Is the MEV Exocet the modern day Caterham Lotus 7 ?
Discussion
Thankyou, thankyou at last we are cutting through the cr*p and getting a proper debate going, between apparently competent, professional and knowable individuals who are obvious enthusiasts of each of the two cars being compared in this thread.
I assure any who read this that I have not started this thread as a marketing thread for MEV or Caterham as some have claimed, but am generally interested, to have people, who are far more knowledgeable than I debate in a constructive manor the two cars.
Having owned a number of 7equse’s over the years, never a Caterham though, as when I was slim enough to actually fit in one I couldn’t afford one. (I really must lose some weight) I am simply considering purchasing / building a MEV Exocet and am very keen to know what people within the pistonhead community in general think of it and is it as I’ve heard some claim ‘the modern day Caterham Lotus 7?’ (a bold and provocative statement, yes I know)
I assure any who read this that I have not started this thread as a marketing thread for MEV or Caterham as some have claimed, but am generally interested, to have people, who are far more knowledgeable than I debate in a constructive manor the two cars.
Having owned a number of 7equse’s over the years, never a Caterham though, as when I was slim enough to actually fit in one I couldn’t afford one. (I really must lose some weight) I am simply considering purchasing / building a MEV Exocet and am very keen to know what people within the pistonhead community in general think of it and is it as I’ve heard some claim ‘the modern day Caterham Lotus 7?’ (a bold and provocative statement, yes I know)
IMO the "Modern-day Caterham Seven" exists. It's called the Caterham Seven.
I think the Exocet's not quite as good-looking (something about the radiator surround I can't quite put my finger on) though it does seem to offer the same or comparable performance as the lesser Seven models.
So a Caterham-beater that will replace it and be as well-remembered in years to come? I doubt it.
But a similar enough car to it in terms of performance (and arguably "style") for a fraction of the price? I've got to say if it was my money I'd have to sit down and have a looooong think before spending an extra £15k plus for the Cat.
If I was looking to build "a kit car" I'd be down the MEV showroom as fast as my cheap rusty MX5 could carry me.
But there's room in the marketplace for both and I wish them both well. (I also don't consider a Caterham a kit car, but that's just my opinion)
I think the Exocet's not quite as good-looking (something about the radiator surround I can't quite put my finger on) though it does seem to offer the same or comparable performance as the lesser Seven models.
So a Caterham-beater that will replace it and be as well-remembered in years to come? I doubt it.
But a similar enough car to it in terms of performance (and arguably "style") for a fraction of the price? I've got to say if it was my money I'd have to sit down and have a looooong think before spending an extra £15k plus for the Cat.
If I was looking to build "a kit car" I'd be down the MEV showroom as fast as my cheap rusty MX5 could carry me.
But there's room in the marketplace for both and I wish them both well. (I also don't consider a Caterham a kit car, but that's just my opinion)
Gentlemen please, forums should remain fun surely. I have just been alerted to this thread,
I hope people can remain friends on here. I am flattered that our low cost kit car is being compared to the Iconic Caterham. I never saw it is a competitor, the demographic for our product does overlap with the 7 market to an extent but we have an average age customer of 28.5 which my guess is below the 7 customer average regardless of which manufacturer they choose. The Caterham remains true to it's original styling in general, it's been around for so long that it could be classed as the reason that the kit car business exists at all today.
We are grateful to the marque for the continual promotion of what I call hobby cars. We benefit from that and we offer a different product. Some prefer the 60's style. Young lads often say the Exocet is cool or bad or sick. That's he playstation generation for you.
The fact is that we attract buyers/builders who do not like or could not afford a Caterham, we are not treading on anyones toes.
All 7's/Exocets will show very similar torsional rigidity figures once a cage is fitted, the Caterham will be slightly lighter as we use larger tube, the Exocet dynamics are different to a 7.
I hope people can remain friends on here. I am flattered that our low cost kit car is being compared to the Iconic Caterham. I never saw it is a competitor, the demographic for our product does overlap with the 7 market to an extent but we have an average age customer of 28.5 which my guess is below the 7 customer average regardless of which manufacturer they choose. The Caterham remains true to it's original styling in general, it's been around for so long that it could be classed as the reason that the kit car business exists at all today.
We are grateful to the marque for the continual promotion of what I call hobby cars. We benefit from that and we offer a different product. Some prefer the 60's style. Young lads often say the Exocet is cool or bad or sick. That's he playstation generation for you.
The fact is that we attract buyers/builders who do not like or could not afford a Caterham, we are not treading on anyones toes.
All 7's/Exocets will show very similar torsional rigidity figures once a cage is fitted, the Caterham will be slightly lighter as we use larger tube, the Exocet dynamics are different to a 7.
Stuart Mills said:
Gentlemen please, forums should remain fun surely. I have just been alerted to this thread,
I hope people can remain friends on here. I am flattered that our low cost kit car is being compared to the Iconic Caterham. I never saw it is a competitor, the demographic for our product does overlap with the 7 market to an extent but we have an average age customer of 28.5 which my guess is below the 7 customer average regardless of which manufacturer they choose. The Caterham remains true to it's original styling in general, it's been around for so long that it could be classed as the reason that the kit car business exists at all today.
We are grateful to the marque for the continual promotion of what I call hobby cars. We benefit from that and we offer a different product. Some prefer the 60's style. Young lads often say the Exocet is cool or bad or sick. That's he playstation generation for you.
The fact is that we attract buyers/builders who do not like or could not afford a Caterham, we are not treading on anyones toes.
All 7's/Exocets will show very similar torsional rigidity figures once a cage is fitted, the Caterham will be slightly lighter as we use larger tube, the Exocet dynamics are different to a 7.
Great, thanks for your contribution. A very realistic and measured attitude. I hope people can remain friends on here. I am flattered that our low cost kit car is being compared to the Iconic Caterham. I never saw it is a competitor, the demographic for our product does overlap with the 7 market to an extent but we have an average age customer of 28.5 which my guess is below the 7 customer average regardless of which manufacturer they choose. The Caterham remains true to it's original styling in general, it's been around for so long that it could be classed as the reason that the kit car business exists at all today.
We are grateful to the marque for the continual promotion of what I call hobby cars. We benefit from that and we offer a different product. Some prefer the 60's style. Young lads often say the Exocet is cool or bad or sick. That's he playstation generation for you.
The fact is that we attract buyers/builders who do not like or could not afford a Caterham, we are not treading on anyones toes.
All 7's/Exocets will show very similar torsional rigidity figures once a cage is fitted, the Caterham will be slightly lighter as we use larger tube, the Exocet dynamics are different to a 7.
All very interesting.
In 1965 I was driving, at might, in the dark, far too fast (as usual then) in my genuine Lotus Super Seven Twin Cam that I had built, and I went straight over a humped back bridge and soared into the air.
Unfortunately the road went sharp left: I went straight on and I flew over the hedge missing the road completely and nosedived into a soft ploughed field. The Lotus rolled end to end, broke up into several pieces, and I was thrown clear. I was out for a few seconds,very bruised and shaken but purely by chance, I had no serious injuries. Youth and the soft ploughed field saved me.
My reason for recounting this is simple. Seat belts were not compulsory then and it was just good fortune that I was not killed instantly.
Trying to compare accidents in different cars requires laboratory conditions and careful testing. Without such details any expression of opinion upon the different strengths of different cars, is just that. An opinion.
I have absolutely no personal connection with MEV or Stuart Mills. I do have contacts with most Kit Car firms after a lifetime of building and owning Kit Cars from Dutton, Jago, Robin Hood, Lotus, Falcon, Ashley, Fairthorpe Pimlico, Midas, Mini Marcos, Minijem, Lomax, BRA and countless others.
I simply genuinely believe that the MEV cars with Stuart Mills designs really are way out in front of the rest of the Kit Car makers currently and I recommend the brand to others based upon my observations and experience and 40 years of Kit Car building. I do believe that the MEV cars are far better than the majority of their competitors.
But there is nothing in it for me. Other than to see companion Kit Car builders getting the advantages of one donor builds and the exceptional value that this brand offers currently.
In 1965 I was driving, at might, in the dark, far too fast (as usual then) in my genuine Lotus Super Seven Twin Cam that I had built, and I went straight over a humped back bridge and soared into the air.
Unfortunately the road went sharp left: I went straight on and I flew over the hedge missing the road completely and nosedived into a soft ploughed field. The Lotus rolled end to end, broke up into several pieces, and I was thrown clear. I was out for a few seconds,very bruised and shaken but purely by chance, I had no serious injuries. Youth and the soft ploughed field saved me.
My reason for recounting this is simple. Seat belts were not compulsory then and it was just good fortune that I was not killed instantly.
Trying to compare accidents in different cars requires laboratory conditions and careful testing. Without such details any expression of opinion upon the different strengths of different cars, is just that. An opinion.
I have absolutely no personal connection with MEV or Stuart Mills. I do have contacts with most Kit Car firms after a lifetime of building and owning Kit Cars from Dutton, Jago, Robin Hood, Lotus, Falcon, Ashley, Fairthorpe Pimlico, Midas, Mini Marcos, Minijem, Lomax, BRA and countless others.
I simply genuinely believe that the MEV cars with Stuart Mills designs really are way out in front of the rest of the Kit Car makers currently and I recommend the brand to others based upon my observations and experience and 40 years of Kit Car building. I do believe that the MEV cars are far better than the majority of their competitors.
But there is nothing in it for me. Other than to see companion Kit Car builders getting the advantages of one donor builds and the exceptional value that this brand offers currently.
I'm currently building an Exocet. The reasons i chose the Exocet were ease of build and cost, the 2 main selling points of the Exocet. The looks of the car have never bothered me, ok its not the best looking car in the world but at the same time not ugly enough for me not to want to be seen in it. However as time has gone on the looks really have grown on me and i feel pictures really dont do the car justice.
Here's a vid of Kevin Patrick's Exocet (courtesy of Kevin himself) over in the U.S. which imo is a very good looking Exocet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9twkLLp3w5k
Here's a vid of Kevin Patrick's Exocet (courtesy of Kevin himself) over in the U.S. which imo is a very good looking Exocet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9twkLLp3w5k
When I first saw this posting the comparison of the Seven with the MEV Exocet was something of a surprise. However I think, I have found the reason, that the link was made on here.
Reading the Kitcar magazine, as I do, monthly, I noticed that the front page and primary article on the May magazine, is in fact, posing a question that asks if the MEV Exocet is the natural successor to the Seven, as a modern Kit Car.
There, I think, hangs the tale. Unless the OP knows different.
My contribution was based on my admiration for the quality of the design and build of the entire MEV range and the Exocet in particular. I do believe that the value for money offered by the Kits, is unbeatable and that the one donor designs, are quite outstanding cars and very easy to build.
Reading the Kitcar magazine, as I do, monthly, I noticed that the front page and primary article on the May magazine, is in fact, posing a question that asks if the MEV Exocet is the natural successor to the Seven, as a modern Kit Car.
There, I think, hangs the tale. Unless the OP knows different.
My contribution was based on my admiration for the quality of the design and build of the entire MEV range and the Exocet in particular. I do believe that the value for money offered by the Kits, is unbeatable and that the one donor designs, are quite outstanding cars and very easy to build.
The problem with this thread is the word 'Caterham' in the title.
The Exocet is an attempt at a modern day Lotus Seven.
Make a cheap, fun, performance car out of something that's seen better days. Not spend a LOT of money buying something virtually (or completely) finished out of the factory doors. Far from being an MEV fanboy thread, this is a Caterham fanboy thread.
The Exocet is an attempt at a modern day Lotus Seven.
Make a cheap, fun, performance car out of something that's seen better days. Not spend a LOT of money buying something virtually (or completely) finished out of the factory doors. Far from being an MEV fanboy thread, this is a Caterham fanboy thread.
Ferg said:
Far from being an MEV fanboy thread, this is a Caterham fanboy thread.
It is the regular "I've just been to Stoneleigh and seen xxxxxx and Caterham better watch out" thread. Happens every year 
Although, I doubt anyone posting is sponsored by Caterham (if you know what I mean)....
Most people have been positive (except for an hour of silliness). Good cheap way to go racing. It is a bit ugly, but better looking that an S4 Lotus 7 !
JamesHayward said:
My Exocet (lightweight) weighs in at around 560KG's and has 171.2 bhp .............
I truely believe that the Exocet Lightweight is a better all round prospect than the Caterham ...
The equivalent performance Caterham (R300) will set you back £27,995.00 whereas the Exocet Lightweight will cost you at least £20,000 less.....
+++ BACK ON TOPIC PLEASE GENTLEMEN +++I truely believe that the Exocet Lightweight is a better all round prospect than the Caterham ...
The equivalent performance Caterham (R300) will set you back £27,995.00 whereas the Exocet Lightweight will cost you at least £20,000 less.....
Question: - Is the MEV Exocet (lightweight) on a par / comparable with the Caterham R300? On paper the R300 weighs in at 515kg and has 175 bhp, so similar, and if so how does it compare re MEV's other claims?
The Exocet has a 50-50 weight distribution with an average weight driver.
The Exocet corner exit speeds exceed all 7's running the same tyres/set up.
The Exocet is capable of braking later than 7's running the same tyres.
The Exocet chassis has been tested and proven to be 3 times stiffer than 7esq's.
The Exocet will be slightly heavier than 7's due to the chassis being stronger.
The Exocet chassis has been proven to deform away from occupants in an impact.
The Exocet is by far the cheapest and easiest kit car to build in the world.
The Exocets running at Anglesey recently appear to be running about Roadsport B pace. Slower than every Supersport.
R300 lap record is 1:37 (set by Johnny5 of this parish).
Head to head....not sure it is going to happen (even on the same circuit/day, MX5 racing fills entire weekends !) that often. But last time (Croft last year) a Supersport was 6 seconds a lap quicker. And the Exocet also lost to a fairly modestly powered Westie.
Pretty quick still. Faster than an Academy car, that is for sure. And cheaper by a long way. But then you could just race an MX5.
R300 lap record is 1:37 (set by Johnny5 of this parish).
Head to head....not sure it is going to happen (even on the same circuit/day, MX5 racing fills entire weekends !) that often. But last time (Croft last year) a Supersport was 6 seconds a lap quicker. And the Exocet also lost to a fairly modestly powered Westie.
Pretty quick still. Faster than an Academy car, that is for sure. And cheaper by a long way. But then you could just race an MX5.
Sonic7 said:
+++ BACK ON TOPIC PLEASE GENTLEMEN +++
Question: - Is the MEV Exocet (lightweight) on a par / comparable with the Caterham R300? On paper the R300 weighs in at 515kg and has 175 bhp, so similar, and if so how does it compare re MEV's other claims?
On paper the Caterham has 339bhp/tonne comparable to the Exocet Lightweight's 305bhp/tonne so it will be a little quicker on paper. Not so sure about laptimes, which in these sort of cars will come down to the driver. I'm doing a trackday in it on the 25th and there is a Caterham R300 out there too so I will try and compare the two.Question: - Is the MEV Exocet (lightweight) on a par / comparable with the Caterham R300? On paper the R300 weighs in at 515kg and has 175 bhp, so similar, and if so how does it compare re MEV's other claims?
Not so sure I'd want to pay an extra £20k for 34bhp and maybe half a second on a lap though.
And yes Noger, I am sponsored by MEV (on a you break it, you buy it policy), not going to deny that. But my opinions on the car are my own opinions from before the sponsorship was in place. The car is damn good, easiest way to describe it is a go-kart with a gearbox
To back up my previous statement I'm not saying the Exocet is a better car than the R300. What I'm saying is that I believe it to be a better all round package. Think Nissan GTR vs 911 Turbo
Trackday comparisons are only worth it if you are used to both cars and drive both cars. Otherwise the other driver is a much bigger factor than any difference between the cars.
For example, I've been overtaken by a Metro on a trackday in the Caterham and I've overtaken 911s in the Caterham. I can't really draw many conclusions from that other than everyone seemed to be having fun.
The MEV Exocet is a welcome addition to the ranks of lightweight sports/track cars
I'm not into lists and rankings so don't really care which is faster round a track or which is "better" (for a given definition of "better").
For example, I've been overtaken by a Metro on a trackday in the Caterham and I've overtaken 911s in the Caterham. I can't really draw many conclusions from that other than everyone seemed to be having fun.
The MEV Exocet is a welcome addition to the ranks of lightweight sports/track cars
I'm not into lists and rankings so don't really care which is faster round a track or which is "better" (for a given definition of "better").Not meaning to be too harsh but the engineering design on the MEV is, well, not really engineering! There are mistakes on a Caterham, but it's absolutely another league above the MEV.
Now I've not driven any other kit car than a Caterham, but having spoken to many who have, there is simply no comparison. I'm not saying the MEV couldn't be different, but just looking at it from a basic suspension geometry and chassis stiffness point of view, it just physically cannot have the same wheel and geomtry control as a Caterham or even an Atom.
I'm sure it will be a successfull kit car, but until someone does something similar to the Atom, you won't see many challenges to Caterham. Even the Atom has many structural issues, but as a basis for a good handling car, it's there or there abouts. The MEV just can't compete on this level.
Now I've not driven any other kit car than a Caterham, but having spoken to many who have, there is simply no comparison. I'm not saying the MEV couldn't be different, but just looking at it from a basic suspension geometry and chassis stiffness point of view, it just physically cannot have the same wheel and geomtry control as a Caterham or even an Atom.
I'm sure it will be a successfull kit car, but until someone does something similar to the Atom, you won't see many challenges to Caterham. Even the Atom has many structural issues, but as a basis for a good handling car, it's there or there abouts. The MEV just can't compete on this level.
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