Exige or Caterham R500 Advice Please
Discussion
Dear All I’m looking for some advice from people in the know 
I’ve been looking at buying a car to do 5 or 6 track days a year and some weekend blasts, I’ve narrowed it down to either a supercharged Lotus Exige S2 or a Caterham R500. My budget is £30-£35k.
Quite a few years back I had the Naturally Aspirated S2 Exige and loved it, I sold it just as the supercharged version came out and moved onto Mitsubishi Evos. I’ve never driven a Caterham so I don’t know what they are like other than people talking about them and videos on youtube but I’m going to book in for a test drive in the next couple of weeks.
A couple of things I was thinking with the Caterham is the weather protection, the weather in the UK is unpredictable and quite often crappy so is the canvas hood any good at keeping the weather out at speed and is it a serious handful in the wet. Also I’ve seen an R500 for sale with the sequential box and wondered what that’s like on the road.
Interested to hear from people who have owned both vehicles and used them for road and track.
Any help would gratefully be received.
Thanks
I’ve been looking at buying a car to do 5 or 6 track days a year and some weekend blasts, I’ve narrowed it down to either a supercharged Lotus Exige S2 or a Caterham R500. My budget is £30-£35k.
Quite a few years back I had the Naturally Aspirated S2 Exige and loved it, I sold it just as the supercharged version came out and moved onto Mitsubishi Evos. I’ve never driven a Caterham so I don’t know what they are like other than people talking about them and videos on youtube but I’m going to book in for a test drive in the next couple of weeks.
A couple of things I was thinking with the Caterham is the weather protection, the weather in the UK is unpredictable and quite often crappy so is the canvas hood any good at keeping the weather out at speed and is it a serious handful in the wet. Also I’ve seen an R500 for sale with the sequential box and wondered what that’s like on the road.
Interested to hear from people who have owned both vehicles and used them for road and track.
Any help would gratefully be received.
Thanks
Dear All I’m looking for some advice from people in the know
I’ve been looking at buying a car to do 5 or 6 track days a year and some weekend blasts, I’ve narrowed it down to either a supercharged Lotus Exige S2 or a Caterham R500. My budget is £30-£35k.
Quite a few years back I had the Naturally Aspirated S2 Exige and loved it, I sold it just as the supercharged version came out and moved onto Mitsubishi Evos. I’ve never driven a Caterham so I don’t know what they are like other than people talking about them and videos on youtube but I’m going to book in for a test drive in the next couple of weeks.
A couple of things I was thinking with the Caterham is the weather protection, the weather in the UK is unpredictable and quite often crappy so is the canvas hood any good at keeping the weather out at speed and is it a serious handful in the wet. Also I’ve seen an R500 for sale with the sequential box and wondered what that’s like on the road.
Interested to hear from people who have owned both vehicles and used them for road and track.
Any help would gratefully be received.
Thanks
I’ve been looking at buying a car to do 5 or 6 track days a year and some weekend blasts, I’ve narrowed it down to either a supercharged Lotus Exige S2 or a Caterham R500. My budget is £30-£35k.
Quite a few years back I had the Naturally Aspirated S2 Exige and loved it, I sold it just as the supercharged version came out and moved onto Mitsubishi Evos. I’ve never driven a Caterham so I don’t know what they are like other than people talking about them and videos on youtube but I’m going to book in for a test drive in the next couple of weeks.
A couple of things I was thinking with the Caterham is the weather protection, the weather in the UK is unpredictable and quite often crappy so is the canvas hood any good at keeping the weather out at speed and is it a serious handful in the wet. Also I’ve seen an R500 for sale with the sequential box and wondered what that’s like on the road.
Interested to hear from people who have owned both vehicles and used them for road and track.
Any help would gratefully be received.
Thanks
Drive a Caterham R500 and an exige S2 will feel slow. Even a tuned one will feel slow. They are limited to circa 300bhp before the gearbox gives up unless you go for a special Honda engined one etc etc.
Your budget will get you a nice Duratec R400 which can be fettled if you wish to give R500 power although I have never felt the need to go down that route with my 220 bhp and 600kg`s
I had exactly the same thoughts as you regarding the weather in the UK and the canvass roof. I can categorically say that it does an excellent job of keeping the rain out and the heat in. I have an aeroscreen but have only fitted it once or twice as I prefer the knowledge that if the rain starts , within 30 seconds the roof can be erected. Its also a cosy place to be in the early morning run to a trackday before the sun pops out.
I cannot comment about sequential boxes on the road. Personally I think they would quickly become tiresome and noisey but thats just me. Had mine now for 1.5years and loving its simplicity , handling and acceleration. They are very basic but go in with your eyes wide open and they can be about as much fun as you can have on 4 wheels for twice the price if not more.... !
Your budget will get you a nice Duratec R400 which can be fettled if you wish to give R500 power although I have never felt the need to go down that route with my 220 bhp and 600kg`s
I had exactly the same thoughts as you regarding the weather in the UK and the canvass roof. I can categorically say that it does an excellent job of keeping the rain out and the heat in. I have an aeroscreen but have only fitted it once or twice as I prefer the knowledge that if the rain starts , within 30 seconds the roof can be erected. Its also a cosy place to be in the early morning run to a trackday before the sun pops out.
I cannot comment about sequential boxes on the road. Personally I think they would quickly become tiresome and noisey but thats just me. Had mine now for 1.5years and loving its simplicity , handling and acceleration. They are very basic but go in with your eyes wide open and they can be about as much fun as you can have on 4 wheels for twice the price if not more.... !
I had the same dilemma earlier in the year and went to Caterham South to look at a couple of R500s with sequential gearboxes.
I too used to own an NA S2 Exige which felt slow when I sold it 6 years ago.
In the end I went for the 2-Eleven, admittedly there's no weather protection at all but I like the power delivery from the supercharger over the revy nature of the Caterham.
I will at some point own an R500 but ideally I'd want a reqular non-sequential gearbox.
I too used to own an NA S2 Exige which felt slow when I sold it 6 years ago.
In the end I went for the 2-Eleven, admittedly there's no weather protection at all but I like the power delivery from the supercharger over the revy nature of the Caterham.
I will at some point own an R500 but ideally I'd want a reqular non-sequential gearbox.
I have very recently swapped an S2 Exige for an R500d with sequential box.
I'm balls out at work right now but will try to reply later with some reflections.
My initial thought is that if the weather is an important factor to you then you shouldn't be considering a Caterham. Driving one with the roof up isn't very satisfying in my opinion.
I'm working on the basis that getting occasionally wet and cold (or hot!) is all part of the experience.
More later.
I'm balls out at work right now but will try to reply later with some reflections.
My initial thought is that if the weather is an important factor to you then you shouldn't be considering a Caterham. Driving one with the roof up isn't very satisfying in my opinion.
I'm working on the basis that getting occasionally wet and cold (or hot!) is all part of the experience.
More later.
30k would get you in a V6 Exige for what it's worth.
But even that probably wouldn't compare to the performance of an R500 particularly with a sequential box.
In my view there isn't really a straight comparison between the two beyond the fact that they are both excellent track cars. An exige is all about pinpoint razor sharp handling, supercharger noise and lightening changes of direction. It will at least get you to the track in relative comfort with a radio that you can just about hear if you keep the exhaust standard, air conditioning and relatively low running costs. I loved mine - S2 Sprint, which I had for 3 and a half years, 10,000 miles and numerous trackdays (although I love my V6 even more). No depreciation, although I spent plenty on modifications! 35k might even get you a 260 cup (although you'll have to be quick as prices have gone mental in the past few months!). Personally if you are Lotus inclined, I'd use 30k for a deposit on a V6 on the 0% 50:50 finance deal (and in fact did!)...
Whereas an R500 at least will be on a completely different level of performance even to a cup 260, but (having only driven the lower powered versions on Palmersport days) it will be far more driftable than an Exige, lighter, even easier on consumables and probably a more fun (though not necessarily better) track car. But driving on the road would be a nightmare as I'm sure that most people just won't see them, there isn't a radio, the wind noise would be on another planet even compared to the Exige and if I'm honest with myself if I bought one I'd probably only ever drive it on the way to and from a trackday, at the most. If you have a trailer however, Caterham all the way. Seriously. I'd love one. Preferably in Daytona blue with between 150 and 175hp, manual box, LSD...
But even that probably wouldn't compare to the performance of an R500 particularly with a sequential box.
In my view there isn't really a straight comparison between the two beyond the fact that they are both excellent track cars. An exige is all about pinpoint razor sharp handling, supercharger noise and lightening changes of direction. It will at least get you to the track in relative comfort with a radio that you can just about hear if you keep the exhaust standard, air conditioning and relatively low running costs. I loved mine - S2 Sprint, which I had for 3 and a half years, 10,000 miles and numerous trackdays (although I love my V6 even more). No depreciation, although I spent plenty on modifications! 35k might even get you a 260 cup (although you'll have to be quick as prices have gone mental in the past few months!). Personally if you are Lotus inclined, I'd use 30k for a deposit on a V6 on the 0% 50:50 finance deal (and in fact did!)...
Whereas an R500 at least will be on a completely different level of performance even to a cup 260, but (having only driven the lower powered versions on Palmersport days) it will be far more driftable than an Exige, lighter, even easier on consumables and probably a more fun (though not necessarily better) track car. But driving on the road would be a nightmare as I'm sure that most people just won't see them, there isn't a radio, the wind noise would be on another planet even compared to the Exige and if I'm honest with myself if I bought one I'd probably only ever drive it on the way to and from a trackday, at the most. If you have a trailer however, Caterham all the way. Seriously. I'd love one. Preferably in Daytona blue with between 150 and 175hp, manual box, LSD...
Hi good info from Eric, a Caterham is a true life experience in every way,you either fall in love or find all the logical reasons not to have one. You have just got to try one like you I've had the experience of 400BHP 4WD sierra's brother has an OLD UR Quattro I have an Audi S8 a Mental R1 bike, I've raced cars and Bikes but nothing satisfies like a 7. If you have the itch to scratch and buy wise should not be an expensive mistake if it turns out you don't fall in love. They are a special car for special reasons and very unfair to compare with anything else. The sequential box on the road is no issue, although I've got geartronics paddles on mine and no lever,seamless flatshifts up and auto blip on downshifts, I live in London and it's not an issue in traffic, north of 250 BHP it's very very hard work in the damp or wet. I've driven on full slicks in the wet and had more grip than my 7 on CR500s respect and common sense must prevail. If you get one learn how to set it up drive it. Simon at meteor motorsport is hugely helpful.
Thanks for all the responses it's interesting to hear everyone's views, I agree they are very different cars and difficult to compare which is why I'm having a dilemma lol.
I do like the v6 exige but all the ones I've seen are 45k+ so out of my price range and I don't want finance. Also I probably wouldn't want to track it at that value, I sold my R35 GTR for that reason (plus the silly cost of tyres).
I'm going to try out this white exige with a few upgrades and 247bhp at the wheels http://www.snowsgroup.co.uk/lotus/used-cars/441628...
I'm also going to enquire about this Caterham http://uk.caterhamcars.com/pre-owned/1565-superlig... , there's also an R400 which looks interesting. This one has the sequential box http://uk.caterhamcars.com/pre-owned/1651-superlig...
I do like the v6 exige but all the ones I've seen are 45k+ so out of my price range and I don't want finance. Also I probably wouldn't want to track it at that value, I sold my R35 GTR for that reason (plus the silly cost of tyres).
I'm going to try out this white exige with a few upgrades and 247bhp at the wheels http://www.snowsgroup.co.uk/lotus/used-cars/441628...
I'm also going to enquire about this Caterham http://uk.caterhamcars.com/pre-owned/1565-superlig... , there's also an R400 which looks interesting. This one has the sequential box http://uk.caterhamcars.com/pre-owned/1651-superlig...
Had some of the more extreme track cars like Ariel Arom, Lorus 2-11 , couple of cater hams (albeit only up to r300) and now have a KTM XBOW.
Caterhams are great cars, definitely one for petrol heads, with so much feedback and ease to control at the limits. They do at least have some weather proofing and a heater, so not too bad if caught on cold or wet day. I wouldn't want to do 100's of miles in one though in that kind of weather.
A Lotus will reward the more precise driver and feel like luxury vs a caterhams on way to track days. However it won't compete for performance against an R500.
I will have another caterhams at some point as I love them. Sequential gearbox is OTT for road use. R400 would still be an epic car so don't dismiss it.
Both great cars, just comes down to performance vs practicalities , plus precision driving vs more go kart style
Just my 2p worth.
Dave
Caterhams are great cars, definitely one for petrol heads, with so much feedback and ease to control at the limits. They do at least have some weather proofing and a heater, so not too bad if caught on cold or wet day. I wouldn't want to do 100's of miles in one though in that kind of weather.
A Lotus will reward the more precise driver and feel like luxury vs a caterhams on way to track days. However it won't compete for performance against an R500.
I will have another caterhams at some point as I love them. Sequential gearbox is OTT for road use. R400 would still be an epic car so don't dismiss it.
Both great cars, just comes down to performance vs practicalities , plus precision driving vs more go kart style
Just my 2p worth.
Dave
XBOW said:
With additional £30k left to pay though , as you do mention later in your post
Indeed. If the OP does go to a main dealer to test an exige he needs to avoid going out in the V6 demonstrator because he will be smitten and then man maths will come into play. I've got 3 years warranty and servicing on mine and I actually think it's a much better and more usable car if you are only planning for 5/6 trackdays a year than an S2. My S2 by the time I finished modifying it was a great track car but nowhere near as usable as my V6 is now! gashead1105 said:
Indeed. If the OP does go to a main dealer to test an exige he needs to avoid going out in the V6 demonstrator because he will be smitten and then man maths will come into play. I've got 3 years warranty and servicing on mine and I actually think it's a much better and more usable car if you are only planning for 5/6 trackdays a year than an S2. My S2 by the time I finished modifying it was a great track car but nowhere near as usable as my V6 is now!
Dont worry I won't fall into that trap again, I had my Evo 9 FQ360MR for 5 years tuned it to 560bhp and one xmas decided to go out and have a test drive in an R35 GTR. My wife was saying here we go again.......I was like no i just want to try one out of interest......a month later i bought one lol.Audio Addict said:
I can see whats going to happen I'll try both cars and I'll be blinded by the performance of the Caterham and all thoughts of practicality will go out of the window 
Thanks to this thread you've got me thinking about the R500 again, have only had the 2-11 for 6 months!
Impasse said:
It's worth mentioning the Zenos E10 in this thread, if only to bring to your consideration. They have a service agent in Petersfield, only a short hop across country from the white Exige at Snows.
That's interesting, Petersfield is 15mins down the road from me......are they any good?gashead1105 said:
Indeed. If the OP does go to a main dealer to test an exige he needs to avoid going out in the V6 demonstrator because he will be smitten and then man maths will come into play.
That's exactly what happened to me, I have worked out the man maths but have SWMBO to deal with yet.Dealerships should offer help and advice on getting round the other half, perhaps a 'how to' booklet.
Bebee said:
That's exactly what happened to me, I have worked out the man maths but have SWMBO to deal with yet.
Dealerships should offer help and advice on getting round the other half, perhaps a 'how to' booklet.
Yeah I think dealerships are missing a trick with that, they might get a few more sales if they offered other half persuasion techniquesDealerships should offer help and advice on getting round the other half, perhaps a 'how to' booklet.
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