R400/420 too hardcore for beginner
Discussion
The only time my 140bhp Sigma feels under-powered is when I'm sat in front of the computer reading about other people's 200bhp cars.
On the road, even with 140bhp you have to be careful where you use it all, but when you can it's a huge laugh. On a trackday you'll only notice the lack of straight line grunt on the long straights. I think I'd be happy with a small power hike (maybe up to 175?), but honestly, the balance is so good that I'm afraid to ruin it.
On the road, even with 140bhp you have to be careful where you use it all, but when you can it's a huge laugh. On a trackday you'll only notice the lack of straight line grunt on the long straights. I think I'd be happy with a small power hike (maybe up to 175?), but honestly, the balance is so good that I'm afraid to ruin it.
I started with 128bhp , then 160 and now 220. I had fun in all of them and continue to do so in the current one . I rarely drive it much faster than the others , and it is certainly just the same to drive (as long as one remembers what that power to weight ratio does on a wet road )unless it is really hammered when it all gets a bit manic and the overtake which started at 50 ends up briefly in 3 figures. I don't think an R400D (mine has RBTB) is harder to drive than any other Seven as long as you engage the brain fully. And it is just as house trained in town as the others - apart from the levels of bangs and pops- which my inner ten year old rather likes .Would I go back to lower power? Not if I had a choice as that little bit extra is so much fun - more can be better. But if I had to drive round in a Sigma or even a 160 I wouldn't lose much sleep about moving back down -a Seven's DNA is more complex than the size of the donkey up front.
Thanks again for the advice. I will be driving the car solely on roads and so I'm torn. If it is possible to drive the 400 without it constantly straining at the leash then I think I'd like to have a bit more power on tap than too little.
I'll just have to drive the cars and see (how much it frightens me!)
I'll just have to drive the cars and see (how much it frightens me!)
With the quicker 200 hp + 7's for me it's not a question of "will you be able to handle the power/too hardcore" etc. because as others have said your right foot controls that. My issue is at the other end of the spectrum, ie what's it like at 30mph through the village and in built up areas. Some can be dire and make you never want to see 30 and 40 mph speed limits again.
No fun in 3rd with the drive train clanging and banging. That's where a lower power car with a broader power band is more enjoyable imho.
No fun in 3rd with the drive train clanging and banging. That's where a lower power car with a broader power band is more enjoyable imho.
JasonRIx said:
Thanks again for the advice. I will be driving the car solely on roads and so I'm torn. If it is possible to drive the 400 without it constantly straining at the leash then I think I'd like to have a bit more power on tap than too little.
I'll just have to drive the cars and see (how much it frightens me!)
They will all frighten you in the right circumstances - anything with rear drive, weighing 500Kg and no mass over the back axle will do. As BertBert said, get what you think is most enjoyable for your particular use. Faster can be better but not always - other than pub bragging rights of course. Nothing worse that spending a shedload of cash and soon realising you made the wrong choice...I'll just have to drive the cars and see (how much it frightens me!)
JasonRIx said:
If I were to go for a lesser powered engine and at a later date want more, how feasible is it to upgrade to another engine?
Never makes economic sense. Never. So it's always an emotional thing if one chooses to upgrade the power. I simply sold and bought another when I wanted more power or a change. Caterhams (unmodified) are easy to sell if priced sensibly. framerateuk said:
On a trackday you'll only notice the lack of straight line grunt on the long straights.
Quoting myself here, oddly. Did a trackday at Pembrey a week ago, and I have to say, even on the straights, I didn't really notice a lack of speed with a "lowly" 140 bhp.
You've still got an advantage over pretty much every other car up to around 60. And even then, unless it's something very quick, it's not going to be pulling lengths on you. Following my dad's 300bhp Impreza, I was level pegging with him right up to about 105 mph, at which point he had to brake.
I did notice that one or two kit cars (GBS Zeros I believe) were just catching up with me on the straights, probably thanks to larger engines and aero screens, but I easily outpaced them once I got to the twisty section of the track.
A couple of cars did easily pass me on the straights - a Radical, a 997 GT3 and an Evo IX. I think even with a very powerful 7 you might still have to let Radicals past
Edited by framerateuk on Tuesday 30th June 15:25
REALIST123 said:
A few, not very good, pics of mine during the build and on its way for the PBC.
What colour is that? Looks a bit like Porsche Riviera Blue?OP: I've only ever had 100-140bhp caterhams and only rarely driven on the road. They are all quick enough to embarass almost anything else on track.
The thrill is in corner speed, g-force and how late you can brake. The headline power figure is way down on the list.
Edited by PTF on Tuesday 30th June 14:05
PTF said:
REALIST123 said:
A few, not very good, pics of mine during the build and on its way for the PBC.
What colour is that? Looks a bit like Porsche Riviera Blue?OP: I've only ever had 100-140bhp caterhams and only rarely driven on the road. They are all quick enough to embarass almost anything else on track.
The thrill is in corner speed, g-force and how late you can brake. The headline power figure is way down on the list.
Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 30th June 14:05
Having now, at long last, got some documents from the DVLA I have had my first drives. It's a brilliant little car but, from my little experience, has far more than is necessary if you're only using it on the road.
I haven't stretched it at all yet but it feels like it is straining at the leash and it's very tempting to let it go, but that could be silly on the road.
Already have a track day booked at Silverstone next month so just got to put a few miles on it, give it an oil change, then see how it is on track. A little more at home than on the road, is my guess.
REALIST123 said:
Yes, it is Riviera blue, not very original but a nice, bright colour.
Having now, at long last, got some documents from the DVLA I have had my first drives. It's a brilliant little car but, from my little experience, has far more than is necessary if you're only using it on the road.
I haven't stretched it at all yet but it feels like it is straining at the leash and it's very tempting to let it go, but that could be silly on the road.
Already have a track day booked at Silverstone next month so just got to put a few miles on it, give it an oil change, then see how it is on track. A little more at home than on the road, is my guess.
Thought i recognised it!Having now, at long last, got some documents from the DVLA I have had my first drives. It's a brilliant little car but, from my little experience, has far more than is necessary if you're only using it on the road.
I haven't stretched it at all yet but it feels like it is straining at the leash and it's very tempting to let it go, but that could be silly on the road.
Already have a track day booked at Silverstone next month so just got to put a few miles on it, give it an oil change, then see how it is on track. A little more at home than on the road, is my guess.
I have just bought a 2005 1.6 K-Series Roadsport which is being repainted in that colour.
You're right. Personally i prefer using bikes for thrills on the road. It will come alive on track
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