Old topic probably, difference twixt Caterham & Westy
Discussion
I want to try and understand the REAL and true differences between the two cars if its possible.
For one, I cant see why Caterhams seem to be sooooo expensive in relation to a Westy, particularly on a price per grin factor.
Is either one better than the other on Uk roads.
Struggling to make a decision on my next toy. Had decided that a Chimeara would be good fun, but I think I'd miss the feedback and usuable performance of a kit/lighter car.
For one, I cant see why Caterhams seem to be sooooo expensive in relation to a Westy, particularly on a price per grin factor.
Is either one better than the other on Uk roads.
Struggling to make a decision on my next toy. Had decided that a Chimeara would be good fun, but I think I'd miss the feedback and usuable performance of a kit/lighter car.
Ask the same question on the Caterham forum, I dare you!
I've owned both. For what my opinion is worth, I'd say that the Westfield SEi is better suited to British roads, since the independent suspension allows a noticeably softer, more compliant set-up that is less nervous on imperfect surfaces.
The Caterham has better steering feel, much better bodywork and detailing (the Westy is all fibreglass and not especially high quality mouldings, the Caterham is predominantly aluminimum panelled, and the glassfibre wings and nose are well moulded, with nice detailing of ancillary components). The Caterham is certainly a better 'label', if badge kudos is important to you.
The Caterham is easier for a novice to build and works well out of the box, due to the extensive development, but the Westfield is equally capable when set-up properly and offers a greater variety of engine/gearbox installations.
Don't be mislead by the 'residual value' red herring that Caterham owners usually throw you - both cars lose a big chunk of money in their first couple of years, if you buy them new, then settle to very low depreciation so long as they are well kept. Residual value from new seems good, compared to most cars (circa 60% after 3 years, compared to maybe 50% for 'normal' cars), until you take into account mileage... depreciation per mile from new is just plain silly...
If you don't mind the Westfield's slightly 'jellymould' looks and lower body/detailing quality, it certainly offers better value in terms of pure fun per pound spent, but the Caterham is a very nice car if value for money is of secondary importance to you.
Truth is that the Sylva Striker and its derivatives offer better performance and handling per pound spent than either the Caterham or the Westfield, but it's horses for courses, really...
I've owned both. For what my opinion is worth, I'd say that the Westfield SEi is better suited to British roads, since the independent suspension allows a noticeably softer, more compliant set-up that is less nervous on imperfect surfaces.
The Caterham has better steering feel, much better bodywork and detailing (the Westy is all fibreglass and not especially high quality mouldings, the Caterham is predominantly aluminimum panelled, and the glassfibre wings and nose are well moulded, with nice detailing of ancillary components). The Caterham is certainly a better 'label', if badge kudos is important to you.
The Caterham is easier for a novice to build and works well out of the box, due to the extensive development, but the Westfield is equally capable when set-up properly and offers a greater variety of engine/gearbox installations.
Don't be mislead by the 'residual value' red herring that Caterham owners usually throw you - both cars lose a big chunk of money in their first couple of years, if you buy them new, then settle to very low depreciation so long as they are well kept. Residual value from new seems good, compared to most cars (circa 60% after 3 years, compared to maybe 50% for 'normal' cars), until you take into account mileage... depreciation per mile from new is just plain silly...
If you don't mind the Westfield's slightly 'jellymould' looks and lower body/detailing quality, it certainly offers better value in terms of pure fun per pound spent, but the Caterham is a very nice car if value for money is of secondary importance to you.
Truth is that the Sylva Striker and its derivatives offer better performance and handling per pound spent than either the Caterham or the Westfield, but it's horses for courses, really...
Is it possible/Legal to fit Caterham panels to a Westy chassis ?
Not a fan of the Strikers look TBH.
a full screen Fury CEC woulndt be a bad choice, bit the top of the screen is the wrong height for me and I end up looking over it rather than through it.
Possibly could be resolved with seat height mods ?
Not a fan of the Strikers look TBH.
a full screen Fury CEC woulndt be a bad choice, bit the top of the screen is the wrong height for me and I end up looking over it rather than through it.
Possibly could be resolved with seat height mods ?
Furyous said:
Is it possible/Legal to fit Caterham panels to a Westy chassis?
No, there are enough dimensional differences with the current 'wide' Westfield chassis to make it impractical. I've seen ali-panelled Westfield SEi's and you can tell them at a glance from a Caterham - the proportions are different. The old, 'narrow', live axle Westfield chassis was pretty close (the original 'pre litigation' Westfield, which used the same chassis, was aesthetically very close to a Caterham, hence the litigation 
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