Re: alfa-digest V8 #1218

[George Graves <gmgraves@domain.elided>]

Don't forget that the Elan had that super-stiff "double Y" member 
backbone chassis. The Engine nestled in the front between the 'Y' arms 
and the differential/rear suspension nestled between the rear 'Y' arms. 
The fiberglass body just hung off the chassis and carried no stress or 
weight, save it's own. I saw an Elan S2 on the Freeway recently, and 
its the first one I have seen in years. I was actually taken aback by 
the fact that I'd forgotten how tiny it was - about the size of an old 
BMC "Spri-dget"  with little-bitty 12" or 13" wheels and narrow tires! 
No wonder they were so tossable and handled so well, they must've 
weighed close to nothing! I also remember that they were almost totally 
unreliable both mechanically and electrically (the latter going without 
saying). A Miata, as small as it is, is a giant compared to the little 
Elan; about the same size as an MGB. So while the Miata might be a 
similar design to the Elan, its much bigger and heavier and probably, 
ultimately, doesn't handle as well, but also, just as probably, has 
superior roadholding.

George Graves
'86 GTV-6


On Sunday, October 13, 2002, at 12:20  PM, alfa-digest wrote:


> Date: Sun, 13 Oct 2002 11:48:54 -0400
> From: "Ron Ewing" <ronewing@domain.elided>
> Subject: Re: Miata vs Spider vs Elan
>
>     Actually, the original were pretty light - about 2300# IIRC - but 
> much
> stiffer than the Spider.  The original Elans had fiberglass bodies - 
> hardly
> a fair comparison - and were rather fragile little beasts, aside from 
> the
> body.  Lot's of fun tho!  Like lots of cars, the the Miata grew 
> heavier with
> mandated safety improvements, but gained a much peppier 1.8L engine 
> also.  I
> think the original ones are quite pretty, and did Colin Chapman proud.
> Certainly helped turn around a flagging sports car market at the time, 
> and
> now look at all the interesting choices out there.  Now if we could 
> only get
> Alfa back over here.....  Cheers, Ron.
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