I've owned both an elise and an exige. I don't really agree that they are the best drivers cars on the planet. They are really good at what they are (lightweight, basic sports cars) and probably the best possible bang for buck for a road legal track toy, but if money is no object, there are definitely other cars that challenge it for "best drivers car".

Drive a modern 911 GT3, there is just something about how they are setup & unlike the lotuses, I've never found myself wanting more power (even the exige doesn't quite have it for bigger tracks, not stock anyway). There is a reason for their reputation.

For older model cars, for me it would have to be a classic turbo 911, I suspect a singer 911 would be mind blowing but I don't know anyone with one who I could convince to let me flick around a track... Or as an alternate, a challenge spec F355. Slower than modern ferrari's, but less electronics. More daily driveable than any of its non-grand tourer predecessors (and more reliable)... A bored Ferrari v8 with 90's Pininfarina design... Yes please.