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Lotus - Elise S1 (1998)
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a lightweight, agile sports car that feels like it’s glued to the road, the Lotus Elise S1 is the quintessential choice. First unveiled in the mid‑1990s, this iconic model captured the imagination of enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you’re looking at the original 1994 launch or the 1998 refinement, the Lotus Elise S1 price varies widely depending on condition, mileage, and region. In this guide, we’ll explore crucial specifications, depreciation trends, market positioning, and how to compare it with its peers—all to help you gauge what a 1998 Lotus Elise S1 is worth today.
- Engine: 1.8‑liter, 4‑cylinder, DOHC, 160 hp (90 kW) – a balance of lightness and punch
- Transmission: 5‑speed manual (optional 5‑speed automatic in later models)
- Fuel Type: Petrol (premium recommended)
- Power-to-Weight Ratio: Approximately 0.15 kW/kg – a key factor in its nimble handling
- Dimensions: Length 3,785 mm (149 in), Width 1,725 mm (68 in), Height 1,125 mm (44 in)
- Wheelbase: 2,120 mm (83.5 in)
- Weight: Starting from 666 kg (1,468 lb) – a baby on a track
- Brakes: Ventilated disc brakes front & rear, reinforced for track use
- Suspension: Independent double wishbone with adjustable dampers
- Fuel Capacity: 48 L (12.5 gal) – great for spirited driving but consider frequent refuelling
- Top Speed: 207 km/h (129 mph) – optimized for acceleration and cornering
- 0‑60 mph: 4.5 seconds (approximated for low‑grip tuning)
Depreciation Insight
The Lotus Elise S1 depreciation curves follow a pattern common to high‑performance sports models: steep early loss, followed by a stabilizing plateau. Here’s a realistic snapshot:
- First year: typically loses 15–20% of its value. For a brand‑new 1998 Lotus Elise S1, the initial de‑valuation would be around £5,000‑£6,500 in the UK market.
- Year 2–3: depreciation slows to roughly 10% per year as the car moves into the “certified used” segment.
- Year 4–10: combined loss generally totals around 30–35% from the original purchase price, assuming average mileage and conservative maintenance.
In practice, the “what is a 1998 Lotus Elise S1 worth” question is answered best by looking at contemporaneous sales, auction results, and certified pre‑owned programs. If you’re evaluating a used model, the “used Lotus Elise S1 price” will reflect mileage, service history, and any aftermarket upgrades such as lightweight brakes or aerodynamic kits.
Comparative Context
When you compare the Lotus Elise S1 to its contemporaries—such as the Mazda MX‑5 NB, the Fiat 124 F1, or the Subaru Impreza WRX S4—you’ll notice several competitive edges:
- Weight advantage: At 666 kg it out‑lightens its rivals, offering superior agility.
- Engine character: The 1.8‑liter Lotus engine produces a high-revving, linear power curve, unlike the turbocharged, torque‑heavy MX‑5.
- Handling: The double‑wishbone setup and low center of gravity give it track‑ready balance, a feature that sets it apart from the heavier road‑oriented counterparts.
- Visual appeal: The sleek, braced front fascia and integrated rear spoiler give the Elise a distinctive stance not found on many competitors.
These factors influence the Lotus Elise S1 price on the secondary market. While the MX‑5 typically sells for a lower price point on a used basis, the Elise’s chassis integrity and engineered performance keep many buyers willing to pay a premium.
Market Position Statement
The Lotus Elise S1 has
Last 20 car trackeds
| Last tracked date | Status | Price | Price rank | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 years ago | used | £18,500.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 2 years ago | used | £29,000.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 3 years ago | used | £21,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 3 years ago | used | £28,500.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 3 years ago | used | £21,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £28,500.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £0.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £20,000.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £28,500.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £23,450.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £20,000.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £23,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £24,500.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £23,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £12,900.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £21,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £15,000.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £12,900.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £12,900.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £21,950.00 | Unlock all links |