Cayman, Alfa 4C, & Lotus Elise on California's best roads - TV Season 1 Ep. 6 | Everyday Driver

[@iburiedpaul9544]

I have Daily driven my 2005 Lotus Elise (35k miles on the clock now) . Its reliable, Insurance and running cost is very very affordable . And if you pull up to a gas station or a red light and there is a cayman or even a 911 people over look them and love the Lotus . I'm a very proud owner :)

[@jimmycastor517]

Same here, 2006 lotus elise

[@hyweltthomas]

Me too - 2007 Elise R. Every morning I go to the kitchen window and just stare at it. It's not a car, it's a state of mind.

[@sarahdell4042]

Hywel Thomas Such lovely cars. I dearly miss mine!

[@hyweltthomas]

@@jamesmccaul2945 Naaah

[@saulespino2510]

hear it is unreliable after so many miles though

[@freezor80]

The Alfa sounds awesome.

[@1fastmx5]

I've driven my Turbo Elise across the United States coast to coast.....Twice! The Drive, The looks, the smiles, the waves can't be beat

[@Little6]

I love the rawness of the Lotus.

[@MrJeepmarine]

I do too, however I have a titanium rod in my left lower leg. I bet it would be brutal getting in and out of it.

[@Electricalwav]

I'm in love with Porsche as a brand. however, I'll cheat for that alfa. what a beautiful car.

[@trevorjacobs1282]

That's a brilliant way of putting it

[@patrickvanrinsvelt4466]

They are all beautiful cars but the Lotus is the only one to provide a raw and precise driving experience.

[@mbtbd]

Cheat with a trannie? Fake stuff. Automatic trannie shifting instead of you doing it is is not driving, maybe steering, but not driving.

[@jaredfaidley8391]

I've watched this video a dozen times across multiple platforms. It inspired me to drive from Minnesota to Independence, CA to go rip these roads myself. 100% worth it.

[@wtfdididolastnight]

In this world of crazy fast cars, you guys still dig in to a 'drivers car' for a normal guy, i love that.

[@ronschwolsky1626]

Exterior wise, the 4C is gorgeous. .

[@Bugumir]

That Lotus is my kind of crazy.

[@andreasturner6164]

Two guys are driving three cars - simultaneously. That's magic!

[@Dragunov302]

The 4C price is crazy. And I’ve only seen one in my whole life yet I still wouldn’t mind one

[@NoloPasoro01]

Im sold, gonna buy that minivan

[@dk7541]

Yee bro, all those guys with two seaters get one girl...you'll get like 8!

[@cottagegymfun]

I'll have one of each please. Cars that is.

[@JoshuaTootell]

Joke if you want, but my friend loves his minivan. You can stuff a few mountain bikes in the back with a few friends and head out to Utah for an extended weekend of riding.

[@ashishl5805]

Loan it to me on weekends

[@windrider65]

The minivan won't pull my travel trailer, that's why I drive a Chevy Express extended cargo van. Rides like a truck, but that's the frame it's on. Buy and drive what fits your needs and you like.

[@YellowCamaro85]

This show is grossly underrated...exceptional, original and fresh.

[@Camhin1]

I don't really care about results of this, I'll still want the alfa.

[@johngoldstien6937]

Alfa is defiantly the best looking and most exotic. I'd take the Cayman just because you can get them for a steal in the used market and its by far the best for a daily driver as well as sounds the best.

[@MrLalasd]

the lafa with the porsche engine and pdk would be money.

[@spencergrubb5153]

Same here. Only one of the bunch that I have actually driven, too

[@jordanarisole]

I think the Alfa with a 6 speed manual would be the deal !

[@cajungoat]

Same, just replace that with the minivan

[@onurgultekin5037]

God I love the way the 4c looks

[@brianstocks8049]

just needs the european head lights

[@crandello]

I love that you also talked about the minivan and the distinction from the other cars !!!

[@darrylwebb3625]

I've watched this many times since launch and it's still the most joyous celebration of motoring I can recall. I have an Elise and seeing Todd giggling behind the wheel reminds me I'm not 1. on my own or 2. mad :)

[@andreasbeaufort3594]

I simply cannot stress enough how much I enjoy watching Todd in these videos. This guy VERY NEARLY makes me feel like I am driving the cars he's driving and he pretty much makes me fall in love and feel I just NEED most of them. Absolutely fantastic! Thank you guys for another marvelous video!

[@EverydayDriver]

Glad to hear that it resonates with you as intended. We're very glad to have you watching! - Todd

[@fouskalini]

Make a Part 2 next year with the 4C, the 718 and the A110!

[@Pizzonia295]

There is still no A110 in the US

[@iplaysdrums]

this is the first of the formatted-for-tv episodes i've seen, and i'm REALLY enjoying it. it feels to me like this is the direction in which this show is supposed to go. way to go, guys. this is great.

[@oprikawize]

beautiful video I would take Elise over the other two. it has a manual. it's a riot. when we remeniece about a good time, its the wild girlfriends we remember.

[@benghazi8054]

But every model they show comes with manual as standard?

[@phattyhales]

The Alfa Romeo does not have a manual option. They are paddles only.

[@oprikawize]

I know. Its a disappointment and automatically disqualifies it from being on the list of sports car i would want to own

[@phattyhales]

Understandable. I prefer a manual as well but it's hard to argue with a good DCT like PDK. They are still fun to drive. They aren't the torque converters of yesteryear that's for sure!

[@oprikawize]

Look at this way... Automated transmissions are like masturbation. Efficient, quick and forgettable. Manuals make you work for the same outcome, just like a beautiful date would.

[@screemerbeemer]

I immediately checked craigslist for a Lotus

"You wouldn't think this car would keep secrets but it does" I absolutely love that! My 2010 V10 M6 Keeps secrets in the wet..😂😂

[@Spikejou]

Great video!! For anyone wondering, one of the roads is definitely Horseshoe Meadows Road near Lone Pine CA.

[@ronschwolsky1626]

Thank you!

[@matthewselick3147]

The most underrated car channel right now

[@Thefrankmaister1911]

I'm I the only one watching this video for the 10th time?...this has got to be one of my favorite videos besides the 4 corners road trip. 😮😊

[@evansc3580]

Lets not forget that the Lotus tested is a 10 year old car. Although not sold in the US, there are new models of the Elise whose development has continued throughout the years. Some of the latest special Elise models sold overseas would blow the testers minds if they carry on about this Elise.

[@tristan2958]

Let's not forget about the Exige! Especially the later V6 models with 350 HP Base and 430 HP in the Cup version all @ 1100 KG

[@Joe-eg7ml]

bless to have a s2 Exige supercharged. but should got one sc if u are gonna compare it to the 4c.

[@JoTokutora]

Hands down, this is one of the greatest automobile youtube Channels right now!

[@CanadianCaymanRS]

I bought a 4C. In fact I sold my C7 Z06 to get the 4C and with some minor suspension work, a bespoke ECU intake and titanium exhaust it is now almost as quick and ten times more fun. I have never seen another 4C on the road which adds to the appeal for me. This review is accurate. My cayman R was fast and comfortable with excellent steering that made me a faster driver. The 4C asks more from you in terms of engagement and driving skill but rewards with a drive experience like a shifter kart on roids. I would never DD it and I am hardcore. Never driven the Elise but I am sure it is sublime. Accurate and entertaining review. Thanks 👍👌

[@adamm.rotundam.d.3162]

Thanks 'Art' - I have a 4C. Gocart on steroids. Always looking to mod. Can you give more details on your bespoke ECU? thanks

[@pt020]

For me the 4C please.

[@turbo311]

Absolutely one of your best videos to date! Road trips are special for a driving enthusiast and we do have a lot of great hidden roads in the western US. You guys are inspiring me to get back into enthusiast car driving and ditch motorcycles. Damn I want that Lotus!!!

[@spooksmagee]

LOL @ Todd creeping up in the Cayman around 6:51. You guys are great. Fantastic video too, I'm in love with the Alfa.

[@undrgrnd734]

I love how Paul is commenting in the Cayman and it's nice, you can hear him and all that and then it cuts to Todd in the Afla and it's just RHHHHHRRRRRRR

[@gregevans4126]

Watching the long version of this on Pluto TV many years ago, got me into Everyday Driver. Thanks for making such entertaining and educated videos/pod casts!

[@Thefrankmaister1911]

I absolutely love your videos. They put me on a different state of mind. A deep connection with every word you say to describe what you are feeling. It's so inspiring. No matter what cars you guys drive, you always put them in such an honest perspective. I remember why I love cars so much. Great video

[@EverydayDriver]

We thrilled and encouraged to know our work plays with this resonance for you. Thank you for watching!

[@tripointkid]

Would have loved to see a Gen 1 NSX on here to round out 25yrs of MRs!

[@duncanbrady3237]

Phenomenal, so happy to see you guys grow so much over the past few years

[@867plantation]

I own a 4C and love it. I also, would love to have the other 2 cars. The Lotus and Alfa are emotional choices the Porsche a cerebral one. I think a lotus would be awesome to own but if you could only have one car your choice has to be the Porsche. I talk to lotus guys on occassion at Palm Beach Cars and Coffee and they are always part of a mutual appreciation group of guys that have very barebones vehicles while being surrounded by lambos and veyrons. I usually see maybe 2-4 other 4Cs out of a few thousand cars way less than GT40s, Gt3s, etc.

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

I own an Elise as my only car. The ride is actually more comfortable than most hot hatches. I think this one has an aftermarket exhaust which is why it's that loud.

[@philkannenberg2986]

Porsche is not cerebral. Just admit - we want them all.

[@peterorigenes4358]

Just watched this again and what a great, on point review of these cars. I have a 4C and plenty of owners have a 4C and a Elise or Cayman. Pretty consistent comments. Now that the 4C is out of production but around for awhile there is a small but active group of tuners and owners with stock to heavily modified cars. A widely implemented modification is replacement of the rear A-arm bushings to eliminate the toe changes at the rear that cause “😮” moments. Changing front bushings as well improves steering feedback. Revising alignment from factory toe-out to zero, different tires and rear bushings especially are the first modifications before further suspension and power mods. Still the same character versus the Lotus or Porsche, but allows driving up the the limit.

[@EverydayDriver]

Glad you enjoyed this (esp more than once!). We’ve heard of these changes to the 4c but haven’t driven one with the revised setup. We’re glad to hear you have one and enjoy it. Cars like this need to be loved and celebrated! Thanks for watching!

[@bencausey]

The 15 mile road up to Shaver Lake, CA is wonderful. And of course many more in that vicinity.

[@ImLeuff]

Music is a bit over the top but other than that great video, good to finally have you back :)

[@raileanua1]

Rented the full version on Vimeo, but I appreciated seeing this again on KZbin.

[@josef6658]

In my opinion the Porsche cayman design is the best and really timeless.

[@IqbalIqbal-kx9pf]

Elise in vanilla colour looks fantastic

[@NEO_RedPill_2024]

I would say you start with the cayman as a safety net to learn your own limits as a driver. Then you graduate to the 4C. Finally the Lotus when you want total control. Still all three would be fun. But to own. Give me the cayman because I feel like it would do everything well enough to not make you feel like you made a mistake buying it.

[@cibsim]

What a good video. I enjoyed every minute of it. I drive a Porsche Boxster S 2009 PDK. It is enough for me.

[@thespectralsorrows]

I have a 2013 Porsche Boxster S 6-speed manual, love driving it.

[@EdPrscheTurbo]

Excellent selection of cars for an awesome road trip.

[@srpsbb2000]

Slowly but surely, ED has creeped up my list of favorite channels. Another stellar review, thanks!!

[@Myiata1979]

Alfa 4C will be a classic for sure!Is so beautiful!

[@AthenaSaints]

1:11, so the entire video, the hosts did not tell us what road they drove in this video. Brilliant.

[@ronschwolsky1626]

IKR!

[@teirvin]

Excellent video as always. Just listened to the behind the scenes podcast episode today and I must say the back story is unbelievable. Well done! Wish I could drive with.

[@patrickvanrinsvelt4466]

Elise all the way. A true driving experience that connects you with road. My 111R goes through the turns like on rails. Engineering excellence.

[@thespectralsorrows]

The Alfa 4C seems pretty nice, I think the Cayman S would have made this review a lot closer. Regardless if you are like me and can only garage 1 sportscar, it's a Porsche for me, very happy with my 981 BS.

[@winglessang31]

I love all sports cars especially in the modern day sports car starved market. The Cayman’s my favorite of the 3.

[@TomAjello]

Just wanted to say you guys rock. This is my first time watching your stuff. Going to subscribe but wish I could do more to express how great I think your content, style, authenticity and narrative is! Well done.

[@EverydayDriver]

We've been around a LONG time, and we're always thrilled to hear a new viewer has found us. We greatly appreciate you subscribing - Lots of stuff here and a ton more on the way. Thanks for watching!

[@alexm4515]

Great video. I cant believe the comments; droning about how they’d never get car X. Please, we’d all be glad to derive any of these cars. I drive a Focus RS and love the fact that its not other people’s daily driver. Why buy a sports car that drives like a grocery getter?! Hoestly folks, putting down another car doesn’t make your car any better.

[@4gosselin]

Great comparison on these cars on truly brilliant roads. Enjoy the back and forth dynamic with your commentary.

[@ssgtrom9739]

Rented the Alfa 4C this past weekend, and it was one of the funnest cars I’ve ever driven. Not for comforts , but who cars. The throaty engine is music to my ears. I need to buy one now

[@opskier2]

Where did you rent it?

[@ssgtrom9739]

@@opskier2 Turo... and I may rent it again. Prices are down right now

[@opskier2]

@@ssgtrom9739 I'm from Barcelona, and I will go maybe to USA to buy one....what second hand webpage do you recomend for searching for?

[@soyflamenco]

@@opskier2 estoy en California, EEUU, y estoy vendiendo mi alfa 4c spider , si te interesa, mandame un mensaje privado

[@skrads]

Great work. The bluray version is even better. You guys should feature my 2011 lotus exige s260 final edition. Thanks for answering my question on your podcast recently. See you in September !

[@marctiu7109]

Which roads are you driving in? Looks amazing!

[@CAR_NL]

When the 4C spider came out, Alfa Romeo has updated the front suspension on it, as well on the coupe version. They knew about the fact the front end had a "dead feel" to it, so they updated it. I think this 4C is from before.

[@jeffrey-f]

skycrap what was the problem?

[@CAR_NL]

@@jeffrey-f to little camber and soft suspension.

[@jeffrey-f]

skycrap I’m looking at used 4c’s so I want to make sure when they fixed that issue and if you know of any other issues

[@CAR_NL]

@@jeffrey-f Just take a 2016+ model. Are you in the US or EU? The EU version is by far superior because it's way lighter. No other real issues besides that. It's a great reliable car which gives so much driving fun!

[@jeffrey-f]

skycrap Yep, I’m looking at 2016+. Saw a nice 2018 Spider in rosso comp with the Akraprovic exhaust, but has about 23,000 miles which I know isn’t a lot for a car, but for a 2018 that came quick compared to other ones for sale which all have about 10,000 or less miles even in older years

[@Cristian13x]

Three beautifull cars.. I like the looks of the alfa.,the driving dynamics of the Elise.. But just like the van they all have there own character. there all good in there own way

[@dumptodreamhome2630]

Hwy 60 through West Virginia WOW, it's like the Dragon's Tail in Tennessee. Amazing Drive.

[@eric8588]

Wow, really impressed with the production quality! Very well done!

[@jasonlin9334]

seriously...this video deserve more view!

[@showtaito1075]

I recently test drove an alfa 4c. And it was INCREDIBLE!!! Yeah it doesnt have manual trans but it makes you forget by how amazing everything else is from visible carbon monocoque to aluminum pedals.

[@krocialblack]

Cayman for the dentist, who likes precision in his driving. Elise for the track day bro who graduated from the Miata. 4C for the guy who wants Italian design and passion. And loves coming home to make love to his wife after a drive threw the mountains.

[@b3ardedragon921]

Then the 4c for me

[@jeffrey-f]

krocialblack then the geo metro for me

[@stephenpavlov8942]

The 4c with a stick shift

[@SuperTanner77]

krocialblack drive “threw”... You nailed you’re response, its absolutely perfect. So informative. I’m starting my own car company after your brilliance and experience. Just “threw” it all. Thanks!

[@SuperTanner77]

krocialblack Please give us more

[@skubadu2]

The answer is always Miata. Trunk space, maintenance, joy of driving. Drove cross-country 2x, including the mountains of California and Colorado. never had any problems.

[@ronschwolsky1626]

F Type for me... yeah, I know it's not a mid engine.

[@chrismuldutch]

Just found this video. Awesome. I’ve had a cayman. I’ve driven an exige but I love the look of the 4c. I don’t know which one either I would like to own myself!

[@sweetpetite1]

My 2017 Alfa Romeo attracts sooo much attention while both driving or sitting that I had to switch back to my regular road car... I just drive it periodically for exercise at times!!! With only 12k miles on the dash, I may auction it off in about 10 or so years (since it will be a prized find) for show or leisure, and after I'm retired from driving...

[@DanielFoland]

This is a good show. Great cars, well-reviewed, amazing photography. I liked the Honda thing too.

[@arta9769]

can you mention the location please. thx

[@JoshuaTootell]

Looks like the area around Bishop California. Several hours north of Los Angeles.

[@LevisL95]

Nice re-edit of the original film. I too think that the music is a bit too much at some places. Maybe the part where you talk about road noise and comfort could be without music or way more calm. Then the part where you arrive to the mountains would have a bigger effect. Of course TV has ads and stuff between, but they are loud too, so I think that's just a bigger reason to have some rest for your ears at some point. Btw, love the engine sounds. In this format I compare this to other car shows, and they rarely catch them that well.

[@jackhulland3307]

This is the setup I am going for - Alfa as the weekend/track car, Ford RS as the practical daily, and have the wife drive an off roader so she doesn't scratch the wheels.

[@perrosdemaiz]

Great video! Great location! You’ve really upped the production quality. Congratulations, you’re a real tv show now. Awesome cars too!

[@bkey45]

When I was 16, my dream car was an m3. When I was 18, I got a nice car and start driving as many cars as I could. My father at that point had an Alfa 156, which I was also driving. I didn't fall in love at first sight. I was more using it... After a few months, I started to like it, but my father gave it away for an Audi A6. Then, I convince my mother to get the first Alfa 147. At that point, I realize that Alfas are not cars, they are daemons and they have a soul. I was in love with 147 and they got me the second generation of 147. I truly loved that car. My family and I have used (long-leasing or buying) 7 alfa romeos (out of >35 cars) during the last 20 years. Only the alfa keys were hard to find in the house. I moved to USA for 3 years around 2010-2013 and I could find only old and expensive alfas. There were rumours... that alfa is going back, so, I sent an email to alfa asking and I got a reply that may be...!!!! In the meanwhile, I got a mazda miata first, and then a 330 coupe bmw (during those 3 years in US). I think if you have never owned an alfa, you can't understand. The maintenance is relatively expensive, but it is worth it. Be careful, don't touch it, it is not a civic to change the suspension, bumper etc.. My dream now is to come back in us at some point and just to drive an alfa in highway 1. The owners of an alfa romeo are (usually) lucky and happy people.

[@nonyleather8654]

I like the way the lower the sound of the voice-over in the outside driving scenes.

[@ThePinoyMamba]

so Good!!! I love the Video!! Thanks Guys...

[@jeffk464]

Yeah, I would definitely take the Cayman.

[@jg5529]

stop the music

[@ericdoe2318]

I don't really care about the results of this, all I want is the Lotus

[@joecausey8508]

Me too. The Lotus is actually the only reason I watched this video.

[@Runoratsu]

I want its bigger brother, the V6 Exige. But that's still a few years off, can't afford that yet. I'll make do with my Miata for now…

[@pballer2005]

Your guys need to take a trip down highway 18 in the mountains arose be San Bernardino county, up through big bear and crestline. Great combo of tight twisty roads and faster sweepers.

[@JAFO.]

I would like to have seen a *_Monster Miata_* included in this Road Test, but that Alpha is gorgeous!

[@TheValetPRO]

Great video would be interesting if you did this again but took the lotus evora instead of the elise

[@SinSGone]

Man, you guys drove right through my town, Lone Pine, CA. Sorry I missed you.

[@JasonSpiffy]

Is this where they drove? I was thinking about that area of California.

[@seinsmeld13]

Thank you very much men for your excellent review. Your Honda commercial gave me time to use the boys room. I know you have to get paid, but a minivan commercial? Anyway I am happy I went for toy Boxster S.

[@qnoorani]

great video. wonder what type of wing that is on the elise?

[@dtasca3366]

Thanks guys, awesome video!

[@tolga1cool]

At 8:22 the audio is seriously broken. There is a high pitched whine.

[@johntechwriter]

Thanks to this video I’m subscribing to you guys. The three of you provide the right blend of passion and practicality when comparing the merits of emotion-inducing cars that must also function as transportation. And now that I’m on your good side I’m going to make an outrageous post-facto suggestion: You’re comparing no-compromise pur sang sports cars here, so it’s too bad you didn’t round out the threesome with a 2019 Mazda MX-5 Club instead of the Porsche Cayman. For those not in the know, the 2019 model year brought the MX-5 a substantial power increase. At the same time, it would have been the lightest car in the test. Like the Lotus and the Alfa, the MX-5 makes no compromises to daily driving. It’s tiny, and piloting it requires the driver's full-time engagement. Like the other two, the MX-5 rewards the driver with a level of brilliant handling and spirited performance that only a lightweight two-seater can deliver. And in my opinion it goes them one better by having a brilliantly simple canvas top. The MX-5 communicates better than the Alfa when at the limit, and its superb manual transmission is a true 6-speed, no overdrive. Its unboosted 2.0L twin cam four revs to 7500 and is capable of 150 mph. The steering is electric, a big convenience in town, but it delivers nearly the same quality of road feel as the other two cars' manual steering. The MX-5’s build quality rivals the Porsche's, and its well-implemented AC and cruise control make it daily-driver capable without compromising its mission. Like the Alfa and Lotus, the MX-5's mission is to provide an unparalleled driving experience in challenging environs, whether they be twisty back roads or even race tracks. Its goal is not to be the fastest from A to B, but the most fulfilling and enjoyable to drive. Including the MX-5 with the equally diminutive and purpose-built Elise and the 4C would have made the comparison more apples-to-apples. It would have required its European rivals to back up their higher pricing and lower reliability with vastly superior performance. Now THAT would have been something to find out. I’m just guessing here, but I suspect the three Euro manufacturers featured in your video would have been much less willing to participate had an MX-5 been part of the comparison. As for why, I will let you draw your own conclusions.

[@adogmcdizzle]

The three of them? Only two presenters. Pretty sure MX-5 is heavier than both the Lotus and the Alfa... Although Alfa I think are less than frank with their weight figures.

[@jimknowles5483]

Another great video....!! How about a comparison between a wild max handling miata tuner car. An Elise and a Caterham super 7 A couple of categories.....most fun canyon driving..vs...best handling I and others would greatly enjoy you sharing your experiences.....!! Thanks

[@TheSteveRibeiro]

I love what you guys do

[@marcs990]

I know it’s a bit off track but I would of loved to see a powerful Z4 on this just to compare as I’m thinking of getting on. I know it’s a different class but would I liked to know how it would of performed?

[@slaWterCH]

I love doing trips like that. Drive your car somewhere just to drive it more!

[@davedarling2246]

Test drove a brand-new Elise and a used Cayman back-to-back in '07. The Cayman was so much nicer! Bought an Elise. For the cornering and the rarity. Where I live, seems like about every 20th car you see is a Porsche. I see myself coming the other way maybe 5 times a year, excluding Lotus events.

[@AJTalks]

Horrible high pitched noise at 15:00 and 19:00, and sneaking a mini van review in the middle of a review is not cool, but otherwise great review as usual.

[@Mussul]

great camera work, great cars, great scenery, great video

[@swessels]

Loved the video. Can't help but wonder how the 718 Cayman compares to the Alfa 4C since they are both turbos.

[@hellothere9262]

If you had to have *one for everything* the cayman is the perfect choice. Available in a manual, intoxicating noise especially with an exhaust upgrade, two trunks, good looks but not as flashy (good thing in my opinion), and good reliability, best interior of the three, quiet when you want but if you want to have the race car experience, take the engine cover off and have true engine noise. The other two are amazing sports cars but for one you have to do everything in, the cayman is the best.