Convertible Face Off!

[Raza]

Doesn't really compete with the others so I didn't include it.

The Elise doesn't really compete with them either, other than on price.  The Elise is a different animal.  The only direct competitor Lotus has for a Porsche is the Europa, which isn't a convertible, but is a perfect competition for the Cayman. 

I chose the Boxster S.  Almost as dynamic as the Elise (though if you read CR and believe them, the Elise and Boxster are on the same level), more well rounded, and not as fragile.  Yes, part of you will always want an Elise, but most of you will know that you made the right decision going for the Porsche.  Of course, the same could be said for the reverse situation. 

[Raza]

If the Targa is out, then ditto for me.  Though I don't really like drop tops in general (it's much cheaper to have a bike for an open air experience).

Yeah, but wearing a helmet is like having a roof over your head, isn't it? 

[MX793]

Yeah, but wearing a helmet is like having a roof over your head, isn't it? 

Not really.  You can feel the sun on your back and shoulders (and the helmet does little to shade the sun from your face, there's not enough front overhang).  In the rain, a helmet does little more than a rain hat when it comes to keeping you dry.  And you can always open the visor to get the full-wind-in-your-face, bugs-in-your-teeth experience.

[sandertheshark]

Not really.  You can feel the sun on your back and shoulders (and the helmet does little to shade the sun from your face, there's not enough front overhang).  In the rain, a helmet does little more than a rain hat when it comes to keeping you dry.  And you can always open the visor to get the full-wind-in-your-face, bugs-in-your-teeth experience.

And it still messes up your hair, just in a different way.

[JYODER240]

The Elise doesn't really compete with them either, other than on price.? The Elise is a different animal.? The only direct competitor Lotus has for a Porsche is the Europa, which isn't a convertible, but is a perfect competition for the Cayman.?

I chose the Boxster S.? Almost as dynamic as the Elise (though if you read CR and believe them, the Elise and Boxster are on the same level), more well rounded, and not as fragile.? Yes, part of you will always want an Elise, but most of you will know that you made the right decision going for the Porsche.? Of course, the same could be said for the reverse situation.?

Check out some Elise forums. Most of those guys cross-shopped with the S2000 or Boxster. If the Elise didn't exist a lot of those guys would be driving Boxsters, and vice-versa to an extent.

[Raza]

Check out some Elise forums. Most of those guys cross-shopped with the S2000 or Boxster. If the Elise didn't exist a lot of those guys would be driving Boxsters, and vice-versa to an extent.

Just because they're cross shopped doesn't mean they're true competition.  I know the market, don't condescend me.  I'm talking on a spiritual level, not on a market level. 

[JYODER240]

Just because they're cross shopped doesn't mean they're true competition.? I know the market, don't condescend me.? I'm talking on a spiritual level, not on a market level.?

By that line of thinking how many things actually do compete with each other?

Boxster v Z4 -Nope Z4 is FR
Boxster v Vette - Nope, MR flat-6 v softer FR V8
Boxster v SLK - Nope, benz is more of a luxury cruiser
Boxster v Elise - ????

[Raza]

Now you're just being silly.

[Champ]

Totally different convert vs. motorcycle.  Don't have to wear a helmet, can actually store stuff - they aren't generally interchangable.

[ChrisV]

Not really.  You can feel the sun on your back and shoulders (and the helmet does little to shade the sun from your face, there's not enough front overhang).  In the rain, a helmet does little more than a rain hat when it comes to keeping you dry.  And you can always open the visor to get the full-wind-in-your-face, bugs-in-your-teeth experience.

I've had bikes, I've had convertibles. Convertibles are better for being in the elements AND for protecting you from those elements when they turn bad. That's why I no longer have bikes, but still have convertibles. And always will. That and I'm tired of suiting up for motorcycle rides.

In this comparo I chose Elise. I love Corvettes and Porsches, but since I can always have another car for a daily, the Elise says fun car better than any other.

[Champ]

In this comparo I chose Elise. I love Corvettes and Porsches, but since I can always have another car for a daily, the Elise says fun car better than any other.

ditto.  As a second car I don't need anything tame.

[Champ]

I've taken a picture of this car IRL :D

[JYODER240]

Now you're just being silly.

ok.

[TBR]

I voted Boxster because I was thinking along the lines of an only car. But, I think as a second car I would rather have an Elise. I would even daily drive it depending on the commute, I would just want another car for long trips.

[MX793]

Totally different convert vs. motorcycle.  Don't have to wear a helmet, can actually store stuff - they aren't generally interchangable.

I'd wager that if I plunked down some money for the optional touring hard bags on my bike, it could probably carry about as much as a Solstice with its top down and more storage space than an MR-2 Spyder.