R300 Caterham or 2005 Lotus Exige???
Discussion
I test drove an both and found the Lotus 7 massively more engaging on various levels.
Whilst nobody can doubt the Exige's sublime track credentials, for fast road use I found it's power delivery too 'high rev/on-cam' orientated which made it relatively all or nothing when schnelling: in fact, I much preferred the feel in the Elise variant.
Plus, what is so fabulously benign, ito of tail chuckability, than an lsd equipped 'ham?
Goggles on, best fleece forward and charge!
Whilst nobody can doubt the Exige's sublime track credentials, for fast road use I found it's power delivery too 'high rev/on-cam' orientated which made it relatively all or nothing when schnelling: in fact, I much preferred the feel in the Elise variant.
Plus, what is so fabulously benign, ito of tail chuckability, than an lsd equipped 'ham?
Goggles on, best fleece forward and charge!
Just sold my R300, for me it was simply to much money invested for to little use. Drove to Le Mans in the rain…that was the defining moment ….it was sold
Yes its quick, a bit quirky looking. Exaige looks good, as suggested would guess the powers up the rev range.
The Caterham should hold it value better if the look after it, and that’s a big if, as the ain’t built that good. Cheep to run, only best low mileage examples sell, there’s a few examples worth having a look at on for sale section. Note there’s a new ford engine range out soon so prices my drop
Which would I have?....The R300 is a race car every body need to try
R300 (03)..£19K - £20K
Exaige (05) £28K?
Bafty
Yes its quick, a bit quirky looking. Exaige looks good, as suggested would guess the powers up the rev range.
The Caterham should hold it value better if the look after it, and that’s a big if, as the ain’t built that good. Cheep to run, only best low mileage examples sell, there’s a few examples worth having a look at on for sale section. Note there’s a new ford engine range out soon so prices my drop
Which would I have?....The R300 is a race car every body need to try
R300 (03)..£19K - £20K
Exaige (05) £28K?
Bafty
Do people not feel that when ued properly, the R300 (& upwards models) are too quick for the road? I only bother using my car for N'Ring trips and t/days, as I don't want my 6 point tally on my license to rise any higher! For me, unless the car is snarling with induction roar, changing off/around the limiter, then the car loses its' appeal. I just can't see the appeal in bimbling (good word) around in a 7.... The car comes alive when it's moving around on its tyres and at the limit of grip, when driven sedately, it's just an uncomfortable ride IMHO.
I may consider a move to an exige (assuming I can fit in one) in the future. The 7 is almost a liability in the wet when driven hard. Due to its' lightweight, even with wets fitted (& susp adjusted accordingly), there is almost no contact with the bldy track!! Entertaining though
I may consider a move to an exige (assuming I can fit in one) in the future. The 7 is almost a liability in the wet when driven hard. Due to its' lightweight, even with wets fitted (& susp adjusted accordingly), there is almost no contact with the bldy track!! Entertaining though
Since I bought my trailer, I don't tend to use it on the road as much as before, infact, until I started doing trackdays, I was close to selling the car. Went off hairing around on the roads, as I wanted to keep my licence and other road users, just look on you as a pratt!
I do use it on the roads in the summer to nip out with the misses for the odd afternoon. No screen etc, its a bit raw for winter, although I do venture out occasionally.
The ride is fine though, just fitted Nitrons
If you want a hard ride, try owning a live axle Caterham, like my last car.
I do use it on the roads in the summer to nip out with the misses for the odd afternoon. No screen etc, its a bit raw for winter, although I do venture out occasionally.
The ride is fine though, just fitted Nitrons
If you want a hard ride, try owning a live axle Caterham, like my last car.
All depends really do you want a comfortable go kart or what is pretty much an actual go kart. After owning two caterhams and the last being an R300 the main thing i like about them is their rawness. After being in a passenger ride in an exige s around oulton the sensation of speed is nothing compared to the r300.
I have had a couple of both. Currently with Caterham. I find the Caterham more controllable and probably more fun overall. The sound and smell of an s1 Exige is really something though. I sold one a few years ago, had withdrawl symptoms and bought it back from the garage a few weeks later(for more money).
I really don't think either is a mistake. The Caterham is a bit more compromised - without heater, stereo and all that nonsense. You might as well start with the Exige for the Autumn/winter and try a Caterham for the summer.
I really don't think either is a mistake. The Caterham is a bit more compromised - without heater, stereo and all that nonsense. You might as well start with the Exige for the Autumn/winter and try a Caterham for the summer.
mookle234 said:
I really don't think either is a mistake. The Caterham is a bit more compromised - without heater, stereo and all that nonsense. You might as well start with the Exige for the Autumn/winter and try a Caterham for the summer.
ahhhhahhhhhaaahh...... my Superlight R did have a heater, and mono stereo... I loved it.
go with the 7. Exiges/elises are for whimps!
you will love the 7
Feet and lags cushty, hands and aface a bit wind bit. Your grin is fixed to your face until you face muscles warm up! (as is any snot thats been sucked from your nose)
Stereo was only any good upto about 50mph, and then sounded like a person sitting next to you on a train with a walkman on, but it helped on long journeys, and was fine at lower speeds ready for the off.
Did get funny looks at track days when I had ride of the valkries (spell?) lining up at full vol. and a few ribs tikkled at servicing time. But hey, you have got to have a bit of a nut lose for a 7 anyway.
Stereo was only any good upto about 50mph, and then sounded like a person sitting next to you on a train with a walkman on, but it helped on long journeys, and was fine at lower speeds ready for the off.
Did get funny looks at track days when I had ride of the valkries (spell?) lining up at full vol. and a few ribs tikkled at servicing time. But hey, you have got to have a bit of a nut lose for a 7 anyway.
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