Discussion
If you are comfortable in both then it may come down to how you want to use it? Weekend drives, track days or European tours etc?
SV's are usually more associated with touring than track as along with the larger cockpit and boot-space the wider wheelbase make for a more comfortable ride.
SV's are usually more associated with touring than track as along with the larger cockpit and boot-space the wider wheelbase make for a more comfortable ride.
Try both back to back and it should be clear which you want.
S3 was too narrow in the shoulders for me (6 foot and 12 stone). The extra space is handy for touring, having a passenger, or getting in with a hood fitted.
Beware the snobs though - some S3 owners will turn their nose up at an SV.
S3 was too narrow in the shoulders for me (6 foot and 12 stone). The extra space is handy for touring, having a passenger, or getting in with a hood fitted.
Beware the snobs though - some S3 owners will turn their nose up at an SV.
As with all things Caterham, its probably a case of try both and see what you prefer.
Personally I dont see the distinction as being between road/touring and track use. I see it more as a fit issue, just like you pick the correct size shoes to wear.
Having said that, a lot of people who fit in an S3 prefer the extra elbow room of the SV.
Personally I dont see the distinction as being between road/touring and track use. I see it more as a fit issue, just like you pick the correct size shoes to wear.
Having said that, a lot of people who fit in an S3 prefer the extra elbow room of the SV.
Get whichever you feel most comfortable in.
I have an S3 but drove an SV too and couldn't get comfortable with the pedals and the gearstick was too far back.
I wouldn't worry about space in an S3. The other half and I did a 10 day tour of Scotland in our S3 with a Thundersport boot bag and half hood. The only time I notice the lack of space is if I'm giving a passenger ride to someone with very wide shoulders! If I was build similarly I probably would have looked at an SV.
Bottom line, try both, get whichever fits.
I have an S3 but drove an SV too and couldn't get comfortable with the pedals and the gearstick was too far back.
I wouldn't worry about space in an S3. The other half and I did a 10 day tour of Scotland in our S3 with a Thundersport boot bag and half hood. The only time I notice the lack of space is if I'm giving a passenger ride to someone with very wide shoulders! If I was build similarly I probably would have looked at an SV.
Bottom line, try both, get whichever fits.
an S3 with a lowered floor will fit a 6ft4 person of reasonably slim frame without any issue.
I'm a short arse at 5'9" and my S3 has a lowered drivers floor, and I fit like an absolute glove, I love it. I find in the SV my legs and arms move around too much, far prefer the tighter fit and cheeky proportions of the S3. It's also lighter
I'm a short arse at 5'9" and my S3 has a lowered drivers floor, and I fit like an absolute glove, I love it. I find in the SV my legs and arms move around too much, far prefer the tighter fit and cheeky proportions of the S3. It's also lighter
fergus - that must be snug - where does your eyeline look through the screen? I am 6'5", was 115kg (now heading below 100) and there was no way I fitted in an S3 (there was an ominous cracking noise when I tried one at CC...). I was looking over the screen when I was in the car.
My height is mainly in my back, so that may make a difference,
My height is mainly in my back, so that may make a difference,
Clearly depends on your girth - and the size of your feet. It's important to note that unless you go for race seats, the seats themselves don't provide much lateral support, so the cockpit sides and transmission tunnel perform that function, so the S3, SV choice is important. For me the diminutive dimensions of the 7 are a major attraction, so if you can fit, it would be an easy choice.
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