[ILLCOMM]

I can do a straight up trade - my '09 e92 M with 5k miles (in 20 months) for an untitled Exige S 240. I only have a car to autocross and track which is why I went and test drove the Lotus. The test drive was fun, but not mind blowing. Then I did some research and found that it's actually slower around most tracks than an M (http://www.fastestlaps.com/compariso...d2539158b.html). Count me as conflicted. Although I'm doing it for fun on the track I am concerned that it will also increase my douche factor by 6,000. Thoughts?

[Sidh135i]

JMHO keep the M.

[scollins]

Is your M a daily driver too? If so, then there is no way I'd consider an Exige, especially on Seattle's super-craptastic roads. The Exige is a great track toy, but from what I've read, a pretty miserable DD. Sure, a lot of the guys on the Lotus forums will spew forth all kinds of machismo about "the Exige is a great DD, unless you are a pussy/wimp/girlyman/whiner/douchebag." Oh please. The only reason these guys claim that is because they can't afford the Exige as a weekend warrior track toy plus some other more comfortable DD.

Also, consider where you drive every day, even if you are willing to put up with the harsh ride and cramped quarters, difficult entry/exit. Most of the driveways I see around here (commercial/retail properties) are a concern for even a mildly low car like my E90 335i. I can't imagine taking an Exige in some of the driveways. If you park downtown, some of those parking garages are just retarded!

So, if a weekend warrior/track toy that isn't a DD, go for it! But if it is your only car, I'm guessing you'll be pretty unhappy in six months. Besides, around here, how many track days can you realistically get? How many did you do last year?

[tuco44]

I would not do that. The Exige is no where near as versatile as an M3.

[JayKay335i]

Track car only = Lotus

DD + Track = M

[Kiemyster]

The M just wins.

(assuming its your DD)

[Red Bread]

Are you over 5'8"? I'm 6'1" and getting in and out of my buddy's Exige was a beating, especially with a helmet on. They're just not that fast on most tracks either and the power band is very narrow. Your M3, while a very different car, is certainly going to be more comfortable and practical, and most likely faster on most tracks, especially if you did similar performance changes that are standard on the Exige, like coilovers, R compound tires and super light wheels.

Maybe save your pennies for the Evora, it seems to be the closer competitor to the M3. Of course I haven't seen any track testing on it yet to know what sort of potential it will have.

Of course if you want a car with massively more direct responses, more penalty for stupid errors and nearly double your current fuel efficiency, the Exige might be your car, especially if you're short.

[Vintage]

please keep the M - a much better car IMHO

[Scorpion]

Originally Posted by VintageBMW

please keep the M - a much better car IMHO

I agree.

[KingOfJericho]

I had an Exige and would not recommend it over an M. It's flashy looking and quick in the twisties but it's fragile as holy hell and is a complete rattlebox. I rubbed a guardrail with mine and it cost $23,000 and nearly 10 weeks to fix. Track times vary because on a track with long straights the Exige hits an aerodynamic wall that an M can push right through but the Exige will make up for it in the turns. Small, twisty tracks like Lime Rock can go the other way. I don't think there is a better handling car out there than the Exige. I don't miss mine very much...

[ZJP]

Originally Posted by VintageBMW

please keep the M - a much better car IMHO

This.

[Bobby_Light]

Keep the M without a doubt.

[MakoBimmer1]

Yes, Keep the M...

[DBFIU]

Keep the M please, the stupidest thing one can do is trade it in for an exige. Trust me, the exige is a rattlecan and is not fun to drive unless its for 2 minutes at a time around a track.