| it is key to DO THE MAINTENANCE.. timing belt, etc. Mine is a 1994 S4, 3rd owner, tons of records, 23k miles. You are right on the 4 cylinders, much more robust and sorted out than the V8's and much, MUCH less chance of problems and when there is a problem (and maintenance) with V8 the cost is MUCH higher... To the request for comparisons: 1. Interior is not worse or better than the Z, just "different". Sits much lower and you more "wear it" than as opposed to the Z "sit in it". 2. Definitely in a HUGE WAY gets more looks. Fewer mods aviailable exterior wise than the Z which for me is a good thing on a couple levels. First rarely if ever see riced out Esprit's! I did swap the front bumper lenses for clear ones and rear turn signal lenses for clear as well. 3. Handling; if comparing a stock Z Esprit is much better, hands down. If a highly modded Z suspension wise a draw. 4. Horsepower; lower HP than a modestly modded Z BUT... much lower curb weight too. The Esprit is a VERY fast car. 5. Ease of working on it. IMHO easier, not near the wiring in the engine bay and actually pretty easy to get to, remove engine cover and sit in the "boot". :) 6. Suspension/engine mods; not near as many as there are for the Z but not as needed as it is already there from the factory! Most have the "Lotus Red Race Chip" swapped in (increases HP a small bit, torque a good bit and reduces turbo lag), Red dot cam pulleys (torque and HP). I am also installing in a week or so a Alunox Performance Exhaust Manifold which will increase HP and torque along with reducing turbo lag. I flew to Lousiana to pick it up and drove home 4+ hours in it, great trip and first impressions were dont realize how fast you are going in it and it will cruise at 130+++ all day long.
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Z SOLD 02.17.2007, Reacquired 11.05.2011 and Sold (again) 03.2013. Acquired 1994 Lotus Esprit S4
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