Atom 160 as viable Elise alternative?
Discussion
Is this too bonkers orf track?
Just reading Autocar 13/4/04 and the review of the above.
Can it be driven hard, like an Elise, on B-roads and does it respond as well (I won't be tracking)?
Do Atomites wear their crash helmets whilst commuting/hooning about and what's the overall analysis of these things next to not just the Elise but Caterham product?
Just reading Autocar 13/4/04 and the review of the above.
Can it be driven hard, like an Elise, on B-roads and does it respond as well (I won't be tracking)?
Do Atomites wear their crash helmets whilst commuting/hooning about and what's the overall analysis of these things next to not just the Elise but Caterham product?
derestrictor said:
Is this too bonkers orf track?
Just reading Autocar 13/4/04 and the review of the above.
Can it be driven hard, like an Elise, on B-roads and does it respond as well (I won't be tracking)?
Do Atomites wear their crash helmets whilst commuting/hooning about and what's the overall analysis of these things next to not just the Elise but Caterham product?
Zooming around town, I usually get away with either wraparound shades or goggles, but a hat is handy. A crash helmet is preferable within the current configuration, although a new, improved windscreen should be available soon which keeps most of the flies off.
As for B roads, I think a lid and full suit is a good idea as stuff (e.g. gravel) can come flying in at the sides from the front tyres - especially when cornering hard.
The response is at least as good as an Elise if not better, depending on your setup - if you have the suspension perfect for the track, it might be a bit harsh for the road, and road setup is a bit gentle for the track. A good compromise setup is perfectly acceptable though and only the total hoon will notice the difference!
The Atom makes cars like the Elise and the Caterham look completely practical! See other posts on this forum for more insight...
Thanks Bruce.
I think it's a minimum long sleeve/helmet configuration then, although round here (the north) I suspect rotten cabbage rather than polite admiration/applause could be the preferred form of third party attention!
It's a wild card idea but hail to thee for such an outrageous selection - how do you think this lower powered variant I'm looking at would compare with the regular, loonster contraption?
DeR.
I think it's a minimum long sleeve/helmet configuration then, although round here (the north) I suspect rotten cabbage rather than polite admiration/applause could be the preferred form of third party attention!
It's a wild card idea but hail to thee for such an outrageous selection - how do you think this lower powered variant I'm looking at would compare with the regular, loonster contraption?
DeR.
They're fine on the road, I use mine more on the road than the track although they certainly prefer smoother roads.
Bumpier roads are a bit of a pain after a while due to the sprung/unsprung ratio being on the crapper side, but no major issues - certainly practical for early morning/late evening blasts for sure.
You should plan on wearing a helmet though and I'm pretty sure you'll want something a bit more draft excluding than a long sleeve shirt....light weight motorbiking gear etc.
Cheers, Ross.
Bumpier roads are a bit of a pain after a while due to the sprung/unsprung ratio being on the crapper side, but no major issues - certainly practical for early morning/late evening blasts for sure.
You should plan on wearing a helmet though and I'm pretty sure you'll want something a bit more draft excluding than a long sleeve shirt....light weight motorbiking gear etc.
Cheers, Ross.
derestrictor said:
It's a wild card idea but hail to thee for such an outrageous selection - how do you think this lower powered variant I'm looking at would compare with the regular, loonster contraption?
Mine's only got 118bhp and is great on the road - the 160bhp should be perfect.
Cheers, Ross.
derestrictor said:
...although round here (the north) I suspect rotten cabbage rather than polite admiration/applause could be the preferred form of third party attention!
I don't think so - you're probably used to the great unwashed public response to an M5 or 993 - e.g. 'rich git/wish I had one' whereas with the Atom the response is usually a jaw drop followed by a mouthed 'whatthef...?' and then a smile as they realise you're totally bonkers. You will never, ever be short of people asking you questions in an enthusiastic, unenvious way and asking you to take them for a spin.
V6GTO said:
A good case for expensive magnesium or carbon fibre wheels then? Martin.
If you can afford 'em!
On the road, you'll probably find you want to run the car as soft as possible - usually a little harder at the front than the back. Last time I was at Oulton Park where I run it very stiff, I forgot to adjust it before I came home - christ, I won't do that again.
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