Remember the very first car Tesla made, the Roadster? Well, Monterey Touring Vehicles tossed us the keys to a red 2008 model from its rental fleet of classic cars.
[Lotus Elise vs. Tesla Roadster | Similar looks, different DNA]
Since this isn’t a car that you see very often–let alone get to drive–we’re opening the floor to you, our readers.
What …
Top speed on 95?
How's the HVAC?
Does it make you want to purchase doge coin to take it to the moon? (Or at least into orbit)
Is driving it an out-of-this-world experience?
I'll see myself out.
I am idly curious how the steering and brake feel compare to an Elise. (I have not driven an Elise either).
Less serious than that, is there an option to play Jetsons flying-car noises?
When was the last upgrade to it? I heard their last round of software updates was 2017-2018 and they now accept level 2 charging.
How does it compare to the standard Lotus Elise?
How does it feel compared to a current Model 3?
How long will it roast the tires? Mph? Gears(lol)?
Do cage kits intended for the Elise fit? What does it do if you start disconnecting airbags and stuff they way one might whilst building a racecar?
Does the stereo play Bowie non-stop?
I can appreciate the attempt at trying to keep a shift lever of sorts, instead of a push-button selector.
Stampie said:Top speed on 95?
Actually, it's only 125 mph. There are some drawbacks to only having one gear.
Woody (Forum Supportum) said:How's the HVAC?
Sadly, I didn't test this out. Driving around 65 degree Monterey with the top off meant there was no point.
What's its orbital escape velocity?
Pete. (l33t FS) said:I am idly curious how the steering and brake feel compare to an Elise. (I have not driven an Elise either).
Less serious than that, is there an option to play Jetsons flying-car noises?
It's been a few years since I drove an Elise, but the Tesla certainly wasn't as light on its feet. Definitely still has that go-kart feel, but you can tell the difference between it and the Lotus.
There were a few indicators this was very much a first shot an electric car, but none was more striking to me than the lack of any noise maker. Any modern electric plays some noise to keep pedestrians from walking in front of it. This one? Completely silent.
Cool!
A Model 3 comparison (or the latest S) would be really interesting to see the evolution over 13 years. The Roadster is a very different beast than the current offerings. Just swing by a Tesla showroom, you should be able to get some seat time. Or ask any Model 3 owner you see, if you have the Roadster with you there's a good chance of geekery.
And Pete, I believe the current cars can play Jetsons noises :)
Boring questions, but how's the range holding up, and what kinda mileage did they rack up in the last 13 years?
show me the frunk!
In reply to WonkoTheSane :
The battery lifespan question may not be answerable as there's been at least one battery upgrade made available.
Keith Tanner said:In reply to WonkoTheSane :
The battery lifespan question may not be answerable as there's been at least one battery upgrade made available.
Fair enough.
Does it feel like cheap consumer electronics? Thats what the console and seats remind me of, like the old steering wheel and pedals for the ps2.
How are the seats? Are the backs as hard as the Lotus ones, or softer?
Does driving it make you feel smug and superior?
Didn't 1 or 2 of these catch fire and burn to the ground when Top Gear tested it?
kevlarcorolla said:Didn't 1 or 2 of these catch fire and burn to the ground when Top Gear tested it?
Shhhh! We're not supposed to talk about that! 
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