GTM Libra vs V8 Westie

[lippydave]

Ok....

Dons tin helmet and straps on flak jacket.....

I love my v8, buuuut

Currently toying with the idea of selling my V8 westie and buying a GTM Libra (V6 engined).

Just want a bit more everyday potential and practicality....whilst maintaining a bit of kit car tinkering/tweaking potential and a reasonable level of cheap(ish) road performance, with a very occasional trackday thrown in...

What do the Westie collective think....    

[RichP]

We've got a V6 GTM Libra and a Westy (not V8 though)

The GTM is fun - it's a more useful road car than the Westy with the roof and useful boot. Fairly quick with the KV6 engine. I would probably go for the Honda engined version in preference as the KV6 (I believe) is harder to tune. Depends what you want - for the road then there's a strong argument for the GTM. For track day fun then Westy every time - our GTM is a flippin handfull on track and very hard to drive fast, but that could be due to our setup.

SWMBO built the GTM and used it as her every day car for about three years with no problems, so they're a big step forward in practicality.

Happy to help with any questions.

[samcooke]

Other than rarity and maybe insurance cost I don't really see the value of the GTM over an Elise or VX220.

The compromises of a Westfield are acceptable because of the way it goes, the GTM appears to go no better than a Hethel car, so why bother?

[Mark Stanton]

I'd go for a VX220 or an elsie any day over a GTM    

[RichP]

Fair point Sam - I checked with SWMBO for why she built it, and got these points:

- Uniqueness

- Fflexibility of engines to apply

- Price & availability of spares

- Comfort (although this will be subjective and dependant on seats fitted - she went for Mitsubishi FTO seats which I have to say are excellent)

- Day to day comfort to drive

- The Libra doesn't leak

- Bigger boot in Libra

I hate the gearchange, but you can fit the Elise cable shift system with good results.

[lippydave]

Other than rarity and maybe insurance cost I don't really see the value of the GTM over an Elise or VX220.

The compromises of a Westfield are acceptable because of the way it goes, the GTM appears to go no better than a Hethel car, so why bother?

Good point.....

have been pondering a VX220 also, as they offer far better value for money than an Elise ( for essentially the same thing), and the budget will be fairly tight on this...            

Strangely tho' and I'm probably wrong, I thought the GTM may be slightly more viable for frequent/daily use as a commuter hack as well.

Other random thoughts were to sell my road car, sell the Westie and buy a Nissan 350Z as an everyday car with opportunity to use it for an occasional hoon. Once again,. I need to watch the pennies tho'

[RichP]

Main benefit with the Libra is diy maintenance with no impact to value, whereas with the Nissan or VX220 you'll need to maintain a good service record to keep it's value.

I'd advocate having a second car as a "toy" rather than your daily drive - that way you can fiddle with the toy (read upgrade.....), and still get to wirk the next day!

[Mark Williamson]

Worth reading?

http://www.evo.co.uk/carrevi....v6.html

Mark

PS Honda powered Elise for me

[Cleggy the Spyder Man]

only thing I would add is that the GTM looks world class compared to the elise or the vauxhall - maybe not so good close up though but it's a kit  

[peterg]

QUOTE

the GTM looks world class compared to the elise or the vauxhall

 sorry but while it looks OKish I don't think 'world class' compared to a Lotus (with either badge on it) is something most people would agree with  

>lippydave, I have to say, in only a slightly biased way   that when I first read your initial post my immedita ethought was that the VX220 or even an Elise    might be a better alternative  

Lots of tinkering potential (have a look at VX220.org for ideas) and forget the idea of having to have a full dealer service history as the specialists like Back on Track, PSR, Sinclaires, Courtenays etc etc offer much better value for servicing and are the real experts on these cars.

Many VXs and to a lesser extent Elises are 'owner maintained' and as long as you keep the receipts for parts etc then any buyer should be reassured.

The main concern for these cars is that they are really easy to write off since the clams form the main crash protection and are £2k upwards plus fitting and paint and VAT meaning a 6 year old car can become a Cat D just for a minor prang if the clam needs replacing so make sure you check them out thoroughly.

However, there are great cars out there, the VX220 is especially good value as I found out, I got an HPI clear full service history 32k miles 2003 NA car for just over £9k last November...    

[peterg]

where's that vomit emoticon    

[Cleggy the Spyder Man]

ok world class might be a slight exageration   a personal opinion I would say - but your wrong    

oh and that is a crap picture you chose  

I suppose you have to ask yourself which is the least embarresing to be seen in - a hairdressers car or a kit car  

[peterg]

QUOTE

oh and that is a crap picture you chose  

sorry, but it was the BEST one I could find of a GTM    

[Cleggy the Spyder Man]

 I am only joking  - I like both and can see merrits for each

intersting point about the available room within the GTM for bigger drivers though

for me they are a little like chalk and cheese - for me ones a great looking kit car and the other is a great handling car that does not float my boat in the looks department

[peterg]

QUOTE

intersting point about the available room within the GTM for bigger drivers though

SteveD drives an Elise, he is 19.5stone      and looks like the Honey Monster from the Sugar Puffs advert    if he can get in one......