Like to know more about caterham
Discussion
Hi,
I'm from Belgium and i drive a honda s2000 as my only car.
I'm planning to sell my s2000 buy a cheap diesel for my daily transportation and buy a 2nd fun car for the road and maybe track use.
The s2000 is known as a dangerous car at the limit and have experieced that in a very bad way.
I drive the 2004 model in wich they destroyed the balance of the car as some say.
I'm looking for something more of a driver's car and more easely controllable in oversteer.
I allready know a lot about a lotus exige and i'm very intrested in that but like to know how an exige compares to a caterham in handling.
Also how good is a weather kit on a caterham?
Does it keep the rain outside?
Thanks
I'm from Belgium and i drive a honda s2000 as my only car.
I'm planning to sell my s2000 buy a cheap diesel for my daily transportation and buy a 2nd fun car for the road and maybe track use.
The s2000 is known as a dangerous car at the limit and have experieced that in a very bad way.
I drive the 2004 model in wich they destroyed the balance of the car as some say.
I'm looking for something more of a driver's car and more easely controllable in oversteer.
I allready know a lot about a lotus exige and i'm very intrested in that but like to know how an exige compares to a caterham in handling.
Also how good is a weather kit on a caterham?
Does it keep the rain outside?
Thanks
Exige will be very snatchy compared to a well set-up Caterham. Mid-engined cars are always edgier on the limit than a front engined rear drive car.
If you are going for a second hand Seven try to get one with adjustable spring platforms and wide track front suspension. The adjustable spring platforms will give you or a specialist the ability to set the car up to your liking. "Flat-Flooring" is a popular tweak for Sevens which involves setting the car up to sit level with your driving weight in the car.
Sevens give you a lot of warning what is happening because of the lack of power assisted bits and your position in the car. You are virtually sat on the back axle so you can feel the instant it starts to step out.
My first oversteer moment in a Seven was purely accidental but I caught it without difficult (or any prior training).
If you are going for a second hand Seven try to get one with adjustable spring platforms and wide track front suspension. The adjustable spring platforms will give you or a specialist the ability to set the car up to your liking. "Flat-Flooring" is a popular tweak for Sevens which involves setting the car up to sit level with your driving weight in the car.
Sevens give you a lot of warning what is happening because of the lack of power assisted bits and your position in the car. You are virtually sat on the back axle so you can feel the instant it starts to step out.
My first oversteer moment in a Seven was purely accidental but I caught it without difficult (or any prior training).
I like what i hear about the handling and adjustable spring platforms.
I'm not kidding myself it is a good thing to leave the car standing in the rain with the weathet kit on but is there a storage space in the car to put the weather kit in?
And how long does it take to put it on when it suddenly begins raining?
Also is there a hardtop available for this car (it doesn't have to be caterham original if there isn't one)?
I'm not kidding myself it is a good thing to leave the car standing in the rain with the weathet kit on but is there a storage space in the car to put the weather kit in?
And how long does it take to put it on when it suddenly begins raining?
Also is there a hardtop available for this car (it doesn't have to be caterham original if there isn't one)?
The main drwback of the Caterham's hood is the length of time needed to put it up. With experience, you might be able to get it up (oooh er missus) in about 2 to 3 minutes.
Usually, the decision to put on the hood is made before the journey starts. Once in motion, many Sevenners elect to keep driving. If you are running a full windscreen. you won't get wet if you can keep the speed over 40 mph anyway.
Usually, the decision to put on the hood is made before the journey starts. Once in motion, many Sevenners elect to keep driving. If you are running a full windscreen. you won't get wet if you can keep the speed over 40 mph anyway.
RCduck7 said:
I'm not kidding myself it is a good thing to leave the car standing in the rain with the weathet kit on but is there a storage space in the car to put the weather kit in?
There is plenty of storage (well sufficient for a roof an a couple of overnight bags
). RCduck7 said:
And how long does it take to put it on when it suddenly begins raining?
As has been said above, I only use it if the weather is torrential or I'm in traffic. I've been alongside a VX220 as he put his roof on and it took roughly the same amount of time (but I might have been trying a bit harder
) RCduck7 said:
Also is there a hardtop available for this car (it doesn't have to be caterham original if there isn't one)?
There is, but it's seriously ugly.
The roof works well enough to keep water out of the cockpit when the car is parked. In fact when I had a car with a roof (currently aeroscreen) it kept the water out better than a colleague's MGF in the staff car park!
When on the move the hood will keep you pretty much dry depending on how well you put it up.
You can get a hood bag from Caterham which allows you to store the roof in a roll on top of the boot cover (attaches to the rollover bar). With the hood in this bag you get a fair bit more space in the boot and it is enough for a couple of weekend bags. If you are going a longer distance you can always replace the spare wheel with a small case or put a luggage rack on the wheel (one is available).
When on the move the hood will keep you pretty much dry depending on how well you put it up.
You can get a hood bag from Caterham which allows you to store the roof in a roll on top of the boot cover (attaches to the rollover bar). With the hood in this bag you get a fair bit more space in the boot and it is enough for a couple of weekend bags. If you are going a longer distance you can always replace the spare wheel with a small case or put a luggage rack on the wheel (one is available).
"I allready know a lot about a lotus exige and i'm very intrested in that but like to know how an exige compares to a caterham in handling. "
chalk and cheese
exige:
precise
snappy
needs to be driven smooth and accurately
less opportunity for creative or hooliganised driving
appeals more to the brain
slower
will ultimately make you into a better-mannered/smoother driver
rewards the commited precise smooth track driver but may bore those who are more emotional based
caterham
more progressive (in part cos you sit over the rear axle and feel any oversteer more readily because of that ... the exige does not lack feel at all)
less "graceful" and more "crude" in general feel
quicker with more grip and much more agile in the slower stuff
be neat and quick or just bung it in whatever takes you fancy, gives you more options than the elise IMO
infinitely setup-able to your liking so good if you want to learn about handling
"Also how good is a weather kit on a caterham? "
never used it
"Does it keep the rain outside? "
i doubt it
chalk and cheese
exige:
precise
snappy
needs to be driven smooth and accurately
less opportunity for creative or hooliganised driving
appeals more to the brain
slower
will ultimately make you into a better-mannered/smoother driver
rewards the commited precise smooth track driver but may bore those who are more emotional based
caterham
more progressive (in part cos you sit over the rear axle and feel any oversteer more readily because of that ... the exige does not lack feel at all)
less "graceful" and more "crude" in general feel
quicker with more grip and much more agile in the slower stuff
be neat and quick or just bung it in whatever takes you fancy, gives you more options than the elise IMO
infinitely setup-able to your liking so good if you want to learn about handling
"Also how good is a weather kit on a caterham? "
never used it
"Does it keep the rain outside? "
i doubt it
Think i will like the caterham more in the handling department.
I guess an exige with an MR engine = surprises in corners on the edge, allthough i really like the look of the car.
I like a bit of room for hooligan style driving.
I guess a caterham is my only option in this price range then?
A pitty they are only available in 1.6 and 1.8L for Belgium and not 2.0L and a Donkervoort is to much money for the car it is... unless i find one 2nd hand cheap wich is unlikely.
I guess an exige with an MR engine = surprises in corners on the edge, allthough i really like the look of the car.
I like a bit of room for hooligan style driving.
I guess a caterham is my only option in this price range then?
A pitty they are only available in 1.6 and 1.8L for Belgium and not 2.0L and a Donkervoort is to much money for the car it is... unless i find one 2nd hand cheap wich is unlikely.
i wouldnt say "surprises" necessarily .. teh exige is predictable with bags of feel but the window is narrower IYSWIM and although i recently followed Mr Kershaw for a lap of cadwell with him sideways in *every* corner in a 240r exige, firstly thats mr kershaw whose circuit droven these things more than anyone in the known universe and secondly id say that the car over the limit doesnt really feel that natural or 'at home'.
Donkey Warts are quite different to a Caterha. Much higher quality immitation than most and the quality exceeds Caterhams in certain respects. However, the Donkey is a lot bigger and heavier and they tend to use turbocharged engines which will sound like a hoover.
The CSR200 will be appearing in EU4 approved format in most of Europe. You will probably get it in Belgium as well.
The CSR200 will be appearing in EU4 approved format in most of Europe. You will probably get it in Belgium as well.
Your posts have been very helpfull but posted this topic on the elise/exige forum out of curiosity.
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=211122&f=15&h=0
>> Edited by RCduck7 on Thursday 29th September 19:22
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=211122&f=15&h=0
>> Edited by RCduck7 on Thursday 29th September 19:22
The weather gear (once erected) is reasonably effective. I have driven the Seven in torrential downpours and not got wet at all. In fact, if water does get in, it tends to come through the bonnet louvres - and even then it's not that much. In fact, I've only really noticed it when wearing shorts.
The handling and price 2nd hand are the biggest factor for my purchase and i think there's were the caterham fits in more then an exige.
Allthough i would like a caterham with the look of an exige, imagine how awesome it could look with the long bonnet.
I dunno how much work it would take to let someone create and fit a shell i have in mind but i bet it would be a fortune.
I cannot stress enough how important it is for me that i got to have a predictable car when driving at the limit.
With my s2000 at the limit i had mild understeer and when i took the same corner at a slightly higher speed or a tyre touched an uneven roadsurface the back went violently.
My mate drives a toyota MR and is scared just like me to drive it fast again.
An exige would be a bit better from what i have read but still... I can't afford making a 6500£ crash again!
Off coursse i wouldn't made that crash if i drove it like a grandma but that's not why i buy these kinds of cars for.
>> Edited by RCduck7 on Sunday 2nd October 20:53
Allthough i would like a caterham with the look of an exige, imagine how awesome it could look with the long bonnet.
I dunno how much work it would take to let someone create and fit a shell i have in mind but i bet it would be a fortune.
I cannot stress enough how important it is for me that i got to have a predictable car when driving at the limit.
With my s2000 at the limit i had mild understeer and when i took the same corner at a slightly higher speed or a tyre touched an uneven roadsurface the back went violently.
My mate drives a toyota MR and is scared just like me to drive it fast again.
An exige would be a bit better from what i have read but still... I can't afford making a 6500£ crash again!
Off coursse i wouldn't made that crash if i drove it like a grandma but that's not why i buy these kinds of cars for.
>> Edited by RCduck7 on Sunday 2nd October 20:53
You might be much better served going for some performance driving lessons and getting a lot more track time first.
Both 7s and Exiges will bite you hard if you're not careful. And experimenting with the limit should not be done on the public road...
You may still be subject to 6.5kGBP repairs even with either of these cars...
Both 7s and Exiges will bite you hard if you're not careful. And experimenting with the limit should not be done on the public road...
You may still be subject to 6.5kGBP repairs even with either of these cars...
This is the hole story from my accident...
Before anyone start thinking i'm a hooligan on the road, i do never drive fast in traffic or when i see a car coming.
bogie said:
RobM77 said:Well said :-)
Lots of people had accidents in the MR2 when they came out... We had two where I work - people just flooring it coming out of T junctions and flying through fences backwards!
Yeah - same with the S2000 too...I had a Honda when they came out, my local dealer had the 1st 3 back written off within 3 months...by (no offence intended here) young guys upgrading from FWD hatches, and a middle aged lady who changed an SLK200 for it.
Just1 - no-ones criticising...everyone is at different stages in life/driving experience etc...but if you are new to the Elise then before winter go for a day with Andy at <a href="www.1stlotus.com">www.1stlotus.com</a> on the airfield - it will be the best £150 you ever spend
cheers
bogie
Read this quote and thought i'll confess what happened to me with my Honda s2000 last sunday...
I'm from Belgium and have this car for over a year now with 16000+ km's.
I have driven it sometimes very hard when it looked save in corners and was amazed how it sticks to the road in ideal conditions and when the backend did go i always managed to get it back even when i was going very sideways... but not last sunday... ;(
I was aproaching a rotunda when the road was going a bit up and then you have to go right to get on the rotunda and then immediatly left while at the same time the innerside of the bend goes a little bit downways.
I didn't oversteer when i was going right but immediatly oversteered very hard when i was going left and countering it had zero effect, it was like my front tyres didn't touch the road.
So i crashed with the front in the innerside wall.
I was going fast but had approached corners before much faster before.
I think it has a lot to do with how the corner was shaped but a lot of different reasons like my downshift that i probably shouldn't have done just before the first righthand corner... but the thing is you have to keep it in V-TEC to not lose power.
I considered myself a good driver, not very good but capable.
I think different reasons were the cause that i messed up but i can tell ya it isn't a good feeling not being in control of the car.
I drive the S2000 model 2004 and have heard and read they destroyed the balance of this car supposed to make it safer with softer shoks at the back.
Still waiting to hear what the price for the damage is.
I'm sure anyone can mess up in a car that's not an s2000 or MR but i'm also sure there others cars out there where you can feel much more what's going on or what's going to happen.
>> Edited by RCduck7 on Tuesday 20th September 17:59
Before anyone start thinking i'm a hooligan on the road, i do never drive fast in traffic or when i see a car coming.
bogie said:
RobM77 said:Well said :-)
Lots of people had accidents in the MR2 when they came out... We had two where I work - people just flooring it coming out of T junctions and flying through fences backwards!
Yeah - same with the S2000 too...I had a Honda when they came out, my local dealer had the 1st 3 back written off within 3 months...by (no offence intended here) young guys upgrading from FWD hatches, and a middle aged lady who changed an SLK200 for it.
Just1 - no-ones criticising...everyone is at different stages in life/driving experience etc...but if you are new to the Elise then before winter go for a day with Andy at <a href="www.1stlotus.com">www.1stlotus.com</a> on the airfield - it will be the best £150 you ever spend
cheers
bogie
Read this quote and thought i'll confess what happened to me with my Honda s2000 last sunday...
I'm from Belgium and have this car for over a year now with 16000+ km's.
I have driven it sometimes very hard when it looked save in corners and was amazed how it sticks to the road in ideal conditions and when the backend did go i always managed to get it back even when i was going very sideways... but not last sunday... ;(
I was aproaching a rotunda when the road was going a bit up and then you have to go right to get on the rotunda and then immediatly left while at the same time the innerside of the bend goes a little bit downways.
I didn't oversteer when i was going right but immediatly oversteered very hard when i was going left and countering it had zero effect, it was like my front tyres didn't touch the road.
So i crashed with the front in the innerside wall.
I was going fast but had approached corners before much faster before.
I think it has a lot to do with how the corner was shaped but a lot of different reasons like my downshift that i probably shouldn't have done just before the first righthand corner... but the thing is you have to keep it in V-TEC to not lose power.
I considered myself a good driver, not very good but capable.
I think different reasons were the cause that i messed up but i can tell ya it isn't a good feeling not being in control of the car.
I drive the S2000 model 2004 and have heard and read they destroyed the balance of this car supposed to make it safer with softer shoks at the back.
Still waiting to hear what the price for the damage is.
I'm sure anyone can mess up in a car that's not an s2000 or MR but i'm also sure there others cars out there where you can feel much more what's going on or what's going to happen.
>> Edited by RCduck7 on Tuesday 20th September 17:59
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