Discussion
OP,
You have to try them. I agree the R500 is no fun on road with the seq - too bloody noisy, a few hours and it grates like hell, and is no longer as fun. The old man swapped to 6 speed, it was far more enjoyable (I could get lost for hours again). The power is usable, in that they fly when not traction limited. Obviously, if you want power oversteer, it's there whenever - and up at the higher rev ranges, it's addictive.
I've also played with a CSR, and didn't like it - for an unusual reason:
Driving a de dion 7 on the road, you feel the bumps. The ride is slightly sketchy, which is exciting. You feel that you're pushing on (within your limits) and it's fun. In the CSR200, the thing is so capable that by the time you get "the fear", you'd have to be doing speeds that I for one wouldn't do on a road (mainly the "stop where you can see" part). IMO a 260 would be no different, in that it's the lower unsprung front weight, and more importantly the IRS that makes the difference.
However, others swear by them. And they;re bigger / more comfortable (although i dispute that, I love the cozy feeling of a narrow 7).
You have to try them. I agree the R500 is no fun on road with the seq - too bloody noisy, a few hours and it grates like hell, and is no longer as fun. The old man swapped to 6 speed, it was far more enjoyable (I could get lost for hours again). The power is usable, in that they fly when not traction limited. Obviously, if you want power oversteer, it's there whenever - and up at the higher rev ranges, it's addictive.
I've also played with a CSR, and didn't like it - for an unusual reason:
Driving a de dion 7 on the road, you feel the bumps. The ride is slightly sketchy, which is exciting. You feel that you're pushing on (within your limits) and it's fun. In the CSR200, the thing is so capable that by the time you get "the fear", you'd have to be doing speeds that I for one wouldn't do on a road (mainly the "stop where you can see" part). IMO a 260 would be no different, in that it's the lower unsprung front weight, and more importantly the IRS that makes the difference.
However, others swear by them. And they;re bigger / more comfortable (although i dispute that, I love the cozy feeling of a narrow 7).
I think you need to drive them both as they really are completely different cars from a behind the wheel point of view. I think it's fair to say that because they are both so different you will defiantly prefer one or the other and then your decision is made as far as body type is concerned. Personally I'm not a lover of the CSR but that purely because it's not as raw as a "real" 7. They are very comfy, they are smooth and doing 60 in a CSR feels like 45 in a S3. I guess these are all the things you would go looking for if you were going out to buy a tin top but you aren’t buying a tin top, you are buying a bad ass, kick ass, leave the supercar in your rear view mirror (well to 80mph anyway 
)machine 
But there again maybe you want to go touring, in which case the CSR is worth considering.
As far as engines go, as you have owned a R500 in the past then I can't see you owning a R400 for long without thinking you should have spent a few more quid and got another 500.
Let us know what you decide on.
cheers
Jason
)machine But there again maybe you want to go touring, in which case the CSR is worth considering.As far as engines go, as you have owned a R500 in the past then I can't see you owning a R400 for long without thinking you should have spent a few more quid and got another 500.
Let us know what you decide on.
cheers
Jason
Edited by Purespeed on Saturday 5th February 00:40
I had an R300K, and test drove a CSR 260.
I loved the way the IRS got the power down, but didn't like the inboard front suspension. The suit said it was more compliant, I thought it was just soft.
As has been said, best to try and get a test drive, if you can. They are very different.
Although I would have bought one if the sales Guy hadn't put me off.
It helps if you say "yes" when they keep asking you if you'll be in a position to put down a deposit!
I loved the way the IRS got the power down, but didn't like the inboard front suspension. The suit said it was more compliant, I thought it was just soft.
As has been said, best to try and get a test drive, if you can. They are very different.
Although I would have bought one if the sales Guy hadn't put me off.
It helps if you say "yes" when they keep asking you if you'll be in a position to put down a deposit!
Tried an R300 then an R500 then a CSR 260 in the summer and ended up buying the CSR 260 superlight.
It all depends on your driving style and reaction times. I think the CSR is more forgiving and overall a more competent car however I do agree that because of this you find yourself driving at silly speeds. The R300 felt a little underpowered but thats probably down to my 15stone weight making the power to weight more like an R150 and the R500 felt a little too skitish on country roads when compared to the CSR.
If the car is going to be trailered to trackdays then I would go for the R500 as the extra driver skill required to drive it may be more rewarding however if you want to drive to a track day blat round and drive back again then the CSR would be the one to go for.
Hope this helps.
It all depends on your driving style and reaction times. I think the CSR is more forgiving and overall a more competent car however I do agree that because of this you find yourself driving at silly speeds. The R300 felt a little underpowered but thats probably down to my 15stone weight making the power to weight more like an R150 and the R500 felt a little too skitish on country roads when compared to the CSR.
If the car is going to be trailered to trackdays then I would go for the R500 as the extra driver skill required to drive it may be more rewarding however if you want to drive to a track day blat round and drive back again then the CSR would be the one to go for.
Hope this helps.
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