Atom or Caterham

[Richards 7]

Hoping for some unbiased advice here. I have a Caterham 7 that I'm thinking of upgrading but always in the background is the Atom. Does anyone who has one any views on the total ownership experience. I'm tending to Caterham as it's the safe choice, but would love to hear from experience. My doubts are practicality (yes I know, but the Caterham is very practical by comparison????), costs (insurace for my Se7en is less than £200), comfort (Compared to the Caterham is it too basic, or can you really drive it for distance), 'equipment' (will I have to look like a biker everytime I drive one)

Hopefully someone may be able to help

Thanks

[Mrs Fish]

James here:

It might help to have a look at the atomclub.com forums which is where most people post now.

I have driven the R400 but it didn't gell with me so I went back to the Atom which I beleive the depreciation is less. I've ended up with a Atom 220 to see what they are like and I have now ordered a 300 for next year.

Ultimately it is your personnal choice, as subjectively as I can the following may help;

Caterham (assuming a slightly quicker variety)

Pros; Plenty of owners, easy to obtain, relatively practical, cheap to run.
Cons; Not as safe as an Atom, depn higher, not as rare with less wow factor.

Atom (say 220 +)

Pros; Supurb chassis, good depn, rare, cheap to run, big wow factor.
Cons; Requires more kitting up ie helmet, any problems and it really needs to go to the factory in Somerset.


All in all see both, drive both and go with the one YOU like, above all else don't allow people to push you in either direction they are all good British sports cars and you will enjoy it which ever route you go.

Oh the Atoms quicker...

[bertie]

Hi James,
Interesting you say the Atom depreciates less, as that's one of the concerns that put me off. I had assumed, perhaps wrongly, that as the Atom was an even narrower appeal than the Caterham it might be tricky to move on and thus depreciate more.

Still never been in one, the only answer is for us to go for a blat one night and swap!!

[Richards 7]

Thanks for the info.
Definately like the thought behind the ariel, I think its a more modern design and the Honda power source is preferable.
I must admit I'm surprised about the depreciation, as my Se7en has had minimal loss.
Have you ever sold any of these cars and if so how easy was it and was it private or to a trader.
Lastly, is a full face helmet in the atom vital, i guess that is the biggest con for me. the thought of lugging helmets around would drive me insane.

Thanks for the help, I will try both

[benyeats]

Most Atoms for sale don't stay for sale long. Depreciation is not really much as the factory wait list is now at around 8-9 months for a new one. Because of this is perfectly possible to buy a car to tide you over until your brand new one arrives and sell it on at minimal loss.

I went for the Atom as it has much more space for taller drivers than even the SV bodied Caterhams.

Several other sites in the UK can look after the cars so you don't really have to go to the factory unless you really break it. Servicing can be done at a local Honda dealer or any race shop.

Ben

[richards 7]

Thanks Ben

I'm 6'2" so that's swung the pendulum back towards the Atom.

Apart from going to the factory (long way I live North of Manchester)is there anywhere I can try one?

thanks again

[Mrs Fish]

James again:

Join up on the Atom club forum and someone near you will be a ble to give you a ride. they probebly won't let you drive it but it will give you a very good idea and if you are then looking at new go down to the factory.

You are more than welcome to drop in on me and I'll take you for a run although I'm probebly 1 1/2 hrs away or more, I'm near Ashburne in the Peaks.

Bertie if you want a look and a trip drop me a mail and we can go out. You've got the R400 haven't you?

The market for Atoms is definately smaller for Atoms but they do sell as long as you aren't taking the preverbial with the price.

You can wear shoggles instead of a helmet but if you are going above 40 a helmet is almost a must. If you have the large bubble screens you don't need it as much.

I don't have bubbles and do generaly wear a helmet although it is a hinge up, thats all I need and I generaly just leave it in the car when walking around.

Hope that helps

[richards 7]

Hi James

Thanks for the offer I'm trying to organise going to try an R400 at Caterham midlands this weekend. (whilst wifey is away), may be able to detour via Ashbourne if you're around and are able to show me an example, even if only to see how I fit in one etc..
dunno how on this forum you leave messages but my e mail is richard at flanders dot org dot uk. that may be the best.

I do appreciate the help, thanks again

[benyeats]

richards 7 said:

Thanks Ben

I'm 6'2" so that's swung the pendulum back towards the Atom.

Apart from going to the factory (long way I live North of Manchester)is there anywhere I can try one?

thanks again

6'2 should fit in a Crate as well, I am 6'6 which means it is far too tight to be comfortable.

A couple of owners are based in Manchester, I would contact them via the forum at www.atomclub.com

Ben

[Richards 7]

Thanks, will do