Would a Porsche Owner be Disappointed with an Evora?

[gurneyeagle500]

Hello All.  

First off, in no way do I wish to insult anyone, or appear to be a troll.  

In my past, I've owned a few German cars including a Porsche Boxster, most recently owning an 2018 Audi TTRS.  I am on the waiting list for a Cayman GTS allocation.  When that allocation will come available is pure speculation.

Living just south of Jacksonville, FL, I have a Lotus dealer just 20 miles from my house.  The dealer has one 2020 and several 2021 Evora GT's in stock.  

Having recently retired, I'm in the market for my "last toy car".  As my wife will remind me - famous last words, but I'm really going to stick to it this time.  

I love everything about the Evora - exclusive, beautiful styling, and great performance.  I've read the forum posts and watched a bunch of videos.  Owners seem to love them, and boast about reliability and performance.  Honestly, the quality and reliability experience was surprising to me.

My only reservations are long-term reliability, some quirkiness, and parts availability.  Realizing that it's an extremely low-volume, soon-to-be "orphan" car, I hesitate seriously considering an Evora.  There have been a few threads on some minor "eccentricities" like the on-off temperature control.  

What attracts me to the Porsche, besides performance, is the amazing build quality, dealer network, and resale value.  

My conundrum is this - wait for maybe 12 months for the Porsche, or walk into the dealership tomorrow and take my pick of six different Evoras.  

Obviously, asking Evora owners about their cars on a Lotus forum will evoke some "partisan" opinions, but you guys seem to be fairly straight shooters, and many also seem to own multiple sports cars, including Porsches.  

So the question to all of you is - would you recommend an Evora to a Porsche owner knowing what is important to them?  Is it too raw and pure for someone who wants performance, but also a feel of quality?  Noise and ride harshness is not an issue. 

Your input is most appreciated. 

[Kevin Wheeler]

If you are only 20 miles from a Lotus dealer with stock, then may I respectfully suggest that you go and try an Evora and see what they are like?

I cannot give you any comparisons because I have never owned a Porsche (and have only done 3 laps of a track in a Cayman) and have only driven an Evora for a few hundred miles.

However, the Evora was fantastic!

[Colin P]

I looked at Porsche as an option before I bought my first Evora. I think you will make your mind up on whether or not build quality (fit and finish) is likely to be an issue for you as soon as you sit in one. I think both cars pretty much wear their heart on their sleeve in that department and they are different.

As regards mechanical build quality I do not buy into the Porsche build quality reputation. It seems that the Porsche issues are at least as frequent, if not more so and when they do happen they are more major and far more expensive. To be honest I'd rather pay for a major failure on the Lotus than on a Porsche and I'd suggest it probably more unlikely.

Where Lotus will probably irk you is minor stuff. It is unlikely to stop you from driving the car, but you probably are more likely to have an annoying "something" that takes a few goes at resolving, or where you have to put some effort into obtaining the part quickly.

This is on the basis of Evora ownership of 8 years and c50,000 miles (2 cars). I bought a second one, which probably says something.

[gurneyeagle500]

Thank you for the detailed response Colin.  That is exactly the owner insight I am looking for.  

[Cdm2018]

Not sure if Porsche owners fully understand the rarity factor ? Yes Porsche cars are hugely capable and drivers car but when you see so many on the road you don’t get that special feeling ! 
however you need to test the cars yourself and make your own conclusions reliability can be subjective ? 

[Ali tuck]

Seriously, I think you will be amazed at the lotus- once you’ve driven one (and you must) you will cancel your cayman deposit…

[Frickin_idiot]

I am probably on my own here and in no way do I want to offend anyone but I found the last 997 that I drove very clinical, utterly competent but lacking something that I couldn’t put my finger on (maybe soul). 
 

Friends who own 911’s have built up serious maintenance bills.

 

I owned a 3.2 911 Supersport for five years. Looked the business but to be blunt, thoroughly crap to drive, it was one level above a tractor.

[electro_boy]

I have a a couple mates who have Porsches, they are not as reliable as people think they are.  The car will look visibly nicer and better put together but there are still tales of niggles that need sorting out and even major issues on the cars.   The feedback from my mates about the dealerships isn't anything to sing about either. 

I'm not trying to bash Porsche, just noting that they don't quite have that indestructible quality that people think they have, but for sure they are at the more reliable end of the spectrum.

You really have to go see the Evora and decide for your self if the interior is good enough.  For me yes its a step behind the Germans but absolutely good enough.  But when you are driving the thing you really don't care about the small things that the mainstream manufactures do better than Lotus.  eg the way the radio surround is integrated into the dash might be better in other cars or the window switches might not be top notch but I really don't think about these things one bit when I'm driving my Evora and have a big smile on my face.

Quote

I am probably on my own here and in no way do I want to offend anyone but I found the last 997 that I drove very clinical, utterly competent but lacking something that I couldn’t put my finger on (maybe soul). 

Same experience with me but the 996 generation.  Very capable cars that are well engineered and will probably get you around a track in a quicker time than a Lotus.... but the Lotus will feel so much more enjoyable and you'll be so much happier.  I think the Evora will be more comfortable and better ride than the Porsche too.

[Frickin_idiot]

The Lotus feels “alive” and is highly communicative - certainly the Exige excelled at this.  It gave a level of engagement several steps ahead of the Porsche. The Lotus gave away a lot in refinement.

[Cdm2018]

Just another point to this thread

i have and we all know someone who drives a Porsche and generally the community of Porsche owners are a varied bunch 

what I do know through various gatherings that lotus owners are a lovely knowledgable bunch of people and buying into lotus brand is much better owners experience than Porsche I reckon 👍🏻 

[ramjet]

I'd be organising test drives of a few.

[mik]

Everyone else has already said it - go and try one. 

We had a 944S2 for 3yrs. It was 15yrs old when we got it, but it was a great car with neutral handling. As a drivers tool, tactility levels were literally miles from an Evora. 

That may well be down to “era” but a spell behind the wheel will tell you.

I have spent several weeks in Jax on business. Nice place! (Although when it rains - it really rains!)

 

Edited November 5, 2021 by mik

[jep]

Porsche are brilliant cars. However, they are heavy, most 1500kg minimum, generally 1700kg. Whenever I drive one, I can feel that mass. To find any sort of dynamic driver satisfaction requires such speed to render your licence and other road users in danger. 

Evora lack of bulk, the USP of Lotus, is apparent the moment you move 10 yards. This gets better throughout any journey. The steering is the best this side of a McLaren, the ride is a quantum better than any Porsche and the ease with which you can exploit the genius aluminium chassis will make you think you missed your calling as an Indy legend.

For the drivers, there is no downside - you will soon acclimatise to the mildly dated interior as the brilliance of Evora seeps to your core. 

If you don't buy, you will miss one the truly great sports cars of the 21st century. If you dislike it, you can sell it and when your next Porsche bores you at least you know that is how you like it to be.

Justin

 

 

[DBG]

I think most of it is already covered, my only advice is to echo the above comments suggesting a test drive. Id say that’ll likely make the decision for you. 

All the best and let us know how you go! 

Ben

[gurneyeagle500]

Thank you all for the insight.  Very valued and most appreciated.  

No disagreement on the visceral experience.  What draws me to the Evora, besides the styling, is the fact it is more analog than digital.

Just to clarify - what are your long-term ownership experiences?  For US owners, how is parts availability?  

I have no doubt that the drivetrain (Toyota) is bullet proof; it's the little things, and the potential wait for parts, that have me thinking.  

Just to throw out a random example - how hard is it to get a replacement windshield?  Is the wait for a simple wheel bearing weeks?  Have any US owners had long waits for parts?

I realize this sounds a bit paranoid, but being such a low volume car, my first thoughts are that parts, especially with the car going out of production, could be a problem in the future.

I think the car is spectacular - great styling, amazing driving dynamics, and exclusive.  My only concerns are related to long-term ownership.  

Cheers!

[jep]

Parts easier than McLaren. Porsche parts availability I cannot comment on but Stuttgart prices are steep these days. 

In UK, I have not had any problems with Evora parts availability to date. 71,000 mile 2010 car. 

Justin

 

[MJON]

@gurneyeagle500 Here is a very recent review worth reading. I have had several Porsche inc 987S, 991S. Great cars but not rare and can be expensive to repair. As already stated, go try one out and compare back to back with Porsche. 
https://click.m.haymarket.com/?qs=54ff25cd48e3e5e7c9d14df62c9b81a427f4021f6755e1db5b923b17d98478979764c5be1a5f51e7ca6e692ad7e3a3bb49467812ef167d285f0799b162d0fd93

[jerzybondov]

I'm saying what everyone else has done, but a test drive will resolve the 'want' question pretty quickly - one way or the other.

As a 911 owner, I had a go in a GT410 Sport last year and within 100 yards of leaving the dealer I knew the car was insanely good to drive. 5 minutes down the road and I knew it was the best driver's car I'd ever driven.

A couple of weeks later I had an Evora S to add to the 996 40 Jahre. Sure, the Porsche is very good, and FEELS very well engineered/screwed together. But I've had no shortage of bills on it and the 996/997.1 generation engine has a reputation that scares small children as well as adults.

Now I've had plenty of time to compare the Lotus and the Porsche, I can see why some prefer a 911 (it is more practical, and the flat six has real soul) but there's no question the Lotus is a far better car to drive. Ride/handling/steering all in another league. 

Have only had silly stuff to sort on it since (aircon, mudguard brackets, window motor etc) but the car has felt absolutely bulletproof mechanically.

[EGTE]

My experience of Porsches is almost exavtly the same as Jerybondov's above and those before him. The only issues I've had with the Evora have been pretty minor (although parts availability has been a problem for some, not me though), which are more common but smaller and cheaper than the rarer but very-expensive issues I had with Porsches.

But overall the Evora feels so engaging, so special - and the community so friendly - that I will never, ever go back to Porsche.

[Mark Blanchard]

My wife owned a Porsche Boxster 987 for a couple of years and we didn't think much of it, dull and predictable.  An Evora will knock the spots off it for driving engagement and fun.

[Yan]

You currently drive an Audi. What attracts you to the Audi? Its about as polar opposite to the Evora as it gets. I'd say the Cayman GTS sits somewhere in between.

Waiting for spares will be an issue with Lotus. If you plan to drive everyday then this may be a problem.

Mechanicals of the Lotus will be more reliable than the Porsche. However things like trim will be better in the Porsche.

Driving experience - hands down Lotus. Some reviewers critique the modern Porsches as being a bit "numb" unless its a GT3 or GT4. An Evora is comfortable enough to drive in any road/traffic condition. I couldnt say that about an Elise. The attraction of this generation of Lotus is, as you state, the analogue feel, yet in a modern car. Cant really say that about many other cars, including the Alpine A110 that I very much covet. It's just a really well sorted modern car.

Should also respond to your query on noise and ride. The Evora makes all the right noises and you will hear them. Having said that, its much quieter than my Elise, but thats to be expected. I had an Audi R8 and it was too quiet. Why have a V8 when you cannot hear it? Ride is going to be far more comfortable in the Evora than the Cayman. Definitely better than the Audi. Thats part of the Lotus magic.

Resale right now favours just about any Porsche. I'm not so sure that will be the case in future. After the Emira there will be no more ICE Lotus'. If there is still demand, supply will become scarce. Rumours are Porsche will start making EV Caymans so perhaps the current 718 will retain value.

Why not a GT4 if the $ makes sense for you? I was cross shopping the GT4.

Edited November 8, 2021 by Yan
comments on noise and ride

[92spicer]

I feel a lot more special sitting in my Evora S than I did my Cayman. It pretty much comes down to that for me. I went in a Cayman gt4 recently, and whilst it was awesome, it still felt a bit 'sensible' in some way. The Evora just feels more exotic, authentic in some way.

Although it was a base 987.2 Cayman with a fair few miles, so only worth about a third of the Lotus! But the lotus feels better in every way other than the gear-change, which really frustrates me, just feels a bit long/wand-like, and 3>2 isn't particularly smooth (I have a 2014 with the updated design, maybe I need to adjust the cables a bit though).

But it drives better, faster, more comfortable, feels nicer to sit in, turns heads more, better on the motorway, better going fast, has more tech/toys than my Cayman did.

I didn't realise how good the Porsche flat 6 sounds until I got the Evora though. The Toyota engine sounds a bit soul-less with the stock exhaust (other than the supercharger whine), which means you need to put a big exhaust on to cover the engine noise, and I think my 2bular exhaust sounds a bit chavvy. Whereas the porsche had a great balance of nice engine, intake, and exhaust noise.

Noise and ride hardness isn't an issue in my Evora with 19/20 wheels at all- its way more comfy than my Cayman was.

And I still had plenty of issues with Porsche- window regulators, knackered mounts, hoses splitting, gear shift adjustment. I think Lotus' just have different problems, not necessarily more

If you're not going to keep it forever, I say do whatever feels like the more reckless decision! Enjoy it. And then sell it and try something else later  

 

[mayevora]

2014 Evora - and not needed a single part yet in my 3 years of ownership. Nothing has gone wrong. No breakages. Nothing worn out. The perfect no ongoing cost car.

From your side of the pond there are US owners who aren’t too happy about having to drive 700 miles to their nearest Lotus dealership but having one on your doorstep should only add to the ownership peace of mind. 👍😊

[Daveb99]

On 06/11/2021 at 07:45, jep said:

Porsche are brilliant cars. However, they are heavy, most 1500kg minimum, generally 1700kg. Whenever I drive one, I can feel that mass. To find any sort of dynamic driver satisfaction requires such speed to render your licence and other road users in danger. 

Evora lack of bulk, the USP of Lotus, is apparent the moment you move 10 yards. This gets better throughout any journey. The steering is the best this side of a McLaren, the ride is a quantum better than any Porsche and the ease with which you can exploit the genius aluminium chassis will make you think you missed your calling as an Indy legend.

For the drivers, there is no downside - you will soon acclimatise to the mildly dated interior as the brilliance of Evora seeps to your core. 

If you don't buy, you will miss one the truly great sports cars of the 21st century. If you dislike it, you can sell it and when your next Porsche bores you at least you know that is how you like it to be.

Justin

 

 

What an absolutely fantastic summary of the magic of the Evora.    I’ve driven other similar (but heavier) cars claiming to be ‘sporty’ or even a sports car, and nothing comes close.