see why they did it!
Wonderful review and watching your face light up when driving the Evora 400 says it all for me, I love both cars, but with Lotus I am looking for a raw drivers car, the Emira seems to be going the way of Porsche, also wonderful cars, but lacking in the true driving experience. The Evora GT seems to be the last of the pure drivers Lotus.
Eh...Evora drivers say this but steering on Emira is still very good, it looks better, and interior is a big step up. If you live on a mountain road and blast around by yourself every day your claim may be true, for 90% of owners the Emira is better. Reliability is yet to be proven but should be similar. I haven't researched insurance costs
I think the Emira is great, and so glad Lotus made it before they fully convert into a Chinese electric company, but I'd have to buy the Evora. That's what you buy a Lotus for. I feel the Emira is a better car for your average buyer, but the Evora is a better car for a Lotus buyer.
I love them both, but I’d still rather have an Elise or an Esprit! ;)
I love the Emira but struggle with giving money to Zhejiang Geely.
For a better comparison you should have compared that Evora to an Emira Sport suspension not the Emira Touring. You then would have 2 sharp instruments to compare to one another.
The Emira was developed off the 410, there is a different supercharger in the Emira.
Did you have the opportunity to test an Alpine A110? Would be interesting, since many describe it as "more Lotus" than any newer Lotus.
Same old whine.
the most important question, you have 2 there, is it 2 lotus's or loti
keep it up young man
Both are excellent cars I’d be happy with either. You can nitpick with any vehicle.
The Evora deserves a lot more respect than the questionable fawning over the Emira and it's tremendous computer mouse styling!
Another great review, thank you for making them and keep them coming
I'm not knocking Lotus, but I'm wondering if I'm the only person that saw the driver's side A pillar trim loose. You could see daylight under it.😮 I had an Emira on order and for other reasons I cancelled it and am looking for an Evora GT (US market). I'll take the old looks to have less weight, a 2+2, higher revs, no gimmicky cover over the start button, and more aggressive styling. Not that the Emira isn't beautiful, but it is more classy looking. Also there were better colors for the Evora. I just wish I had decided to swap to the Evora before production ended so I could've gotten my favorite color options.
This is my car. The dealer broke that trim checking the A pillar airbag tether during a recall…. The car has been perfect and although Lotus have been a pain to deal with, the car arrived built properly and without any faults…
Great review, might want to blur your dash though..
Is it me or the Emira is a the best/cheapest sports car on the market…it look and drive as well as the most expensive exotic cars, has the right amount of power for a daily driver, and cost about half price of the others…
Well it's not cheap.....so no. The Corvette is cheaper base price by a lot and is probably considerably faster.
@@Themayseffectyou are not a car guy. Is not all about speed. This is not Forza.
I think classically pretty goes to the Evora, although they're both easy on the eyes.
Please road test Triumph Gt6 and Honda S600 roadster!
The Emira looks like a Ferrari should - gorgeous.
Lol, let’s not get carried away here.
Let's not forget how the Evora began its life before evolving into the 410 and 430. If the Emira follows the same development curve, then we are in for a treat!
thanks for the comparison.👍 i was thinking about getting one of these. the evora (used low miles) is going for around 80 grand the emira is at 100 grand here in Florida ! like the fact u can jump in the back seat to get to the panel for a spark plug change! and toyota reliability.