Caterham S3, SV, CSR size comparison

[benhughlett]

Hey everyone. Have just started looking seriously at finding a Caterham, and I was wondering if anyone had a good representative picture of the size difference between the Caterham models out there in the wild. A bit overwhelmed with all the different makes of seven based cars and there seems to be some pretty substantial differences in wheelbase/interior room etc...

 

length, width... Or better yet just your experience from a comfort and roadgoing standpoint. Which one do you guys like the most?

 

thanks,

Ben

[JohnCh]

Here is an overhead shot that compares the S3 to SV.

 

http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=12754&stc=1

 

-John

[Croc]

And a CSR is the same size as an SV (or S5 as sometimes they have been called)

 

In practical terms the SV/CSR is 4 inches wider than the S3 - 2 inches in each seat well. And 4 inches longer in the cockpit.

[Taber10]

Ben,

 

I have an SV--or "Sumo Version" as they are sometimes called, and I can say that for my navigator and myself, we really enjoy the extra room over what the S3 or "classic" Caterham offers. In my case--slightly over 200 lbs, 6ft 3in and of specific importance to this discussion--a size 12 shoe, which practically demands the SV size cockpit, esp. in the footwell. In the late '70s I drove down to Caterham--the town--to check out the Caterham--the car--and squeezed into a "classic" chassis while wearing a pair of boots--big mistake!

 

If you get to NorthWEST Florida, you are welcome to "test fit" my SV.

[scannon]

S3 & SV side by side. Likely the same picture as John intended but it didn't show up for me.

[James A]

I really need SV for length and toe box height, I race a standard size car and it is uncomfortably 'snug" not the width but length and toe box. Here are a couple of picture of the two cars side by side:

[JohnCh]

Yep, same picture Skip. Picture was there for me earlier, but I don't see it now either. I should point this out to an admin...

 

-John

[benhughlett]

Appreciate the info and you all sharing your experiences. Is the CSR the same dimensions as the SV give or take?

Cheers

Ben

[Nick OTeen]

The CSR is built using the SV frame.

[TurboWood]

The CSR is built using the SV frame.

 

Is that true? I agree the external dimensions are the same (or similar), but I thought the chassis was much different to support the different suspension. Or by frame did you mean the body?

 

Daniel

[wemtd]

Ben

Where are you located? There is a good chance someone in your area may be able to help.

In years past folks have come to the july 4th event as a good opportunity to see all manner of 7's up close and personal. (Croc wrote a nice side by side car comparison two years ago)

 

Be careful, sitting behind the wheel of a Caterham is highly addictive.

 

cheers.

[Croc]

Is that true? I agree the external dimensions are the same (or similar), but I thought the chassis was much different to support the different suspension. Or by frame did you mean the body?

 

Daniel

 

 

Mostly. The CSR chassis is dimensionally identical to the SV chassis and the chassis "box" outline is very much the same. However, when I put my CSR and SV cars side by side you can see that they are very different designs in how they achieve the same chassis dimensions. There are critical design differences around how the front and rear suspension mounts. Lots more triangulation. But when you cover it with ali body panels all of this is hidden and it can pass as an SV without anyone noticing.

[Croc]

There is a good chance someone in your area may be able to help.

 

Ben - Do a keyword search on this forum by state/city/town and see what forum member hits come up. You can then PM them and ask if you can see their cars and trial fit them. Most owners on here jump at a chance to show off their cars and take them out for a cruise. So far Taber is probably the closest to you with an SV chassis that I know of. There are a couple of Caterham S3 chassis in Georgia around Atlanta from memory but I would only find them by doing the same site search. There was a Caterham dealer in FL but southern end from memory. Tom (Tbox56) as Mr Birkin USA may know of a Birkin owner near you to check out a car.

Edited June 7, 2017 by Croc

[Joe Petty]

Also - Several of us Lotus folk go to the Jacksonville Cars and Coffee at the Avenues Mall second Saturday of the month (couple days from now). I am not aware of any regular 7-ish attendees, but always good for a morning of looking and you never know who might show up.

Several of us went over to LOG in Birmingham last month, so should be some new stories!

 

Joe

67 Elan

62 Super 7 (in rebuild)

[coffee break]

There are a few S3's in the 6th District of GA. I have on of the original size examples. Let me know if would to try it on.

[Nick OTeen]

Is that true? I agree the external dimensions are the same (or similar), but I thought the chassis was much different to support the different suspension.

You are, of course, correct. I didn't word my post very well. I should have said the CSR frame was based on the SV. As you correctly pointed out there are differences due to the needs of the suspension (among other things) but ultimately, as you say, the dimensions are the same.

[frizille]

I've got a 2014 Caterham S3 chassis in Atlanta. Happy to let you come try the fitment. In my experience, the S3 is like a pair of skinny jeans and the SV is like a pair of baggy jeans. Both fit, but fit differently. IMO the SV is more livable because the toe box is a bit bigger and you get a few more inches of leg room. The most pronounced difference is I can drive the SV with normal tennis shoes on. In the S3 I had to find a pair of indoor wrestling shoes to get my feet on the pedals without mashing more than one pedal at a time. I'm 5' 10" ~175 lbs and the S3 fits like a glove.

[benhughlett]

I've got a 2014 Caterham S3 chassis in Atlanta. Happy to let you come try the fitment. In my experience, the S3 is like a pair of skinny jeans and the SV is like a pair of baggy jeans. Both fit, but fit differently. IMO the SV is more livable because the toe box is a bit bigger and you get a few more inches of leg room. The most pronounced difference is I can drive the SV with normal tennis shoes on. In the S3 I had to find a pair of indoor wrestling shoes to get my feet on the pedals without mashing more than one pedal at a time. I'm 5' 10" ~175 lbs and the S3 fits like a glove.

 

We're about the same dimensions then. Leaning towards an SV with all the great feedback. Thank you everyone, hope to be finding one soon. If only Jacksonville, FL had some more twisty roads but always a good excuse for a road trip

[benhughlett]

Joe-in Jax as well! Hopefully cross paths soon. PM me if you're heading to any meets or otherwise want to meet up!

[benhughlett]

I really need SV for length and toe box height, I race a standard size car and it is uncomfortably 'snug" not the width but length and toe box. Here are a couple of picture of the two cars side by side:

 

Great picture, very helpful. Apparently we both share a weakness for 7s and m3s..