Long term report on the Caterham 160
Discussion
Smollet said:
Seems like it was a winner.
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/long-term...
Yup, enjoyed reading that. I think that especially if you lived somewhere with good driving roads but very strict speed limits and no easy access to track days (south island NZ is the example I was thinking of, bit random but hey!), you couldn't do any better.http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/long-term...
I find it incredible that a so-called motoring journalist would suggest a Caterham needs- "Anti-lock brakes, traction control and a couple of airbags"... I was dumbstruck when I read that suggestion.
Also this is yet another 160 article that hasn't mentioned the gear ratios, so either they aren't an issue (on paper they look short to me) or its not a big issue. Anyone who's finished theirs and got it on the road care to comment?
Also this is yet another 160 article that hasn't mentioned the gear ratios, so either they aren't an issue (on paper they look short to me) or its not a big issue. Anyone who's finished theirs and got it on the road care to comment?
At first the gear ratio does seem a bit different but you soon get used to it. In 30mph zones I constantly shift between 3rd and 4th. However, on winding fast A roads 4th gear is perfect.
It is a super little car, with an enthusiasm that can't quite be explained with 80bhp. His review sums up my thoughts too.
It is a super little car, with an enthusiasm that can't quite be explained with 80bhp. His review sums up my thoughts too.
Sometimes, less is more 
The original seven had less than 30bhp from an 1172 side valve engine, and one of the greatest the 1340 Cosworth S2 had less than a 100.
I really like the look of the 160, those rear arches and skinny tyres look great. I will stick to my 125 roadsport though, as I already have 80bhp less than most of the seven drivers I know.
The original seven had less than 30bhp from an 1172 side valve engine, and one of the greatest the 1340 Cosworth S2 had less than a 100.
I really like the look of the 160, those rear arches and skinny tyres look great. I will stick to my 125 roadsport though, as I already have 80bhp less than most of the seven drivers I know.
700newtons said:
At first the gear ratio does seem a bit different but you soon get used to it. In 30mph zones I constantly shift between 3rd and 4th. However, on winding fast A roads 4th gear is perfect.
It is a super little car, with an enthusiasm that can't quite be explained with 80bhp. His review sums up my thoughts too.
Really intrigued now It is a super little car, with an enthusiasm that can't quite be explained with 80bhp. His review sums up my thoughts too.
must get myself a ride in one!Gear ratios...I remember slathering over David Vivian's test of a 1.4SS just before I got mine. He had driven the original 5 speed (as mine was) and he talked about the Seven's "perfectly chosen gear ratios ". So perfectly chosen that their utter unsuitability for the power characteristics led to the creation of the 6 speed.
When mine arrived I couldn't believe how utterly daft the ratios were for a car which had no power below 5000rpm but revved to 7600. 70 in second , nearly 100 in third but wouldn't pull 5th up a motorway gradient. And the first gear ratio was for a 1200kg saloon pulling a caravan up an Alp- so about 32mph max and second way out of the power band on the upchange .
There are some excellent journalists out there but M<r Vivian was not among their number .
When mine arrived I couldn't believe how utterly daft the ratios were for a car which had no power below 5000rpm but revved to 7600. 70 in second , nearly 100 in third but wouldn't pull 5th up a motorway gradient. And the first gear ratio was for a 1200kg saloon pulling a caravan up an Alp- so about 32mph max and second way out of the power band on the upchange .
There are some excellent journalists out there but M<r Vivian was not among their number .
I think there is a lot to like about a lightweight car that has a nice balance, minimal grip and drives everywhere on the balance of oversteer. It demands so much more of the driver than just having hundreds of BHP that only ever gets deployed in a straight line.
Edited by mharris on Wednesday 30th September 10:25
700newtons said:
At first the gear ratio does seem a bit different but you soon get used to it. In 30mph zones I constantly shift between 3rd and 4th. However, on winding fast A roads 4th gear is perfect.
That is good to hear, what about dual carriageway cruise (I know that's not 7 territory but a necessary evil sometimes) the ratios looked short for national speed limit?700newtons said:
It is a super little car, with an enthusiasm that can't quite be explained with 80bhp. His review sums up my thoughts too.
I've been holding on to hear a few user reviews rather than press, it sounding like the 160 is fulfilling the expectations- good stuff.700newtons said:
It will comfortably howl along at 70mph with some spare power to take it higher but as you realise it is not really what it is for.
I'd guessed that ^ might be the operative word :-) Depending where you live a certain amount of howling along might be necessary evil to reach the places you might deploy the more usual talents of a low powered 7. Does it have a comfortable cruising speed where the howl is bearable? I had imagined the 160 might make an interesting tourer with less performance credentials and greater range.
If you want a similar experience for less cash, there are 1.6 vauxhall race cars kicking about for £8k-£12k. Yoko A539 tyres. 100 bhp. Live axle.
www.graduates.org.uk/forsale.asp
www.graduates.org.uk/forsale.asp
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