which would you choose and why?

[jaker]

OK, on my current fantasy list (well saving up and hope to be there in 12 months or so list) are:

1) Stuart taylor motorsport phoenix
2) Fisher menace
3) ssc stylus rt
4) a seven of some kind, possibly westie dax or tiger (caterhams a bit too pricey!)
5) ginetta (model to be decided, but prob g20

I will be using it for a bit of short commuting, track days and general hooning.

I will definitely not be building it myself, and want it brand new (so it's my spec!)

Anyone care to voice an opinion on above 5 and also any general advice on what to go for (type of wheels, brakes, tyres, engine, suspension etc)

ta.

[Mark B]

I have owned both a Stylus and a Striker which at the time was Sylva developed and is now supplied by RAW.

My opinions on all the above is that they will all provide a suitable basis for short commutes and excellent track day ability.

I have not got any experience of the Fisher Menace, but on my brief views I don't like the shape/dimensions.

I absolutely love the Phoenix and this will provide excellent track day ability but may be a little basic for commuting.

The Stylus RT is a lovely looking car but I couldn't vouch for the factory support. I have never dealt with Tim the new owner, but the previous owner was not as helpful as he could have been.

Let's face it though, none are going to be exactly well finished but will provide an excellent basis for a track day/occasional use vehicle.

My Striker was a great car, I used to commute 600 miles a week in all weathers, I had no roof and absolutely loved it. The Phoenix is closest to a Striker and would therefore be the one I would go for

Good luck in whatever you do though.

[lanciachris]

Id choose a ginetta based purely upon looks

[jaker]

Mark B said:

I absolutely love the Phoenix and this will provide excellent track day ability but may be a little basic for commuting.

why basic for commuting compared to the others? they all have just about the same lack of comfort idatort?

[Wacky Racer]

Have a look at the Chester sports cars website, Graham and son Duncan will build you a Tiger to any specification you require...

reasonable prices and very friendly to boot.

Tiger have just brought out a wide boddied Supercat, as many sevens tend to be a bit of a squeeze in the hips department if you are fond of steak puddings...

[jaker]

Wacky Racer said:

Tiger have just brought out a wide boddied Supercat, as many sevens tend to be a bit of a squeeze in the hips department if you are fond of steak puddings...

Don't I ferkin know it... I basically cannot fit in a caterham superlight if i want to breathe.

I am sure there is a market for a diet book for blokes who want to fit in small sportcars...

[JonTarry]

I have the same problem

Tried a few cars some time ago and couldn't fit into a Striker (*cough*...big boned, ermmm). Combination of length and size of feet was actually the biggest hindrance, but width was still an issue. Mel from RAW seems enthusiastic that it fits all sorts, so maybe there's something they can do there for you.

Phoenix is the same chassis as the Striker, so the same issues...I chose to buy a 2nd hand Fury because it's a little wider...I fit just fine.

Am considering the same sort of decisions myself at the moment for a race car...the only problem with the Menace is how new it is, so you will inevitably get the normal teething problems. Should be a different story in a year, though...

Prefer the full-bodied thing myself in the end, so that narrowed things down somewhat...

Jon.

[Justin S]

you don't say where you are.I'm sure there is someone local to you to try a car or two out and see the benefits and drawbacks.Most cars are really down to budget and you also have the Exeter kit show in November to try different cars for size and looks.

[jgmadkit]

Another vote for a Ginneta, again purely on looks alone.

John

www.Madabout-Kitcars.com

[Martin_S]

Jaker,

You are obviously a man of impeccable taste. All the cars you list are highly desirable, and would no doubt satisfy your requirements. Pick whichever appeals most!

I've run a Westfield and a Caterham as only cars, including commute to work, and still own a Sylva (now Stuart Taylor) Phoenix.

The only comment I would make is that if you intend to use it as a main car, all year round, pick something with an aeroscreen rather than a full windscreen. Hood up, all these sorts of car are pretty horrible to drive - visibility is apalling and they mist up in damp/cool weather. If you run them hood down, in the rain you get water on the inside face of the windscreen and can't see where you are going. Get something with an aeroscreen and invest in a decent full face helmet and motorcyle waterproofs - people will think you are mad, but at least you can see where you are going, and you'll be surprisingly comfortable.

Jon Tarry...you need too go on a diet, old chap. I'm well into the 'obese' category on BMI and I still fit a Striker no problem!


>> Edited by Martin_S on Thursday 28th October 00:37

[pantelis]

Hello,

I run a Stylus (standard body but they are the same under the skin) and have had a few 7 types. Tim is helpful and it is a constantly improving product (just ordered the latest rear trailing arms). A very 'connected' car. A big yes from me.

[jaker]

Martin_S said:

Jaker, The only comment I would make is that if you intend to use it as a main car, all year round, pick something with an aeroscreen rather than a full windscreen. Hood up, all these sorts of car are pretty horrible to drive - visibility is apalling and they mist up in damp/cool weather. If you run them hood down, in the rain you get water on the inside face of the windscreen and can't see where you are going. Get something with an aeroscreen and invest in a decent full face helmet and motorcyle waterproofs - people will think you are mad, but at least you can see where you are going, and you'll be surprisingly comfortable. >> Edited by Martin_S on Thursday 28th October 00:37

thanks for the advice... questions about full screen versus aero tho...

With aero screen:

do you have to wear a full face helmet all the time?

do you get splatted with flies in summer?

with full screen:

how bad is the water coming onto the inside of the screen? This seems strange... I've not known it to be too bad in other convertibles I've driven (admittedly not many!)
or been in

[Martin_S]

jaker said:

thanks for the advice... questions about full screen versus aero tho... With aero screen: do you have to wear a full face helmet all the time? do you get splatted with flies in summer? with full screen: how bad is the water coming onto the inside of the screen? This seems strange... I've not known it to be too bad in other convertibles I've driven (admittedly not many!) or been in

1) No, you don't need to wear a full face helmet all the time. You do need to wear eye protection, though - not because of wind blast (which you get used to fairly quickly), but because of the potential for losing an eye if a stone is thrown up or you catch a bumble bee in the wrong place. I wear glasses, anyway, but as a minimum you would need to wear sunglasses or goggles.

2) Don't notice the flies so much, probably because after the first couple of miles your face is pretty much numb anyway! If you go long distances with an aeroscreen you do notice air pollution, though. The particles in the air tend to dry out the membranes in your nose and if you have long hair you will find that it acts as a very efficient filter and gets very dirty. Also, travel 100 miles at speed and you will find that your ears ring as if you've been to a rock concert! Not recommended if you suffer from hayfever or allergies, therefore; and I have a No. 1 haircut and at the age of 36 am practically deaf!

3) Rain on the inside of the windscreen: Can be bloody annoying. The 'Seven' types have flat windscreens that create much worse turbulence than a curved screen, so you will find that a lot more water whips round onto the back of the screen. Also, the wiper/washer systems on many 'Seven' type cars can be pretty inefficient (combination of flat windscreens again, and the fact that a lot use crappy little straight wiper blades which are hopeless).

It depends on what convertible cars you have driven, or course, for comparison, but some of the modern stuff with side windows, curved windscreens and (horror!) mesh wind deflectors behind the seats can be hugely more civilised than any 'Seven' type. Cars like the Stylus, with rigid side screens and a curved windscreen are not so bad, of course.

You might also want to consider the fact that aeroscreens are worth several miles per hour on your top speed (and consequent gains in high speed fuel economy and acceleration). Typical 'Seven' types start running into an aerodynamic brick wall at much over 110 mph. Replacing the windscreen with aeroscreens can be worth 5 - 10 mph on your top speed, which is significant!

>> Edited by Martin_S on Thursday 28th October 18:55

[jaker]

cheers MartinS, much appreciated advice

[Mark B]

jaker said:

Mark B said: I absolutely love the Phoenix and this will provide excellent track day ability but may be a little basic for commuting. why basic for commuting compared to the others? they all have just about the same lack of comfort idatort?

Hi Jaker, my comment was only based on the fact you have a small aero screen and no side protection. I ran a Striker for 6 months in all weathers and that was bad enough in the wet. I suppose it depends a little on your job and what you are prepared to wear in the car.

The Stylus and the Fury do have slightly better protection that's all.