2006 Lotus Exige vs 2015 Porsche Cayman S - Head to Head Review!

[@RJayStyle]

Exige all the way

[@edventures9884]

Exige all the way! I’ve been wanting an Elise for so long and I keep getting pushed back because prices only keep climbing! 😭 same goes with the exige. Hopefully soon I’ll get one 🤞

[@deviklovecraft3835]

Exige all day ! But then, I’m biased..I own 2 Lotus

[@HugheZ33]

Can I have one 😁

[@deviklovecraft3835]

@@HugheZ33 LOL 😂 Catch me at the right time and I probably would ! Great cars but can be a pain in the arse to fix stuff and there’s always something, even if it’s a little thing ! That said, it’s hardly ever the engine as it is Toyota sourced. I’ve said this many times before, my Elise and Evora are at once some of the greatest sources of joy in my life BUT can be frustrating to the same degree 😁

[@HugheZ33]

@@deviklovecraft3835 one day I’ll own an Exige or elise preferably all black with purple brakes to match my Purple Heart license plate!

[@Little6]

Lucky man :)

[@jackclarke9980]

Well if you're feeling very very generous one day ill be up for one please 🤗😉

[@ryanmolloy5421]

Exige is the closest thing you can get to a go kart on the street. It handles like it is on rails and like you are connected to the road. To this day, one of the best cars I've driven at the track.

[@taylorgang2237]

Ariel atom is probably a bit closer to a go kart.

[@Killergoat69]

@@taylorgang2237 and a caterham 7 of course. ✋🤡

[@weaponisedpotato7352]

The wing on the Porsche is a tad small. I can barely see it.

[@chanhyung88]

thing probably adds like 5 lbs of downforce at 100mph

[@Epik-hm8ws]

Purity

[@brianmessemer2973]

This is an OUTSTANDING comparison video. 💯

[@MrZattack101]

good review. I like this format a lot

[@h533feg]

Nice video, thanks, but a couple of points if I may... the Exige you have is an early model, later S models were supercharged and produce much more torque (and BHP! My stock Exige S has a 4sec 0-60). Backing off mid-corner in mid-engine cars, especially Exiges can result in oversteer, it might be that transfer of weight you're thinking is the LSD. On my non-LSD Exige it definitely tightens on lift-off and it's why more of a "fast in, faster out" approach is best :-) Porker sounds amazing, but the purity of Lotus is just unmatched.

[@lros]

Cayman looks so good with the gt4 front and lowered, the exige looks so good also and it has a Toyota power plant with that being said I’d choose the exige since it would cost me less to maintain

[@duncanajpv8]

You create Great videos, nice to see the cars being put through their paces👍

[@Zygrene]

Thank you! 👍

[@MrZattack101]

I wish you had a 2gr mr2 there as well. Another great NA mid-engine beast

[@6pistons]

That modded Porsche Cayman S is the lower cost version to the GT4 Clubsport.....which btw is a fantastic track tool

[@ml5554]

These models are on of my favorites when it comes to a daily drivable sports car. Have got a older Porsche but the Exige is definitely magnificent.

[@flatsix1943]

I've stripped out approximately 80 lbs so far from my 2970 advertised curb weight 987 Cayman S. Most of that weight was dense sound insulation surrounding the engine. The lighter weight and louder, aggressive acoustics make the drive so much more enjoyable.

[@lionelalcala2779]

The rawness of the lotus plus option to go topless makes me choose the elise over exige

[@strml_]

You can take the top off the exige too.

[@touayaaj84]

Do you guys even know why the elise/exige even have a removable top? Lotus wanted to build it with a hard top. It only exists so owners can change seats.

[@klaasjanvanegmond559]

@@touayaaj84 The original S1 Elise was intended without a roof (or doors). Although it is easier to take the seats out of an Elise/Exige if the roof is of, it is no big problem if it is still on.

[@seanwalsh999]

I love the PDK as my left knee is not well, and I am 67, I have a MGB and I always wondered what would be my next sports car, as the MGB is to slow for a fast track but great on the twistys. It has an over drive which switches gears at the flick of a switch kinda like a early PDK. I saw that older Boxsters were reasonable in price so I tried one, man I was sold after third gear, the gocart like steering and the torque in any gear is amazing. However it is just a little to stiff for a daily a driver but I can't wait to get it to the track. That C8 looks great but I am used to these smaller lighter sports cars, who knows I should test drive if one ever becomes available. Great video, really enjoyed the audio.

[@iheartgs400]

Have you considered the Cayman’s there decently priced as well?

[@seanwalsh999]

@@iheartgs400 Good point, and understand that the Caymans have a little more leg room. I am six foot and I would say that is the max for the pre 2009 boxsters.

[@xskinyx]

That lift-off oversteer is common with midengine cars. Exige weight is heavily rear-biased (even more than a 911). When you're on power in a turn you're understeering and that gets corrected quickly when you lift. Gotta keep the weight forward when turning by staying on the brakes

[@swanblake]

I will never forgive Lotus for not bringing the S3 Elise and Exige to North America. The S2 is great, but the 3.5L supercharged Exige is just perfect for driving. Never cared for the stock 1.8 supercharged powerplant. Not bad but lacks a little something. This tuned version sounds great though. Very interesting

[@AlinB1108]

Nice to see the track potential of a cayman. Been intrigued by the caymans for a while. Gonna have to rent one one day and see what it’s all about to see if it could be my new weekend toy.

[@iheartgs400]

Hey Fenton between the K20 and 2ZZ which one do you prefer more personally? Being a devil advocate I can totally see you adding a Lotus next to your fleet. 😀As for the Porsche damn that PDK is fast. As always I like your modification approach to cars it’s subtle and straightforward.

[@Zygrene]

2ZZ is fun, but K20 when tuned properly is a lot more potent and less peaky. K-swapped Elise/Exige is still something I'd love to try.

[@johnridesadv2512]

I may be in the minority, but I love paddle shifters with a good transmission for a track car. I had an Evo with the paddles and a dual clutch transmission. It was great on the track. I started using left foot braking and it made it easier to focus on learning the track when I didn't have to worry about heel toeing properly, and didn't need to take my right hand off the steering wheel either. And the left foot braking felt so natural.

[@gabethomas8123]

Outstanding content!

[@Soyblackpower]

As cool as these are, I honestly more interested and that 350z in some of the shots, are we going to see anything with that?

[@Zygrene]

Review of the 350Z will be the next video on the channel!

[@pete9110]

That porsche sounds amazing!

[@nikkei325i]

I am finally the first one here on a Zygrene video. Where is my cookie?

[@Zygrene]

🍪

[@wolfgang9570]

Only one problem with the Exige......they are so rare that few enthusiasts will ever have the opportunity to experience them.

[@Zygrene]

Valid point. I didn't realize there are only about 1000 in the US until recently!

[@HugheZ33]

What other 2006 car is being reviewed against new cars consistently......exactly lotus FTW!!!!!

[@dakariusashby7968]

The wing on that Cayman is way too big. Stick a gt4 wing on it instead.

[@derekyam1805]

Gt4 wing barely makes any downforce

[@dimos15]

Nice! The 718 caymans have better steering feel

[@Zygrene]

They definitely do! The 718 Boxster I drove was great, minus the Subaru sound

[@lucabanelli2663]

none, i don't think so... the cayman is a simple car the exige is a go-kart exige is better for the mountain street and the short track and the exige have better steering feel

[@lauriedooker1031]

Lightweight performance cars are the future. Composite. Chassis and body, everything. Lightweight engines that use free valve computer operated heads. 3D printed parts. Etc. For example just think what Porsche could do with free valve and 3D , turn a 300 kgs engine into a 150 kgs engine but with more overall speed Potential .Personally, target of under 1000 kgs

[@lightning5273]

I miss my Exige so much. While I can afford a Noble or Rossion next year, I'd rather own another Exige. You can't take the top off on either of them. And a supercharger is much sexier than a turbo.

[@BlakesGarage]

Oh man do I want one!!!!

[@johnmitchell2269]

Something doesn't look or feel right with a stripped out modern Porsche that's not supposed to be stripped out. Gives the impression of trying to be something it's not. Does sound the business though.

[@markdavies9765]

Light is right 😉

[@vwjetta4138]

Cayman for the reliability, handling, sound, and heritage

[@donchristie420]

Size 13 shoe has left the chat

[@MadelnMachines]

Interesting that the Porsche can't hide it's luxury street car roots even stripped out and modified. Everyone has already forgotten the simply and add lightness ethos - even Lotus!

[@04dram04]

To me, the Exige is like a baby Mclaren f1. And will one day be supe iconic and valuable

[@moneyparhar]

Don't disrespect F1 dude

[@alphonsemonthei8878]

Great video... that cayman sounds absolutely incredible I can’t see anyone choosing the lotus who heard that Porsche lol

[@Tracertme]

The Lotus is pure driving experience the way a Porsche is just soft it’s incredibly analogue.

[@SoloLap]

what was the cost of each car stock and then with the mods? You can make almost any car something special with deep enough pockets.

[@evansc3580]

The Lotus in this test is a 15 year old car! You should try one of the current Supercharged Exige v6’s.

[@Zygrene]

Would love to but not sold in America!

[@achristian7015]

Personally I would not want to live with any Lotus as a daily driver. On a Porsche, you can.

[@deviklovecraft3835]

Evora … Fixed 😏

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

Exige is great, but is towed track car. There is no room to put tools, jack to help you get to the track unless you don't ever see the need to use the tools.

[@chagra5085]

You also have driven a lotus evora, how would you compare it to the cayman?

[@Zygrene]

Great question. Need to drive them back to back. I remember the Evora S feeling a lot more special/unique than the Cayman but the offset pedal position is a bit annoying for daily driving. Evora definitely has much better steering feel than the 981 S though.

[@IS300Spartan]

Zygrene How about compared to a your 987 Cayman’s hydraulic steering?

[@nickwaters8892]

The Porsche sounds immense! What exhaust is on it?

[@DC5Brandon]

I want to know too. Race header? Or, is the heightened sound due to removing much of the sound deadening material?

[@Quyensanity]

GT3 muffler

[@Zygrene]

Car in the video has Cargraphic Race Headers and TPC GT3 Exhaust (RSR Style)

[@ARMWRESTLINGCYCLINGFRANCE]

too bad you couldnt compare the cayman to an exige 380 sport. the v6 really brings the platform to madness level.

[@tkx86]

Both are sexy in their own right. I would take a final model exige over a 911 turbo any day.

[@Machine_Gene]

Would have used a 2007+ US Exige S with the supercharger. Better yet, and S 240 or S 260. All were sold in the US and still employ the high revving 2ZZ

[@Zygrene]

I reviewed an S 240 tuned to 300hp and honestly didn't love the supercharger. Fast car, but I think NA suits the chassis better on windy roads.

[@Machine_Gene]

@@Zygrene I can appreciate and relate to that experience. I have a modified '07 Exige with an upgraded TVS blower. The stock MP62 blower, when pushed past 7 PSI, produces a lot more heat compared to the newer superchargers and is prone to heat soak. If you're ever in MT, let me know and I'd be happy to take you out for a drive. Might want to avoid the Winter months though :)

[@aspieotaku3580]

Twin turbo stage 4 tune.

[@BEN-bw8cf]

Awesome porsche!

[@ayowser01]

Best cars within their price range.

[@micraw714]

Hey brother, is it worth it to part with my E92 M3 for a 981S? I'm thinking hell yes but curious about your opinion 😁

[@Zygrene]

E92 M3 is one of my favorites, but know that I'm biased towards anything front engine, rear drive, and high revving. The 981S is "better" but doesn't get my blood pumping like the M3. You should test drive the Porsche!

[@micraw714]

@@Zygrene thanks for the info! I definitely love the E92 as well 😊Unfortunately there's no 981's in my area to test drive but I'm almost considering just buying one and potentially owning both!

[@Zygrene]

Variety is the spice of life! If you have the means go for it, that's a killer combo

[@micraw714]

@@Zygrene Amen! I was originally looking at keeping the E92 and then getting an M2 for the daily but feel like I have to scratch that 981 itch at least once 😁 I appreciate the info!

[@JBaek24]

Does the crossover of the VVT-i sound better or VTEC?

[@Zygrene]

Honestly I'm 50/50. Both are obnoxious and I love it!

[@stanstanlison5791]

angeles crest. amazing 😎

[@joek1302]

If you stripped the 987.1 down that much you're looking at close to 2600

[@darrendonovan6679]

How do you like the Shifter R111? I'm thinking of putting it in my Elise. Thanks.

[@Zygrene]

It's worth it. Massive improvement over the sloppy stock shifter.

[@MarioRossi-no7hs]

Lotus all life

[@TrackMonkey327]

Looks like the Angeles Crest Highway in SoCal?

[@Little6]

Exige for sure.

[@s.a.i.v]

Porsche ftw

[@arnaudnicolau2093]

love the lotus... porsche anyday just for the sound

[@johnmitchell2269]

I thought Exiges were never sold in the states?

[@Zygrene]

The newer V6 Exige was never sold here but the original 4 banger was

[@johnconnor7501]

Maybe it’s an Exige ilegalis model

[@automotivetestdriver3473]

Sad that in US you could not get the Exiges V6.

[@Zygrene]

Agreed. Would love to try one since I really enjoyed the supercharged V6 in the Evora S.

[@JustinPaul1st]

Nice test but 4 vs 6 cylinder ...chalk and cheese... but both lovely sportsters anyways 🖒🖒🖒

[@JuanAntonEgo]

Cayman for me. I wanna luv that Exige . But I cant fit whatsoever! it's just too uncomfortable. Exige's are limited to people that could Fit in it. My frame 6'2 225lbs. Yea.. not happing.

[@CRVB7]

What’s the mod lost on the cayman? Owner’s insta @

[@ExLondoner]

Try a 400whp Exige.

[@derekyam1805]

Thought that car looked familiar lol

[@Quyensanity]

Blasphemy! But I’m biased

[@moneyparhar]

Porsche sounds million times better. Lotus sounds like noise 4 banger. Cayman is instrument.

[@patthonsirilim5739]

if your gonna strip that cayman down this much might as well buy a exige and track prap it.

[@johnnystoka6625]

Ugly what was done to the Porsche .

[@duanebennett832]

1995 - 2006 volvo v70

[@duanebennett832]

Wanted used 1995 - 2005 volvo v70

[@cct3053]

2:34 it sounds like a fucking bike!

[@christopherdaniel6142]

build a old honda

[@Zygrene]

I have an old Honda 🙂

[@touayaaj84]

The only problem with the cayman is its 6spd LONG ASS gears.

[@sanzserif]

Not a problem exclusive to Caymans. The 991 and 992 911 have even worse ratios. Not sure why people exclusively call out the Cayman for this issue.

[@1chrisrowe]

I'd rather push a Lotus than drive your fancy Beetle.

[@Mark-rt6fy]

And I don't even want to look at your Geely piece of junk. Or wait, you cannot afford one anyway