How would I get on with an SV

[Jim560]

I have only ever driven an S3, never and SV

How would an SV with lowered floors work for me given I am only 5’8” - would I find it difficult to get a comfortable driving position or would I be grand with it?

[anonymous-user]

I'm a couple of inches less than you. My son is 6'.

We share an R400D SV without issues. I have the seat ( tillet) pretty well as far forward as it'll go. He has it quite a way back.

I can store a bag behind the seat!

We have two QR wheels of different sizes to optimise our views of the dash and shift lights.

Other than that it's fine.

I might have had a S3 but son much preferred SV and I've come to appreciate the space.

Edited by anonymous-user on Sunday 19th November 19:37

[framerateuk]

My dad and I hired an S3 and SV before I bought my car.

I'm 5'8" and I found the SV (With leather seats) very uncomfortable. Too much room around me, the gearstick was too far back and the pedals were a stretch.

The S3 on the other hand fits like a glove.

[pmason74]

I’m getting on for 6’3” and mid 14 stone in terms of weight and am perfectly comfortable in an S3 with lowered floor and tillets.

It’s a personal thing, but I just don’t like the look of an SV as much as I do an S3 hence my choice

Would try both if you’re not sure, my choice was ultimately a looks thing more than anything else

[mickrick]

These threads always make me smile
It's a bit like asking what's the best colour.
You should just go and sit in a few. Leather seats, tillet seats, lowered floors or not, etc. etc.
I had an S3, but found it tight with two in the car, so the next one was an SV, I like the extra space for luggage, fuel etc. Some don't.
It really is a personal thing.
You will always get the "I'm 22 stone 6'4", and fit in an S3 no problem" answers.

[V7SLR]

One person's tight is another person's cosy!

[HustleRussell]

Surely at 5'8" you are about Chapman sized- and ergo the S3 was pretty much designed for you?
I'm 6' and 13 stone and the only drawback to the S3 for me is driver / passenger shoulder room.

[daifly]

TBH, if you're 5'11" and a fat knacker like me then an SV is pretty much an S3 in terms of fit

Go to Caterham and sit in a few; it's impossible to tell from a forum.

[sjl1]

Agree with that, im 5’10” and 90kg’s and find the SV very easy and comfortable. Had an S3 15 years ago and whilst i fitted ok found the footwell too small and it difficult to secure harnesses. There seems to be a bit of looking down at sv’s but dont understand why, more room, larger fuel tank and easier access to engine?

[PiersR]

I am 5’10” and 14.5 stone. The standard S3 is a perfect fit for me. It is horses for courses and you should try all the variations before buying. Any good seller such as Sevens and Classics at Brands Hatch will listen to your requirements and let you try all the relevant cars.

My first 7 was a 1985 Super Sprint with optional leather seats, which in all honesty were flat, hard and uncomfortable after an hour or two. My second 7 was an R300 with tilletts. These were really comfortable initially, but after five days on the Isle of Wight at the Wight Blat meeting, I could hardly walk. I fitted leather seats and they are much better on long trips.

Piers