par Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 Is there really a difference from the roadsport - have searched the Caterham website but can't find dimensions. If it is significant I might have to trade.......know any SVs for sale Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scannon Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 The SV is four inches wider and three inches longer in the cockpit. This makes for a slightly larger foot box making it possible for those of us with big feet to engage one pedal at a time per foot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thegoat Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 That four inches makes a big difference in a seven. It feels a bit like a Cadillac when you sit in an SV - luxury seven. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 (edited) I think it's about 4 inches wider. I can't remember how much longer. It does give significant extra room in the Pedalbox/footwell. Also give more leg room for those who are over 6'2". Croc has a nice yellow one for sale too. Tom Edited March 28, 2011 by yellowss7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supersportsp Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 I test drove an SV before I got my S3. By far the biggest difference is in the pedal box area. Much easier to move my size 12's around and manipulate the pedals. The extra width is nice, but it isn't like going from a go kart to a SUV or anything. It is still relatively snug. The extra length was nice, even though I was still all the way back against the rear bulkhead. For fast track work I would probably be more effective in an SV because of the ease of use aspect with the pedals. What wasn't any better for me was the distance between thigh and the bottom of the steering wheel. Just as tight as an S3. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blubarisax Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 I can recommend Mike's SV. Even a guy 6'6" can fit in an SV, although people tend to applaud when I extract myself. Karl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drew... Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 What wasn't any better for me was the distance between thigh and the bottom of the steering wheel. Just as tight as an S3. If legroom between the seat and steering wheel is an issue or the length of the upper torso leaves you looking at the top of the windsheild - consider going with the lowered floor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 I like to think of the S3 vs SV difference in terms of jean size - muffin top or no muffin top! Seriously, I like having the extra pedal box room plus the extra elbow room is nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
par Posted March 29, 2011 Author Share Posted March 29, 2011 I think it's about 4 inches wider. I can't remember how much longer. It does give significant extra room in the Pedalbox/footwell. Also give more leg room for those who are over 6'2". Croc has a nice yellow one for sale too. Tom Tom - thanks - the photo really helps, the issue if I am honest is width - not getting any thinner! Added to which when bundled up for winter it can be a bit of a challenge. Will contact Croc. paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 In my S3 Cat, I find fitting my left shoulder/upper body in is very tight. And I am all of 5'9" and 160 lbs. As others have noted, the foot well is small so I have to wear narrow shoes (size 9), when driving. I have lots of leg room and do not have the seat all of the way back. I can vouch for Croc's SV having seen it and caravan-ed with it at LOG 30. Mike M. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LongTimeLurker Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 It makes a world of difference. I am 6'1" but with very long legs. I have passed on standard caterhams as I could not even get in. In an SV I had to pull the seat forward a few clicks. It's a real bummer that the SVs command such a premium price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
breezy7 Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 Here is a link to a site that lists all the dimensions for the different Caterham models.http://www.automobile-catalog.com/list-caterham.html I have an S3 chassis and the pedal box is tight for my size 9 shoes, some type of narrow soled or driving shoe is a must. I'm 5' 9" and the only time I feel squeezed into the car is in cool weather, extra clothing makes it a tight fit. If you plan on using the car to travel and someone is going with you the extra cargo space of an SV would be a plus. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoPho Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 I'm 5'9" 180lbs, size 9 shoe and have no issues fitting into my S3 and my car has the tight composite race shell seats, nor do I have a problem with the pedal box being too tight http://www.websmileys.com/sm/sad/533.gif It is tight around the shoulders and for shifting when I have a passenger in the car, but it's not very often I have passengers in the car. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slomove Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 S3 size (in a Birkin though) is obviously a glove fit for me but that is the way I like it. Prevents me from putting on more weight anyway (190 pounds and 5'10" right now). I use the Cobra Roadster7 seats which are even tighter than some racing seats. My shoes are 10 1/2 and normally I drive with Puma Speedcats but occasionally I just use sneakers or normal office shoes for short drives. It requires some practice for the timing of clutch and brake but no big deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbanker Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 The Caterham S3 and Birkin S3 are the same dimensions. The SV and Stalker & SuperStalker are virtually the same size; +4" in width and +7" in length. Jack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scannon Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 Using the specs in the link in post #12 I get a difference in length of 4.3" and width of 3.1. I compared a 2004 7 Classic and a 2004 Roadsport SV. The specs show an estimated coefficient of drag of .65! Good thing these cars have a relatively small frontal area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 I am a "Chapman-esque" 5'7", 155 lbs, and size 7-½ shoe. This has put me at a disadvantage in most aspects of my life growing up in the USA, but serves me well in a Seven. So I am going to seize this rare opportunity to say, respectfully, "Screw all you tall, fat B******s!" :seeya: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scannon Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 I am a "Chapman-esque" 5'7", 155 lbs, and size 7-½ shoe. This has put me at a disadvantage in most aspects of my life growing up in the USA, but serves me well in a Seven. So I am going to seize this rare opportunity to say, respectfully, "Screw all you tall, fat B******s!" :seeya: Coincidentally, Nathan Down, the person responsible for the SV nicknamed it "Fat Bastard". A big Thank You to Nathan because without the SV I wouldn't be able to own a Seven. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest speedcraft Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 has anyone taken a measuring tape to the interior dimensions of say the S3/R500 tillet carbon/kevlar seat, the SV/CSR carbon seat, and the comparable leather ones? the only one that seems atleast wider is the SV leather seat because it uses the full width between side panel to tranny tunnel. the others are virtually the same....atleast for width. agree with the rest that there's more room length wise and depending on spec, the windshield is taller on the SV. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 has anyone taken a measuring tape to the interior dimensions of say the S3/R500 tillet carbon/kevlar seat, the SV/CSR carbon seat, and the comparable leather ones? the only one that seems atleast wider is the SV leather seat because it uses the full width between side panel to tranny tunnel. the others are virtually the same....atleast for width. agree with the rest that there's more room length wise and depending on spec, the windshield is taller on the SV. Yes, I experimented with this. For each S3 Tillet - up to a size 34-35 inch waist is comfortable max. CSR Carbon Tillet - up to a size 38 inch waist is comfortable max although you could argue a 40 could squeeze in depending on body shape. SV regular road seat - No idea but it takes big guys like Blubarisax and myself comfortably! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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