| Author |
Message |
tCoupe (Allen)
Junior Member
Username: Allen
Post Number: 88
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 09, 2003 - 8:13 pm: | |
Jordan, I agree about the 348 wheels on the t Coupe. Besides a Tubi, the 348 wheels are also on my want list for the t Coupe. |
mark nyman (Markelizabeth)
New member
Username: Markelizabeth
Post Number: 12
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 9:17 am: | |
Sorry if this is off topic. I understand preferring a bigger engine rather a turbo. The 1999 Lotus Esprit is 3.5 litre v8 engine with twin turbos. Lotus reprogrammed my ECU to a high torque ECU. It give the car more power at lower rpms by kicking in the turbos earlier among other things as a result there is very little turbo lag. Lotus uses twin turbo so that horsepower can be increased with only a minimal gain in weight. The espirit weighs under 3,000 lbs. I love my Esprit but also want a Mondial 3.2 or t coupe so that I have a back seat for my daughter. I just have to first convince my wife that its ok to buy another car. |
Jay S. Morris (J_saber)
New member
Username: J_saber
Post Number: 27
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Monday, January 06, 2003 - 5:15 pm: | |
Mark, isn't the Lotus also twin turbo stock? I think there's a Mondial on eBay that is twin turbo also. I am not a big turbo fan, but any car can be fitted if room allows. Beware of severe oil leakage in Lotus cars. Parts, less parts! What's the price of all that speed? I won't lie though, the Lotus Esprit is definitly the car I would have bought if I didn't choose Ferreri. Once you dive an F-car you'll know why I there's just one choice, Ferrari! |
mark nyman (Markelizabeth)
New member
Username: Markelizabeth
Post Number: 11
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Monday, January 06, 2003 - 4:15 pm: | |
Luke
A Mondial and a Lotus Esprit are very different cars. A stock V8 esprit is significantly faster and better handling. 0-60 4.4 top speed of 180. I have an 1999 V8 Esprit and love it. It is a blast to drive and has been reliable. I would and did buy it rather than a 348 but it is simply a personally preference. You have to decide whether you want a 2 or 4 seater. Do you need a back seat? Do you need a trunk? The Esprit is not practible, however, in my case it is my 5th car and therefore driven purely for fun. All three of your choices are great cars. Good luck |
Jordan Witherspoon (Jordan747_400)
Junior Member
Username: Jordan747_400
Post Number: 110
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, January 05, 2003 - 9:30 pm: | |
Tom, I like that T Coupe too and though i normally dont like changing rims from the originals, 348 wheels fit that car nicely I think. |
TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member
Username: Tifosi
Post Number: 2178
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, January 05, 2003 - 7:54 pm: | |
here is a t coupe
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6212&item=1876157354 |
Omar (Auraraptor)
Junior Member
Username: Auraraptor
Post Number: 159
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, January 05, 2003 - 6:23 pm: | |
Sit in a Lotus....
After a disscussion with Allan, I though of getting a S4 (some claim they are the most reliable of the dirt cheap lotuses(loti?))...then I sat in teh car...I am 6 3 and the car fit me ummm too well. I liked the car and would coup with the cramped interior but since this was suppposed to be my beater sports car so my "Nina" could take less road abuse, a long time behind the lotus's seat was not for me....
so I say keep your options open and DRIVE each of the cars and see what you like the most. The lotus might be easier to drive since it will have ABS, power steering, with the latter making tight parking soo much easier....that is if the car suits you... |
Peter Polasek (Peterp)
New member
Username: Peterp
Post Number: 26
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, January 05, 2003 - 5:53 pm: | |
Luke, I wouldn't call the 3.2 slow -- I have also have an 87 Carrera and it's probably a tick faster than the 3.2 to 60, but the Mondial is probably faster from 60 to 100. The 3.2 is quite a bit stronger than the 3.0 QV and the Mondial 8 (which have sometimes been criticized for their performance). Car and Driver recorded 0-60 in 6.3 in a 1986 road test of the 3.2 Mondial. A Lotus Esprit will smoke it, but the Mondial has a different purpose in life. I find it very practical and not wanting for power -- but if you are looking for a track car, the Mondial probably isn't your best bet. I haven't driven a T, but they are supposed to be quite a bit faster than the 3.2. |
Lucas Taratus (Karmavore)
New member
Username: Karmavore
Post Number: 6
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, January 05, 2003 - 5:30 pm: | |
Thanks guys for all the great advise and help!
I�m actively looking for a beater/commuter right now, and with sell �The Archduke� (my Passat) soon after some previously scheduled custom body work is completed next week.
Once I�ve accomplished those two tasks, I will begin looking for my next Toy.
Currently I'm deciding between:
88-90 Mondial Coupe 3.2/T
inexpensive +
unique +
Ferrari ++
Room for four +
Slow �
Subtlety styled -/+
90-92 348 TS:
One of the most beautiful Ferraris, IMO +
Finiky -
Poor Interior -
Power that doesn�t do its looks justice �
Ferrari ++
97-98 Lotus Esprit V8:
Gorgeous and classic +
More rare than any 3xx (?) +
VERY Tune-able ++
Week Tranny -
Fast!
Similar performance to Modena (I hear) ++
Inexpensive due to heavy depreciation +/-
Not a Ferrari -
What do you think?
Luke.
|
Lloyd Bemis (Lloyd)
New member
Username: Lloyd
Post Number: 36
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, January 05, 2003 - 3:16 pm: | |
Having driven older cars, parts availability can cause extensive downtimes. Some of you with experience with Mondials may want to give Lucas your experience with parts availability for this model. |
David S (Djs308)
New member
Username: Djs308
Post Number: 38
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, January 05, 2003 - 1:28 pm: | |
I don't own a Mondial, but I did check out a 3.2 coupe three years ago. It's a very fine car made for daily driving, IF you find one that has been well kept. There is a good selection of 3.2 coupes in the country but, as mentioned before, very few T coupes. If I were buying, I'd be looking for an '88 3.2 coupe because they came with ABS brakes (most of them, but not all). The earlier 3.2s are also fine if you can't get the 88.
Peter, that's a very nice 3.2 in your profile! |
Jay S. Morris (J_saber)
New member
Username: J_saber
Post Number: 23
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, January 05, 2003 - 11:33 am: | |
You know, that's not cool at all! I hate the way people don't respect other peoples things. Getting nicks and scratches from driving is one thing, but from some goof-ball with a screw-driver? That's worth a shaking or two! |
Peter Polasek (Peterp)
New member
Username: Peterp
Post Number: 24
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, January 05, 2003 - 9:01 am: | |
I have Mondial 3.2 and couldn't be happier with it. I take the train daily, but this car could easily be a daily driver. I picked the 3.2 over the earlier models because of the power, electrical, and interior upgrades of the 3.2. I didn't consider the T because I didn't want the complexity of that model. Having a beater second car is probably a requirement. You might be able to commute using mass transit during extended service times, but there are places you will want to drive where you simply can't park a Ferrari. I recently had to chase somebody down the street to recover my stolen tire valve caps -- a minor (and somewhat humorous) incident, but the damage could easily have been much worse and this was on a sidestreet in an upscale area. I have heard that prying badges off (causing extensive body damage) is a common problem. |
Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Junior Member
Username: Artherd
Post Number: 136
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, January 05, 2003 - 3:08 am: | |
Get some old piece-of-junk appliance-car for a few grand that you can take on parts runs, so that you are never STUCK driving the Ferrari when you shouldn/t. Otherwise, GO for it!
Ferraris are MORE reliable when driven just a little every day. Your car will actually last longer.
And so will you, because you are driving a Ferrari!
Best!
Ben. |
Ronald A. Bernstein, M.D. (Benkc)
New member
Username: Benkc
Post Number: 6
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 1:42 am: | |
see my post under XJ220 |
Jay S. Morris (J_saber)
New member
Username: J_saber
Post Number: 19
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 10:38 pm: | |
Well David, the Mondial 8 is definitely not four cylinders. Expect to gas frequently. The milage itself is not to bad but you must not forget that auto warm-up period. It comes equiped with a richer mixture which pushes out gas like an Exxon oil spill. I have noticed that it is not a long of a warm-up in warmer weather. Right now I am experiencing a electrical problem of some sort but feel confident I will track it down.
You should be O.K. as far as maintainence goes just as long as you take care of things regularly. Remember that the car was meant to be driven and by doing so it will not win best in show.
I love my car. In fact, I never had a funner car to own and/or drive. I don't know if you have ever driven one before but once you do...
It's funny, I still get that same feeling I did the first time I drove it. Go for the Mondial 8, you won't be disappointed. I think its is a perfect almost everyday driver. |
mark nyman (Markelizabeth)
New member
Username: Markelizabeth
Post Number: 10
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 12:12 pm: | |
I personally like the mondial and am thinking about getting one, but I personally wouldn't want it to be my only car. Remeber in buying a 13-16 year old car, you have to expect it to need repairs and that the repairs will take longer than a new VW. What other places do you drive besides work? Do you ever need to haul stuff or pick up stuff at home depot. It may be the most practicable ferrari but it is still not practible. If you don't mind these inconvienences I am sure you will enjoy driving it more than the VW. |
Ken (Allyn)
Member
Username: Allyn
Post Number: 594
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 10:57 am: | |
You won't get a good T for $30k. |
David J. Smith (Darkhorse512)
Junior Member
Username: Darkhorse512
Post Number: 107
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 10:52 am: | |
Jay,
The Mondial 8 is on my radar screen of first Ferraris to own (We've all gotta start somewhere, this summer hopefuly). What are your weekly use and fuel mileage numbers? What if anything on your car doesn't work or needs regular attention? |
TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member
Username: Tifosi
Post Number: 2134
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 10:37 am: | |
as you mentioned if you want a coupe a t is hard to come by, nevertheless the higher maintinance on the T prob offset the monderness. you can't go wrong with either |
Ed P. (Ebp)
New member
Username: Ebp
Post Number: 3
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 10:31 am: | |
I'm curious about the last question.... the T vs. the 3.2. Any input on that? |
TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member
Username: Tifosi
Post Number: 2133
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 9:54 am: | |
Since you are in GA I think the mondial would be a fine choice for a daily commuter. As someone suggested you may want to have a extra beater around as any 15 year old car will have some issues |
Jay S. Morris (J_saber)
New member
Username: J_saber
Post Number: 18
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 9:49 am: | |
I use my Mondial 8 as an almost daily driver. That translates into everyday that is not wet, snowy, or salty. Cars are best driven, but you will probable, eventually gain maintainence costs assosiated with daily driving. You know, brakes and suspension repairs. You will also aquire all the bumps and bruses of pebbles and people to the exterior finish. Also, a ferrari is no VW. I have a broken front turnsignal lens. The cost of replacment a Lake Forest Motorsports, $600+ parts added to what ever labor they would charge. Obviously this is a do it yourselfer but not everything is. Engine, hell, as a daily driver with good maintainence practices, that's the last thing you need to worry about. You will still need another vehicle. Even if it is just a $2000, "Is that your car?", type of deal. That is for the snow days and the times you go to places not smart to drive your Ferrari to. |
Michael Fennell (Mfennell70)
Junior Member
Username: Mfennell70
Post Number: 78
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 9:38 am: | |
How about the Mondial plus a $1000 beater? No matter how reliable it is, parts availability problems could sideline the car at times and do you really want to drive (and park) a Ferrari EVERYWHERE? |
Tillman Strahan (Tillman)
Member
Username: Tillman
Post Number: 267
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 9:26 am: | |
While I don't have experience with the Mondial, I have been using my 328 as an almost-daily driver for the past few months. My commute is 40 miles each direction, and I have not had any problems with the car at all.
I just use the standard precautions: stay out of 2nd and keep the revs fairly low until the oil temperature gauge comes off the peg. I'm getting 16-19 MPG, which is better than my truck.
The 3.2 shares the same drivetrain, so I would expect the similar behavior. Just make sure you get a well-sorted car. |
Lucas Taratus (Karmavore)
New member
Username: Karmavore
Post Number: 3
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 9:19 am: | |
I like to be different, and with that in mind....
... I've begun to consider selling by current car -- a fairly reliable, but bitchy, 2000 VW Passat -- for a Mondail Coupe to drive daily, commute in, and be my ONLY CAR. Is this a reasonable proposition?
The Forza buyer's guide seems to indicate so, and I am willing to spend a little more on oil changes and maintenance, but I do need her to fire up every morning at 7:30, cold or warm, ready to hit the highway. Besides, for around 30K what 2+2 is cooler than a Mondial??
Having said all that, which model is best for reliability, the 3.2 or T?
It seems that while the T is more updated and a little better looking (square intakes, nicer interior, fold down seats) and better performing (348 Engine), the 3.2 Coupe might be easier to find (only 40 T Coups exist, right?) and easier to maintain (no engine removal, right?).
What do you guys think??
Luke. |