S3 or SV

[Babw]

I'm considering picking up a Caterham, likely a 420R.

I'm aware of the benefits of the SV -

Increased footwell space
Increased interior space
Increased fuel tank capacity

Is there any noticeable on track driving difference between an S3 and an SV? I will be driving a couple of hours to track and then using it on track, probably won't be touring however I'm favouring the SV just for increased cabin space. I'm average height 5'9 and 80kg. I like the thought of being able to wear normal trainers etc instead of special driving shoes. Maybe I'm overthinking this....

[Turn7]

SV is wide track as standard, and I believe , less twitchy than S3.

The default answer is drive both and buy S3 if you are comfortable …

[Babw]

If I'm comfortable in the S3 then one can assume I'll be comfortable in both, so why buy the S3? Especially for a higher power model like the 420 or 620 wouldn't the SV be more stable?

[Turn7]

The purists will tell you the s3 gives the true 7 experience…

Whether it does or not depends on your feeling driving it .

I’d need an s3 for each buttock, so have an SV.

It’s not quite as aesthetically pleasing as the 3 but when I’m driving it I can’t see it .

Side by side, the SV cannot hide its size, but who cares ?

Buy the car that fits your use and enjoy it…..

[justin220]

I tried an S3 and could barely get into it, and I'm not a big guy.

SV for me, although it is my first Caterham so both of them felt tiny !

[Turn7]

Road driving , for me , I feel the SV misses some of the overtakes an S3 can make, due to its width, but that just be me.

Theory says SV being wider makes it more stable , but it’s such a subjective thing it’s hard to describe .

Mine with doors and screen is fine to nimble
Around with the other half and have a conversation…

Aero is a different and more visceral
Experience however.

[Kenty in Weardale]

I've an SV which is purely down to shoe size. I tried an S3 but with my size 10 feet I really didn't feel safe with the small pedal box

[BertBert]

Turn7 said:

Road driving , for me , I feel the SV misses some of the overtakes an S3 can make, due to its width, but that just be me.

Just curious about why you think that? I've never really considered width as an overtaking factor. And they are both pretty small cars.

[Turn7]

BertBert said:

Turn7 said:

Road driving , for me , I feel the SV misses some of the overtakes an S3 can make, due to its width, but that just be me.

Just curious about why you think that? I've never really considered width as an overtaking factor. And they are both pretty small cars.

Because overtaking down the B roads we use means space is in short supply….

[CanAm]

Babw said:

I'm considering picking up a Caterham, likely a 420R.

I'm aware of the benefits of the SV -

Increased footwell space
Increased interior space
Increased fuel tank capacity

Is there any noticeable on track driving difference between an S3 and an SV? I will be driving a couple of hours to track and then using it on rounded won't be touring however I'm favouring the SV just for increased cabin space. I'm average height 5'9 and 80kg. I like the thought of being able to wear normal trainers etc instead of special driving shoes. Maybe I'm overthinking this....

I'm taller and at one time 2 stone heavier than you and never had any problems. You don't need special driving shoes (though Puna Speed cats were nice to have) just lightweight trainers along the lines of HiTec squash shoes. I also had some normal slip-on leather shoes with rounded heels and no protuding welt that were very comfy and usable.

Two-up is a bit of a squeeze because of limited elbow room, and the SV would definitely be better there.

[andylaight]

Turn7 said:

BertBert said:

Turn7 said:

Road driving , for me , I feel the SV misses some of the overtakes an S3 can make, due to its width, but that just be me.

Just curious about why you think that? I've never really considered width as an overtaking factor. And they are both pretty small cars.

Because overtaking down the B roads we use means space is in short supply….

An SV is 110mm wider than an S3, I wouldn't think that makes any difference when making a safe overtake

[Turn7]

andylaight said:

Turn7 said:

BertBert said:

Turn7 said:

Road driving , for me , I feel the SV misses some of the overtakes an S3 can make, due to its width, but that just be me.

Just curious about why you think that? I've never really considered width as an overtaking factor. And they are both pretty small cars.

Because overtaking down the B roads we use means space is in short supply….

An SV is 110mm wider than an S3, I wouldn't think that makes any difference when making a safe overtake

Just my opinion ….

[Dr Evil]

I think the narrow width comes into its own when you are zipping down a b-road and a bloated ‘normal’ car or SuV comes at you, the extra few inches makes a difference between being run into a ditch or staying on the road.

But the footwell is somewhat cramped, my 9.5 feet dont fit without puma cats or similar. Ive ‘adjusted’ the pedals with a hammer so I can mash the pedals independently. Hitting brake and accelerator in an emergency stop is not ideal.

No regrets for the S3 chassis. Its a racecar for the road afterall :-)

[Gulf7]

I test drove both, but bought an S3.

It felt more of an event to drive, and it's true to the original Lotus 7 design.

[drgav2005]

I ended up going down to Oakmere and sitting in both the S3 and SV. I’m 1.88m (6’2” in old money), 90kg, and have size 10.5-11 feet.
I could get in a S3 and it was reasonably comfy but the pedal box was way, way too small for my liking. I jumped in the SV and it felt like a limo in comparison! I ordered the 420R SV with lowered floors… kit is arriving in 9 days time

[Tango7]

Babw said:

If I'm comfortable in the S3 then one can assume I'll be comfortable in both, so why buy the S3? Especially for a higher power model like the 420 or 620 wouldn't the SV be more stable?

I'm quite a bit bigger than you and much prefer being squeezed into the S3 chassis even with my size 11 feet! I have tried an SV and it felt very sloppy and I didn't feel as "held" in place in the cockpit for Trackdays. I can see that for use on tours the SV is probably more suitable with its extra cabin and storage space but we've never had a problem with an S3 even 2 up and touring through Europe. Definitely try both if you can and get a decent B road blat to see how you feel and buy whichever feels most suited to you

[Babw]

I have an S3 Exige and with two up find that cosy however I'm more concerned about the size 10 feet rather than cabin space.

Having to drive 2 hours each way to my local track while pressing the accelerator and brake at the same time isn't something I would welcome.

S3 is certainly more pleasing on the eye.

[CanAm]

Babw said:

I have an S3 Exige and with two up find that cosy however I'm more concerned about the size 10 feet rather than cabin space.

Having to drive 2 hours each way to my local track while pressing the accelerator and brake at the same time isn't something I would welcome.

S3 is certainly more pleasing on the eye.

At 5'9" you could put the pedals in their rearmost position which frees up a bit more width. The only answer is to try both chassis.

[Gulf7]

drgav2005 said:

I ended up going down to Oakmere and sitting in both the S3 and SV. I’m 1.88m (6’2” in old money), 90kg, and have size 10.5-11 feet.
I could get in a S3 and it was reasonably comfy but the pedal box was way, way too small for my liking. I jumped in the SV and it felt like a limo in comparison! I ordered the 420R SV with lowered floors… kit is arriving in 9 days time

I'm size 9.5 to 10. I do have to wear driving shoes (Sparcos), but I find it fine.

[scatty72]

i can't help, being 6ft 4 and size 11. i came from an s2 exige to a r400 sv amd size wise was perfect for my feet and long legs.. the s3 does suit the eye better, but i had 620 nose cone on the r400 and slimmed it down somewhat in my eyes...😂😂

currently back in the hunt myself springtime having gone s1 k20
route, but now wanting another cat

btw i must have sat in 100's to make sure...

good luck