MEV Sonic Vs. 7 type kits
Discussion
I've spent some months weighing up the different 7 type kits and have (more or less) concluded that I'd like a Westfield or an MK Indy with a car engine.
However, I've recently seen some pictures of the MEV sonic on this forum and it got me thinking. The Sonic seems like a very well priced alternative to a 7 type car, and it looks a bit different which, is a good thing.
But how would it stack up, in terms of handling, performance and fun when compared to a similarly powered Westfield or MK Indy ?
However, I've recently seen some pictures of the MEV sonic on this forum and it got me thinking. The Sonic seems like a very well priced alternative to a 7 type car, and it looks a bit different which, is a good thing.
But how would it stack up, in terms of handling, performance and fun when compared to a similarly powered Westfield or MK Indy ?
Goochie said:
I've spent some months weighing up the different 7 type kits and have (more or less) concluded that I'd like a Westfield or an MK Indy with a car engine.
However, I've recently seen some pictures of the MEV sonic on this forum and it got me thinking. The Sonic seems like a very well priced alternative to a 7 type car, and it looks a bit different which, is a good thing.
But how would it stack up, in terms of handling, performance and fun when compared to a similarly powered Westfield or MK Indy ?
Hi love to be able to answer all your questions but just not that advanced yet. Am still going through the shakedown and setup stages. I'm a very incremental builder and like to take my time and make small logical and methodical stage steps to refine the car. No great rush for me and I hope to be venturing near a track in about 4 weeks time. Biggest problem is your braking new ground all the time, and cant ask anyone what they did, but that’s half the fun. However, I've recently seen some pictures of the MEV sonic on this forum and it got me thinking. The Sonic seems like a very well priced alternative to a 7 type car, and it looks a bit different which, is a good thing.
But how would it stack up, in terms of handling, performance and fun when compared to a similarly powered Westfield or MK Indy ?
All I can say at this stage is that I believe the car has a lot of potential in terms of handling and performance, in terms of fun its or sum.
Edited by Sonic7 on Monday 22 June 06:34
The trouble with Sevenalikes is irrespective of performance, they were born 50 years ago and much as the shape is iconic it's also been copied to death.
Surely it's time to move into this century and all of the MEV range do just that.
A tuned MEV 1.8zetec Rocket for example kicks out 350bhp per tonne which should be enough for anybody although rumour has it that some Yank has used a warmed over st220 lump to give 500bhp per tonne.
They all have a wheel at each corner and double wishbone suspension so once set up they should handle very well especially given the traction advantages of having the engine mid mounted.
Surely it's time to move into this century and all of the MEV range do just that.
A tuned MEV 1.8zetec Rocket for example kicks out 350bhp per tonne which should be enough for anybody although rumour has it that some Yank has used a warmed over st220 lump to give 500bhp per tonne.
They all have a wheel at each corner and double wishbone suspension so once set up they should handle very well especially given the traction advantages of having the engine mid mounted.
Apart from the track aspect of this car I suspect it can make a very useable commuter vehicle if built with the windscreen, hardtop and some doors and a economic diesel engine.
This is what I am thinking of doing to replace my current daily driver, as has been said on other threads it doesnt make any sense to lug a great lump of metal around just for 1 person. Just debating where I can build it as my current kitcar is in the garage. also debating which engine to choose, the 2.0l for the power or the 1.6 for the economy.
Still mulling this over but the more I think about it the more sense it makes to me. and the wife didnt go ballistic when I suggested it, in fact she said " OK sounds good but where do we build it"
This is what I am thinking of doing to replace my current daily driver, as has been said on other threads it doesnt make any sense to lug a great lump of metal around just for 1 person. Just debating where I can build it as my current kitcar is in the garage. also debating which engine to choose, the 2.0l for the power or the 1.6 for the economy.
Still mulling this over but the more I think about it the more sense it makes to me. and the wife didnt go ballistic when I suggested it, in fact she said " OK sounds good but where do we build it"
Vindi_andy said:
Apart from the track aspect of this car I suspect it can make a very useable commuter vehicle if built with the windscreen, hardtop and some doors and a economic diesel engine.
This is what I am thinking of doing to replace my current daily driver, as has been said on other threads it doesnt make any sense to lug a great lump of metal around just for 1 person. Just debating where I can build it as my current kitcar is in the garage. also debating which engine to choose, the 2.0l for the power or the 1.6 for the economy.
Still mulling this over but the more I think about it the more sense it makes to me. and the wife didnt go ballistic when I suggested it, in fact she said " OK sounds good but where do we build it"
If you looking for a Diesel lump the only choice would be a VW PD150 lump, remapped to 200bhp/300lbft and good for over 50mpg in a heavy old tin topThis is what I am thinking of doing to replace my current daily driver, as has been said on other threads it doesnt make any sense to lug a great lump of metal around just for 1 person. Just debating where I can build it as my current kitcar is in the garage. also debating which engine to choose, the 2.0l for the power or the 1.6 for the economy.
Still mulling this over but the more I think about it the more sense it makes to me. and the wife didnt go ballistic when I suggested it, in fact she said " OK sounds good but where do we build it"
Vindi_andy said:
Was going to use the focus engine as it comes with the donor vehicle so no extra expense for the engine or agro of trying to mate it together with the rest of the loom
All very well but the focus TDi engine weighs a ton and is s
tEdited by Disco_Biscuit on Monday 27th July 20:13
Ive asked stuart mills about the screen and hard top options and they seem very reasonably priced, not seen the hard top yet, just not sure whether they have doors. They might have to be self manufactured but I think it makes a readily available economic daily driver if fitted with the right engine and driven carefully unlike most kitcars are(given they are usually weekend toys)
Edited by Vindi_andy on Tuesday 28th July 13:26
Goochie said:
What about rust though? We all know kits dont generally fare well through the winter.
Rust should not be a problem if the usual precautions are taken. Good quality paint or powder coat over a PROPERLY prepared surface, avoid metal to metal contact in areas where water can get in but not get out again. Waxoyl applied to areas that are difficult to keep clean and dry, and a decently made kit such as the MEV should outlast a tintop.Most sevens are noisy, brutish, rough-riding, have poor weather protection and generally are most impractical - and that's just their good points! 
Yes - the seven has a 50-year-old history, but they have evolved over those years. Most people would be terrified if they tried to drive an original Lotus 7 because of their 'quaint' handling, delicate construction and rubbish brakes. Fortunately they only had low-powered engines!
Nowadays a GOOD seven-alike will have excellent handling and (hopefully) top-rate brakes. Most will also accelerate like a rocket. If you remember the old cliche "a 4-wheeled motorcycle" then you'll have a realistic idea of what these cars are about. Top speed is always going to be an issue as they have the aerodynamics of a house, but for road use it's no problem - most of the fun is when driving these cars along twisty country roads (motorways are agony). I enjoy driving my seven, which is not something I'd say about my ordinary car...
It's debateable whether the other kit cars like the MEV Sonic will be any different - they will look more modern, and will be able to use more modern (and more available) donors, but for general road use I don't expect you'll see a lot of difference performance-wise between them and a good seven.
Mind you, when you start comparing a seven with Arial Atoms and Radicals, then that's a totally different story!
Yes - the seven has a 50-year-old history, but they have evolved over those years. Most people would be terrified if they tried to drive an original Lotus 7 because of their 'quaint' handling, delicate construction and rubbish brakes. Fortunately they only had low-powered engines!
Nowadays a GOOD seven-alike will have excellent handling and (hopefully) top-rate brakes. Most will also accelerate like a rocket. If you remember the old cliche "a 4-wheeled motorcycle" then you'll have a realistic idea of what these cars are about. Top speed is always going to be an issue as they have the aerodynamics of a house, but for road use it's no problem - most of the fun is when driving these cars along twisty country roads (motorways are agony). I enjoy driving my seven, which is not something I'd say about my ordinary car...
It's debateable whether the other kit cars like the MEV Sonic will be any different - they will look more modern, and will be able to use more modern (and more available) donors, but for general road use I don't expect you'll see a lot of difference performance-wise between them and a good seven.
Mind you, when you start comparing a seven with Arial Atoms and Radicals, then that's a totally different story!
Edited by Jerkins on Thursday 30th July 07:49
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