To Roadsport or to CSR, that's the question
Discussion
Some twenty years after my first ride as a passenger in a caterham, the virus has finally got me down. And the fact that I'm turning 40 next year and suffering from a growing degree of midlife crisis.
I'm about to place an order for a caterham, but I still don't know what model to take.
The car will be used on normal roads for 99% of the time. Track days will be very limited.
The available cars here in Belgium are rather limited, as is my knowledge of the English vocabulary. I want a car that I can drive over the next twenty years or so, so an entry model like the 165 isn't what I need. The 485 is a bit over the top in terms of performance for road use and I'd probably end up killing myself.
So that leaves the Roadsport 175 or CSR 175. And the big dilemma is: which one should I go for?
Spec will be similar for both cars:
screen + full weather
LSD
leather seats
lowered floors
SV chassis (no discussion about that, I'm 6'4 and I want my 7 to be comfortable, not snug)
superlight suspension (if I go for the roadsport)
and some minor things like black pack, 4 point harness,...
So, what would I go for? The Roadsport or the CSR?
I'm about to place an order for a caterham, but I still don't know what model to take.
The car will be used on normal roads for 99% of the time. Track days will be very limited.
The available cars here in Belgium are rather limited, as is my knowledge of the English vocabulary. I want a car that I can drive over the next twenty years or so, so an entry model like the 165 isn't what I need. The 485 is a bit over the top in terms of performance for road use and I'd probably end up killing myself.
So that leaves the Roadsport 175 or CSR 175. And the big dilemma is: which one should I go for?
Spec will be similar for both cars:
screen + full weather
LSD
leather seats
lowered floors
SV chassis (no discussion about that, I'm 6'4 and I want my 7 to be comfortable, not snug)
superlight suspension (if I go for the roadsport)
and some minor things like black pack, 4 point harness,...
So, what would I go for? The Roadsport or the CSR?
I suppose, if the cost difference isn't a problem, why wouldn't you go for the more advanced car. The improved
road feel of the CSR is immediately noticeable, especially when the road surface is not so smooth. It gets the power down better, and will travel faster on bumpy roads, whilst maintaining full control.
I've seen comments that driving the CSR distances the driver from road feel, but that just isn't the case, it is more comfortable and more controllable but it certainly doesn't take anything from the driving experience, if anything, it adds to it.
Go for a CSR, you won' regret it.
road feel of the CSR is immediately noticeable, especially when the road surface is not so smooth. It gets the power down better, and will travel faster on bumpy roads, whilst maintaining full control.
I've seen comments that driving the CSR distances the driver from road feel, but that just isn't the case, it is more comfortable and more controllable but it certainly doesn't take anything from the driving experience, if anything, it adds to it.
Go for a CSR, you won' regret it.
AWL said:
Is the IRS on the CSR comparable to the superlight suspension on the roadsport?
It's a totally different setup. The SV will have a watts linkage rear, which is only a semi-independant setup. The CSR also has an inboard front suspension. I've never driven a CSR myself, but I've heard others say it doesn't move around on the road like a normal 7 does, and it doesn't give you that feel that you can swing the rear round to follow the front. It would definitely be more composed, but it's entirely up to you if that's what you'd like from the car.If you intend to do lots of touring, it sounds like it would be perfect, but if you want the car for a few hours blast every weekend, you might get more fun from the standard SV.
The best answer is, try and drive them both to see which suits you.
framerateuk said:
It's a totally different setup. The SV will have a watts linkage rear, which is only a semi-independant setup.
I can't see how it is semi-independant. With the De Dion tube rigidly connecting the rear wheels, it has similar characteristics to a live rear axle albeit with reduced unsprung weight and good location.The CSR will definitely be faster on a rough road, but to decide which to buy, I suggest road testing both.
I think it's too difficult to predict preferences for the next 5 years, let alone 20!
Recognise the probability that your first Caterham will benchmark your second, and the decision gets easier. You will want to upgrade as your experience grows. You will try it on track and want to do it again, whatever you think now.
Buy one second hand and save the first owner depreciation. Most C7's flatten out in value so you can enjoy a year or two at very little cost. Avoid a VX or 16in wheels, avoid an xflow, all of which I guess you will do if you go for an SV.
Recognise the probability that your first Caterham will benchmark your second, and the decision gets easier. You will want to upgrade as your experience grows. You will try it on track and want to do it again, whatever you think now.
Buy one second hand and save the first owner depreciation. Most C7's flatten out in value so you can enjoy a year or two at very little cost. Avoid a VX or 16in wheels, avoid an xflow, all of which I guess you will do if you go for an SV.
downsman said:
I can't see how it is semi-independant. With the De Dion tube rigidly connecting the rear wheels, it has similar characteristics to a live rear axle albeit with reduced unsprung weight and good location.
The CSR will definitely be faster on a rough road, but to decide which to buy, I suggest road testing both.
Yeah you're right. I thought I'd read that the De Dion setup was considered to be semi independent but I remembered that incorrectly. My original point about it being very different to the IRS setup on the CSR stands though!The CSR will definitely be faster on a rough road, but to decide which to buy, I suggest road testing both.
Having owned an underpowered SV ( well with my lardy arse in it ) and now an R500+ S3 if you are intending to cruise the continent for serious miles I would go for the wider chassis / Leather seats and Heater! and plenty of room for both a passenger and her bag
Regularly I would knock off a 2-3 k round trip in Zena in 300 mile chunks and have plenty in reserve to wander when I reached the destination
With FiFi I can manage around 120 miles before I have a numb arse
Also the days of just handing over 60 euro if you have upset Monsieur le Plod have long gone so take comfort over power
I am not aware of continental prices but I have always thought the CSR was not value for money whilst a well specced SV Roadsport is. That is based on the differential in purchase price and the seeming ease with which a traditional SV sell / retains price
Regularly I would knock off a 2-3 k round trip in Zena in 300 mile chunks and have plenty in reserve to wander when I reached the destination
With FiFi I can manage around 120 miles before I have a numb arse
Also the days of just handing over 60 euro if you have upset Monsieur le Plod have long gone so take comfort over power
I am not aware of continental prices but I have always thought the CSR was not value for money whilst a well specced SV Roadsport is. That is based on the differential in purchase price and the seeming ease with which a traditional SV sell / retains price
Edited by Delbert on Tuesday 7th October 17:07
Hi, I've had adjustable platform Billies on my wide track 98 superlite with 265 at the hubs and it was hard work near the limit this is on15" Cr 500's I fitted 3 way Penske's last year and it transformed the car. So compliant now like a different car,and yes was well set up prior by DPR who made it feel planted after the flat floor set up, but Simon at Meteor and Spa UK did a wonderful job. Drive them both back to back
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