1.8 or 1.6 superlight
Discussion
Just been looking at the classifieds at superlights and noticed there are 1.6 and 1.8 versions(138 and 140BHP respectivley). I Can only afford the basic super light not the VHPD or R version, so was wondering what the differences were apart form engine and which would be best to go for as price is fairly similar.
Cheers in advance
Cheers in advance
There are no other differences (apart from what the owner specified option-wise). The 1.8 was an option that few took - the majority of Superlights have the 1.6 Supersport engine which is a great, revvy engine. The 1.8 has a bit more torque and is said to be not quite as rev happy. I drive a Superlight which originally had the 1.6 SS and it was a fantastic combination. You need to rev it to get the best out of it but that is half the fun of a Caterham.
Some say the 1.6 is more "rev happy", spinning up quickly and being closer to the spirit of Caterham/Lotus 7. The 1.8 has more torque and is ultimately the more powerful / "tunable" one. The VHPD and SLR engines were 1.8 derivatives. So, if you fancy an engine upgrade later probably 1.8 is the way to go. I think the only difference in engines is a slightly longer stroke in the 1.8.
Neither bad, indeed both great. The superight is a lovely package and, if you want, you can upgrade from either point later.
Neither bad, indeed both great. The superight is a lovely package and, if you want, you can upgrade from either point later.
Shaun_E said:
There are no other differences (apart from what the owner specified option-wise). The 1.8 was an option that few took - the majority of Superlights have the 1.6 Supersport engine which is a great, revvy engine. The 1.8 has a bit more torque and is said to be not quite as rev happy. I drive a Superlight which originally had the 1.6 SS and it was a fantastic combination. You need to rev it to get the best out of it but that is half the fun of a Caterham.
SNAP!I have a 1.8 SL and also had a 1.6 supersport. The 1.6 is a great revy engine and suits the 3.62 diff well. I change my diff this year to a 3.92and it has made the drive much nicer.
other thoughts if you are going to sprint your 7 then a 1.8k is better if you do the Lotus 7 club champoinship if you are not then a 1.6k might be better as the class cut off is 1.7cc in most champoinships.
I think that you will be happy with either engine. When i got mine there was a 1.6 and a 1.8 in the same colour but difrent seats for the same money. I went for the 1.8 as i just liked the whole car better. It just felt right.
David
other thoughts if you are going to sprint your 7 then a 1.8k is better if you do the Lotus 7 club champoinship if you are not then a 1.6k might be better as the class cut off is 1.7cc in most champoinships.
I think that you will be happy with either engine. When i got mine there was a 1.6 and a 1.8 in the same colour but difrent seats for the same money. I went for the 1.8 as i just liked the whole car better. It just felt right.
David
Gassing Station | Caterham | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff