A nice choice to have to make. You will be pleased whichever car you buy, but I wouldn't be comparing these cars as they are so different. Select the car on the type of driving you will be doing, and whether or not this will be your only car.

Lotus is faster and I would say more fun, but the XF has the best looks, is better for rapid cruising, and is more practical day to day, and I would expect it is less tiring on long journeys. [Make sure you get a long test drive in the Lotus to check if it is comfortable.]

If you want a loud, unrefined and fast car with no practical load carrying ability, buy the Lotus (do you get the Exige over there, as I think that would be a better model?). If you want the perfect cruising machine with looks to die for, get the XF.

Over here the VX220 turbo is giving the Lotus a run for the money, as its better value. Other trendy fast cars are the Noble M12, the TVR range and the Caterham (great if you don't get much rain).

I considered the Z4, Boxster, and M3 along with the XF. I seem to be alone in not liking the styling of the TT.

I would definitely buy the XF again. Interestingly enough, I bought the XF without a test drive, which is unusual for me - just had to have one.

At the end of the day, you will live with your decision every day.....

We have a saying over in England regarding Lotus - Lots Of Trouble, Usually Serious.