What engine should I go for? - help

[Chubbyross]

Another plug here for the 420R. I used to ride bikes and it’s the closest I’ve come to the thrill of something like a Fireblade. The torque is perfect if you want to waft and take it easy but when the roads are dry and clear and you want some real fun the engine is spot on.

[framerateuk]

Just add - 140bhp Sigma owner here.

I've had the car 10 years and every time I think I need more power, I go for a drive and am very quickly reminded that I don't!

On the road, I think between 125 and 180 is probably the sweet spot. On track, there are absolutely times I wish I had a bit more grunt, but it's only really on the long straights.

[jimhcat]

I think that the power you need on the road is a very personal thing and you have to try a few to see what suits you.
I now have a 620R which is producing around 360bhp and is perfectly manageable on the road.
The power delivery is very linear so the more you rev, the more you get. Sure I will accept that you probably don't need this much on the road but that goes for loads of cars and superbikes. I honestly don't know why anyone tries to drive fast on the public roads now as the penalties are quite draconian for many offences.
It all makes sense on track though when you can use the full performance.

[hooch500]

I never found an issue putting down the power in a 280 bhp Duratec engined 7. Of course I’m talking about dry roads with type 1A tyres. Having had a few hard core Porkers there’s still nothing to touch the feel of a fast Seven in my view unless it’s an Ariel or something similar.

I’m lucky to live near some very fast empty ish roads so I guess it depends on your local roads too.

Having said that unless you have a 500 bhp racing car to hand, road registered, even a very fast Caterham won’t match the mad acceleration of a big bike. But I’m guessing you know that.