Cyberbug Posted March 28, 2012 Share Posted March 28, 2012 Use is mixed, AutoX, Track and some weekend drives. Don't mind stiff race car like ride for weekend drive actually enjoy it. the traditional narrow-bodied 'Series 3' chassis, the wider SV chassis and the CSR chassis I am trying to learn as much as possible as quickly as possible. Also the R400/R500 are they consider wide track? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MHKflyer52 Posted March 28, 2012 Share Posted March 28, 2012 (edited) You have posed a good question that is rather difficult to answer due to the number of different things that can effect ride such as spring rates, dampener rates, seat contusion design, tire design and air pressures, road surface and design, weight, HP and Torque, structural design just to name a couple. I would have to say a basic Caterham or Westfield or Birkin or Locost is going to ride different that any factory produced mass production auto you have ever driven just due to the fact that they all are based off of the original design of the Lotus 7 Race Car which was as basic a car could be and still work well and even then the original 7's were known to break the frames and needed to be worked on all the time but that is just my belief and I even carry a small tool box with me when ever I go out in my seven just for a drive and have used in more than once to fix something or tighten something either during the drive or after it just due to the way the road surface affects the car and how it drives. Edited March 29, 2012 by MHKflyer52 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rnr Posted March 28, 2012 Share Posted March 28, 2012 Do you fit in an S3? For many people the difficulty in fitting into the car reduces the number of available options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ayseven Posted March 28, 2012 Share Posted March 28, 2012 I can only speak for myself, and although I've sat in an S3, I've only driven in my Deman (basically S3 dimensions, but NOT remotely the same league as those mentioned, when you get into the details) but I would go with whatever you get the best deal on, and looks the best to you. They are all pretty small, and as said, will probably handle like nothing you've ever driven on the road. That said, I would be careful what I wished for regarding a stiff ride. Just take my word for it on that one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyberbug Posted March 29, 2012 Author Share Posted March 29, 2012 For fit, I am 155lbs 5'9". My current toy has fixed Racetech Carbon/Kevler bucket seats with the custom rollbars (half cage) I have to remove the steering wheel to get in and out so fit wont be an issue for me I am also looking at the CSR. I also ordered couple of books from Amazon today to learn about the heritage of this car. CSR seems to be more to my needs but lets see. I love absorbing information so please keep guiding me and I will learn quickly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted March 29, 2012 Share Posted March 29, 2012 You should definately sit in both the S3 and the SV/CSR. The extra couple of inches make a huge difference in both fit and room in the footwell. I like the snugness of my S3, and while I feel like I am swimming in the looseness of the SV/CSR, I do like the extra room in the footwell. If you are going to be throwing the car around an autox or racetrack, you definately should see which one you feel most comfortable in. IMO Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blubarisax Posted March 29, 2012 Share Posted March 29, 2012 Don't worry too much, they are all a blast! It all depends on what you are after. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaskossie Posted March 29, 2012 Share Posted March 29, 2012 I have the S3 Caterham with the traditional (earlier) Arch chassis, before the metric chassis came in. But I think the interior dimensions of all newer S3's are the same, whether Arch or metric. One consideration, as far as fit goes, is whether you got an S3 with the traditional standard buckets, or with the carbon-kevlar Tilletts. The Tilletts are pretty snug, with full sides, meaning that the seating area is narrower than with the ordinary buckets. My Tilletts keep me on a permanent weight-loss program. But your listed weight and height mean that you should have no problem fitting into Tilletts -- and getting out again. Your passengers? Well, the Tilletts are an automatic passenger-selection filter. By all means, if you are set on a Caterham, try to locate a Caterham owner in your area and try a test-fit, and a demonstration drive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaskossie Posted March 29, 2012 Share Posted March 29, 2012 Cyberbug, I meant to mention, if you plan to use your Seven for "some weekend drives," don't rule the Caterham Series 3 out, even with Tillett seats. In August of '10, I drove my S3 with Tilletts from Colorado to Alaska via California (6150 miles), and was comfortable in the car the entire way. It fit like a glove, and I felt completely integrated with the machine itself -- a great feeling! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoPho Posted March 29, 2012 Share Posted March 29, 2012 Use is mixed, AutoX, Track and some weekend drives. Don't mind stiff race car like ride for weekend drive actually enjoy it. the traditional narrow-bodied 'Series 3' chassis, the wider SV chassis and the CSR chassis I am trying to learn as much as possible as quickly as possible. Also the R400/R500 are they consider wide track? None are more desirable than the other, just different options that come down to personal choice The R400/500 have the wide track front suspension Other than dimension and a few pounds the S3 and SV are going to provide similar experiences, though the smaller S3 may give the impression of being more nimble because it is more compact and as Tom mentions it fits like a glove so you become a part of it The CSR has the independent rear suspension and is built upon the bigger SV chassis. The IRS will help the car over bumpy surfaces and keep it more planted, but some say it drives more like a regular car and the 7 experience is dulled, others say it is better and faster. I kind of feel that the "liveliness" of the DeDion/live axle is part of what makes a Caterham so much fun and challenging to drive. I am 5'9" 170lbs and fit in my S3 with Tillet seats just fine (even when I was 185lbs) so you will have no problem While the ride is firm, it is not back breaking stiff or jarring, that is the beauty of lightweight cars (and Lotus designs), they don't need to be set up super stiff. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffs Posted March 29, 2012 Share Posted March 29, 2012 I just went through the same decision tree that you did (though I don't plan on any auto-x). The only one I would shy away from would be the SV chassis. You will fit well in a series 3 chassis, so getting the larger SV would seem like a waste to me. Why burden yourself with the extra weight if you don't need it? I was lucky enough to spend a bit of time in both the CSR and the series 3, and both are really great cars. I was so prepared for the comfort in the car to be compromised that I was shocked when sitting in a CSR how roomy it was. It actually felt just as comfortable as my Elise. The S3 felt like you were putting on a glove in comparison...well they both fit well, maybe the S3 is like a glove one size smaller. I don't think there is a wrong answer between the two, its just personal preference. The CSR looks to be much more composed than the S3 (again, its personal preference). I waffled back and forth for over a month before I made my decision, and ultimately I went with the S3 because I liked the r500 dash better My recommendation would be to try and sit in both an S3 and a CSR if you can. Post your location... many of the members here are happy to show off their cars and if there is someone local to you I'll bet they will let you try the fit. If you are near Denver, the folks at Caterham USA are really nice and helpful too. When I stopped by last month they had a CSR and a few r500s in build. They weren't at a point where someone could sit it them, but they might be now if they aren't already finished. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S1Steve Posted March 29, 2012 Share Posted March 29, 2012 There is no need to go to Denver , unless you find it's time to write the check and place your order. I think we have the Caterham line up covered here in the Northeast. Drive down to NJMP for the seven track days, and inspect the fleet.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyberbug Posted March 29, 2012 Author Share Posted March 29, 2012 Yeah, I am in touch with Karl and Mike I like both and money wise the are equal But leaning towards the CSR, R500 may be more of beast than I want Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted March 29, 2012 Share Posted March 29, 2012 (edited) Honestly they are all great cars. I am also a fan of the Ultralites and the Birkins and have seen some very nice ones I would be proud to own. All are giant killer cars when dialed in and set up. I think MoPho neatly summed up the differences between S3 and the S5 (SV/CSR) chassis'. It is a very personal thing that you have to decide on based on seeing a lot of cars and exploring the options list really well. Every car turns out as individual as its owner - never seen two alike before. The difficult thing is that there are no demo cars out there so it is not like going to the local dealer to test drive the latest Kia Lunchbox-model. Hope we can sort out a time for you to check out the NJ metro area cars - everyone on the USA7s forum loves helping someone spend their money! :rofl: So when is the next post on helping you decide on engine spec? That is always a fun one! Edited March 29, 2012 by Croc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S1Steve Posted March 29, 2012 Share Posted March 29, 2012 Yeah, I am in touch with Karl and Mike I like both and money wise the are equal But leaning towards the CSR, R500 may be more of beast than I want I can't speak for the R500, as I haven't had a owner turn over the keys. But I have driven a very nice CSR and really like everything about it. Also, Mike is spot on, there are nice sevens out there that are not made by Caterham. Do you have any thoughts on what will power this beast.... Good Luck... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyberbug Posted March 29, 2012 Author Share Posted March 29, 2012 Well if I do the CSR then it would the cosworth 260 or the 280 bhp motor Haven't thought of other options yet I'll look at the ultralights and bikinis as well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted March 29, 2012 Share Posted March 29, 2012 I'll look at the ultralights and bikinis as well What model have you installed the bikini on and can I take it for a test ride? :jester: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyberbug Posted March 29, 2012 Author Share Posted March 29, 2012 I just like looking :smilielol5: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyberbug Posted March 29, 2012 Author Share Posted March 29, 2012 I have to agree the CF dash of a R500 looks much better ... we'll see Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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